The Smallest Minority on earth is the individual. Those who deny individual rights cannot claim to be defenders of minorities. – Ayn Rand
Diversity
“…a white guy driving his Chinese girlfriend in an Italian car to a Mexican restaurant, and getting pulled over by a black cop.” – Anonymous
Now, if you want to see a REAL example of “diversity,” go read the poem Marko posted. (via Tam. And she’s right. “If you don’t like it, you must be some kind of godless commie hippie.”)
I emailed GEErnst over at Potowmack.org last night:
It’s been almost a week. Surely you have SOMETHING to say?
Like “OUCH!”?
He replied:
The Potowmack Institute must have some people worried.
For good reason. Stay tuned.GEErnst
Yeah, I was worried that he’d gone off on a quaalude and Jägermeister bender.
I’m reminded of The Black Knight from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, when Arthur asks him, “What are you going to do, bleed on me?”
I’m trembling with anticipation, I assure you!
“Okay, we’ll call it a draw!”
Makes Sense to Me
I got this via email from my brother. It’s essentially a PSA, and it makes sense to me, so I’ll post it here:
Blood Clots/Stroke – They Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the Tongue.
STROKE:Remember
The 1st Three Letters….S.T.R.My nurse friend sent this and encouraged me to post it and spread the word. I agree.
If everyone can remember something this simple, we could save some folks.
Seriously..Please read:
STROKE IDENTIFICATION:
During a BBQ, a friend stumbled and took a little fall – she assured everyone that she was fine (they offered to call paramedics) … she said she had just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.
They got her cleaned up and got her a new plate of food. While she appeared a bit shaken up, Ingrid went about enjoying herself the rest of the evening.
Ingrid’s husband called later telling everyone that his wife had been taken to the hospital-(at 6:00 p. m. Ingrid passed away.) She had suffered a stroke at the BBQ. Had they known how to identify the signs of a stroke, perhaps Ingrid would be with us today.
Some don’t die. They end up in a helpless, hopeless condition instead.
It only takes a minute to read this…
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hour she can totally reverse the effects of a stroke ..totally.
He said the trick was getting a stroke recognized, diagnosed, and then getting the patient medically cared for within 3 hours , which is tough.
RECOGNIZING A STROKE
Thank God for the sense to remember the ‘3’ steps, STR. Read and Learn!
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke .
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(i.e. It is sunny out today)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke ——– Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another ‘sign’ of a stroke is this: Ask the person to ‘stick’ out his tongue… If the tongue is ‘crooked’, if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.
A cardiologist says if everyone who gets this e-mail sends it to 10 people; you can bet that at least one life will be saved.
This site gets a lot more than 10 hits a day, maybe this will do someone, somewhere some good.
UPDATE: Ambulance Driver comments:
A neurologist says that if he can get to a stroke victim within 3 hour she can totally reverse the effects of a stroke ..totally.
Not to hijack your comments for my personal tirade, but…
…Horse. Shit.
IF he can get clot-busting medication to a victim within 3 hours, and IF the stroke isn’t hemorrhagic in nature, and IF there isn’t some other contraindication to the medication, and IF the victim is taken to a dedicated stroke center…
THEN, the victim will usually have about a 30% reduction in the severity of symptoms, balanced against a 10% chance they will develop a life-threatening brain hemorrhage and die, or turn into a turnip at best.
That’s why quite a few ER physicians and neurologists still refuse to jump onto the clotbusters for stroke bandwagon – still too risky, for too little proven benefit. It’s a useful option, but nowhere near as rosy as this PSA paints it. The neurologist quoted is probably just a paid shill for Genentech pharmaceuticals. No one but a paid whore would make such broad statements.
Otherwise, it’s pretty much correct.
Thanks for the clarification, AD.
THIS Guy has Testicular Fortitude
Forget the guy in the beach chair. I just received this via email:
Dear Friend of Gun Rights,
I wish I could rejoice in the recent Supreme Court ruling. I can’t.
The fact is, in many ways, it is bad news for gun owners and gun rights.
The Supreme Court’s Heller decision wasn’t even an hour old before anti-gun activists began revealing exactly what they had been plotting for months.
As Nancy Pelosi said regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, “they left a lot of room to run . . .”
Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, a member of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s anti-gun coalition, said the Supreme Court’s decision “is an explicit statement of support” for their gun control efforts.
My friend, we are about to see a tsunami of anti-gun activism.
That’s why it’s vital you act TODAY! Support us at http://www.nationalgunrights.org/heller.htm
You see, while the U.S. Supreme Court did strike down Washington, D.C.’s gun ban (and maybe Chicago’s) they gave the GREEN LIGHT to virtually every other anti-gun regulation, licensing scheme and restriction on the books.
Justice Scalia writing for the 5-4 majority said, “nothing in our opinion should be taken to cast doubt on longstanding prohibitions on [restricted persons] … or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in [restricted places] … or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms.”
And it gets worse. And that’s only five of nine judges.
Don’t be misled. That’s what anti-gunners count on.
Even as I write you, Nancy Pelosi, Michael Bloomberg and their anti-gun pals at the federal, state and local levels are preparing a torrent of new and sweeping gun control legislation.
So those who have been running around claiming the Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately lead to Second Amendment utopia are DEAD WRONG.
Among other things, all the following anti-gun laws are A-OK according to the Supreme Court:
*** Mandatory licensing to purchase firearms;
*** Bans on the open and concealed-carry of firearms;
*** Bans on private sales of firearms;
*** Bans of so-called assault weapons and other “unusual” weapons (that’s the actual language Scalia uses);
*** Bans on firearms on government property;
*** Bans on certain calibers of ammunition;
*** Bans on high-powered hunting scopes;
*** One-month waiting periods;
*** One-gun-a-month schemes;
*** Mandatory ammunition fingerprinting.
That’s why your help today is so vital.
You see, the gun-grabbers have been raising millions of dollars for months, hoping for a Court decision they could “work with.” And they got it.
While so many folks on our side are being distracted by a national press claiming “PRO-GUN FORCES WIN,” anti-gun forces are ready to use the Court’s decision to take even MORE Second Amendment freedoms away from you and me.
And with millionaire Hollywood honchos and billionaires like New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on their side, I’m afraid they have all the money they need to do it, too.
And don’t think Bloomberg and his gun control pals will stop short of TOTAL gun bans!
By the time any newly-passed gun control scheme makes its way back to the Supreme Court, every current Justice could be retired or DEAD!
That’s why your help is needed IMMEDIATELY.
By turning up the heat on politicians now — especially in this critical election year — you and I will send the clear message to the politicians that they MUST oppose any new gun control scheme or pay the price at the polls.
That’s the only real way to get politicians to listen.
So please agree to act TODAY, visit our website at http://www.nationalgunrights.org/heller.htm
The National Association for Gun Rights is set to expand the following three-part program to capitalize on the Supreme Court’s decision:
>>> Phase 1 — Recruit 325,000 new National Association for Gun Rights members in key areas across the country that will be most vulnerable to the gun-grabbers’ schemes;
>>> Phase 2 — Work with pro-gun legislators and the media to put the anti-gunners on the defensive and expose their lies and manipulations;
>>> Phase 3 — Launch a full-scale direct mail, internet and phone blitz targeted at Second Amendment supporters in key areas to create a grassroots wildfire in favor of our full gun rights.
But none of this can happen without your financial support.
As I told you, the national gun control crowd has been raising millions and planning for this exact scenario for months.
They could launch a full-scale assault on our gun rights at the federal, state, and local level within just a few weeks.
What will stop them is the grassroots efforts of pro-gun folks like you — folks who realize the Supreme Court’s Heller decision does NOT stop gun control.
But this effort will not be cheap, and that’s why I must ask for your financial support, as well.
Will you agree to a special one-time contribution of $1,000?
Perhaps you can afford more.
Believe me, I know that’s a lot to ask, but I can hardly overestimate just how important this fight is.
If $1,000 is not possible, I hope you’ll agree to make a contribution of $500, $100 or at least $50.
Visit http://www.nationalgunrights.org/heller.htm TODAY and support our efforts.
The Supreme Court has ruled. Battle lines are being drawn.
The knock-down, drag-out, tooth-and-nail fights against the gun-grabbers begins immediately.
I hope I can count on you in our corner.
Your IMMEDIATE help is crucial. Please act TODAY! Go to http://www.nationalgunrights.org/heller.htm
Sincerely,
Dudley Brown
Executive DirectorP.S. While the U.S. Supreme Court did strike down Washington, D.C.’s gun ban, they gave a GREEN LIGHT to virtually every other gun control law imaginable. Too many pro-gun folks just don’t understand what is about to happen.
Emboldened by the Court’s decision blessing their efforts, gun control zealots like Michael Bloomberg and Nancy Pelosi are preparing to launch an all-out assault on our gun rights.
They are counting on us to go to sleep and not notice what happens. That is exactly what I and everyone else at your National Association for Gun Rights REFUSES to do.
So please help the National Association for Gun Rights fight back with a special, one-time contribution of $1,000 (or even more if you can afford it), $500, $100 or at least $50 — whatever you can afford –TODAY! Go to http://www.nationalgunrights.org/heller.htm
Wait, wait… I’m supposed to believe Dudley Brown over, oh, say David Hardy or Alan Korwin? Or my own reading of the decision?
Who the hell is The National Association for Gun Rights? Yes, the battle is not over, it’s just begun, but St. Peter on a pogo stick, some group I’ve never heard of begging for $1,000 because Heller didn’t go FAR enough?
Sorry, Dudley. My money will go where I think it will do the most good.
Help Another GunBlogger Out?
Squeaky is kinda in a bind. It looks like she’ll be eating ketchup soup for a week or two, if she can afford the water.
I’ve been a poor college student before. It sucks.
First, her job shorts her an entire week’s pay, then her car died.
I can’t forward her any money out of the Soldier’s Angels/Jed’s Dental Fund, but she’s put up a tip jar (left sidebar of her blog) in her desperation. I’ve given her $50.
C’mon – help a gunblogger out. Any little bit helps. She’s good people.
Selling the Mustang
I have a 1967 original big-block fastback Mustang – 390FE, C6 auto, 3.25:1 open 9″, originally equipped with power steering & A/C (that doesn’t work), overhead console, but no floor console, floor shifter, power front disc / rear drum brakes. It’s been repainted from the original Raven Black to a metallic blue so deep you have to see it in bright sunlight to realize it’s not black.
I’ve owned it for more than ten years.
I’ve put less than 2,000 miles on it.
It’s been parked in my garage for three years and does not currently run.
I also have a 428CJ bare block that’s been magnafluxed and sonic checked, and a 428CJ crank that’s been turned .020/.020 under, and a brand new in the box Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold, and some other miscellaneous pieces and parts from a ’68 GT.
I’ve decided it’s time to choose one expensive hobby and stick with it, and shooting is the winner. It’s time to sell the ‘Stang.
When I bought it, it had an appraisal that said it was worth $11,900. I have no idea what it’s worth now. I need to get it running, and cleaned up thoroughly. I’m afraid the paint is burned from having bird droppings on it for an extended period (yes, I know), and it’s got a touch of body cancer in the passenger side door that was there when I bought it.
So, for anybody out there, is eBay Motors worth it? Have you bought/sold a car through that venue? Any clue what my asking price should be (once I get it running?) I’d take pictures, but it’s filthy, and I can’t easily get it out of the garage, where it’s surrounded by a ton of crap.
Any advice is welcome.
He’d Have Loved Yesterday
I am reminded by Mostly Cajun of a sad anniversary:
Rob Smith passed away two years ago yesterday.
I started blogging over five years ago just to debate a commenter from his site on gun control.
He’d have loved yesterday’s Heller decision. And he’d have gone BALLISTIC (pun intended) over this story that, strangely no one but FOX News wants to cover:
Police Union Standing By Mexican Militia Reports
Police documents show that at least one of the suspects involved in a home invasion and homicide were active members of the Mexican Army.
A top member of a Phoenix police union is standing by reports that at least one of the men involved in a Monday morning home invasion and homicide was an active member in the Mexican Army.
“Even if you put aside the Mexican military, you have illegals in the country…they’re protected with tactical gear using tactical strategies in police uniforms willing to ambush police officers. I think that’s bad enough,” said Mark Spencer, President of the Phoenix Police Enforcement Association.
While on the J.D. Hayworth show Tuesday, Mark Spencer announced that the suspects were hired by drug cartels to perform home invasions and murders.
The incident at 8329 W. Cypress St. resulted in the death of the homeowner. Between 50 and 100 rounds were fired at the house.
Spencer said a police officer told him that one of the men captured said they were completely prepared to ambush Phoenix police, but ran out of ammunition.
He added that all were all dressed in military tactical gear and were armed with AR-15 assault rifles. Three other men involved in the invasion escaped.
ABCNNBCBS? Not a peep I can find. Only FOX had even a short blurb about it.
I still miss the crusty old fart. Guitar Man, indeed.
As Ragin’ Dave put it,
Never once did you read his writing and go “Meh. Whatever.”
There’s still nobody like him writing today.
RIP, Rob.
Screw that. If there IS an afterlife, I hope he’s raising hell there!
Bumper Sticker Update
The McCain bumper stickers sold far better than I expected. We’ve sold over 200 so far. The next shipment is going out today, 11 orders for a total of 54 stickers. We paid for Jed’s dental work, covered almost all the cost of the stickers and postage, and we’ve donated $275 to Soldier’s Angels.
Thanks, y’all. You’re too cool!
It’s a Good Thing The Japanese Don’t Have Any Guns!
The AP reports (no link – on purpose) that suicide in Japan has reached new highs. It seems that there was a 2.9% increase over last year. The biggest jump has been in the elderly population, and population of Japan is getting older by the day. They’re just not having anywhere near enough kids to keep up.
It seems that suicides among the 60-and-older group jumped nearly 9% last year, and that demographic represented over 1/3 of the total reported suicides for the year. (I say “reported” because one thing not well recognized here is that Japan’s suicide rate hides a lot of murders. Multiple suicides are not uncommon there, and a great many of them are probably murder-suicides not recorded as such. Thus Japan has a tiny homicide rate, but a huge suicide rate.)
How do the Japanese, without the benefit of firearms, commit suicide at the ninth-highest rate (second highest among the G8 nations) in the world? Well, as previously reported they can get quite inventive. The latest fad is mixing commonly available cleaning products to produce highly toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. Twenty-nine deaths by this method last year, 517 so far this year.
Of course, that’s a tiny drop in the bucket of 33,093 suicide deaths in 2007. Apparently hurling oneself off a rooftop or hanging oneself still lead the pack.
If they had guns, there wouldn’t be a soul left alive!
Why YOU Should Be a Gunblogger! (Bumped one last time)
You get a shot at stuff like THIS:
Dear Gun Blogger,
We at Para appreciate your support of the NRA and were glad to see you at the Second Amendment Blog Bash. Your name has been entered into a contest, and the 10 winners will get an invitation to attend a summer camp at Blackwater USA’s North Carolina facility with world class shooter and instructor Todd Jarrett.
The top ten gun bloggers in our contest will have the opportunity to shoot a special Para pistol and learn the secrets of a World Champion from Todd Jarrett. Gun Blogger Michael Bane and a video crew will record the event for Down Range TV.
The 10 bloggers with the most votes will receive an invitation to this exclusive event, so let all your readers know! They can cast their vote on the para-usa.com website: http://www.para-usa.com/new/special/blogger_contest06-08.php . Better yet, everyone who votes will have the option of entering their own name for a chance to win the 11th invitation to this exciting weekend!
– Tell all your readers to vote here, and enter to WIN a weekend at Blackwater with Champion Shooter Todd Jarrett.
Spread the word, voting ends July 1st. The Para-Blackwater Gun Bloggers weekend will be August 22-24, 2008. Invitees must provide their own transportation to Norfolk, Virginia. Para USA, along with Blackwater USA, is sponsoring this weekend of first class instruction at the most exclusive training facility in the United States. Please visit the link above for more details.
We also invite you to browse our new Para USA website at www.para-usa.com where you can view all of Para’s new pistols, and the latest reviews by all the top gunwriters.
Safe shooting and best regards,
Para USA, Inc.
Now is that cool or what?
So vote for me, wouldja?
(Bumped, because this contest is one vote per customer, and the voting ends July 1!)