Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Three more dead in Chicago
In a place with some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country, bodies are still being found on "gang blocks".
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
The philosophy of liberty
Please take the time to watch this amazing flash presentation about liberty. Available in a multitude of languages, simple and to the point.
Linked to by the war on guns.
Linked to by the war on guns.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Inmate sues prison ...
I swear, one of my next posts will be about guns or politics, but this is just a MUST-READ!
One Broderick Lloyd Laswell, who is imprisoned and awaiting trial for murder, is suing the jail where he's been imprisoned. He claims that the food they provide isn't sufficient to live, and he's being starved to death.
In his own words:
Broderick weighs 308 pounds! He's lost some weight for sure, he weighted in a 413 upon arrival.
Now, with his current weight of 308 lbs, he would have to be 7 foot nine inches to have a BMI of 25, the maximal BMI for those non-overweight.
I say he owes the state a thank-you for getting me halfway to not being an obnoxious blob- note, bu that's just me.
One Broderick Lloyd Laswell, who is imprisoned and awaiting trial for murder, is suing the jail where he's been imprisoned. He claims that the food they provide isn't sufficient to live, and he's being starved to death.
In his own words:
- "On several occasions I have started to do some exercising and my vision went blurry and I felt like I was going to pass out,"
- "About an hour after each meal my stomach starts to hurt and growl. I feel hungry again."
Broderick weighs 308 pounds! He's lost some weight for sure, he weighted in a 413 upon arrival.
Now, with his current weight of 308 lbs, he would have to be 7 foot nine inches to have a BMI of 25, the maximal BMI for those non-overweight.
I say he owes the state a thank-you for getting me halfway to not being an obnoxious blob- note, bu that's just me.
Citizen gives cop $540 parking ticket.
So, a cop walks into a resteaurant, having parked his car in a no-parking zone. When called on this, he claims he can do this because of his law enforcement status, and he proceeds to watch the ball game playing on TV.
A citizen with a sense for justive who had just passed the bar exam, did his civil duty and wrote the cop a ticket in accordance with state law. All fines combined total a cost of $540!
A citizen with a sense for justive who had just passed the bar exam, did his civil duty and wrote the cop a ticket in accordance with state law. All fines combined total a cost of $540!
This had me giggling!
The captain of a crew of one shares an idea on getting back at junk mailers.
So if you're not signed up for Brady campaign funds begging, now is the time!
So if you're not signed up for Brady campaign funds begging, now is the time!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
TSA screener who smuggled a gun into the airport is still on the job
Shamelessly copied from boingboing:
- A Denver TSA employee who brought a handgun to the airport and passed it around the metal detector is still on the job. The TSA won't say if he's been disciplined -- or how -- for doing this stupid thing that would land any of the rest of us in Gitmo for a decade's worth of stress-positioning. Of course, we can't expect TSA screeners to be held to the same legal standard as the rest of us -- since they work for the security administration, then everything they do, by definition, must be good for security.
Current events in the UK
Let's get this weeks edition going shall we?
As often before, I start off with a bit of mystery: Yet another man was killed in a way yet to be specified, but his assasin has been found, and charged this time 'round!
A $50 000 drug bust gets this petty article, as if it's just a minor footnotes in todays crime-soaked world. Oh tempora o mores you say? This story about a woman raped in a public place gets even less of an article!
There's been some use of firebombs in the past few weeks, but now a pipe-bomb has been used to attack a building inhabited by an elderly couple.
As for stabbings, a man was stabbed in the neck outside of a pub (déjà vu like primed epoxy) and two kids have been charged with murder after stabbing a man to death.
To commemorate the death of a girl who was killed for her adherance to a subculture, authorities have built a bench. I suppose it is good to do more than just punish the murderers, which was also done here.
I'm ending today's post on a good note. Blood spilled and life lost, but still a good note. A man who attacked a perceived burglar was cleared of charches. The "burglar" was a neighbour who just got off a 12 hour drink-'n-drugs binge, and forced his way into the wrong house, thinking it was his. The homeowner was deemed to have used reasonable force.
All is not lost!
As often before, I start off with a bit of mystery: Yet another man was killed in a way yet to be specified, but his assasin has been found, and charged this time 'round!
A $50 000 drug bust gets this petty article, as if it's just a minor footnotes in todays crime-soaked world. Oh tempora o mores you say? This story about a woman raped in a public place gets even less of an article!
There's been some use of firebombs in the past few weeks, but now a pipe-bomb has been used to attack a building inhabited by an elderly couple.
As for stabbings, a man was stabbed in the neck outside of a pub (déjà vu like primed epoxy) and two kids have been charged with murder after stabbing a man to death.
To commemorate the death of a girl who was killed for her adherance to a subculture, authorities have built a bench. I suppose it is good to do more than just punish the murderers, which was also done here.
I'm ending today's post on a good note. Blood spilled and life lost, but still a good note. A man who attacked a perceived burglar was cleared of charches. The "burglar" was a neighbour who just got off a 12 hour drink-'n-drugs binge, and forced his way into the wrong house, thinking it was his. The homeowner was deemed to have used reasonable force.
All is not lost!
They decieve ...
Another blogger has put up his latest piece of BS, supposedly linking liberal gun-legislation to a high murder rate.
Look and behold! Here's a couple of states with a high murder rate, and liberal gun laws, and look there, these couple of states with strict gun laws have a lower murder rate! Isn't the pattern obvious?
This is once again, improper statistical practice, and wrong as well in this case. I've long sought for correlations and patterns, comparing crime rates to gun laws and gun ownership, only to come up empty time and time again. (see for yourself if you wish)
Crime rates do not compare well amongst eachother (Rape/burglary/murder ratio for example). Crime rates are effected far more by economical factors than by gun laws (which criminals break).
So Here's what I wrote in resposne to "riceman"
Don't be fooled by misleading statistics and "studies" that look at a whopping total of 10 (ten!) states.
Get the facts for yourself. I strongly reccomend every entry from my reccomended reading post.
Here's the CBS study, my posts on facts and my highlighted posts.
Look and behold! Here's a couple of states with a high murder rate, and liberal gun laws, and look there, these couple of states with strict gun laws have a lower murder rate! Isn't the pattern obvious?
This is once again, improper statistical practice, and wrong as well in this case. I've long sought for correlations and patterns, comparing crime rates to gun laws and gun ownership, only to come up empty time and time again. (see for yourself if you wish)
Crime rates do not compare well amongst eachother (Rape/burglary/murder ratio for example). Crime rates are effected far more by economical factors than by gun laws (which criminals break).
So Here's what I wrote in resposne to "riceman"
- How unexpected that you leave states like south Dakota, Minnesota, New Mampshire and Nebreska out. Those don't quite fit your profile, do they? Murder rates on the very low side, but Shall issue with little to no purchase restrictions.
Don't be fooled by misleading statistics and "studies" that look at a whopping total of 10 (ten!) states.
Get the facts for yourself. I strongly reccomend every entry from my reccomended reading post.
Here's the CBS study, my posts on facts and my highlighted posts.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Strippers club not an offensive weapon.
Stripper as in a man who takes off his clothes and dances for money.
Club as in the truncheon (or nightstick for y'all yanks) that is part of his outfit, he dressed as a policeman.
What the devil am I talking about?
Well, this story takes us back some, it takes place in obnoxious Oceania where we lay our scene, a place where toy swords need to be locked away and policemen lose faith in the justice system.
The story all started on the 26th of april, 2007, when two policemen spotted a fellow wearing an outfit much like theirs in
the streets. When they confronted the man, he said he was a student of matters genetical who danced around without his clothes to supplement his income. The real policemen then watched the show the man put up in a pub, before hauling him off downtown, to charge him with several offences, including the posession of offensive weapons and wearing a police unifom as seen in the picture to the left.
By december however, the lad was cleared of all charges, namely three different weapon charges for two batons and a can of defensive airosol spray. It was decided that the stripper had "reasonable excuse" to be in posession of these items. I don't suppose he slept calm for long, as little longer than a week after it was reported that the prosecution would be appealing the dismissal of charges.
Today however, it has once more been decided that the penal system has better things to do than bug this student any further.
In retrospect, I can only decide that this entire matter has been a waste of both private funds, as well as taxpayer money and court-time. Honestly, the courts can't seem to put real criminals behind bars, so they go after students like this kid?
For shame lord!
Note: the bold lettering in this posts means in no way to insinuate that British policemen are gay men, or pervy women. However I can say that the officers in question are a pair of wankers, regardless of their gender.
Club as in the truncheon (or nightstick for y'all yanks) that is part of his outfit, he dressed as a policeman.
What the devil am I talking about?
Well, this story takes us back some, it takes place in obnoxious Oceania where we lay our scene, a place where toy swords need to be locked away and policemen lose faith in the justice system.
The story all started on the 26th of april, 2007, when two policemen spotted a fellow wearing an outfit much like theirs in
the streets. When they confronted the man, he said he was a student of matters genetical who danced around without his clothes to supplement his income. The real policemen then watched the show the man put up in a pub, before hauling him off downtown, to charge him with several offences, including the posession of offensive weapons and wearing a police unifom as seen in the picture to the left.By december however, the lad was cleared of all charges, namely three different weapon charges for two batons and a can of defensive airosol spray. It was decided that the stripper had "reasonable excuse" to be in posession of these items. I don't suppose he slept calm for long, as little longer than a week after it was reported that the prosecution would be appealing the dismissal of charges.
Today however, it has once more been decided that the penal system has better things to do than bug this student any further.
In retrospect, I can only decide that this entire matter has been a waste of both private funds, as well as taxpayer money and court-time. Honestly, the courts can't seem to put real criminals behind bars, so they go after students like this kid?
For shame lord!
Note: the bold lettering in this posts means in no way to insinuate that British policemen are gay men, or pervy women. However I can say that the officers in question are a pair of wankers, regardless of their gender.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Another couple of pipe-bombs
Explosives have been in te news recently when a kid got caught ordering some ammonium nitrate.
Now some people have used a pipe-bomb to attack a FedEx building, and another device was found on scene.
I've always said this, and I'll repeat myself: the internet is riddeled with information about making explosives, some of which is accurate. For the sake of controversy, here's a clip of somebody shooting an exploding pyrotechnical device out of a mortar that screws onto his home-made shotgun:
The author, outsider1, has released a lot of videos featuring his improvised firearms. The device he shoots out of his "weapon" in the video is a relatively harmless device, but could easely be produced as a destructive device.
Can we rid the world of guns and explosives? No we cannot! We must deal with those willing to harm other people instead!
Now some people have used a pipe-bomb to attack a FedEx building, and another device was found on scene.
I've always said this, and I'll repeat myself: the internet is riddeled with information about making explosives, some of which is accurate. For the sake of controversy, here's a clip of somebody shooting an exploding pyrotechnical device out of a mortar that screws onto his home-made shotgun:
The author, outsider1, has released a lot of videos featuring his improvised firearms. The device he shoots out of his "weapon" in the video is a relatively harmless device, but could easely be produced as a destructive device.
Can we rid the world of guns and explosives? No we cannot! We must deal with those willing to harm other people instead!
Non-lethal weapons ...
... still aren't.
There is currently no weapon or tool that is as effective in stopping an attacker as a firearm, whithout posing a lethal threat.
This has been a reminder, paid for by the tears of the victims family.
There is currently no weapon or tool that is as effective in stopping an attacker as a firearm, whithout posing a lethal threat.
This has been a reminder, paid for by the tears of the victims family.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
It - does -not - work.
Remember me saying that I oppose gun control because it is a waste of time and rescources?
Sayuncle linked me to a study that corroberates my point.
I'm tempted to say "prove", but I've been arguing with a little cutesie on the other side of the fence about proper statistical practice. Just because gun control has been a failure in Australia, and an utter and complete failure in the UK, doesn't PROVE that it wont work in the US as well, but we should stop to think about it anyway. Chances are it might not work here either.
Yes I know, Chicago, DC, ... those aren't good enough "experiments" to allow one to say that gun control can't work. I for one actually believe that it can work, just not that we can make it work. On top of that, it is an avenue I am disenclined to take, as I favor measures that actually work, like education and better welfare.
Sayuncle linked me to a study that corroberates my point.
I'm tempted to say "prove", but I've been arguing with a little cutesie on the other side of the fence about proper statistical practice. Just because gun control has been a failure in Australia, and an utter and complete failure in the UK, doesn't PROVE that it wont work in the US as well, but we should stop to think about it anyway. Chances are it might not work here either.
Yes I know, Chicago, DC, ... those aren't good enough "experiments" to allow one to say that gun control can't work. I for one actually believe that it can work, just not that we can make it work. On top of that, it is an avenue I am disenclined to take, as I favor measures that actually work, like education and better welfare.
Students discount on guns?
ABC is headlining an alledged "students discount" that the online gun dealer TGSCOM will be offering in hopes of building defensive capabilities amongst the student body of American highschools and universities.
A students discount exists only in ABC's biased mind however, as Thompson (the owner) will be selling guns at cost to everybody who is elegible for gun ownership. I guess "student discount" just sounds scarier. Seeing as only a tiny percentage of all guns sold ends up in criminal hands, the guns sold under these provisions should primarely are the law abiding population. His websites have provided equipment to two separate school shooters, but now Thompson claims he wants to do something to help the survivors:
The Brady campain is of course saying that these actions are insensitive and profit-oriented. That Thompson first armed the criminals, and is now preying on the fear of the law abiding to boost his sales. This fits of course perfectly in the scheme of selling guns at cost; Peter Hamm needs to put his fist in his mouth more often if you ask me.
A students discount exists only in ABC's biased mind however, as Thompson (the owner) will be selling guns at cost to everybody who is elegible for gun ownership. I guess "student discount" just sounds scarier. Seeing as only a tiny percentage of all guns sold ends up in criminal hands, the guns sold under these provisions should primarely are the law abiding population. His websites have provided equipment to two separate school shooters, but now Thompson claims he wants to do something to help the survivors:
- "The next news story I want to be involved in is how I sold a firearm to someone who helped stop a mass murderer. By forgoing a profit, I hope to help give law-abiding citizens the tools to prevent tragedy,"
The Brady campain is of course saying that these actions are insensitive and profit-oriented. That Thompson first armed the criminals, and is now preying on the fear of the law abiding to boost his sales. This fits of course perfectly in the scheme of selling guns at cost; Peter Hamm needs to put his fist in his mouth more often if you ask me.
These colours don't run.
Been out shopping for clothes today, picked up some music too: I spotted Iron Maidens 2006 album "a matter of life and death" had had it's price cut back to 7 yoo, so I picked it up. Should've bought that thing way back!
Especially loving "these colours don't run"
Iron maiden has long made songs about war, both in favor (aces high), neutral (the trooper) and opposing (2 minutes to midnight). I like them for their good music rather than their message.
Especially loving "these colours don't run"
Iron maiden has long made songs about war, both in favor (aces high), neutral (the trooper) and opposing (2 minutes to midnight). I like them for their good music rather than their message.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Yesterdays post continued.
Yesterday I wrote about schools which were/felt threatened.
Today I'll go on about a boy who claims that being bullied drove him to wanting to kill someone, he put knife to the troath of a girl he didn't even really knew, and ended up plotting to take his class hostage, to end his life with a "suicide-by-cop"
And not just some postings on myspace or a note in the bathroom. He was all geared up with a backpack containing (amongst others) duct tape, rope and a gun which he was going to use to his end. His parents called it in, he was arrested and spent some time in juvie. He's now out again, but still facing charges for terrorism, kidnapping and aggravated assault.
Care to play the blame game?
The bullies, the teachers who didn't see it, the parents who didn't notice it, the company that made the duct tape, knife and gun? The kid himself?
No? Ok.
Me, I hope the ruling judge seds this kid off to get help.
Today I'll go on about a boy who claims that being bullied drove him to wanting to kill someone, he put knife to the troath of a girl he didn't even really knew, and ended up plotting to take his class hostage, to end his life with a "suicide-by-cop"
And not just some postings on myspace or a note in the bathroom. He was all geared up with a backpack containing (amongst others) duct tape, rope and a gun which he was going to use to his end. His parents called it in, he was arrested and spent some time in juvie. He's now out again, but still facing charges for terrorism, kidnapping and aggravated assault.
Care to play the blame game?
The bullies, the teachers who didn't see it, the parents who didn't notice it, the company that made the duct tape, knife and gun? The kid himself?
No? Ok.
Me, I hope the ruling judge seds this kid off to get help.
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