Perhaps it is time for a proposition on the City ballot barring spending of any city funds on construction or promotion of any new tunnel construction within Seattle city limits, or the solicitation of funds for such project(s) from any other person or organization for a period of thirty years.
If a tunnel floods or collapses (see Big Dig) there is no realistic escape or rapid access by emergency workers - odds are you will drown or suffocate in the dark, if you survive the immediate disaster. Tunnels are not good in an earthquake prone region, and with Seattle waiting for the "big one", a large heavily used tunnel is merely a ticking bomb.
Reduced throughput on the proposed tunnel will result in increased congestion on both I-5 and Downtown streets, and a shift of city employers to regions less difficult for workers and vendors to access (and which most often offer lower rents and facility costs).
Eliminating downtown exits in a tunnel solution further drives heavy traffic onto surface streets in the downtown via surface access both north and south of the downtown core - both heavy diesel and passenger vehicles added to a downtown mix already perilously close to gridlock for hours each day. Those much bemoaned vehicles transport the people (customers and workers), supplies (from garlic bulbs to the Pike Place Market to construction and industrial materials), and products in and out of SODO and the Downtown core...and will be off-loaded onto surface streets.
Cost is also a factor, particularly in a rapidly darkening economy as tax revenues shrink for both the city and state as personal revenues and property values dive for individuals, as jobs vanish and unemployment costs soar.
Digging up Second Ave for five or ten years is unlkely to improve the fiscal situation of Seattle or the State.
Historically, tunnels double, triple, and quadruple initial cost estimates - cost estimates that we already cannot afford and a fiscally stretched federal government is deeply unlikely to cover.
If the Big One comes, the current Viaduct will likely collapse, necessitating repair or replacement - preferably well before the Big One arrives.
The Viaduct replacement (as we are assured the current structure is flawed beyond recovery) needs to address the concerns above, and facilitate either current or greater traffic flow at the lowest possible cost while ensuring equal or greater access to Downtown, Belltown, and SODO.
The Mayor and Governors "Nickels Tantrum Concession" proposal is built of large gelatinous blocks of fail, and as such, needs to be shot down ASAP before the funding and idiocy begins.
Let the filing of propositions barring tunnels, lobbying of the legislature, and general political mayhem resisting this boondoggle begin.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Lasagne - a winter treat
This lasagna recipe cheats a bit, but works for me - and it knocks down cook time to around 5 hours (and that can be hurried a bit by using the big jar of chopped garlic and a food processor)...and it's a WINTER recipe - the notion of a hot stove for many hours in summer heat lacks charm, and doesn't do a single good thing for the a/c bill.
1-1/2 c Olive Oil
1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Bison
1 Onion, Finely Chopped (1/8” or less)
3 Bulbs (not cloves) Garlic, Finely Chopped
2 cans, 28 Oz ea. Crushed Tomatoes
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Sauce
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Paste
Tabasco Sauce
Chili Powder
3 tsp Basil
3 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
15-25 Lasagne Noodles (Depends on your pan)
1 container (15 Oz.) Ricotta Cheese
½ c. Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1 to 1 ½ c. Freshly Minced Parsely
1 egg
1 ½ lbs Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If Italian Sausage is fresh, freeze it. Once frozen, take out and slice each sausage twice lengthwise, quartering it along the length of the sausage. Cut each quarter in ¼” thick slices, and place in bowl.
Heat Olive Oil (I prefer Extra Virgin) in large wide saucepan; add the ground beef (or bison), the Italian sausage, half the onion, and half the garlic. Saute, stirring regularly, until the meat browns (10-12 minutes)…should have a strong onion – garlic scent.
Once the meat is browned, transfer contents to a 6+ quart kettle, place on a low to medium heat, and add the crushed tomato’s, the tomato sauce, and the tomato paste. Stir well. Now add the basil, oregano, and ½ of the remaining garlic and onions. Add 4 shakes of Tabasco, a handful of chili powder, and salt and pepper. Stir THOROUGHLY and taste. Add spices as needed.
Remember, with this sauce if you can’t see the spices, you’re doing something wrong. Simmer for 3-4 hours over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Add remaining onion and garlic as needed – feel free to mince and add more if you believe it will help.
Finely mince fresh parsley (leaf only, leave the stems for the rabbits) until you have about a cup to a cup and a half of the stuff. Toss into a clean large bowl with the ricotta, the egg, and the parmesan. Beat mixture together, cover, and place in the refrigerator.
Cook lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water (I usually add a good dose of olive oil to keep them from sticking to each other) until ready. Rinse in cold water until you don’t see the oil coming off them anymore.
Heat oven to 350F and select a deep baking dish or pan 8x13 or larger. Add enough of the sauce to thinly cover the bottom of the pan. Lay down your irst layer of noodles on top of the sauce. Dot the noodles with the ricotta mixture, splash liberally with the red sauce, and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella across the top. Repeat this process as needed till the next to last layer of noodles. Add all remaining ricotta mixture, cover thoroughly with sauce and Mozzarella, add a final layer of noodles, cover with sauce, then thoroughly cover with Mozzarella (you shouldn’t be able to see the sauce).
Bake lasagna for 45-50 minutes in your pre-heated 350F oven. The top should be a golden brown when completed.
ENJOY!
GayCynic’s Lasagna
1-1/2 c Olive Oil
1 lb Lean Ground Beef or Bison
1 Onion, Finely Chopped (1/8” or less)
3 Bulbs (not cloves) Garlic, Finely Chopped
2 cans, 28 Oz ea. Crushed Tomatoes
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Sauce
1 can, 8 Oz. Tomato Paste
Tabasco Sauce
Chili Powder
3 tsp Basil
3 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Pepper
15-25 Lasagne Noodles (Depends on your pan)
1 container (15 Oz.) Ricotta Cheese
½ c. Grated Fresh Parmesan Cheese
1 to 1 ½ c. Freshly Minced Parsely
1 egg
1 ½ lbs Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
If Italian Sausage is fresh, freeze it. Once frozen, take out and slice each sausage twice lengthwise, quartering it along the length of the sausage. Cut each quarter in ¼” thick slices, and place in bowl.
Heat Olive Oil (I prefer Extra Virgin) in large wide saucepan; add the ground beef (or bison), the Italian sausage, half the onion, and half the garlic. Saute, stirring regularly, until the meat browns (10-12 minutes)…should have a strong onion – garlic scent.
Once the meat is browned, transfer contents to a 6+ quart kettle, place on a low to medium heat, and add the crushed tomato’s, the tomato sauce, and the tomato paste. Stir well. Now add the basil, oregano, and ½ of the remaining garlic and onions. Add 4 shakes of Tabasco, a handful of chili powder, and salt and pepper. Stir THOROUGHLY and taste. Add spices as needed.
Remember, with this sauce if you can’t see the spices, you’re doing something wrong. Simmer for 3-4 hours over a low heat, stirring occasionally. Add remaining onion and garlic as needed – feel free to mince and add more if you believe it will help.
Finely mince fresh parsley (leaf only, leave the stems for the rabbits) until you have about a cup to a cup and a half of the stuff. Toss into a clean large bowl with the ricotta, the egg, and the parmesan. Beat mixture together, cover, and place in the refrigerator.
Cook lasagna noodles in plenty of salted boiling water (I usually add a good dose of olive oil to keep them from sticking to each other) until ready. Rinse in cold water until you don’t see the oil coming off them anymore.
Heat oven to 350F and select a deep baking dish or pan 8x13 or larger. Add enough of the sauce to thinly cover the bottom of the pan. Lay down your irst layer of noodles on top of the sauce. Dot the noodles with the ricotta mixture, splash liberally with the red sauce, and sprinkle a layer of mozzarella across the top. Repeat this process as needed till the next to last layer of noodles. Add all remaining ricotta mixture, cover thoroughly with sauce and Mozzarella, add a final layer of noodles, cover with sauce, then thoroughly cover with Mozzarella (you shouldn’t be able to see the sauce).
Bake lasagna for 45-50 minutes in your pre-heated 350F oven. The top should be a golden brown when completed.
ENJOY!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Less than Original Post
To my way of thinking nearly all ATF agents should be arrested for violation of 18 USC 242. But I don't expect that to happen for at least another, like, million years or so. But there is one less ATF agent in the field today which has to be a good thing:
A U.S. federal agent has been charged with second-degree murder in the alleged 2008 shooting of his neighbor in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Justice officials say they arrested Agent William Clark with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He also was charged with involuntary manslaughter and using a dangerous weapon during a violent crime."
The above is from View From NW Idaho, and since it seems to cause ATF types to meditate upon it rather than doing something more deleterious with their time, I tend to favor duplication.
I would suggest that most law enforcement agencies could be divided into two broad categories - true officers of the peace, striving to reduce the amount of strife and misery in the world by utilizing various and sundry laws and mechanisms to separate the predators out of the herd who generally have my respect and support. And the ninnies with badges and guns (that should be deprived of the first and retrained in the second) who focus on offenses of possession, and largely have my contempt.
The ATF, not surprisingly, strikes me as the dregs of enforcement agencies - that outside of their arson and explosive expertise, have little if anything of worth to offer the world, and should likely be reduced to solely those functions.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
THR Update II
BayouRenaissanceMan rather skilfully dissects recent events regarding TheHighRoad turmoil over on his blog. Please, please, read this dissertation - both as an update regarding the specifics of the THR situation, but just as much as an instructive case study regarding why seemingly trivial things (the THR was originally a bunch of folks in "some configuration", afaik, gathering to save a beloved forum - and the effort grew) really should be VERY CAREFULLY documented, often contractually, really early on.
My own opinion at third remove, having followed this as best I can, is that a theft has occurred of the domain and related assets - and that though I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, it is my belief that both criminal and civil liability were created thereby. Your mileage may vary.
It is my belief after reading BYM's analysis that what I view as a theft is sufficiently offensive as to justify a certain level of, shall we say, enthusiasm. I know that I, having read BYM's latest piece and other viewpoints, would have grave reservations having any business association with an individual or group of individuals such as hold the THR domain and servers (again, simply my take, your mileage may vary). Not being an attorney, I cannot comment with any certainty on relevant law, but as a private invidividual...were Zeanah (and, depending on the applicability of the statute du jour) his merry band arrested for some variant of grand larceny...I would find serious difficulty in having much sympathy for them, and in resisting the urge to send a box of bon bon's for work well done unto the arresting officers (were I assured that local infernal affairs regulations would not relegate fine bon bons to waste basket status or "confiscation to prevent undue influence" aka "internal affairs snack time").
While I suspect it is futile, I hope that this matter is resolved to Mr. Volk's satisfaction at the earliest possible moment.
GC
My own opinion at third remove, having followed this as best I can, is that a theft has occurred of the domain and related assets - and that though I am not a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, it is my belief that both criminal and civil liability were created thereby. Your mileage may vary.
It is my belief after reading BYM's analysis that what I view as a theft is sufficiently offensive as to justify a certain level of, shall we say, enthusiasm. I know that I, having read BYM's latest piece and other viewpoints, would have grave reservations having any business association with an individual or group of individuals such as hold the THR domain and servers (again, simply my take, your mileage may vary). Not being an attorney, I cannot comment with any certainty on relevant law, but as a private invidividual...were Zeanah (and, depending on the applicability of the statute du jour) his merry band arrested for some variant of grand larceny...I would find serious difficulty in having much sympathy for them, and in resisting the urge to send a box of bon bon's for work well done unto the arresting officers (were I assured that local infernal affairs regulations would not relegate fine bon bons to waste basket status or "confiscation to prevent undue influence" aka "internal affairs snack time").
While I suspect it is futile, I hope that this matter is resolved to Mr. Volk's satisfaction at the earliest possible moment.
GC
Seattle Snow, Tar, Feathers
Seattle and its environs...do snow differently, under the absolute best of circumstances. That needs to be understood to really wrap ones head around the bitterness and grim anger that most Seattleites feel towards their dysfunctional Mayor and such other failed leaders as poke their heads above the edge of the political trench.
To start out, we have topography to deal with. Rome was built on seven hills; Seattle was built on seven cliffs with seven gaping chasms between them. While, over the years, having burnt the city down once we washed a fair portion of the cliffs into the Sound and filled in most of the more spectacular chasms and tide flats...local topography rivals that of San Francisco. Steep, semi-vertical hills with level spots surrounded by merely steep long hills, with gorgeous lakes dotted here and there throughout. As a sidelight, ur industrial district is built on a firm foundation of sawmill waste and municipal garbage, and geologists tell us that when the next "big one" comes, it has all the stability of a well shaken bowl of jello - upon which chemical plants and heavy industry stand.
Improving the situation further, the urban Seattleite sees snow once every 4-5 years, and that only a dusting of an inch or so that lasts maybe three days - outside of ski expeditions on well-groomed roads up to lodges in local mountains and up at Whistler. The city panics, people run into utility poles and each other, we tip over a bus or three and a day or two later it's all over with bare roads and the usual rain and blustery conditions. Even those who grew up with snow lose skills quickly (lack of practice) and join the panic...even as they poke fun at it - after all, no matter how good YOU are...there are all those unskilled idiots out there.
Still, we have a basic expectation of our leaders. Roads that work, and garbage pick-up. We get cranky when deprived of these, particularly when it appears due to massive incompetence.
Some years ago we voted out a Mayor on discovering he'd sold all but three snowplows...the year we got a major snow dump. Perhaps 8" as I recall, and that was gone within a week.
The picture begins to shape up. This year Seattle, in the weeks before Christmas (prime revenue for retail, and in our sales'n'property tax based state, local and state gov't) got about 18" spread in three doses over hills comparable to those of San Francisco with drivers for whom snow is largely foreign concept. Add to this a dysfunctional city policy of plowing only major arterials, and those only to create compact snow and ice, and the fun begins.
Dead and ditched 4wd's all over the place, lesser vehicles scattered randomly, chained vehicles grinding through and throwing more sparks than an angle grinder on speed, busses stalled or sliding sideways towards Elliot Bay for the great bus bath...
Made for an interesting time. And through all this merry fun....our Mayor was invisible, emerging only at the end to give city response a grade of...wait for it....a "B".
I have a lovely selection of torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers, and recall petitions just down the way.....
To start out, we have topography to deal with. Rome was built on seven hills; Seattle was built on seven cliffs with seven gaping chasms between them. While, over the years, having burnt the city down once we washed a fair portion of the cliffs into the Sound and filled in most of the more spectacular chasms and tide flats...local topography rivals that of San Francisco. Steep, semi-vertical hills with level spots surrounded by merely steep long hills, with gorgeous lakes dotted here and there throughout. As a sidelight, ur industrial district is built on a firm foundation of sawmill waste and municipal garbage, and geologists tell us that when the next "big one" comes, it has all the stability of a well shaken bowl of jello - upon which chemical plants and heavy industry stand.
Improving the situation further, the urban Seattleite sees snow once every 4-5 years, and that only a dusting of an inch or so that lasts maybe three days - outside of ski expeditions on well-groomed roads up to lodges in local mountains and up at Whistler. The city panics, people run into utility poles and each other, we tip over a bus or three and a day or two later it's all over with bare roads and the usual rain and blustery conditions. Even those who grew up with snow lose skills quickly (lack of practice) and join the panic...even as they poke fun at it - after all, no matter how good YOU are...there are all those unskilled idiots out there.
Still, we have a basic expectation of our leaders. Roads that work, and garbage pick-up. We get cranky when deprived of these, particularly when it appears due to massive incompetence.
Some years ago we voted out a Mayor on discovering he'd sold all but three snowplows...the year we got a major snow dump. Perhaps 8" as I recall, and that was gone within a week.
The picture begins to shape up. This year Seattle, in the weeks before Christmas (prime revenue for retail, and in our sales'n'property tax based state, local and state gov't) got about 18" spread in three doses over hills comparable to those of San Francisco with drivers for whom snow is largely foreign concept. Add to this a dysfunctional city policy of plowing only major arterials, and those only to create compact snow and ice, and the fun begins.
Dead and ditched 4wd's all over the place, lesser vehicles scattered randomly, chained vehicles grinding through and throwing more sparks than an angle grinder on speed, busses stalled or sliding sideways towards Elliot Bay for the great bus bath...
Made for an interesting time. And through all this merry fun....our Mayor was invisible, emerging only at the end to give city response a grade of...wait for it....a "B".
I have a lovely selection of torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers, and recall petitions just down the way.....
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Nickels Follies, An Update
- Snow. After nearly two weeks of 18+ inches of snow on a non-snow city operating on a plan of "gee, if vehicles with chains or 4x4 can maneuver the compacted snow'n'ice of what used to be considered roads, it's all good" with salt declared "environmentally bad" and plow blades with rubber edges (lest the roads be wounded), even as side streets remain unplowed and various business districts are effectively considered expendable. Local Transit (Metro) routes were cut by more than half, interestingly enough, post event Metro heads complain the Mayors office refused to take their calls. Mayor Nickels gives city response a "B" grade. Excellent article on the aftermath by Seattle P-I's Joel Connelly.
- Increasingly globular Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels tells us he's not trying to make life inconvenient for Seattleites...a hint that it just comes naturally to him. A partial list of his more spectacularly foolish moments includes:
- In June 2008, in blatant defiance of state law, Nickels proposed to ban the lawful carry and possession of firearms in all city buildings, parks, and facilities - claiming that the Pre-emption Clause barring this very thing only applied to statutes and ordinances passed by political bodies subordinate to the Washington State Legislature, claiming acts by adminstrative fiat (Mayoral temper tantrum) were somehow outside the statute.
- In November of 2008, Nickels (in the face of a formal legal opinion from WA Attorney General Rob McKenna stating in painful detail that mayoral temper tantrums were not exempt from state law) claimed he would go ahead with his shiny new gun ban, as he needed "clarification" of the AG opinion.
- In the midst of "challenging financial times" Nickels is ram-rodding through the City Council a plan to ban foam containers at restaurants and grocery stores, and impose a 20-cent fee for each disposable paper and plastic bag used in the checkout line at all grocery, convenience and drugstores - with plastic containers/implements/etc banned in July of 2010. In a display of solidarity with less well-off residents that use grocery bags as garbage can liners rather than paying for "extra special" designated baggage, Nickels in an interview said "If you use grocery bags to line your trash can, Nickels says, "that's great, 20-cents."
- After various questionable efforts, Nickels managed to lose Seattle its' pro basketball franchise - the Sonics - for a return of not quite zilch. Good going there, Nickels. Bet those fans will love you come the next elections.
- In 2006, the Seattle Weekly reported Nickels diversion of funds earmarked for the Film & Music Office (the kids supposed to be luring big money film productions to town for fun & profit) to support his passion for smooth jazz.
- At the same time, in 2006, the Seattle Times reports Nickels pushed an adult entertainment ordinance so noxious that even do-gooding sorts voted to repeal it in a local referendum.
- Nickels kept a police chief that can't even keep track of his own gun, one Gil Kerlikowske, who doubles as Nickels puppet-in-chief for gun control in Olympia each legislative session, even after a vote of no confidence in said "chief" from the Seattle Police Guild.
- Nickels has achieved what few Seattle mayors have - designation by local media as a megalomaniac.
- Nickels cronies in the Parks Department, in a triumph of symbolism over sanity decided to take down a long time Seattle tradition, in a sop thrown to "global warming" - beach fires at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens city parks while a factory burns tires for fuel a short distance away. At least until public outcry forced a Parks Department climb down...
- And then there's that loony notion, "car-free" days on local roads - trapping local residents or barring them from their homes if they have the temerity to make an appointment or try to come home during the "forbidden hours".
- Under Nickels, a group of bicycle riding hooligans once a month magically ride above the law, engaging in random property damage and - most recently - assault.
- Nickels, frustrated that the rest of the state won't buy into his delusions, suggested on 4/18 that the Seattle/TriCounty (King/Pierce/Snohomish County) area secede from the rest of the state.
Where've I been....
Well.
After the hearing down at City Hall, things got a bit busy. Between (for Seattle, more of which later) incompetently handled major snowfall, the holidays, doing a full-scale Christmas dinner, and fending off the edges of a cold...I've been a bit busy.
But I'm back, and with plenty of cranky cynicism, one hopes. Will report on Christmas, snow, and holidays shortly.
GC
After the hearing down at City Hall, things got a bit busy. Between (for Seattle, more of which later) incompetently handled major snowfall, the holidays, doing a full-scale Christmas dinner, and fending off the edges of a cold...I've been a bit busy.
But I'm back, and with plenty of cranky cynicism, one hopes. Will report on Christmas, snow, and holidays shortly.
GC
Ricin Poisoning Alert
11 Gay bars in Seattle have rec'd letters indicating that at least 5 patrons would be poisoned at each of them. Case has been forwarded to the FBI. - KOMOTV4 1/6/09 2300 Seattle, Seattle Times 1/7/09
No suspects yet, no knowledge of whether individual/group/bigots/political intimidation. More a heads up, than anything. Guard your drinks, go back to the old GHB protocol - "if it's been out of your and or out of your sight, it's undrinkable - whether it's a gin'n'tonic or a diet coke." If you suddenly start experiencing symptoms that fit the Ricin profile, visit your favorite ER immediately, and perhaps mention the risk factor.
In other reports of this incident the poison in question is, Ricin (generally bad/toxic stuff) derived from Castor beans - toxic if inhaled or ingested, but a non-contagious agent. From our friends at that fount of toxic & infections, the Centers for Disease Control, a data sheet exists here.
Prudence would indicate, barring proof to the contrary, that this may affect other cities as well - better to be a little cautious than start counting bodies.
Please pass this along.
No suspects yet, no knowledge of whether individual/group/bigots/political intimidation. More a heads up, than anything. Guard your drinks, go back to the old GHB protocol - "if it's been out of your and or out of your sight, it's undrinkable - whether it's a gin'n'tonic or a diet coke." If you suddenly start experiencing symptoms that fit the Ricin profile, visit your favorite ER immediately, and perhaps mention the risk factor.
In other reports of this incident the poison in question is, Ricin (generally bad/toxic stuff) derived from Castor beans - toxic if inhaled or ingested, but a non-contagious agent. From our friends at that fount of toxic & infections, the Centers for Disease Control, a data sheet exists here.
Prudence would indicate, barring proof to the contrary, that this may affect other cities as well - better to be a little cautious than start counting bodies.
Please pass this along.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Nickels Gun Ban Hearing Report
The hearing Monday night went about as well as it could have, all things
considered. About 200 (my est., hard numbers not avail yet) showed at a
ratio of 80/20 (again, an approximation) in favor of the Pro2A. It is
presently anticipated that Nickels, charming soul that he is, will
continue down his course of Chicago-esque rule by Mayoral fiat, however
it appears that the press picked up on the theme and the lopsided
numbers in the testimony. I am guessing somewhere between two and five
lawsuits will be filed within a week of formal enactment of the Nickels Ban.
I suspect weather (we're not USED to cold/snow/ice here) deterred many
as temps were below freezing, and many folks in steeper neighborhoods
faced sheets of ice claiming to be roads between their homes/businesses
and main thoroughfares.
We had a fair number of good speakers on the 2A side, with only a few
wince-inducing moments. The opposition, predictably, focused more on
"disarming y'all makes me FEEEEEL safer, never mind logic/numbers" while
our side was more "facts'n'logic" based.
Present were members of the JPFO, leadership of the Second Amendment
Foundation (including Alan Gottleib), recognized NW firearms luminary
Joe Waldron (of SAF), a fair number of folks from the new Citizens for
the 2nd Amendment group, and many MANY others. Probably one of the high
points of the evening was one gentleman from the C2A group that
presented a comparison graphic of the number of shall-issue states in
1986 vs 2006 - good strong visual there.
My testimony may be found at nwfreethinker.blogspot.com .... and in a
couple of days the entire hearing will be available for your viewing
pleasure at www.seattle.gov ...
Regarding the suggestion elsewhere I move to Wyoming/Idaho/Montana - I have
practical reasons and familial obligations leading me to remain in
Seattle despite any other considerations. Additionally, I just escaped
back from California a couple of years ago where the taxes, gun laws,
and regulation generally are all much more oppressive than things in
Washington.
Barring things falling further apart up here, in WA we really have a
pretty good deal when it comes to gun issues, and the Eastern half of
the state (and the Western, outside of urbania) is fairly pro-gun and
tends to serve as a drag on anti-gun measures, and liberal notions
generally (which is not *always* a good thing, but in general a net
benefit - balance is good). And when it comes down to it, I *like*
Seattle....it's the elected ninnyhammers that annoy me.
This bit with Nickels and his ban is a sufficiently substantial
annoyance to drag me kicking and screaming back into activism at a level
beyond my preferred letter-writing and the occasional bit of mentoring.
In any instance...not a bad evenings work...
Here's the link. I've yet to find a way to copy or embed it, but will keep trying...this is to the entire hearing...
http://www.seattlechannel.org/videos/video.asp?ID=5010890
Monday, December 15, 2008
My Testimony @ the Nickels Gun Ban Hearing
Nickels Gun Ban
I am GC. I live in West Seattle. I am a gay man, suffer medical limitations, and am the proud uncle of two charming nieces. I speak against this rule.
Nature stole my ability to use my preferred safety strategy “Run away! Run away!” and as a gay man I am member of a community various bigots love to physically attack - thus I’m blessed with a sort of double whammy of vulnerability. I find it hard to imagine visiting City facilities, parks, and events under the proposed rule – particularly as darkness approaches and anti-social activity increases – while unable to EITHER defend myself or scamper off in the face of assault or worse.
We live in a democracy, not merely nationally, but even in the City of Seattle – wherein we are bound by the rule of law and the legislative process – not mayoral fiat. What a County or City is barred from doing by legislative act, it is equally forbidden to do by executive decree. This proposed rule is clearly in violation of Title 9.41 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Mayor Nickels himself acknowledged the cities absolute lack of authority regarding firearms a letter to Washington State Speaker of the House Frank Chopp, dated May 4, 2006 stating: “State law preempts any and all local regulations related to firearms. Our hands are tied at the local level and we are unable to adopt any local laws to protect our residents from gun crime.”
By his own admission, this rule is unlawful – leaving us to suppose it is merely political grand-standing as the Mayor dances in blood in a desperate effort to appear relevant in a City largely hostile to his administration as he seeks re-election.
If passed and enforced this rule increases, as Chief Kerlikowske can testify, the risk of lawfully owned firearms being stolen from vehicles as law-abiding CPL holders store them in their personal vehicles before entering city property. Not unlike Chief Kerlikowske’s experience.
The rule bars law-abiding Concealed Pistol Licensees from exercising the very action they are licensed for in all city facilities, community centers, parks, and events.
This rule *INCREASES* victim vulnerability – placing members of the LGBT community, other minorities, and stalkers victims at higher risk in the name of political grand-standing.
This rule would create vast civil liability for the City when we can least afford it – abort this ill-thought out exercise in bloody shirt-waving for political gain before it leads to both injury for citizens and expense for the city.
Kerlikowske Lost Gun Story
Nickel’s Follies
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Nickels Gun Ban Hearing
When fighting for civil rights, as in many other things, there are the "big battles" and the "small ones", and given finite resources - we are forced to focus on the big ones, lest we be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of wrongs in need of righting, and become completely ineffective in righting any of them because we are spread so thin.
The gun ban proposed by Seattle Mayor Nickels is one of those "big battles", and for more than one reason. Nickels proposes not only a gun ban (tanking the state pre-emption statute, RCW 9.41.290), he proposes that State Pre-emption is irrelevant to his efforts - since he's simply (according to him) creating an adminstrative rule, not law, and Pre-Emption only applies to laws.
On observing history, we can reasonably assume that should Nickels triumph in his speciousness, other cities will follow - and we will be returned to the patch work of confusing laws that change every few hundred feet or so that we enjoyed before the Legislature pre-empted the field of firearms law in the State of Washington all those years ago.
This is a big one. You need, if at all possible, to be at the hearing on December 15 hearing on this proposed regulation. You need to bring every friend you can. Tell them to play nice, and play nice yourself, but bring them. If you cannot make it - write (best address I've found: PO Box 94726 Seattle, WA 98124-4726), fax (206-684-5529), call ( 206-684-CITY (2489)), or use the e-comment forum. Best of all, do all of the above and ATTEND.
Still, we have yet to describe the enormity of Nickels ban if enacted. At a minimum, until overturned by the courts....
You will be unable to lawfully visit a city park (even the parking lot) while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city park and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully visit City Hall (even the lobby) while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between City Hall and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to be lawfully present on *any* City property while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city property and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully visit any branch of the Seattle Public Library while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city library and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully attend any event at the Seattle Center while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city library and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
This, however, just the Warm-Up Round.
It gets worse. If passed, we can look forward to jurisdictions around the state spontaneously discovering that "pre-emption doesn't apply to adminstrative rules" and all the expensive and time-consuming jurisdiction by jurisdiction political house-fighting that such adventures entail.
Attend this meeting, submit comments, and if you attend, bring expanded written copy of your comments for submission.
The gun ban proposed by Seattle Mayor Nickels is one of those "big battles", and for more than one reason. Nickels proposes not only a gun ban (tanking the state pre-emption statute, RCW 9.41.290), he proposes that State Pre-emption is irrelevant to his efforts - since he's simply (according to him) creating an adminstrative rule, not law, and Pre-Emption only applies to laws.
On observing history, we can reasonably assume that should Nickels triumph in his speciousness, other cities will follow - and we will be returned to the patch work of confusing laws that change every few hundred feet or so that we enjoyed before the Legislature pre-empted the field of firearms law in the State of Washington all those years ago.
This is a big one. You need, if at all possible, to be at the hearing on December 15 hearing on this proposed regulation. You need to bring every friend you can. Tell them to play nice, and play nice yourself, but bring them. If you cannot make it - write (best address I've found: PO Box 94726 Seattle, WA 98124-4726), fax (206-684-5529), call ( 206-684-CITY (2489)), or use the e-comment forum. Best of all, do all of the above and ATTEND.
Still, we have yet to describe the enormity of Nickels ban if enacted. At a minimum, until overturned by the courts....
You will be unable to lawfully visit a city park (even the parking lot) while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city park and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully visit City Hall (even the lobby) while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between City Hall and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to be lawfully present on *any* City property while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city property and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully visit any branch of the Seattle Public Library while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city library and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
You will be unable to lawfully attend any event at the Seattle Center while armed. If caught, you will be trespassed out of all city parks, facilities, buildings, and meeting forums - quite possibly permanently. If you violate the trespass order issued by the nice police officer, you will be cited, and quite likely lose your CPL and quite possibly any firearm you are carrying. If you leave your firearm in your car, you will run the risk of becoming another Kerlikowske and leave you and yours largely defenseless between the city library and your vehicle. If you leave your firearm home or in the office, see the last sentence and add emphasis.
This, however, just the Warm-Up Round.
It gets worse. If passed, we can look forward to jurisdictions around the state spontaneously discovering that "pre-emption doesn't apply to adminstrative rules" and all the expensive and time-consuming jurisdiction by jurisdiction political house-fighting that such adventures entail.
Attend this meeting, submit comments, and if you attend, bring expanded written copy of your comments for submission.
Gun Ban Meeting
December 15, 2008
Bertha Knight Landes room
Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Avenue
Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m.
December 15, 2008
Bertha Knight Landes room
Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Avenue
Sign-in begins at 5:30 p.m.
Monday, December 8, 2008
On Testimony
In a few short days, I and many others will be testifying against Seattle Mayor Nickels unlawful (according to the State Attorney General) gun ban. This post is at most peripheral in regards to the content of that testimony. This post addresses tactics and technique for what I've observed thus far as effective in such situations.
Primus - as a community, those of us who take an individual rights view of the Second Amendment, support individual firearms rights, and might be considered a bit..."pro-gun" to use a phrase popular among our opponents have been vilified as a group for decades in much of our nation. We have been characterized as racist, knuckle-dragging, homophobic, mouth-breathing primitives with paranoid tendencies and phallic (or pseodo-phallic in the case of the women in our community) issues by our opponents.
Somehow, that we are more law-abiding than average and more peacable than most...seems to escape the caricature.
Our President-Elect described us as a folk when he said "they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Right or wrong, when testifying (particularly in a largely liberal city) we face those prejudices when we walk into the chambers of a city or county council, or a legislative hearing, far to frequently in the United States.
Secundus, it does not serve us well to play into the stereotypes perpetrate those who oppose us, our rights, and our interests. In fact, consciously undermining those hostile stereotypes and demolishing them as ridiculous and hate-filled parodies serves us best.
Tertius, with the above firmly in mind, to quote the ever-pithy Ru Paul "We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag." The question then becomes what form of drag (or costumery, if you prefer) serves us best - be it clothing or verbiage.
When testifying, our chance of impacting a given body is enhanced when we ask our selves what attire fits the notion of "people they really respect and listen to" of the audience we seek to influence - be it a city council, a county hearing officer, a congressional hearing, or a courtroom adventure. If the group you testify to visually cues on you as "respectable", your chances of being heard (or having influence) are dramatically enhanced.
Showing up to a jousting tournament dressed as a ballerina garners neither respect nor victory, after all.
With that in mind, business semi-formal (a business suit, with a tie for men) or business casual (slacks and a good collared shirt, perhaps with a sportcoat or sweater) become a good choice both at this Seattle hearing, and most other such events in Washington - other locales may be more or less formal, but EACH will have the local "respectable critter" drag attire. Camo and denim are great for a lot of situations; not for this. And for those mired in the Disco era...give up the polyester; if you are "fashion challenged" and know it (any suit more than 5-10 years old is probably fashion-challenged), grab a buddy who knows about such things (finance allowing) and go forth and visit Men's Wearhouse for a reasonably inexpensive set of business attire (my sources for good women's attire...are limited. Macy's? )
Similarly, if you volunteer or are chosen to speak...know your time limit, and frontload your points...get the main points (the hard-hitting stuff) up front, edit down your comments to fit the local time limit (getting cut off doesn't enhance your impact), use bullet pointed 3x5 cards if you need them (most of us do), and maintain your dignity. Your effectiveness rests in your appearing more competent and knowledgeable than not just the average bear, but than your opponent - and as mentioned in the first point, the cards are stacked against us. We MUST appear calm/cool/collected regardless of what abuse our opponents throw upon us - because we start from a place of being painted in a negative light.
There are exceptions to the above, but a government hearing is rarely one of them.
Finally, or Quartius, know your facts and your playing field. Stay on topic. And don't be afraid to consult the recognized leaders in the field before you testify or plan your testimony. In Washington, and on Washington Firearms-related Law, I would suggest the Second Amendment Foundation and the inestimable Dave Workman and Joe Waldron are the acknowledged subject matter experts.
Primus - as a community, those of us who take an individual rights view of the Second Amendment, support individual firearms rights, and might be considered a bit..."pro-gun" to use a phrase popular among our opponents have been vilified as a group for decades in much of our nation. We have been characterized as racist, knuckle-dragging, homophobic, mouth-breathing primitives with paranoid tendencies and phallic (or pseodo-phallic in the case of the women in our community) issues by our opponents.
Somehow, that we are more law-abiding than average and more peacable than most...seems to escape the caricature.
Our President-Elect described us as a folk when he said "they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."
Right or wrong, when testifying (particularly in a largely liberal city) we face those prejudices when we walk into the chambers of a city or county council, or a legislative hearing, far to frequently in the United States.
Secundus, it does not serve us well to play into the stereotypes perpetrate those who oppose us, our rights, and our interests. In fact, consciously undermining those hostile stereotypes and demolishing them as ridiculous and hate-filled parodies serves us best.
Tertius, with the above firmly in mind, to quote the ever-pithy Ru Paul "We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag." The question then becomes what form of drag (or costumery, if you prefer) serves us best - be it clothing or verbiage.
When testifying, our chance of impacting a given body is enhanced when we ask our selves what attire fits the notion of "people they really respect and listen to" of the audience we seek to influence - be it a city council, a county hearing officer, a congressional hearing, or a courtroom adventure. If the group you testify to visually cues on you as "respectable", your chances of being heard (or having influence) are dramatically enhanced.
Showing up to a jousting tournament dressed as a ballerina garners neither respect nor victory, after all.
With that in mind, business semi-formal (a business suit, with a tie for men) or business casual (slacks and a good collared shirt, perhaps with a sportcoat or sweater) become a good choice both at this Seattle hearing, and most other such events in Washington - other locales may be more or less formal, but EACH will have the local "respectable critter" drag attire. Camo and denim are great for a lot of situations; not for this. And for those mired in the Disco era...give up the polyester; if you are "fashion challenged" and know it (any suit more than 5-10 years old is probably fashion-challenged), grab a buddy who knows about such things (finance allowing) and go forth and visit Men's Wearhouse for a reasonably inexpensive set of business attire (my sources for good women's attire...are limited. Macy's? )
Similarly, if you volunteer or are chosen to speak...know your time limit, and frontload your points...get the main points (the hard-hitting stuff) up front, edit down your comments to fit the local time limit (getting cut off doesn't enhance your impact), use bullet pointed 3x5 cards if you need them (most of us do), and maintain your dignity. Your effectiveness rests in your appearing more competent and knowledgeable than not just the average bear, but than your opponent - and as mentioned in the first point, the cards are stacked against us. We MUST appear calm/cool/collected regardless of what abuse our opponents throw upon us - because we start from a place of being painted in a negative light.
There are exceptions to the above, but a government hearing is rarely one of them.
Finally, or Quartius, know your facts and your playing field. Stay on topic. And don't be afraid to consult the recognized leaders in the field before you testify or plan your testimony. In Washington, and on Washington Firearms-related Law, I would suggest the Second Amendment Foundation and the inestimable Dave Workman and Joe Waldron are the acknowledged subject matter experts.
Monday, December 1, 2008
A worthy Bleg
I rarely re-post, and pass this along only due to its' relevancy to core Pink Pistols interests. For those not familiar, FAS is Firearms Academy of Seattle ( http://www.firearmsacademy.com/ ), owned and operated by Marty and Gila Hayes (in passing, I am informed that Massad Ayoob teaches there from time to time).
As an organization, I've heard nothing but good things of them, and am more than prepared to take them at their word. I am not aware of any formal FAS-PinkPistols interactions, but I am aware that FAS runs a very successful womens program of the sort that if I were able to move my eighty year old mother past her hoplophobia, I'd be sending her to class with Gila & Marty.
_____________________________________________________________
Dear FAS students, friends and staff.
Imagine being jumped by three individuals, knocked to the ground and being stomped on, with your only recourse being to draw your gun and shoot. Seems reasonable, right? Well, a firearms trainer from Arizona is sitting in jail right now for doing this exact thing, and he needs some help.
First off, he is affiliated with the school Tactical Response, a school run by a trainer named James Yeager. I know James personally, and think he is a pretty good guy, and is teaching good material to good folks. It is one of his adjunct staff guys who was in this situation last week, and he is now being held on $100,000 bond, and is being forced to use a public defender until he can raise money for a real lawyer. Tactical Response is coordinating a fundraiser, and FAS has donated $1000 in classes towards this fund raiser, and I wanted to ask everyone reading this, to consider participating in this fund raiser, even if it is just a $20 bill.
If Tactical Response is anything like FAS, Mr. HIckey likely donates his time to help teach people how to save themselves from criminal attack. We are blessed here at FAS with many like minded staff, and I would like to think that if one of them were in this trouble, we would be doing the same thing for him or her.
They are holding a raffle Dec. 12 for some really cool gun stuff, (including a couple of guns). The list and how to get involved is pasted below. Please, as a favor to one of our own, send this guy a few bucks so he can get good counsel and get the heck out of jail so he can get back to work and support his family. Thank-you for caring.
Marty
P.S. Can someone forward this to the Insights list? This is a cause the whole industry, and all of us gun carrying good guys need to be helping out with. See below for the raffle details and how to buy chances.
----------------------------------------------------------
You may purchase your raffle chances at the following PayPal address.
40usit.net>tracyah@usit.net
or,
You may send payments to the following address.
Larry Hickey Defense Fund
1061 Asbury Rd.
Camden TN 38320
Make funds payable to: Tracy Hightower.
Funds must be received before Friday December 12th as the drawings will be held Friday December 12th at 11:00am
Raffle chances are $5.00 each. If you wish to purchase more than one chance then send more money. Example: If you wish to purchase 10 chances then send $50.00 and your name will be entered 10 times in each drawing.
Each item will be drawn for separately and your name will be in each drawing. If you buy one chance, your name will be entered one time for each drawing. If you buy 10 chances your name will be entered 10 times for each drawing.
When we begin to draw for items we will post what item we are drawing for and we will draw a name and post the winner. No tickets or numbers will be sent out as there is not time for this. We are all men and women of honor doing this for an honorable cause. Everyone will have an equal chance at winning.
If you donate an item, you may also participate in the drawings. It is not fair to exclude those who have donated items from a chance to win. It will just suck if you win your own item.
VERY IMPORTANT:
When you send your PayPal Payment in the subject line put the words "Larry Hickey Fundraiser". Nothing else!
In the message box, put your name and phone number. Nothing else!
DO NOT put the words "raffle", "drawing" or I want 10 chances or anything that refers to a raffle. Do not make any reference to this thread or the other raffle thread. There is nothing illegal about a raffle here it just that PayPal has a problem with raffles.
THE DRAWINGS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 12th 11:00AM
Time extended by request.
Enjoy, good luck and thank you all for your generous donations to a good cause.
1) Kimber Custom CDP II 45acp. Like New. Includes: Original case and paperwork, 2 mags, Galco Fletch Holster
2) Tactical Response Training Donation: a $1000.00 training certificate WWW.TacticleResponse.com
3) Gift certificate good for a Fighting Rifle class at the Camden location WWW.TacticleResponse.com
4) Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies SWAT model 11-87 NFA 14" shotgun. Details can be found here www.gunbroker.com Auction # 116559560
5) AKLB AK-74 Lightning Bolt Serial #0007http://www.coloradoshootingsports.com/6.html
6) SOE "Breacher's" vest: This is a one-of-a-kind shotgunner's vest made by John Willis
7) SOE CQB subload for rifle mags in tan. No damage. Just a little broke in.http://www.originalsoegear.com/cqbsub.html
8) S.O. Tech Go bag, black in color. New Unused
9) New SORD Australia MFF (military Free Fall) rig small chest type harness. No pouches
10) Shihan chest rig, coyote, brand new
11) MSR Blacklight "Gourmet" cookset
12) $30 Starbucks Gift Card
13) Custom Tactical Tailor patrol vest (It's a modded version of this vest in tan)
14) Custom TT fold out "IFAK" in Multicam
15) AT&T BlackJack 1 phone basically NIB with all the parts and accessories.
16) 500.00 certificate for Rifle Dynamics services of your choice. www.rifledynamics.com
17) Taurus 24/7 45 ACP OSST DESERT TAN GRIP shipped to the winners FFL
18) $75.00 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card
19) Cavalry Arms' last lower and a set of matching hand guards (red color). "If someone sends a upper (we're completely out) we can make it into a complete gun" www.cavalryarms.com
20) brand new 34"? Blackhawk CQC Pistol Belt in the carbon fiber finishhttp://www.blackhawk.com/product/CQC-Pistol-Belts,794,61.htm
21) (10) AK47 mags
22) 5 sets of Glock Big Dot sights. GL-001S-5
23) VCAS sling
24) CONTRACTOR RX-PRESCRIPTION PHARMACEUTICAL KIT LEVEL 1' www.gorgrp.com with full personal training, , letter of prescription, position and transit, pocket guide, etc
25) $3295.00 TRAINING CERTIFICATE towards the tuition portion of any class taught in Belize, Central America by GMRS in 2009 or 2010 www.gmrsltd.com
26) 1000 rounds .308 ammo. Factory milsurp
27) OSOE Tear OFF IFAK Black very barely used
28) Brand New CRKT M16-10KZ folder
29) Brand new Pro-Mag AR-15 Frontsight rail mount system
30) Brand New 5.11 Dress belt 1.5 inch with stiffner size Large
31) 3 hours of tattooing (about $250.00 worth). In south Denver, CO.
32) Rusch ViewMax Adult laryngoscope fiber optic blade on a new ADC battery handle
33) Filipino Martial Arts training Colfax, CA
34) Snugpak Jungle Bag
35) Dogtra Remote collar and the training to go with it. If in driving distance of Long Island, NY. If not we have a video based training program. Dogtra collar model will depend on dogs needs.
36) Handmade ACU purse, the winner can choose the color of lining.
37) two slots to our upcoming two day Combatives Workshop (December 13 - 14)http://www.truthincombat.com/SSTandGS.html
38) Swarovski and Gold/Bronze iPod Classic Jewelry Case from Gilty Couture (80/120GB model)
39) 3 Talon Tactical pocket holsters your choice of J-frame or KelTec 380 from talon tactical holsters
40) Timberline Tactical LCP (LNIB)
41) Fighting Rifle DVDshttp://www.tacticalresponsegear.com/catalog/product_inf...182&products_id=2799
42) HSGI Molle OD green sub panel as new.http://hsgi.us/proddetail.asp?prod=HSG-MDLP
43) Eagle subload in black holds 2 ar mags as newhttp://www.sealsactiongear.com/catalog/store/comersus_v...em.asp?idProduct=257
44) romy G kit Good shape dated 1986
45) 300 rounds Federal HST .40 S&W 180gr shipped
46) 5 VOK/GSW video packages. (2 VOKs& the Tactical Response Gunshot Wound Basics DVD)
47) Two $500 training certificates from The Firearms Academy of Seattle www.firearmsacademy.com
PLEASE READ MY ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU SEND A PAYPAL.
As an organization, I've heard nothing but good things of them, and am more than prepared to take them at their word. I am not aware of any formal FAS-PinkPistols interactions, but I am aware that FAS runs a very successful womens program of the sort that if I were able to move my eighty year old mother past her hoplophobia, I'd be sending her to class with Gila & Marty.
_____________________________________________________________
Dear FAS students, friends and staff.
Imagine being jumped by three individuals, knocked to the ground and being stomped on, with your only recourse being to draw your gun and shoot. Seems reasonable, right? Well, a firearms trainer from Arizona is sitting in jail right now for doing this exact thing, and he needs some help.
First off, he is affiliated with the school Tactical Response, a school run by a trainer named James Yeager. I know James personally, and think he is a pretty good guy, and is teaching good material to good folks. It is one of his adjunct staff guys who was in this situation last week, and he is now being held on $100,000 bond, and is being forced to use a public defender until he can raise money for a real lawyer. Tactical Response is coordinating a fundraiser, and FAS has donated $1000 in classes towards this fund raiser, and I wanted to ask everyone reading this, to consider participating in this fund raiser, even if it is just a $20 bill.
If Tactical Response is anything like FAS, Mr. HIckey likely donates his time to help teach people how to save themselves from criminal attack. We are blessed here at FAS with many like minded staff, and I would like to think that if one of them were in this trouble, we would be doing the same thing for him or her.
They are holding a raffle Dec. 12 for some really cool gun stuff, (including a couple of guns). The list and how to get involved is pasted below. Please, as a favor to one of our own, send this guy a few bucks so he can get good counsel and get the heck out of jail so he can get back to work and support his family. Thank-you for caring.
Marty
P.S. Can someone forward this to the Insights list? This is a cause the whole industry, and all of us gun carrying good guys need to be helping out with. See below for the raffle details and how to buy chances.
----------------------------------------------------------
You may purchase your raffle chances at the following PayPal address.
40usit.net>tracyah@usit.net
or,
You may send payments to the following address.
Larry Hickey Defense Fund
1061 Asbury Rd.
Camden TN 38320
Make funds payable to: Tracy Hightower.
Funds must be received before Friday December 12th as the drawings will be held Friday December 12th at 11:00am
Raffle chances are $5.00 each. If you wish to purchase more than one chance then send more money. Example: If you wish to purchase 10 chances then send $50.00 and your name will be entered 10 times in each drawing.
Each item will be drawn for separately and your name will be in each drawing. If you buy one chance, your name will be entered one time for each drawing. If you buy 10 chances your name will be entered 10 times for each drawing.
When we begin to draw for items we will post what item we are drawing for and we will draw a name and post the winner. No tickets or numbers will be sent out as there is not time for this. We are all men and women of honor doing this for an honorable cause. Everyone will have an equal chance at winning.
If you donate an item, you may also participate in the drawings. It is not fair to exclude those who have donated items from a chance to win. It will just suck if you win your own item.
VERY IMPORTANT:
When you send your PayPal Payment in the subject line put the words "Larry Hickey Fundraiser". Nothing else!
In the message box, put your name and phone number. Nothing else!
DO NOT put the words "raffle", "drawing" or I want 10 chances or anything that refers to a raffle. Do not make any reference to this thread or the other raffle thread. There is nothing illegal about a raffle here it just that PayPal has a problem with raffles.
THE DRAWINGS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 12th 11:00AM
Time extended by request.
Enjoy, good luck and thank you all for your generous donations to a good cause.
1) Kimber Custom CDP II 45acp. Like New. Includes: Original case and paperwork, 2 mags, Galco Fletch Holster
2) Tactical Response Training Donation: a $1000.00 training certificate WWW.TacticleResponse.com
3) Gift certificate good for a Fighting Rifle class at the Camden location WWW.TacticleResponse.com
4) Wilson Combat Scattergun Technologies SWAT model 11-87 NFA 14" shotgun. Details can be found here www.gunbroker.com Auction # 116559560
5) AKLB AK-74 Lightning Bolt Serial #0007
6) SOE "Breacher's" vest: This is a one-of-a-kind shotgunner's vest made by John Willis
7) SOE CQB subload for rifle mags in tan. No damage. Just a little broke in.
8) S.O. Tech Go bag, black in color. New Unused
9) New SORD Australia MFF (military Free Fall) rig small chest type harness. No pouches
10) Shihan chest rig, coyote, brand new
11) MSR Blacklight "Gourmet" cookset
12) $30 Starbucks Gift Card
13) Custom Tactical Tailor patrol vest (It's a modded version of this vest in tan)
14) Custom TT fold out "IFAK" in Multicam
15) AT&T BlackJack 1 phone basically NIB with all the parts and accessories.
16) 500.00 certificate for Rifle Dynamics services of your choice. www.rifledynamics.com
17) Taurus 24/7 45 ACP OSST DESERT TAN GRIP shipped to the winners FFL
18) $75.00 Cheesecake Factory Gift Card
19) Cavalry Arms' last lower and a set of matching hand guards (red color). "If someone sends a upper (we're completely out) we can make it into a complete gun" www.cavalryarms.com
20) brand new 34"? Blackhawk CQC Pistol Belt in the carbon fiber finish
21) (10) AK47 mags
22) 5 sets of Glock Big Dot sights. GL-001S-5
23) VCAS sling
24) CONTRACTOR RX-PRESCRIPTION PHARMACEUTICAL KIT LEVEL 1' www.gorgrp.com with full personal training, , letter of prescription, position and transit, pocket guide, etc
25) $3295.00 TRAINING CERTIFICATE towards the tuition portion of any class taught in Belize, Central America by GMRS in 2009 or 2010 www.gmrsltd.com
26) 1000 rounds .308 ammo. Factory milsurp
27) OSOE Tear OFF IFAK Black very barely used
28) Brand New CRKT M16-10KZ folder
29) Brand new Pro-Mag AR-15 Frontsight rail mount system
30) Brand New 5.11 Dress belt 1.5 inch with stiffner size Large
31) 3 hours of tattooing (about $250.00 worth). In south Denver, CO.
32) Rusch ViewMax Adult laryngoscope fiber optic blade on a new ADC battery handle
33) Filipino Martial Arts training Colfax, CA
34) Snugpak Jungle Bag
35) Dogtra Remote collar and the training to go with it. If in driving distance of Long Island, NY. If not we have a video based training program. Dogtra collar model will depend on dogs needs.
36) Handmade ACU purse, the winner can choose the color of lining.
37) two slots to our upcoming two day Combatives Workshop (December 13 - 14)
38) Swarovski and Gold/Bronze iPod Classic Jewelry Case from Gilty Couture (80/120GB model)
39) 3 Talon Tactical pocket holsters your choice of J-frame or KelTec 380 from talon tactical holsters
40) Timberline Tactical LCP (LNIB)
41) Fighting Rifle DVDs
42) HSGI Molle OD green sub panel as new.
43) Eagle subload in black holds 2 ar mags as new
44) romy G kit Good shape dated 1986
45) 300 rounds Federal HST .40 S&W 180gr shipped
46) 5 VOK/GSW video packages. (2 VOKs& the Tactical Response Gunshot Wound Basics DVD)
47) Two $500 training certificates from The Firearms Academy of Seattle www.firearmsacademy.com
PLEASE READ MY ENTIRE POST BEFORE YOU SEND A PAYPAL.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)