Are You Honest?

"As a warning, the following post was written in complete desperation. I have recently learned some very sobering truths from people that I love dearly. These truths have set in motion a quest within me to do whatever I can to make a change. Today is not geared at funny. Today is geared at something greater. Read it to the very end. I promise you will be affected in a way you have always needed to be. I spent more than twelve hours writing this post because its message is that important to me.
......
"Perfection" is a wife...
"Perfection" is a husband...
"Perfection" is a couple... (a boy, a girl etc...)

Be real.

Be bold about your weaknesses and you will change people's lives. Be honest about who you actually are, and others will begin to be their actual selves around you."


The excerpts above, coupled with losing a very good friend, fearing the loss of my wife under a surgeons knife etc have changed my life. Normally I try to stay on topic, and to a bit this is. Everyday I try to be a better man, for my wife, my children and myself. Most days I fail in one sense or another, I am slowly coming to terms with that. THIS helps, and you should read it, ALL OF IT. Read the comments, comment yourself and read the follow up HERE
I am a broken man, I have been unkind to my wife and unfair to my children. I have done this in "their" name. Believing the ends justify the means. I live with this knowing I am learning, making corrections and becoming the man I need to be. Pass the original post far and wide, look in the mirror. If you do not fix yourself, you can fix nothing.

Have fun, stay safe...
Jason

Semper Fi Devil Dog, 11/07/2010

You will be missed, you have had an impact on my life greater than you can imagine. RIP

Since this entire blog is pseudonym, I will only say this man was not my father, but as close as one could be to filling that role. For all my life a man of honor has been there, and now he is gone.

An Open Letter to Sheriff Paul Babeu

Attn: Sheriff Paul Babeu
With all of the current media reports and claims, why can we not bring together the Sheriff’s Department and citizens that want to be active? There are many people in the community that wish to take an active role in the establishment and security of their homes outside of a full time commitment. While I understand the department’s reluctance to endorse and support citizen patrols of the desert regions, this is done at a time that the Sheriff’s Office says “We find our deputies are being outgunned and clearly the violence has increased recently.” (From your site HERE) Has thought been given to providing training or guidelines to citizens that want to, need to, participate in their community and its defense? Many of those I have spoken with would appreciate a more open dialog. To paraphrase them, “if you lead, we will follow.” While some out there are looking for publicity and or attention, many more just want to help. If this means providing water, emotional, spiritual, moral, and in the extreme case tactical support; we will. But keep in mind that as you ask for donations to increase your departments arms supply, many citizens have the equipment, means, experience and desire; why can this not be utilized with the co-operation of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department? Money is the one thing many citizens do not have at this time. From another article on your site it states “What this incident does show is the lack of manpower in Pinal County. Deputy Puroll was alone and outgunned. There is one deputy for every one thousand citizens in Pinal Co., and Sheriff Babeu says it's time for some border help”.(Emphasis mine original article HERE) Having simple limits, background checks or requirements can filter out some of the negative traits of volunteers that may be frowned upon. Require a combination of prior Police/Military/EMS service and/or current AZ CCW, with an interview and/or background check provided by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department. I do realize that there is a liability to involving citizens; but claiming a lack of resources, and denying a major resource of your constituents and willing volunteers seems against your goal. If you feel you cannot endorse a group, any group, is there a way to set up a route to open the dialog and/or communication for persons who will participate independently? Thank you very much for taking the time to consider these questions as I know your time is very busy right now.

Jason XXXXX
Pinal County Resident

Revolutionary Suicide

Revolutionary Suicide

Huey P Newton is at first glance a polarizing and amazing man that has done more for the people of this country in about a 6 year period than most will in 2 lifetimes. Even though he was illiterate as a high school graduate, he argued and won criminal cases against him. Revolutionary Suicide has been out of print for a while, but it is back. While I do not agree with much of the Black Panthers politics, or their founders, I find their tactics bold and their methods pure. I use bold and pure on purpose. They argued that our rights, well specifically the "Black mans rights," were just as stated in the Declaration of Independence, endowed by our Creator. These could not be granted, or taken... simply they were our rights. They studied and obeyed the laws, while carrying shotguns dressed in black "uniforms", making sure others did the same. Pure and bold are the only to words I believe convey my feelings on that issue. I could not possibly in a few short words even hint at the impact the events of this story had on America and the world. Sadly due to either me being too excited to finally read a book I had been waiting years for, or because it really did just suck, I felt the book came up short, VERY short. The first 20% or so gives you a pretty good grasp of the mindset of Mr. Newton, at least bringing me up to the speed of his perceptions. Since I was not alive at that time, nor am I black, some of his descriptions were taken at face value as best as I could. The next 60% he came off as a narcissistic, megalomaniac that reminded me a lot of Alex Jones and his ilk. He would be in the middle of an amazing observation about humanity, then either retreat to quoting the most obscure text he could, or drop off topic to say it is the "white racist power structure" out to get him. Didn't matter if it was America, Africa, or Albania it was all the same New World Order (or in this case Old World Order) out to crush this one man. In the last 20% he narrates his 3 trials (same charges), his time in prison, and finally dismissal of charges. This was by far the most interesting part of the book. When he writes about finding himself in the darkness of solitary, of wanting more of it rather than give up an inch I finally saw what he brought out in people. Huey P Newton is some one I can never meet, will probably never agree with politically, and can never truly identify with...yet he inspires me to be a better man and I am for reading his book. There are certain parts I will have on my mind the day I reach my grave, and every day up til then. It might be strange after I just spent time telling you the majority of it is shit, but YOU should read this book, the story as they say must be told. Power to the People.

R.I.P. Huey, you have earned it.

Jason

III

P.S.- Yes the 10 point plan is f'd up, yes he had many short comings, yes his character was challenged and tarnished in later years. But does anyone give a rats ass trying to bring you down to tarnish all you have done? Even flawed he is still a better man than many I know today, that is not a stab at the people I know, but Huey P Newton was tested and he came out intact more times than most.

Gilbert Constitution Fair - AZ 2009

I spent Saturday evening out with my family at a local fair celebrating "Constitution Week." It is billed as the largest celebration of the Constitution in the country. I highly encourage EVERYONE to follow this link http://www.constitutionweekusa.com/ and either come out and join us next year or get your local community to organize one. The entire event is put on WITHOUT tax funds of any kind. Representatives from every kind of patriot you can imagine were present. Pocket Constitutions were everywhere, as were games and events to keep the kids involved and educated. (Including Guy Fawkes masks for the kid in all of us) The event was touching as an American, and sobering as father. You walked in through a touching tribute to EVERY Arizonan who has died in Iraq/Afghanistan, all of them a son, brother, father or mother. With actors re-enacting some great speeches of the time including a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and an amazing performance of Francis Scott Key, coming up with the "Star Spangled Banner." I was touched and renewed in my faith of the American people in ways I cannot explain, almost to the point of tears as I recall the evening. A truly memorable event.

Children sign the Declaration wall, Pledging "Our lives, our fortunes, our sacred honor" to liberty's ideas. A replica of the Liberty Bell was on display and was even rung. The evening ended with a fireworks display to Americana themed music played live by a full orchestra. I could not have been happier to be anywhere else, or with anyone else on this fantastic evening for a wonderful cause. The teaching of history, our history, and spreading the ideals of liberty. Please take a moment and remember those who came before us, and the prices they paid to give us a place that truly is the shining city Ronald Reagan spoke of. (Read a speech that is as relevant today as ever HERE) I wish I had taken more photos.

Jason
III

Attention Arizona

The AZCDL has been instrumental in passing positive gun legislation in OUR state. They need our help now. Please read the following document below:

Read Here

Then foward your comments to the leaders and your local reps

The Senate leadership consists of:

Senate President, Senator Robert “Bob” Burns

Majority Leader, Senator Chuck Gray

Majority Whip, Senator Pamela Gorman

President Pro Tempore, Senator Thayer Verschoor

Find your local House Rep here

Find your Arizona State Senator here

If not now, when?

Outside the "blogasphere"

Don't forget to check out the "examiners" daily
Anthony G. Martin
David Codrea
Kurt Hofmann
and they guys I don't read as much as I should.
Austin: Another Brady hallucination: More guns, more ‘gun violence’ (Part 1)
Charlotte: Phony gun groups, Part 3: 'American Hunters and Shooters Association'
Cleveland: News from the weekend illustrates futility of gun control schemes
DC: DC City Council enables residents’ easy access to mail order handgun carry permits!
Denver: Granny, get your gun
Los Angeles: Gun Control: the very first pig with lipstick on it.
Milwaukee: Time to change our attitude about guns
Minneapolis: The folly across the river

Keep em feed, help them spread the word

A New Era is Upon Us.

My suburban, stucco community held a business fair this weekend. I figured what the hell, I live in and am part of the community; and I own a business. I figured I would garner a few off glances and MAYBE meet someone of common interest. Holy shit was I wrong, I wanted to snap some photos this being my first official "business" outing, but no time was allotted. It was nice having a busy booth, and that was without having the ability to sell any product. I spent 2+ hours letting my neighbors know that:

• Guns are available locally.
• Unlike their previous home states, NO PERMITS are required.
• Where to shoot locally.
• Yes NEW shooters are welcomed customers, and YES I will teach you how to shoot and maintain your firearm. Whether you buy from me or not.
• I had a great day meeting my community, with an interested demographic from the future veterans, to those from WWII.

My throat is dry from talking so much, but I am feeling more positive with the local response to 2nd Amendment than I can say. I normally hate surprises, but this was a welcome one.

Hope every one has a great weekend,

Jason

Free Market Lessons

Not only was this a kick ass show, but the real stories can be even more intriguing. Here are some of the basics:

-November 6, 1868- Lakota and white leaders sign the Fort Laramie Treaty, requiring the U.S. government to protect Lakota lands from white intruders.

-1874- August - Gold in the "Black Hills"-Upon hearing the news, the government attempts to buy back the land from the Sioux Nation, but their offer is refused because the Black Hills, referred to by the Sioux as Paha Sapa, is considered holy land.

-1875- John B. Pearson discovers gold in Deadwood Creek and as word spreads quickly a mining camp is established.

-1876-A Miners' Court was established in August, to establish a provisional government in the city. (of the people by the people)

Now at this time everyone in the camp is an "outlaw" living in the wild territory. There has been little to no actual influence by the Federal government, and there is NO STATE. There is a booming support industry, saloons, prostitutes, laundry, medical care, newspaper etc... This is almost instantaneous as the miners start moving in.

Also in 1876-

The stagecoach arrives

Theatre came to camp

Platting of sidewalks begins

Smallpox hits the town, within 7 days and care center and treatment is established.

U.S. Congress repeals the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty- Tries to annex Deadwood.

During the annexation American government is busy at war with the Indians throughout the West and issues many declarations, most ignored by the citizens. There was no active threat of the gun from Uncle Sam. Somehow this muddy mountain mining town still manages to accomplish-

-The hanging of Jack McCall for the murder of Wild Bill Hickok.

-Education funds are raised and a School is built for the children, and residents.

-Cattle Ranching begins

-Local regulations are created for the "cleanliness of working girls"

-Telephone service begins in 1878.

-1888-The Chinese minority, mined, opened shops and laundries and worked as domestic servants in the white community. They developed a city within a city, electing their own mayor and council and founding independent police and fire departments.

-November 02, 1889 North Dakota (including Deadwood) becomes a State and finally has to start bowing to an ever increasing "State/Federal" presence.

Now I believe it could go without saying that Deadwood was at times a "take no shit, rough and tumble" town that had to be gritty, to say the least. My main point is that "outlaws," with little to no oversight, built a successful community outside the established law. Not only successful but advanced, extremely advanced taking into account their geography. Health care, news, transportation, and a variety of jobs were available, for the cost of the responsibility to do it well. The had telephone lines in 1878! Can people do the "right thing" without a Presidential platform telling them to? Yes we can.

Liberty, and the free market. Gotta love this country, especially when the story is as good as gold.

Jason

III

Freedom of the "Press"

I tried to run a print add in the local newspaper. For over 2 weeks I worked with the paper and their grapics department on that add. On the evening of "press time" I received the following after business hours:

Jason, I really regret to inform you that we pulled the ad at the last minute. We need to do more research on Gun advertising and decide upon our policies. Many newspapers do not advertise for guns. It did not make it past the final editor.

P****** S*******
Editor
****** Area *** **** Journal

Below is my response:

P*******,
I really wish this would have been presented in time for me to at least respond to some of your concerns. I am a local resident trying to start a business and provide a service for the community in which I live, nothing more. Without advertising that will be an even tougher accomplishment. I would like to cover a few things upfront:

• I chose a business name that was not hiding the products I sell


• I am approved and licensed by the County, State and Federal Governments to sell and transfer firearms. This is an official “business” not a hobby or personal collection, and is regulated as such with full over sight and approval of the BATFE, and PCSO.


• I rely as much on the First Amendment as you do to make my livelihood. I do that by promoting the Second.


• I fully comply with all regulations and laws in the transactions; I even made sure that was noted on the proposed add.


• “Many newspapers do not advertise for guns”- This is in reference to “classified ads” whose private sales are regulated by very different laws from city to city and state to state. Most newspapers I know of regularly take ads from “Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, and Big 5 Sporting Goods.” All which advertise sell and market firearms and shooting supplies.


• I feel very disappointed that I have lost an entire month of available advertising without any previous indication of a minuet problem in the past 2 plus weeks we have been discussing this.
  
  Please keep me informed of any changes positive or negative to my current issue so I can at least try to consider my options.
  
  Jason

I chose to leave the paper unnamed for now, giving them the chance to respond. I find this EXTREMELY poor taste for a "local" paper that relies on local businesses to shun me because I sell firearms. I live in a rural suburban area, complete with ranchers, cowboys and your average gun nut like myself. What really chaps me is that the was NO "concern" listed and no discussion over content of the add. I will post any replies that have have new information.

Jason

III

New "Kid" on the Block

"I can't help but believe that much goes by for which I am simply not educated enough to understand. Never the less, I will try to pass on to the reader the best I can find on topics of daily interest from those more educated in these matters than I am, and together we will try to sort the wheat from the chaff." -PolyKahr

Stumbled on his blog from the comments here

While he does not yet have a large number of postings I note 2 things:

1. Every blog has to start somewhere

2. This is the kinda cat that has life experience, and philosophy I could absorb like an fn'g sponge.

Check him out here

"True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing." - Socrates - Greek philosopher in Athens (469 BC - 399 BC)



Jason

III