QuietDan

Yeah, pretty much! People can be pretty darn stupid. It's a part of our reality. Shaking your fist at stupid people is like shaking your fist at the rain. Don't want to be simplistic, but: You, kirkosaurus, are probably one of the sheep-dogs. You know the old formula about wolves, sheep-dogs, & sheep. The sheep-dogs are actually protecting the sheep from the wolves. But, all the sheep know is that the wolves have teeth and they're afraid of them. The sheep-dogs have teeth too, that's the only way they can fight the wolves. But if the sheep see the sheep-dogs' teeth, they're afraid of them too! The sheep see the teeth, and they think it's baaaaaaad! The sheep are afraid of EVERYTHING. And, the sheep, for the most part, will always be sheep. It'd be great if the sheep-dogs could teach the sheep to not be afraid of everything, but for the most part, it's a lost cause. Don't scare the sheep, it makes them scatter. Don't scare the sheep, it makes it harder to protect them from the wolves. Best wishes to you.

I think there's a twelve-step program for that . . . . but it only works if you WANT to quit.

:popcorn:

Jay, Thank you very much! "You may be right, I may be crazy . . . " (it's a song). Your approach would certainly be effective. I think part of it depends on whether you want to go small, medium or large. . . it kind of depends on what people are willing to do. You are probably right, starting small (build on the base laid previously) and taking it from there might be the way to go. Agree also, the 'service to the community' side versus the 'protest' side is certainly the way to go. At the very least, we're talking about it again. It's good to see that there are folks on the group who've been down this path, that there have been events like this in the past and that those experienced hands are willing to get involved again, and that there are new folks that are willing, able and expert enough to help. I have to admit, I tried to describe an extreme situation, kind of a "going large" and what all the pitfalls could possibly be. Some of it probably comes from military training. However, it's not like we're invading a small country or anything!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

What you're describing here is what's called a non-trivial operation. I'm thinking it can't just be done without a lot of planning. First things first, you'd want to make sure of just exactly what you're trying to say with a direct action. You'd probably want to coordinate with the . . . TFA (??) and even a local rep for the NRA well before any direct action. You certainly would want to ensure that you're not stomping on a larger agenda and undo something that everyone's worked hard for, oh, campus carry, better posting regs, whatever. There are people who set up this type of direct action for a living. Unfortunately, a lot of the true professionals are very liberal; you might have to really look around for an event coordinator that's got good solid conservative leanings. You might also want to be prepared for . . . organized opposition. The TFA and the NRA will probably know who the good guys are. Also, you'd certainly want to start out with a city where the administration, a couple of city councilmen or the Mayor AND the chief of police understands what you're trying to accomplish. If not totally on board, at least leaning in your direction and not working against you. Having a State Senator or State Representative on board would be invaluable. You'd be surprised at how much good comes from just discussing things like this in a sensible manner on an open forum. A lot of people read this forum. You would want to carefully select the stretch of road. You'd actually want to actually pick up trash, preferably bags and bags of it, complete with the used hypodermics and the discarded tires and sofas in the crummy neighborhood. Someplace that's already acknowledged to be a problem. Some street with a lot of traffic volume. It wouldn't hurt to have a journalist on board early that understands what you're trying to say and do. I'm thinking you all already have some sort of relationship with Brian Haas. You'd also want some of your own folks that can shoot some good video, not just jumpy monkey-cam cell phone video. You'd also want to ensure that your membership or those who plan on attending are thoroughly on board with the goals of the direct action. That gets right on down to attitude, demeanor, look and dress. One pickup truck with the stars and bars, one too many guys dressed in Army DCU pants, one too many AK-47 pistols strapped diagonally across the chest and any good you may try to accomplish would literally blow up in your face. Some sort of uniform, even a red, white and blue bandana or a tie or a printed t-shirt helps as well. You don't want some crazy showing up and grandstanding and steal your event away. There are people who do this, you know. What's that guys name kwiknu (??). How well would something like this go if he were to show up claiming to be a part of the group, act all crazy-like and scare the horses? Also, you get only one shot to do something like this right. Do it right in one city, and you could get most of the publicity that you'd ever need and get most of the effect you're looking for, from one event. Done right, and other cities might ask you to come! I don't want to sound negative or like a nervous nellie or seeing a problem behind every tree, but without a good plan . . . . bad news. Again, it is a non-trivial operation. p.s. I'm thinking there's a piece in this for just about everyone. I'm also very interested in what TGO Dave and some of the old hands might think. Some of them are probably been there, done that, know where the land-mines are . . .

TaurusPT111Pro, I am interested. Would you mind if I re-posted my assessment from the other thread? Best Wishes, QuietDan

I bet TGO Dave would have an opinion about this. Clearly, he's an old hand at stuff like this.

I hear you, brother. As a military brat and then military myself, and moving around a lot (more than 20 places) you hear, over and over: "You're not FROM around here, are you?" There are ways to get past that, but it takes time. In the South especially, the Civil War was only 150 years ago, which for history is a blink of time. And, a lot of Yankees did occupy, and a few court-houses did get burned, and then really truly carpet-bagger outsiders did come in and push their way around, and families with a deep history in the spot do remember about the bad outsiders in a clannish sort of way, family history passed down through the generations. There are, to this day, people who spend their whole lives and never leave the county they were born in, even to go shopping.

What you're describing here is what's called a non-trivial operation. I'm thinking it can't just be done without a lot of planning. First things first, you'd want to make sure of just exactly what you're trying to say with a direct action. You'd probably want to coordinate with the . . . TFA (??) and even a local rep for the NRA well before any direct action. You certainly would want to ensure that you're not stomping on a larger agenda and undo something that everyone's worked hard for, oh, campus carry, better posting regs, whatever. There are people who set up this type of direct action for a living. Unfortunately, a lot of the true professionals are very liberal; you might have to really look around for an event coordinator that's got good solid conservative leanings. You might also want to be prepared for . . . organized opposition. The TFA and the NRA will probably know who the good guys are. Also, you'd certainly want to start out with a city where the administration, a couple of city councilmen or the Mayor AND the chief of police understands what you're trying to accomplish. If not totally on board, at least leaning in your direction and not working against you. Having a State Senator or State Representative on board would be invaluable. You'd be surprised at how much good comes from just discussing things like this in a sensible manner on an open forum. A lot of people read this forum. You would want to carefully select the stretch of road. You'd actually want to actually pick up trash, preferably bags and bags of it, complete with the used hypodermics and the discarded tires and sofas in the crummy neighborhood. Someplace that's already acknowledged to be a problem. Some street with a lot of traffic volume. It wouldn't hurt to have a journalist on board early that understands what you're trying to say and do. I'm thinking you all already have some sort of relationship with Brian Haas. You'd also want some of your own folks that can shoot some good video, not just jumpy monkey-cam cell phone video. You'd also want to ensure that your membership or those who plan on attending are thoroughly on board with the goals of the direct action. That gets right on down to attitude, demeanor, look and dress. One pickup truck with the stars and bars, one too many guys dressed in Army DCU pants, one too many AK-47 pistols strapped diagonally across the chest and any good you may try to accomplish would literally blow up in your face. Some sort of uniform, even a red, white and blue bandana or a tie or a printed t-shirt helps as well. You don't want some crazy showing up and grandstanding and steal your event away. There are people who do this, you know. What's that guys name kwiknu (??). How well would something like this go if he were to show up claiming to be a part of the group, act all crazy-like and scare the horses? Also, you get only one shot to do something like this right. Do it right in one city, and you could get most of the publicity that you'd ever need and get most of the effect you're looking for, from one event. Done right, and other cities might ask you to come! I don't want to sound negative or like a nervous nellie or seeing a problem behind every tree, but without a good plan . . . . bad news. Again, it is a non-trivial operation.

Vontar, Just closing the tailgate when he pulled up. I saw him coming across the top of the highway bridge.

MacGyver, We need more people like YOU. God Bless and thanks to all for the thoughts. I've got a day or so to use the rain for one last excuse, and then I'm out.

National Guardsmen shot and killed? Depending on their status, this could go Federal. It is September, it's not yet the 11th. . . . No one's yet made the 'terrorism has been ruled out' statement . . .

Fallguy, True enough, and situational. Granted, I have the right to remain armed. If it was on my property, I probably wouldn't. If I was in a store and away from ready secure storage, I probably wouldn't. In this particular situation, it was convenient enough to do and I wanted the officer to be calm and see things my way. If my weapon is for my protection, and an officer is present, what am I protecting myself from? At the time of his arrival, he's got the watch. Out of respect, I didn't mind deferring to the LEO, especially since I volunteered and that kept it my call. If he proceeded to disarm me, which I understand is his right, I have less control. In my mind, it's a lot like being a citizen first responder at a traffic accident. Do what you can to treat the injured, step back for the professionals when they arrive, and be at their disposal to assist. Because you offer to defer, you are usually asked to assist. This comes from my line of work, in which I have been a citizen first responder on about . . . seven very serious traffic accidents. Just my way of looking at it . . .

My wife got considerably more comfortable about me carrying when I bought a low-profile gun safe to tie down in the back of the vehicle, so there's a really safe place to put it when we go in someplace where a pistol's not welcome. ***** I was in a gun store a while back when a woman - a mother - was buying a pistol and had found one she really liked. She had small children at home, and almost didn't buy it out of 'safety' concerns. Yeah, I know. She really wanted to keep her children safe, from bad guys and from their own prying fingers. Anyways, the subject of a gun safe came up, the store had them in stock but not on display, and I went out to my car to get mine and show it to her. Me and the gun store sales guy watched her relax considerably when she saw the gun safe, smallish in size with the rounded corners, like a steel jewelry box, it's the type with the hand-print four buttons. She would not have bought the pistol without buying the gun safe at the same time. In sales I think it's called 'closing on a minor point.' It's also called 'additional dealer profit - ADP.' I imagine some gun store folks should just about offer one up as a part of any handgun deal for a woman (not to be sexist here or anything). If they ever made them with a quality Oak or Cherry or Mahogany finish, they'd be snapped up. It'd make a pretty fine jewelry box . . . sometimes beautiful really does matter. Maybe paint one up pretty with . . . what, durocoat paint in bright red, or pink? Hey, Mother's Day present! http://www.gunvault.com/handgun-safes/microvault.html

I was in Reloader's Bench in Mt Juliet when the Surefire rep came through. He had one of these with him. It certainly seems like overkill. It was very well made and solid. It was not gimmicky. It's like, quad stack. I wonder how much it weighs, full. The link you provided shows they also have a a 100 round version. Scary. Not sure I'd want all my eggs in one basket in case of a jam.

I recently had to call the police for a suspicious object and agreed to wait at the side of the road for the police officer to arrive, you know 'meet the officer.' I volunteered to the dispatcher that I was an HCP holder and that I was armed. I volunteered to lock the pistol in the car's lock-box prior to the officer's arrival and the dispatcher said 'yes' . . . 'great' . . . and 'I'll inform the officer.' The whole interaction with the dispatcher and police officer was VERY cordial and professional. They were re-assured that I was not a threat. I was treated very much like 'one of the good guys.' I imagine that police officers really do not like surprises, their lives are dangerous enough as it is.

U.S. Authorities Investigate Incursion by Mexican Federal Police Just a short local TV story from an El Paso station. Note the number of comments after the story! More than 1100 and climbing! US Authorities Investigate Incursion By Mexican Federal Police - News Story - KVIA El Paso Also at: Mexican police cross into US - El Paso Times Border Incursions: Possible Security Threat To The Nation | KTSM News Channel 9 Mexican police border incursion prompts US Customs to limit El Paso Rio Grande levee access | The Republic

I'm stuck on top-dead-center just short of putting up my flag-pole in front of my home. I've got a gorgeous twenty-foot telescoping flag pole out in the garage that I've carried through my last two military assignments and for more than five years have never installed. I am now retired and am going to put it up in front of my very nice home-station retirement house. I've got a very nice outdoor quality nylon U.S. flag, sewn stripes and embroidered stars, and a good Tennessee flag as well. I've picked out and measured the perfect spot in front of the house and driven a three-foot metal stake two-feet into the ground at the spot I want it to be. My wife's all for it and likes the spot. The 811 folks have been called and have marked the gas and electric lines in the front yard (we're good). I've got the post-hole digger from home depot, along with the river rock for the bottom of the hole and the quickcrete concrete for it. I've even found my two four-foot levels I can duct tape to the pole to get it exactly vertical so it doesn't lean or look draggily. I've barked my shin on the stake and bashed the lawnmower into it for three weeks now. I am all set to go, and yet, I just can't bring myself to dig the hole and pour the concrete! I'm not sure what the heck is going on here!! I've lived so many places where I've been in military housing and can't put up a flag pole. I've been in Iraq where we didn't fly American Flags (Tennessee flag outside my hooch instead) because we didn't want to look like Occupiers to the Iraqis. I've rented where I didn't own the property so it wasn't my choice. I've always gotten by with the angle bracket flag-pole on the side of the house. Now, it's totally my call and my right and . . . I just can't bring myself to dig the damn hole and put it up! It might have something to do with . . . you never unpack your last moving box because you'll get movement orders. It might be like hunting a certain buck for two seasons and having him stand broadside just below your tree-stand and you just can't draw down on him. (???) Well, here I am. I really don't know why I'm hanging back . . . Maybe there's a Retired Viet Vet or other conflict -- Soldier, Sailor, Marine, or Airman that can relate. . . . I'm thinking it really needs to go up before 11 September 2011 for obvious reasons. Thoughts???

Nothing good happens after Midnight. This was 3:20 a.m. according to the story. Even if the perp was drunk, drunk, drunk, and trying to get into someone else's apartment thinking it was his own, I'm thinking if the residents were in fear for their lives, that shooting him would be justified. Also here: Man Shoots Home Intruder - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports and here: Saturday Crime Log | The Tennessean | tennessean.com

God Bless and Protect the Officer and his family. Story has been updated as of September 3, 2011 at 10:49 p.m Officer is now in stable but critical condition. Perp still on the loose. http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2011/sep/03/mpd-officer-shot/

I probably wouldn't be very hungry if I had just seen your butt.

C.Lunn, Judging from the picture, if you knocked on my ghetto door, I'd slide the money and a ten buck tip under the door and go hide in the bathroom . . . .

Very nice! Have you seen the black sticker with the thin blue line for the back of your car?

"Get off my lawn!!" Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino Gran Torino - imfdb :. guns in movies :. movie guns :. the internet movie firearms database