President Obama's push to overhaul the nation's health care system has been sparking debate for months. But a new attack that emerged Saturday — from a gun-rights group — still managed to "surprise" the administration, according to communications director Dan Pfeiffer.
In this case, the surprise came just before the Senate's test vote on the health care bill Saturday night. A group called Gun Owners of America sent letters to all senators saying a vote for the bill was a vote against gun rights.
Pfeiffer put a post on the White House blog calling the claim "rather shocking."
But Erich Pratt, the group's communications director, says the big issues of the health care debate — such as costs and mandates — have left little room for discussion of other issues.
For one, Gun Owners of America challenges the idea of electronic health records. It says bad information from mental health records will infect the FBI's instant check database — causing interference when people want to buy firearms.
As Pratt put it: "Every medical record will be fed into a government medical database, which was created under the stimulus bill, and that information can be forwarded to the Brady background check system."
Not true, says Dr. David Blumenthal, who is in charge of the administration's initiative on electronic health records. "There is no such database and no plans to create one," he says.
Blumenthal says a unified database of medical records is far beyond the government's technology and budget.
Major Nidal Hasan, accused of killing 13 people at Fort Hood Army base, has been described by former colleagues as "psychotic." As more details emerge about Hasan's troubled state, gun safety advocates are launching fresh attacks on a Senate bill they say would make it easier for mentally unstable veterans to buy firearms.
Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.) says his "Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act" will protect veterans' gun rights. But the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence calls it a "dangerous" proposal that could allow "over 100,000 mentally incapacitated or incompetent persons" to buy guns—people who would previously have been barred from doing so by the Veterans Administration (VA).
(click on the link for the full story and for the in-text links)Major Nidal Hasan, accused of killing 13 people at Fort Hood Army base, has been... more
"In the absence of the warrior-protector, the only way that a government can protect a society is to remove the freedom of its people. And in such a society, the sons and daughters of Lions become sheep".
James Williams
Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho
James Williams is the President of Bugei Trading Company, Inc. He has been studying martial arts since 1960 and teaching since 1975. James has trained, competed in, and taught a number of different martial disciplines: Japanese, Okinawan, Chinese, Filippino, as well as the Brazilian system of Jujitsu as taught by Rorion and Royce Gracie. His experience includes western wrestling, which he also coached, as well as competing in boxing and kickboxing. His love of samurai martial traditions came with his study of the Yanagi ryu of the Yoshida han under Don Angier Sensei and the martial traditions of the Kuroda han as taught by Kuroda Tetsuzan Sensei. James also studied Daito ryu Roppokai with Okamoto Seigo sensei.
James also teaches Close Quarters Combat to police and military both foreign and domestic. The method used, "The System of Strategy," is based on those skills developed and cultivated by ancient warriors. He is the designer of the "Hissatsu," a close quarter battle knife that is produced by Columbia River Knife and Tool. James is certified as an instructor of Systema, an Ancient Russian Martial Art taught by Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev. Williams sensei teaches Nami Ryu Aiki Heiho, (kenjutsu, iaijutsu, tanto jutsu and aikijujutsu) and The System in Encinitas California.
"James Williams of Bugei Trading Company fame, treated the Blade Show attendees to a rare show of skill with the Japanese sword. We were all quite impressed by Mr. Williams' poise and presentation as he used both one and two handed cutting techniques to sever 4 inch and 5 inch bundles of Tatami (rice straw) mats. In particular, we enjoyed seeing Mr. Williams make multiple cuts in rapid secession and even sever falling mats in mid air. But perhaps the greatest exhibition of skill was the finale where Mr. Williams demonstrated how a highly killed swordsman could suddenly drop low to the ground to avoid an opponent's blow while simultaneously drawing and cutting with his own blade. Most impressive! While Bugei Trading is a fierce competitor of ours in the sword business, we never want to become so mean spirited that we can't recognize real skill and ability when we see it. We congratulate Mr. Williams on the fantastic demonstration we were privileged to watch and encourage all of our readers who love swords not to miss it next year!"
Lynn Thompson, Cold Steel Knives (read more testimonials)
Martial Arts Experience
• Wrestling at the high school and collegiate level
• Kenjutsu-Japanese sword art
• Iaijutsu-Samruai sword art
• Shorin ryu Okinawa-te
• Tanto jitsu-Samurai knife art
• Takwondo
• Hojojitsu-Samurai restraining art
• Judo
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Aikido
• Temple Tai Chi
• Arnis de Mano
• Hung Gar Kung Fu
• Boxing
• Kick-Boxing
• Tang Soo Do
• Aiki Jiu Jitsu-Samurai unarmed art
• Systema-Russian military art (certified in Russia)
Instructional Experience
• Coached wrestling - Jr. High and High School Level
• Taekwondo
• Tang Soo Do
• Coached Boxing and Kick Boxing
• Currently teaching
Kenjutsu
Iaijutsu
Aikijujutsu
Systema
Military combatives and knife defense
Police Arrest and Control and knife defense
• Teaching seminars and giving demonstrations throughout the United States &
Canada
• SureFire Institute Low Light and Combatives Instructor
Specialized Experience
• Employed as personal bodyguard
• State of California Concealed Weapons Course
• Current CPR qualified.
• Designer of the Hisstasu, a CQB/Anti-Terrorist knife being produced by
CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool).
Military Experience
• U.S. Army Infantry
• Military Police
• 6th Army Competitive Pistol Team
• Officer Candidate School Graduate
• California Post Certified Firearms Instructor
• Advanced Hostage Rescue Course graduate • SFI Low Light Instructor
Agencies and Personnel Taught: List incomplete
• Naval Special Warfare Combatives Instructors
• Law Enforcement SWAT agencies nation wide
• USAF Air Mobility Warfare C http://www.bugei.com/virtue.html"In the absence of the warrior-protector, the only way that a government can protect a... more
"President Obama's election victory sent weapon sales-and valuations of firearms producers
higher. Falling backlogs hint that sales are plunging.""President Obama's election victory sent weapon sales-and valuations of firearms... more
Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War is a collection of articles from magazines and newspapers that were written by the founder of the Firearms Coalition.
Neal Knox-The Gun Rights Wars was released on July 4, 2009 in celebration with the twenty-fifth anniversary of the founding of The Firearms Coalition. It honors Neal Knox who became the architect of the legislation that became the McClure-Volkmer Firearms Owners Protection Act that reformed parts of the 1968 Gun Control Act.Neal Knox: The Gun Rights War is a collection of articles from magazines and... more
Here’s good news for collectors of classic American military rifles. Over 100,000 M1 Garands and M1 Carbines are “returning home” from South Korea. The South Korean Defense Ministry recently announced plans to ship 86,000 Garands and 22,000 Carbines back to the United States for sale to American collectors. Originally made in the USA, these weapons were supplied by the US during the Korean and Vietnam war years.
Thankfully, South Korea’s plan to return the Garands and Carbines to the United States has received a “green light” from American officials. “The US government recently approved our plan to sell old M1 and carbine rifles, which were given to our soldiers as part of a US aid programme,” a ministry spokesman declared.
Most of the arms have been in storage at military warehouses, only occasionally used for drills by reserve forces. While South Korea plans to send back most of its M1 Garands, it intends to retain another 640,000 carbines for reserve units.
The 108,000 rifles set for return to America are collectively valued at over $108,000,000 (based on $1000.00 retail price per gun). Realistically, given the fact that CMP rack grade and service grade Garands sell for much less, we would hope many of these Korean returns would sell for quite a bit less than $1000.00. But, ultimately, supply and demand in the United States will dictate selling prices.Here’s good news for collectors of classic American military rifles. Over 100,000 M1... more
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court says it will take up a challenge to Chicago's ban on handguns, opening the way for a ruling that could set off a vigorous new campaign to roll back state and local gun controls across the nation.
Last year, the justices struck down a prohibition on handguns in the District of Columbia, a city with unique federal status, as a violation of the Second Amendment. Now the court will decide whether that ruling should apply to local and state laws as well.WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court says it will take up a challenge to Chicago's ban on... more
A tragic story that should remind everyone how important gun safety is.
An 8 year old boy in Vacaville California fatally shot and killed his 2 year old sister today.
This all took place in a beautiful suburban neigborhood, childrens father a military man in the reserves.
Police removed 6 guns from the home, though police do state there was a safe inside the home. reports ktvu.comA tragic story that should remind everyone how important gun safety is.
An 8 year... more
In Portsmouth, N.H., a man carrying a gun, William Kostric, joined an Aug. 11 health care protest. This was blocks away and hours before Mr. Obama's town-hall meeting in that city. Mr. Kostric was given permission to be on church property where the protest occurred and was not at the place the president visited. What most of the coverage left out was that Mr. Kostric didn't carry his gun only for the protest; he legally carries a gun with him all the time for protection.
While the media regularly used terms such as "hotheads" to mischaracterize the situation, the coverage ignored that union members who opposed the protest had attacked Mr. Kostric and a friend, kicking, pushing and spitting on them. Despite violence against him by Mr. Obama's supporters, Mr. Kostric did not draw his gun or threaten anyoneIn Portsmouth, N.H., a man carrying a gun, William Kostric, joined an Aug. 11 health... more
In Israel, where weapons permits are issued to those that need them, and are limited to a single weapon per person, there is no such thing as concealed carry.
Or open carry.
Weapons permits for private citizens are granted as Carry Permits.
So you can chose based on fashion, comfort, tactics, or personal preference how you want to carry your weapon. As long as you have your valid Carry Permit and ID on your person, you can legally carry just about anywhere in the country.
"I've carried my pistol openly in government offices, military installations, malls, supermarkets, sports arenas, and synagogues. I've even been to political functions and open carried with our current Prime Minister in the room."
Here [in the article] are a few pictures of what it's like in Israel.In Israel, where weapons permits are issued to those that need them, and are limited... more
Introduced in the Michigan House on August 11, 2009, the “Firearms Freedom Act” (HB-5232) seeks “to make certain findings regarding intrastate commerce; to prohibit federal regulation of firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition involved purely in intrastate commerce in [the State of Michigan]; to provide for certain exceptions to federal regulation; and to establish certain manufacturing requirements.”
The bill was authored by Rep. Phillip Pavlov and currently has 44 co-sponsors.
While the HB5232’s title focuses on federal gun regulations, it has far more to do with the 10th Amendment’s limit on the power of the federal government. It specifically states:
The regulation of intrastate commerce is vested in the states under amendments IX and X of the constitution of the United States, particularly if not expressly preempted by federal law. Congress has not expressly preempted state regulation of intrastate commerce pertaining to the manufacture on an intrastate basis of firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition.
Some supporters of the legislation say that a successful application of such a state-law would set a strong precedent and open the door for states to take their own positions on a wide range of activities that they see as not being authorized to the Federal Government by the Constitution.
Firearms Freedom Acts have already passed in both Montana and Tennessee, and have been introduced in a number of other states around the country. There’s been no lack of controversy surrounding them, either. The Tenth Amendment Center recently reported on the ATF’s position that such laws don’t matter:
The Federal Government, by way of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms expressed its own view of the Tenth Amendment this week when it issued an open letter to ‘all Tennessee Federal Firearms Licensees’ in which it denounced the opinion of Beavers and the Tennessee legislature. ATF assistant director Carson W. Carroll wrote that ‘Federal law supersedes the Act’, and thus the ATF considers it meaningless.
Constitutional historian Kevin R.C. Gutzman sees this as something far removed from the founders’ vision of constitutional government:
“Their view is that the states exist for the administrative convenience of the Federal Government, and so of course any conflict between state and federal policy must be resolved in favor of the latter.”
“This is another way of saying that the Tenth Amendment is not binding on the Federal Government. Of course, that amounts to saying that federal officials have decided to ignore the Constitution when it doesn’t suit them.”Introduced in the Michigan House on August 11, 2009, the “Firearms Freedom Act”... more
Introduced in the Michigan House on August 11, 2009, the “Firearms Freedom Act” (HB-5232) seeks “to make certain findings regarding intrastate commerce; to prohibit federal regulation of firearms, firearms accessories, and ammunition involved purely in intrastate commerce in [the State of Michigan]; to provide for certain exceptions to federal regulation; and to establish certain manufacturing requirements."Introduced in the Michigan House on August 11, 2009, the “Firearms Freedom Act”... more
Militias are the on the rise. Is this a sign of a brewing American extremism or a new era of American patriotism?Militias are the on the rise. Is this a sign of a brewing American extremism or a new... more
Yesterday, Brian Aitken appeared on “Freedom Watch” on FOX News to discuss his unconstitutional arrest and indictment with Judge Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court Judge.
Mr. Aitken, a 25 year old resident of New Jersey, was arrested for what the State of New Jersey has called “illegal possession of unregistered firearms” on January 2, 2009. According to all verifiable sources, it appears Mr. Aitken was abiding by the law and even went so far as to seek the advice of New Jersey State Police before being arrested for doing what he was told—even though State and Federal laws protect his right to possess and transport his legally owned firearms.
Surprisingly, Mr. Aitken has received no local or national media attention until recently; understandable when one considers the local media has had their hands full with the recent New Jersey Corruption Sting—which resulted in the arrest of mayors, state lawmakers, and other public officials.
Mr. Aitkens first national appearance began with Judge Napolitano saying, ““I am happy to meet you because you are a lover of freedom, and a defender of freedom, although your rights in the Garden State have not been upheld by the judicial system.”
The interview was most notable due to the Judges’ personal and professional connection to New Jersey. Judge Napolitano spent his career as a lawyer and Superior Court Judge in the same state that is trying to lock up Mr. Aitken for obeying the law. Add in the 11 years Judge Napolitano spent as a constitutional law professor at Seton Hall University and it’s difficult to imagine anyone could know the New Jersey State Law better than him. “Jersey is not a gun-friendly state,” said Judge Napolitano, “I can tell you as a former life tenured judge in that State, [New Jersey] is not a friend of the Second Amendment.”
Judge Napolitanos’ expert opinion? “They were legally possessed… I’m 100% on your [Brian Aitkens’] side.”Yesterday, Brian Aitken appeared on “Freedom Watch” on FOX News to discuss his... more
Two young children have been shot by their siblings in the space of 24 hours in the United States.
In Las Vegas, a two-year-old girl was in a critical condition after being shot by her four-year-old brother at their home, police said.
In South Carolina, a four-year-old boy was shot in the stomach by his three-year-old brother after the little boy found a gun.Two young children have been shot by their siblings in the space of 24 hours in the... more
Gun rights advocates scored a victory Thursday as the House Financial Services Committee adopted an amendment to allow guns in public housing projects.
The amendment, by Tom Price , R‑Ga., would bar any housing authority from restricting legal ownership of guns. It was adopted, 38-31, as the committee continued its markup of a housing bill (HR 3045) that the panel is expected to approve next week.
“Seniors and other individuals have the right to protect themselves,” said Joe Baca of California, one of 13 Democrats who voted for the amendment. “Those guns would be registered, and those individuals have a right, in public housing or any other place, to protect themselves.”
While the Department of Housing and Urban Development does not have a specific policy concerning guns in public housing, several local agencies have banned them in an effort to reduce violent crime in housing projects. Major urban centers began to adopt gun bans in the 1990s, and advocates of such steps argue that the bans have improved the safety of public housing.
“There was a time during the ’70s and ’80s when public housing developments were considered killing grounds,” said Emanuel Cleaver II , D-Mo., who grew up in public housing. “It is just foolhardy to place guns in developments of poor people, many of whom are unemployed, and place these guns around children. . . . Why would we try to put guns in the most densely populated areas in the urban core? It’s just unbelievable.”
Only two Republicans — Peter T. King of New York and Michael N. Castle of Delaware — voted against the amendment.Gun rights advocates scored a victory Thursday as the House Financial Services... more
CAMP CROWDER, Mo. -- It isn't easy being an insurgent in Neosho, Mo.
The long hours. The blistering heat. And, of course, constantly having to come up with new ways of haassing the Missouri National Guardsmen training in the area.
Such was the case for several members of the headquarters detachment of the 229th Multifunctional Medical Battalion.
During the battalion's annual training exercise, eight members of the Jefferson City-based unit, acting as a fictitious militant group, attempted to disrupt the battalion's operations through attacks and harassment. The battalion's other two units, the Kansas City-based 205th Area Support Medical Company, and the Springfieldbased 206th Area Support Medical Company, fended off the attacks while performing their medical duties.
Generally, the "militants" came in groups of two to four, said Capt. Joseph Schmitz, a member of the insurgent group. Because the training exercise was geared more toward the units' medical duties, the attacks were rarely intense, and the militants gave up easily.
"If they shot at us at all, we were pretty happy with that," he said.
Simulating an insurgent group involves a fair amount of acting. During a late-night scenario, Schmitz played a local townsperson with a minor shoulder injury. While waiting to be treated, Schmitz addressed everyone who passed him as "GI," and spoke in broken English -- phrases such as "You want I help, GI?" and "I am not fighter."
On the last evening of the exercise, the militants ramped up their attacks.CAMP CROWDER, Mo. -- It isn't easy being an insurgent in Neosho, Mo.
The long... more
