Another one bites the dust….

Chicago City Council rescinds Chicago’s gun registry in place since 1968.  No, they didn’t do this joyously. They did to comply with the new Illinois state laws. Which they themselves were done in order to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision that Chicago was indeed infringing upon the civil rights of Americans.

Also interesting to note “Chicago’s homicide rate has declined 22 percent in the past year, according to the Police Department. There have been 295 homicides in Chicago this year, compared with 377 during the same period last year.”

Seriously, so since Chicago has been forced to open the door to civilian gun ownership, homicides had dropped over 20%.  But how do the city politicians refer to this progress?

““There’s no scenario where this makes the jobs of police easier.” Really, cause I would think 20% less homicide police reports being filed would be making their officers day jobs a LOT easier.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/11/us-usa-guns-chicago-idUSBRE98A15220130911

Chicago…toughening up while they still can

 

Chicago adds more guns to their banned list and raises fines.

http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-city-council-votes-toughen-assault-weapons-ban-162459443.html

Article states a big concern of residents is the closing of 50 public schools leading kids to have to cross gang lines.

In the news (summary)

• Parole Leads to Death
• How NYC Elections are Run
• Mandatory Gun Ownership
• Chicago Homicides Fall – but why?
• UN(american) Arms Treaty
• (Im)Probable Cause

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Early release “clerical error” leads to another murdered victim…

“Leon’s mother-in-law, Bernadette Alness, told KUSA that someone should “stand up and be accountable.””

I truly believe that if parole boards were responsible in someway for the crimes those they release committed. We’d have far less violent crime in this nation.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/02/justice/colorado-ebel-prison-records/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

Oops he didn’t have to serve his two sentence consectutively. Remind me, if I am ever sentenced. I want a 1 week sentence. Followed by whatever ever other sentence….because then I won’t have to serve it consecutively.  Seriously?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/apr/2/colorado-courts-face-review-after-mistakenly-setti/
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How New York elections are won…. “BRIBERY”

http://news.yahoo.com/two-charged-bribe-probe-related-york-mayors-race-124807777.html
(Remember, a scandal is nothing more than a politicians normal daily activities revealed to the public.)
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Mandotory Gun Checks – no, not background checks. 
But Nelson, Georgia has passed a law requiring that all its citizens be armed (or at least the heads of household).

http://news.yahoo.com/ga-city-council-votes-require-gun-ownership-003042709.html
[Note it bears no penalties, and exempts felons, handicapped (physical or mental), and anyone who objects.]

http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/02/us/georgia-gun-requirement/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

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Chicago homicides plumet (28% drop in the past six months)
http://news.yahoo.com/march-homicides-drop-dramatically-chicago-003154243.html

Question, is this due to?

a) When you’re as high as Chicago’s homicide rate, it’s hard to maintain that reputation consistently. Even Chicago’s gonna have a down quarter or two.

b) A change in how Chicago reports homicides… (“woman over there says it was a drive by,…mark it as a suicide recruit”)

c) McDonald vs Chicago – hey criminals, Chicago residents may be armed now…

d) Winter…burr…even the criminals stayed in doors this winter.
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UN(american) approves first global arms trade treaty

“first treaty on global arms trade that seeks to regulate the $70 billion international business in conventional arms, ranging from light weapons to battle tanks and warships.”

“The main reason the arms trade talks took place at all is that the United States, the world’s biggest arms trader, reversed U.S. policy on the issue after President Barack Obama was first elected and decided in 2009 to support a treaty.”

Yes, the election of President Obama does jeopardize our freedoms.

“Its specific language recognizes the “legitimate trade and lawful ownership, and use of certain conventional arms for recreational, cultural, historical and sporting activities.”

But not “self-defense”, no recognition of that right. The NRA is right to object to this treaty.

http://news.yahoo.com/u-n-overwhelmingly-approves-first-ever-global-arms-155542094.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/un-approves-global-arms-treaty/2013/04/02/66867b2e-9bb7-11e2-9bda-edd1a7fb557d_story.html

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Scroll down to the “Gun Laws Around the World” – there is NO PLACE like America.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/02/un-adopts-arms-treaty-global-weapons-trade_n_2999505.html#slide=1349562

 

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Improbable Cause

Couple growing some tomatoes and such using an indoor hydroponics system finds themselves the victim of a SWAT raid. Turns out the couple was already well vetted by the Federal government, having worked prior for the CIA and having undergone an extensive background check. 

“During the sweep, the court filing said, the Hartes were told they had been under surveillance for months, but the couple “know of no basis for conducting such surveillance nor do they believe such surveillance would have produced any facts supporting the issuance of a search warrant.””

Isn’t this ALWAYS the case with this “mis-raids”, the individuals are supposedly under surveillance for month.  Seriously HOW !@#$% DUMB ARE OUR POLICE GETTING IF THEY CAN SPEND MONTHS OBSERVING AND NOT GET IT RIGHT!!!!  I know some good officers, please tell me WHAT is going on in the police hiring these days that these are the results we’re seeing as of late.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/kansas-couple-indoor-gardening-prompted-pot-raid-18841347

That Constitution thing, yes, that historical document. Does it have ANY meaning at all today? Our government is sending SWAT teams without cause, Federal government is listening to all our phone calls, reading all of our emails. Okay with drone assasinations of U.S. citizens, apparently on U.S. soil before Senator Rand Paul raised a fuss.

 

 

911 – When seconds count Chicago is counting

How bad has it gotten in the gun control mecca of Chicago? Pretty bad…murders are so rampant that Chicago has basically said they’re no longer going to respond to non-serious calls.  What does non-serious entail?  vehicle theft, garage burglary or simple assault (guess it has to be complicated to get a police response).  You will now be transferred to the Alternative Response Section.

This will hopefully free up more police officers to take down police reports of murdered victims.

http://news.msn.com/us/chicago-police-no-longer-responding-to-all-911-calls

Honestly, if done for non-threat situations, this could be a smart move.  But it still shows the sad state of Chicago that it needs to be done. And “simple assault” should be worthy of a 911 call. As many murders are the results of simple assaults.

Gangs not Guns

Even Rahm Emmanuel is having to face the music….

“Emanuel puts the blame for the city’s recent eruption of violence on gangs. The city has adjusted its strategy to focus on gang violence”

This is at least a bit more realistic. But can I ask a simple question.  Why was the city not focused on gang violence? Seriously, if Chicago PD wasn’t focused on this, then every chief/department head needs to be fired ASAP.

So let’s be honest, you’ve been focused on gangs all along. You’re just failing…maybe you’ve decided to try some new tactics – about time!

And might I add, I fully support Rahm Emmanuel’s decision to focus on gangs and wish him luck. This is where the effort SHOULD be placed.

Chicago: The Pro-Gang City

Chicago, famed for being that great midwest bastion of 2nd Amendment civil liberties and self-defense; or rather famed for everything they can possibly do to oppose self-defense.

The usually reasons given for opposing firearm freedom is crime and gangs. But how does Chicago really feel about gangs?

EXHIBIT 1: Chicago’s new vehicle sticker

Please note the gang symbols being shown by the hands, not to mention it’s similarity to a heart symbol used by the same game. Yes, Chicago’s new vehicle sticker was filled with pro-gang innuendo. Almost makes you wonder who’s side that city is on anyways?

Article

Follow Sebastian and Bitter’s coverage of McDonald Case on Twitter

This is the case that could restore many of our 2nd Amendment rights.

http://twitter.com/SebastianSH

http://twitter.com/bitterb

McDonald vs Chicago (a.k.a. Alan Gura part II)

If you have not heard, Alan Gura, the lawyer who argued the case for Dick Heller in DC vs Heller will now be arguing for McDonald vs Chicago.  This case has the potential to a) defeat Chicago draconian and “unreasonable” gun ban, and b) garner incorporation of the 2nd Amendment. Which would require states to also acknowledge and adhere to the ideals of the 2nd Amendment.

Below is the press release by Alan Gura for the Second Amendment Foundation as well as some other relevant links.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that it will hear the case of McDonald v. City of Chicago, and decide whether the right to keep and bear arms secured by the Second Amendment protects Americans from overreaching state and local governments.

At issue is a 27-year-old Chicago law banning handguns, requiring the annual taxation of firearms, and otherwise interfering with the right of law-abiding individuals to keep guns at home for self-defense. The case was brought on behalf of four Chicago residents, the Second Amendment Foundation, and the Illinois State Rifle Association.

Last year, in the landmark case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to keep and bear arms. However, as that case concerned the actions of the District of Columbia government, a federal entity, the high court was not called upon to decide whether the right bound states and local governments. Over the years, almost the entire Bill of Rights has been held to apply to state and local governments by operation of the Fourteenth Amendment.

“The freedoms we enjoy as Americans are secured to us against violation by all levels of government,” noted Alan Gura, of Gura & Possessky, PLLC, lead counsel for the McDonald plaintiffs. “State and local politicians should be on notice: the Second Amendment is a normal part of the Bill of Rights, and it is coming to your town.”

Otis McDonald, a Chicago resident since 1952 who led the fight to integrate his union local in the 1960s and is a plaintiff in the case, welcomed the news.

“I am grateful the Supreme Court has agreed to hear this case,” McDonald said. “I now pray that the Court secures me and all other law-abiding citizens the right to defend ourselves and our families.”

SAF founder Alan Gottlieb said the case is of paramount importance to American citizens, to see that their constitutional rights are respected not only by the Congress, but by state and local governments.

“SAF was delighted to bring this case in cooperation with the Illinois State Rifle Association and the four local plaintiffs because a gun ban is no less onerous to civil rights in Chicago than it was in the District of Columbia,” Gottlieb observed. “Such a law cannot be allowed to stand unchallenged.”

Chicago attorney David Sigale commented, “The City of Chicago cannot take from millions of Americans the fundamental freedom of self-defense in one’s own home. We are confident the Court will stand on the side of the law-abiding citizens and the Bill of Rights.”

“We’re pleased to hear that the Supreme Court has decided to take a look at Chicago’s gun laws,” added ISRA President Don Moran. “In this time of economic uncertainty and increasing lawlessness, the good people of Chicago ought not have to choose between violating Chicago’s gun ban, and protecting themselves and their loved ones.”

The Chicago gun ban challenge will likely be among the most closely watched constitutional law cases in decades. At stake is not just the question of whether the Second Amendment secures the right to arms against state and local governments, but also the extent to which the Supreme Court preserves individual liberty against encroachment by state and local governments.

Oral argument will possibly be scheduled early this coming winter, with a decision expected by June 2010. Gura will argue the case on behalf of the McDonald plaintiffs.

More Info:

Second Amendment Foundation:  Press Release by Alan Gura
http://www.chicagoguncase.com/2009/09/30/press-release-supreme-court-to-hear-mcdonald-case/

U.S. Supreme Court docket
http://origin.www.supremecourtus.gov/docket/08-1521.htm

Wikipedia Article
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonald_v._Chicago

14 yr old fills in for short-staffed Chicago PD

About a month ago in the news was a report that a 14 yr old impersonated a police officer and walked the beat and did a full duty shift as a Chicago police officer.  At the time details were slim and they essentially said he wasn’t involved in any actions.

Well, apparently that was not the case. This video has more info:

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6688621

Here’s the thing, I remember reading that the kid wants to be a cop. Chicago has the worst crime stats in the nation. They need all the help they can get. So no wonder the officers let him work as one of them. *lol* From what it sounds like, he did a pretty darn good job too.

Apparently he spent the last month in detention and is now free on bail with a locator bracelet awaiting trial.  Frankly, I think the judge should drop all charges and mandate 400 hours of community service volunteering with the Chicago PD educational and informational services that go into schools and what not.

I mean, let’s be honest, if this kid’s dream is to be a police officer. And he’s watching the crime sky rocket in the city he loves. It’s understandable that he had a hard time sitting back and doing nothing. And instead decided to start making a difference serving and protecting his community.

😉

PS – Are any of us surprised at what happens or comes out of Chicago these days?

H.R. 45 introduced to Congress

H.R. 45 was introduced on January 6, 2009 by Representative Bobby Rush. [Any surprise that he is a Democrat from Illoinois?]

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:h.r.00045:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.45: (click Beginning)

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Bill would mandate:

– a national firearm license (photo, bio, fingerprint, firearms safe handling certificate & an open ended “any other subjects, as Attorney General determines to be appropriate”)

– access to mental health records

– fee not to exceed $25

– renewal needed

– no private sales of handguns or semi-autos

– establishes a gun registry (Federal record of sale system)

– limits loaning of firearm to 30 days maximum

– 72 hours to report loss or theft of firearm

– must report change of address within 60 days

– child controls, confusingly worded to mean either just punishment if something happens or could be interpreted if merely the owner “knows that a child is capable of gaining access to the firearm”.  Note, an exception is given for “only ones”.

– grants Attorney General indeterminate rights of regulation.

– grants Attorney General to conduct a spot inspection on dealers and manufacturers at anytime during business hours.

– grants Attorney General the right to prohibit sale OR transfer of any firearm. Essentially, allowing for the ban of weapons and preventing those from even being handed down from generation to generation.

– establish a firearm injury clearinghouse and conduct studies and maintain a record of all production and sales figures for each licensed manufacturer.

– all government levels excluded from these rules, fyi

– amendments of act to take place 1 year after date of enactment. (“Hey this is good, it gives us a year to max out our credit cards!”)

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Bobby Rush interesting fact “He is the only person ever to defeat President-elect Barack Obama in an election for any office.” (per Wikipedia, not Wikipedia also quotes him as calling Obama a fool)

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Frankly, I think we need a Constitutional Amendment that names cannot be attached to legislation. (ie: I don’t want to have to refer to a stupid law as “Blair Holt’s Handgun Licensing and Record Act).