RECCE ROOM

I am calling out the Chattanooga Times-Free Press. They are overtly liberal - not even attempting to hide behind the curtain of objective journalism. After more research stemming from this post , I have found the following articles displaying unabashed liberalism: 1 2 3 4 5 All five of these examples not only border on "the ridiculous," they step right on over and march straight through to "the completely asinine." I suggest my readers avoid sending money to that liberal publication (even though an extended family member works there and doing so might endanger this person's career), and read it only in an attempt to provide me with more blogging projects. As an alternative, I will suggest The Chattanoogan . This article is a good example of why.

The Chattanooga Times-Free Press just published an article that was so far out of touch with reality, I begin to wonder why anybody purchases that paper. Link . Let me debunk some of my "favorite" quotes of that article: "Guns are banned in Chattanooga parks, and police say that helped avoid further problems in a weekend shooting at Coolidge Park that injured five people." - Actually, the fact that guns were banned is the reason why the CRIMINALS were daring enough to fire at the people... they knew those people were unarmed! "'I don’t even want to imagine what would have happened,' Chattanooga police Chief Freeman Cooper said of permitted gun owners being allowed to carry weapons in the park." - Yeah, right. We might have had somebody actually shoot the bad guys and stop the senseless attack. More likely, these CRIMINALS would not have targeted the group of people in the first place, if they knew there might be people legally carrying in the p...

Sad: Marlin Firearms - makers of two of my favorite rifles, in the Marlin 60 and the 795 - announced recently that they are closing their manufacturing plant in New Haven, CT. It is unknown where the manufacturing operations will be moved, or even if they will be. Funny: Obligatory video showing Hitler learning of this news! WARNING - ADULT LANGUAGE!

Interesting link .

This article details a police bust where a search warrant was filled out for a person in NY for having too many guns. Last time I checked, the 2nd Amendment did not regulate how much the people could have, it prevented the government at any level from infringing any individual's right to keep and bear arms. And the term was "arms" - because back then, one had several rifles as the norm! Really, I think the folks in NY would have a heart attack if they ever saw what was in my closet... ... not to mention upstairs... ... then there's my car... ... and Mrs. Usagi's car... And Lord help them all if they saw one of my cousin's places!

In recent news, the University of Kentucky lost to West Virginia in the NCAA tournament. While I am certain that Right Minded will be thrilled with this turn of events, I have promised to break a sports story before him, since he recently broke a gun story before I did. Here is that promise being fulfilled.

This article on MSNBC, is surprisingly good. It seems fairly objective. It is accurate. It's even well-written. I cannot complain about it at all, except Washington state citizens have an easier time getting a concealed-carry permit than we do in Tennessee! Can you believe it? Left-coast WA state - easier to do something related to guns than TN - the patron state of shootin' stuff???

Earlier this week, I posted multiple reasons why Obamacare is wrong. However, many liberals, obamabots, and other zombie-like persons still argue with me on those points (and a few more I've learned since then, too). So I will spell it out and make it really clear. The Constitution, as it was written, placed limits only on what the federal and local governments could and could not do. There were no limits on citizens. With the Obamacare bill, we the people are forced to do something (purchase healthcare coverage). While I am in favor of making this purchase (and even did so today on the new job!), it is none of the government's business to tell me what to do or not do - what to purchase or not purchase. This bill changes precedent. If it stands up to trial, we are in deep trouble. Here's why: Now, with the right administration and house of representatives, the people could be forced to buy any of the following: - Guns (you knew I'd say that, huh?). Even though I would n...

Link . This is information from the Tennessee Medical Association. They don't like the bill, either. They have some facts to post about it, too. Another Link . This details plans by the Tennessee Legislature to fight back against the bill. More information to come.

I have witnessed much debate in the past 24-hours over the passage of the so-called "health care reform" bill. From my observations, it is about 3-1 in opposition to the bill. The people I have seen in favor of it are folks who have an entitlement mentality. Not surprising. But here are some facts on why the bill is wrong: 1. The bill requires the IRS to collect fines from individuals and companies who do not buy in. Nowhere in the Constitution is the Federal Government permitted to force an individual to purchase anything. The Constitution as written only places limits on government, not the people. 2. The bill was sold as health care for those who have none. But these benefits do not start until 2014. What about all the folks who need the care and coverage now? 3. The bill makes significant cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. Since the majority of uninsured Americans are in their 20's, this amounts to stealing from the elderly (who in reality NEED more coverage) to give t...

Toys R Us has a laser pointer for sale. This one just so happens to be useful for sighting in guns - a bore-sighter. It is even shaped like a cartridge. Read the link - some of the reviews are absolutely hysterical! Link .

In this, the first day of the USSA (United Socialist States of America), there has been one ray of light. ACORN is closing. Now we only have about 3 million other things to fix, to get our republic back.

... with thunderous applause. Moments ago, the US Congress voted to pass a version of the health care bill. It is unknown right now whether the senate must still vote on the bill - which they should have to , because there are amendments that make the bill different from what the senate originally passed. It is almost unimaginable... the Congress votes in one of the most unwanted bits of legislation ever.

Again, at the request of readers of this blog, I will say more on a topic. This topic - Michael Moore and his film "Capitalism: A Love Story." It seems there might be some confusion as to exactly what Moore is wrong about in this movie... so I will elaborate: Fundamental assumption Moore's fundamental assumption was that the bail out of Wall Street was capitalism. I agree with Moore that we should not have done the bail-out. However, the bail out ushered in a standard of socialism - government financed and controlled corporations. This was in no way capitalism... or even an effort to keep capitalism afloat. The bailout was a government mistake that was geared around the central core of what is socialism. Definition - Socialism ( from Wikipedia ): "Socialism is not a concrete philosophy of fixed doctrine and programme; its branches advocate a degree of social interventionism and economic rationalisation usually in the form of economic planning." Economic planni...

I've had a request to give some opinions and facts on film maker Michael Moore. Some background - a few years ago, I got into a small bit of trouble on the job for saying "Michael Moore is an asinine idiot." That folks is an opinion that led my boss at the time to suggest I avoid political conversations on the job... a wise course of action to be sure (though that boss generally lacked wisdom - but that's another story). Michael Moore produces independent films... usually political in nature. He is a self-described liberal and frequently uses his films to attack things I like: President Bush, "assault" weapons, capitalism, and the American health care system. Let me shoot down some of his arguments with some facts: --- 1. Farenheit 9/11 - Moore attempts to link Bush to the attacks on the US. Such a suggestion is not only pitiful, it is rebutted by Moore himself, who in the later part of the movie criticizes the intelligence of the former President. So which ...

First, HB 3125 - a rewrite of TN code 39-17-1305 so as to allow HCP holders to carry in restaurants that happen to serve alcohol - has passed out of the House Judiciary committee and is going to be moved on to be voted on in the State House and then Senate. This bill is designed to slap two people in the face so-to-speak. 1) Chancellor Bonnyman, an activist Judge who attempted to use the position of judge to rewrite law last fall by striking down HB 0962 as "unconstitutionally vague." This bill removes the part of the law that prohibits carrying where alcohol is served, so that ruling cannot hold. 2) Randy Rayburn, business (restaurant & bar) owner. He put up a sign in one of his establishments that read "Guns - never; free parking - always." HB 3125 requires exact verbage quoting 39-17-1359 on the post for the post to hold weight of law. --- Second, HB 0960 - allowing HCP holders to carry in all state, federal, and local parks. This is in the House judiciary...

I rarely follow college or pro basketball until playoff time. That time is now. As I mentioned in this pos t , the NCAA has predictably been most disrespectful to many teams in the tournament this year... most notably Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Winthrop who WON their conference championships - GUARANTEEING them a tournament berth. Many other teams were unable to win their conference to earn an automatic bid, and had to gain entry to the tournament via an invitation at-large - based on the hopes of a few people within the NCAA championship selection committee that their presence would liven up the tournament. For those who will not read my previous post, I suggest the NCAA seed the Conference Champions never any lower than a 12 seed. The play-in game should be between the two last at-large bids. I really think they should give seeds out, in order based on conference RPI - meaning that conference champions would have the seeds from #1 - #8 only. Then start awarding the last two #8 seeds, a...

Today I started at my new job. Quite uneventful. Definitely information overload. Good first impression - everybody was really nice and I think I will like the place.

As I wrap up my job search, I am prone to reflect on the recent wave of interviews I've been on. Despite the bad economy, I've managed to score dozens of interviews - on the phone and in person. Ive sent in a resume over 1000 times. I have observed a few trends: - Many companies don't really know what they want. This is made worse by the fact that they also have a concept of the "bad economy" ringing in their ears. Makes it difficult to determine what they want. The primary indicator of this is when a company interviews you several times, then turns you down, then re-posts the position. - Many companies want to under-employ people right now. They prey on the evening news horror stories of the economy and desperate folks who are without a job... and maybe have been for a year or more... and then take the first thing that comes along. These employers are offering lower wages than they should, and are going after higher quality talent than they would normally...

Since sales is my chosen profession, I do hear occasionally from folks who hold a general disdain for sales in general. Here is a blog post about just that topic. I would like to post the three biggest points of that post here: 1. Bad sales people have mouths but no ears. 2. Bad sales people start closing when they say hello. 3. Bad sales people covet quick cash.

My friend and fellow blogger, Right-Minded , was nice enough to invite me to go to Starbucks with him last night. The catch? I was to open carry. We decided in advance to blog of the happenings, or lack thereof. Observations: - Right Minded is a good friend to the 2nd Amendment. Never-mind the fact that he is not a frequent shooter. - Starbucks is good. This was my first trip to one. I've had their coffee before (always liked it), and now I see why they can not only survive, but thrive on overpriced luxury items. - To my knowledge, there was only one person that noticed... and he didn't seem to really mind, despite the fact that he did do a double-take. - Right Minded is a sneaky guy - he intentionally sat at the table such that I would have to be seated in such a way as to have my GLOCK open to view to the entire store.

I never thought I'd see the day when Politics and Fishing were mixed. Unfortunately, our dear leader has decided to do just that. Link to article . It seems the Obama administration will accept no more public input for a federal strategy that could prohibit U.S. citizens from fishing certain areas. This guy is just plain power-hungry. He sees government as a tool to control every aspect of life. That mindset is not only wrong, it is dangerous. Remember, we vote this November. Not for President, but for Congress - who still have equal power under the Constitution. We need to make sure that the Executive Branches power is nullified.

OK, I stumbled across this one tonight. It is a video of a technique instructional. The technique is a shoulder choke (sometimes called a "Von Flue" choke) to counter an opponent's guillotine choke. As the nice lady is explaining the technique and gradually increasing the pressure, her partner passes out. Link . Normally, one taps out before passing out. This lets the practitioner know that they have successfully applied the technique. However, with some chokes, the effects build up, and can occasionally sneak up on a person so that they accidentally go to sleep. I have been telling students for many years that a correct choke does not hurt at all. Here is yet more proof.

As my career search winds down, I reflected today on some facts of legal carry of firearms - specifically concealed carry as it relates to job interviews, and open carry in my immediate future. First: I had another holdout interview. It is not likely I will take that position, but I did not know that until I attended the interview. I carried concealed today - as I have on every interview since being laid off back in November, save two. The two interviews I did not carry were one in Milwaukee, WI, back in December; and in Rochester, NY at the end of February. Wisconsin does not provide for concealed carry, and I am unsure if a non-resident can open-carry. Plus, I wanted the job, and flying with firearms is a pain in the neck - so my GLOCK stayed home. New York does not reciprocate with Tennessee as far as carry permits are concerned, and once again, flying with firearms is a pain. Otherwise, I carried in every interview I went on. I have another holdout interview Wednesday and I will ca...

An article in the Huffington Post claims that the AR15 market came to a screeching halt last year. Link. The claim is that people just stopped buying AR15's after mid-year, leaving gun dealers and manufacturers high and dry. >>> Usagi laughs hard - rolling on the floor, then picks himself up to say: Wanna know a little secret? >>> Usagi speaks in hushed tones >>> If, in fact, people stopped buying AR15's last year, it was because demand was through the roof. All of them might well have been bought up. Popular manufacturers like Colt, Bushmaster, DPMS, and Rock River had 3-6 month waiting lists for the rifles. All of those companies (and many others - too numerous to name in one post) posted record sales numbers and profits. Hushed tones end We are just now seeing prices and supply levels back to the same point as late 2007 / early 2008.

Interesting story here. Nashville's Channel 4 ran a story on an event attended by numerous lawmakers today. Link . The "journalist" slanted the story to be an "expose" of lawmakers "skipping" out of their legislative duties. And the slant was absolutely wrong. This event has been planned for over three months. There was a similar event last year. There were more elected officials present than just certain state lawmakers. The list goes on with regards to the inaccuracies of this story as presented by Chanel 4. You can read a response from the owner of Hero-Gear (one of the sponsors of the event) at this link (for a time - ar15.com archives stories after 90-days). In case it gets pulled, I have copied and pasted the response below: Response by Joe Lundberg of Hero Gear (a really nice guy and terrific supporter of our 2nd amendment rights): >>> My response: This is the 4th year we have put this event on for our leaders in Nashville. We had a ...

Here's a link to a really neat video article on Gabe Suarez - noted firearms training expert - as done by the 700 Club. Link . Very inspirational.

Tomorrow, the Supreme Court will hear the McDonald vs. Chicago case. In short, this case challenges Chicago's gun restrictions. The thinking on all the gun blogs and websites is that we will have another 5-4 decision, like Heller. The difference is that if Chicago loses, then that precedent will likely make all city and state gun restrictions ease up, to the extent that the court rules. I, of course, am hoping for a complete and total loss... so as to prevent cities and states from restricting gun ownership beyond what the Federal Government already does.

Fun story from South Carolina. Link to story . Either we just got a good dose of what somebody feels like when they are not a gun-nut (yet), or one reported had a very crafty way of getting her newspaper to pay for her concealed carry permit in South Carolina. Either way, it is a good read and I suggest it for all those who are not as "into" guns as I am.

As painful as this will be to admit, Right Minded beat me to the punch on a 2nd Amendment Story. The story? Starbucks has openly endorsed having open-carry handguns in their stores... provided folks carry legally according to their state or local laws. And I have no excuse, as I read about the same story two weeks ago on Massad Ayoob's blog (Mr. Ayoob is a noted gun expert). Please accept my public apology for not being the first to break this. In other news, I must now find a story on Phillies baseball or Memphis Tigers Basketball before Right Minded - just to return order to the universe. Post Edit - I think I found Right Minded's source .