About TMM

TMM is the owner, editor, and principal author at The Minuteman, a competitive shooter, and staff member for Boomershoot. Even in his free time he’s merging his love and knowledge of computers and technology with his love of firearms. Many know his private name and information however due to the current political climate, many are distancing themselves due to the abandonment of Due Process.

Random Thought (2/13/2013)

So yesterday Sebastian came across a video and they had closed comments but you could do the thumbs up or down rating.  The video in question started making the rounds.  Low and behold they all the sudden disabled the rating system on the video.  I think I might see why because here’s the snapshot of the ratings when they disabled it.

The dislikes started coming in hard and fast.  This got me thinking.

Gun control proponents claim that gun owners are nothing more than a bunch of inbred, uneducated, knuckle dragging neanderthals.  They claim to out number gun owners in support for their cause.  I have a problem though, lets look at the Candle Light Vigil video stats.  Click the “i” button in the upper right for stat info.

While yes it doesn’t have the views, lets look at the positive to negative vote ratio… Lets do the same to my LAPD police qualification video.

Again, very strong positive viewing rate.  We can do the same with a video from the NRA.

That’s a ratio of 3 to 1 in support of the video.

It was noted by Sebastian that the gun control movement is a movement of old white people.  Old people are not necessarily the best at using or understanding technology.

So a couple different options to explain this discrepancy and their love of reasoned discourse.

1.  Gun owners are not the uneducated knuckle dragging neanderthals they claim us to be.  If we are in the minority, we are in fact more educated and technically literate as we have a larger presence on this series of tubes known as the internet.

2.  They are in fact a movement of old white people with very limited support from the younger generation.  Their projection of us being a group of uneducated hillbillies is merely a reflection of how they view themselves.

3.  They are actually in fact the minority position and cannot garner support overall.  If we assume an even distribution of technically skilled and adept people on each side, this would indicate that gun owners far out number our opponents.

Given my personal experience, people who support the right to keep and bear arms are often extremely intelligent.  To give you a quick example, the members of the 2nd Amendment Gun Club at Washington State University were predominately engineering majors and no one was going for a BA, everyone was working towards a BS.  While every group will have outliers, the assumption that all gun owners are uneducated and not very intelligent is blatantly false.

This would point towards option 1 as well as option 2 as being most likely.  Option 3 is also quite likely because even in places like Facebook the Brady Campaign fails to generate the kind of support in likes that is enjoyed by the NRA.

I think their unwillingness to stand up and defend their position through comments and general video ratings has exposed the truth of their soft underbelly.  We have a fight on our hands and we just need to keep up the work.

SSCC #521 – Hendersonville

37-year-old James Holbert, Junior was arrested for DWI on Monday morning in Hendersonville, While on duty in his Highway Patrol cruiser.

Holbert resigned after he took a breathalyzer test, about an hour after his supervisor noticed something way out of the ordinary.

I’m sure he could move to Indy and they’d accept him with open arms.  At least this guy didn’t run anyone over.

I’m glad he was busted for it, but you would think someone would notice before he hops in the car.  Since so many seem to like the idea of punishing the many for the actions of the few, maybe we should install the DWI ignition disconnects in all police cars.

Hey, politicians want to confiscate my property which has never hurt anyone for the actions of a madman, seems fair to me.

State Sponsored Criminal #521: James Holbert Jr.

Because DWI is only a danger and a problem if you’re not a cop.

In Which A Republican Betrays Us

So I mentioned previously something about a protest last Saturday night.  Well we turned out because the president of the Moscow city council has thrown gun owners under the bus.

Enforcement of existing regulations is crucial, but gaps and loopholes pertaining to the sale, trade, and possession of illegal guns and ammunition also need to be closed.  Law enforcement officials here recommend consideration of:

  • Mental illness in the issuance of permits;
  • Limiting multiple gun sales to an individual within a specified time period;
  • Requiring gun purchasers to have a designated extended waiting period and thorough background check;
  • Requiring all gun sales, including at gun shows and personal sales, to be federally-documented, traceable, and completed in-person through authorized Federal firearms licensees;
  • Increasing penalties for unlawful gun possession and use;
  • Limiting access to high-capacity gun magazines;
  • Controlling the sale of ammunition by:
    • Recording all sales and conducting on-site background checks for disqualification;
    • Prohibiting the sale of armor-piercing bullets and explosive rounds to the public

Among many other calls for infringements and attacks on an inalienable right.

This provoked a response from those who live in the community, especially since the Latah County GOP Lincoln Dinner was going to be held last Saturday.  Can you guess what my buddy Jefferson organized?

If you said a protest outside the building the dinner was being held in, you would be right.IMAG0484

IMAG0485

These were the pictures I took before an additional group of miscreants spread the line down the sidewalk towards the intersection.  Overall I estimate the turn out probably about 30-35 at the peak and given there was only about 48 hours notice I don’t think that’s too bad.  Especially given the fact that the protest started at 1700 and it was about 32 degrees.  It ended at 2000 and it was much colder.

The night was filled with humor including a Canadian who seems to hate America and stated so by yelling “F*** America.”  I don’t think he expected an immediately reply before he finished of “F*** You.”  While one would claim my response was unnecessary as he was driving a Honda Element, it was worth it as he almost hit a car, cut another one off, and barely missed a light pole which all happened immediately after the response.

I do my best to remain civil and will remain civil as long as you return that respect to me.  While some would argue about being the better man, many of these people prey upon the fact of expecting no response.  Remember, many of these liberals are very violent and expect us to withhold our opinions in an effort as not to offend.

Screw that.   I restrained myself when I made my sign.

clip_image001

Image Credit: Dean Hare Moscow Pullman Daily News
It’s not about guns. It’s about Control.

You know what I really wanted to write for my sign?

Why do I need a 30 round magazine?

Because F*** You! That’s why!

Again I agree with Uncle and that’s why I didn’t do it… as much as I really wanted to.

I am a bit disappointed because my friend to the right didn’t let me know he was bringing his carbine otherwise I would have brought mine.  I didn’t want to be the only guy open carrying a carbine because honestly that’s a great way to end up in trouble.  It is worth noting I was standing next to a lawyer, but I’d rather not need one.  There is strength in numbers, especially at a political rally.  Further it ended up when I got there the Moscow PD had sent an email asking people not to open carry… given Idaho is an open carry state that would have made me want to just on principal.

Now some would also argue that carrying a carbine with a real can isn’t worth it.  I can tell you it was.  More than once I grabbed my buddies chest to turn him so it was right there as some little old lady looked like she was going to have a heart attack.

The majority of the people driving by honked in support.  There were a few hecklers such as the Canadian, though we did love the fuel truck that blew his air horn the whole way past us.  The best part of all the honking, we know they could hear it inside at the dinner.

The most entertaining part of the night though was the fact that the protest probably caused a divorce, either that or it was the last date.  A couple pulled up in a minivan and the driver gave us a thumbs up.  The woman was shaking her head and obviously said something negative.  He replied in the positive, she flipped us the bird at which point the light turned green and they drove off obviously in an argument.

We ended up on the front page of the local paper, sadly the print version used the guy who couldn’t spell inalienable, i before e except after c…  Overall though I think the protest was definitely worth it and hopefully we can finally get that tyrant Walter Steed out of office.

SSCC #520 – Auburn

This one is right out of my home town growing up.

An Auburn police officer is under investigation for allegedly groping a pregnant and handcuffed woman.

Currently the officer is on vacation paid administrative leave and is being investigated by the Puyallup police department.  Most disturbing was this:

“He asked, like, three different times if he could come inside,” Thomspson said.

Excuse me officer, why would you ask that question once, much less three times.  Were you hoping she would give you coffee after assaulting her under color of law?

State Sponsored Criminal #520: Officer John Doe

Because when you see a hot chick leave a bar and you want to cop a feel, you can just make it happen.

Quote of the Day – Alan (2/12/2013)

It’s funny how a few thousand rounds of a particular caliber sounds like a lot until you can’t get any more. Then it’s not nearly enough.

Alan AndrewsComment to Ammo Blues
February 12, 2013


[This current ammo crunch is much worse than the last one.  Maybe it just feels that way to me because I’m shooting more now, but honestly this one feels worse.  The crunch from supply to bare shelves was much more rapid and caught many off guard, not to mention this one’s also happening next to a firearm and magazine crunch.

During the last crunch I could still find 22lr along with many other calibers, prices went up, but it was by no means a fully dry supply.

The ammo shelf at the local Ace Hardware.

I bought a new gun in November and this was a new caliber to add to my pen.  I planned on spending the next couple months stocking up a ready supply for matches and practice.  Yeah that plan flew right out the window.  Luckily I have a small deal with my local neighborhood dealer and am getting ammo to get me through the USPSA matches now.  I would like to go back to shooting steel as well but honestly I don’t want to expend the ammo.  I could shoot .22 but I don’t have nearly the surplus I would like.  I had a few things on my list for restocking this year and honestly I think those plans are going to get pushed out.

Alan’s statement nails this one on the head.  I felt I had enough until all the sudden my prospects for replenishment fell to 0.  Even getting your hands on reloading components is down right difficult if not impossible.  I’m afraid with the severity of this crunch, even if the bubble burst tomorrow, it’s going to be a while before ammo gets back on shelves.

When we finally get out of this, me thinks there will be a monthly ammo budget to continually grow a surplus of the most often used calibers. -B]

Washington Residents, Contact Your State Legislators

Had something come across my screen tonight, and it’s not good news for those of us in Washington.

Washington lawmakers are beginning to coalesce around a plan that would expand the state’s laws on gun background checks, providing hope for supporters after years of failed efforts.

While the measure is supported by many Democrats, the background checks plan also picked up support from Republican Rep. Mike Hope of Lake Stevens, Republican Sen. Steve Litzow of Mercer Island and Senate Majority Leader Rodney Tom, a Democrat who has aligned himself with Republicans this year. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs also supports the idea.

This is not a joke folks and this is deadly serious.  The bill in question is SB 5711 and as you can see there are some Republican’s selling us and our rights up the river.  Make no mistake folks, this has nothing to do with background checks and never mind that in the end they wont actually do anything.

Our opponents claim that it will not deny anyone their rights, except many are delayed for no reason other than NICS cannot handle the load.  In December the local gun shop was having trouble getting through to NICS to complete purchases.  There are no provisions in this law to create a state system or otherwise provide additional funding to the federal system.  All it will do is increase burden, which will decrease availability and increase the difficulty and delay in getting  a firearm.  Further without a state registry there is no way this law could be effectively enforced.  Given the behavior of California and New York with moves for confiscation, does anyone think that’s a good idea?

Tell me, if the state is so desperate for background checks at the state level, why not just place an endorsement on every drivers license indicating that they are not a prohibited person.  Now the background check merely becomes checking your driver’s license.  Or why not do something like Idaho, your CPL satisfies the NICS requirement, lessen the burden on the federal system.

The problem is those creating this legislation aren’t actually interested in solutions to the problem they claim to be after.  Their problem statement is as follows:

How do we disarm the citizens of the State of Washington?

Their statement isn’t:

How can we work to aid the law-abiding people of Washington in preventing arms from falling into the hands of criminals while also protecting the rights of the law-abiding?

Think about that long and hard folks.  Don’t believe the lies they feed you.  Most certainly do not think that republicans are on your side.  Tonight’s post was originally going to be on an event that occurred last Saturday but that will be delayed until tomorrow.

There are more bills in the works than just this one as well.  Public hearings are scheduled for 0800 on Wednesday the 13th.

What I need, what your fellow gun owners of Washington need is for all of you sound the alarm and contact your representatives and attend the hearings if you can.  This fight is real and it’s down right serious.

via Gay Cynic

SSCC #519 – Minneapolis

A Minneapolis police officer is in jail after his arrest for allegedly having off-duty sexual encounters with several girls between the ages of 12 and 14, according to the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators from the Brooklyn Center Police Department were alerted that Bradley Schnickel, 32, used social media to contact a female and sent inappropriate messages to her. The investigation widened and multiple possible female victims were identified, authorities said. Cmdr. Paul Sommer of the Sheriff’s Office declined to provide a number.

Remember though, those in law enforcement should be given a monopoly on force.  They are anointed and could do no wrong against the rest of the public.

As usual he’s on paid administrative leave but given the number of officers who have done this while working as school resource officers, he’s on the count.

State Sponsored Criminal #519: Bradley Schnickel

Because a position of trust is so easy to use to manipulate people who are young and naive, especially when that position is instructed by many to be obeyed without question.