Rifles, Pistols, and Jay

“Anyone can understand shooting to protect themselves. You give me five minutes and I’ll make anyone on this planet mad enough to shoot me. The real question is, will they have that much time in a fight? You need to make that decision before you start to fight-only your life depends on it.”

~Clint Smith

People have underestimated the anger out in the general populace. People I’ve been friends with for a long time are making comments that positively qualify as Jet Fuel Anger. It’s pointed squarely at politicians including the Democrats and many Republicans.

Frankly I’m not sure how far it reaches but it has gone far enough that the majority of people I have interacted with are taking the side of Bibi Netanyahu over Barack Obama. That is very telling especially as it includes people who are lifelong liberals. They contend they have seen the light and are shocked by the hubris of the President and Congress.

Inside I laugh at them because for years, like most of you, I have discussed these same issues always ending with “it will get much worse.” Which it will.

If you want to smile take a gander at the headline over at Tam’s from MSNBC. Also covered by Uncle.

“The purpose of the pistol is to stop a fight that somebody else has started, almost always at very short range.”

~Jeff Cooper

The media is breathlessly reporting on the possibility a Congressman from Virginia was targeted when a propane line to a gas grill was tampered with and the sky is literally falling on the left. It came after a guy named Mike Troxel posted what he thought was the Congressman’s address online but actually the house belongs to the brother of said Congressman.

The blogger, Mike Troxel, is upset over the passage of health-care reform. In posting the address he told readers they should stop by and thank the congressman. Meh.

First let’s set aside the absurdity of this being a Class A major news story. Until it is confirmed someone did something, this is a hype story. By that I am referring to the propane gas grill line.

The Feds are all over it and this will make for a convenient excuse for bloggers to be targeted as unhinged. Some are on both sides but the vast majority are level headed people.

Some will say this is what happens when you defy the will of the people while others will say this proves the government needs more control over everyday lives.

Congress, left and right, should be held accountable by the people. This starts on the public square and at the ballot box. Debate and vote.

Obviously it goes without saying people are frustrated and they feel their votes don’t matter. That’s a subject for another post but as of now this is a story that smells.

An off duty Police Officer for the University of Illinois-Chicago shot himself in the ass after his firearm discharged. He was carrying it in his waistband, a poor idea, and is now facing an investigation. This isn’t an accident in my humble opinion but is the result of carrying his firearm in a way that might cause a negligent discharge.

People have died carrying firearms in this manner.Use a holster.

Hat Tip to SayUncle

Why, I have been asked today, did I create Rifles, Pistols & Jay? Several sharp retorts came to mind but alas the explanation is rather simple. I’ve had some issues with Wordpress and it is altogether frustrating. Blogger, despite limitations, is at least dependable in my own experience.

The other blog contains information but this blog may see nothing but links or an essay on the daily routine of a Soldier of Foot in the Kings Army. Or links. Or a firearm.

I guess the obvious answer is the blog was created because I wanted to do it.

This is a popular photograph that has gone around the world time and again but it points to a fundamental issue during times of stress – know thy firearm.

It’s easy to laugh but many people can’t change magazines or load in the dark. Without light they are lost and this too is the result of not knowing the small arms you own.

How often do you handle your pistol or rifle and think of how many ways something can go wrong?