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No, Virginia, There is No Santa Claus

By
DRGO
-
(from coloribus.com)

Those who seek to disarm us have an uncanny ability to ignore reality.  The Richmond Times Dispatch piece by Josh Horowitz, the executive director of the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, plumbs new depths of distortion on the road to the opening of the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, accusing law-abiding gun owners of all manner of mayhem. Unsurprisingly, all the supposed sins of the gun owners were committed instead by his liberal cronies. 

The piece opens with misdirection: 

“On Nov. 5, gun violence prevention won in Virginia. The issue propelled Democrats to complete control in the commonwealth. For more than a decade, efforts to strengthen Virginia’s weak gun laws and prevent the more than 1,000 annual gun deaths in the Commonwealth have been rejected, dismissed and ignored by Republicans and their extremist allies in the gun lobby.”

What is “gun violence prevention”?  To a gun owner, the rules of gun safety and safe storage when not in use so exist to ensure that guns can be used safely.  This supposed “issue” didn’t propel anything, Bloomberg’$ million$ did.  This was a midyear election and sadly our side didn’t show up. “Strong” gun laws endanger civilians by creating more “gun free” zones and more restrictions on concealed carry.

He then rolls out the tired list of virtue-signaling interventions that do nothing but infringe on gun owners:

“Virginia needs universal background checks, extreme risk laws and other policies that will keep our families, schools and communities safe.”

Although the Governor’s public standing has swung from “must resign” to “all good here”, he is at least consistent in that his proposed infringements would have done nothing to stop the tragedies that ostensibly inspired them.

Horowitz then pouts about gun owners copying his side’s playbook:

“Those jurisdictions that support the concept of Second Amendment sanctuaries have publicly stated that they will not enforce or abide by state laws — in this case, gun violence prevention laws — that they, not a court, consider unconstitutional. In essence, they will not follow or respect the rule of law. They will not comply with democratic norms. They are ready to dismiss elections entirely and rely instead on mob rule, intimidation and heavily armed anarchy.”

Let’s add some local context about law enforcement.  Several local prosecutors have thumbed their noses at our marijuana laws, either by continuing cases without findings before dropping them, or not pursuing them at all. It is the policy of northern Virginia counties to not cooperate with ICE detainers. Where does he think that Second Amendment supporters got the idea of “sanctuary”? From other liberal politicians who have been obstructing criminal investigations by offering “sanctuary” to illegal immigrants.   Now that we are using this to uphold a Constitutionally enumerated right, the gun grabbers yell foul.

Then came outright lies accusing uncompromising gun owners of treason:

“The rhetoric surrounding Second Amendment sanctuaries is morphing in a disturbing way. It is becoming more radical and dangerous for the citizens of Virginia. There are now localities discussing deputizing members of their citizenry to rise up against the state government. Anti-government rhetoric is being spread on gun message boards and blogs about the impending armed uprising against gun violence prevention champion Gov. Ralph Northam, House and Senate leadership, and the new Democratic majorities.”

Culpepper County Sheriff Scott Jenkins stated he would deputize county residents so that they could keep their guns—not to rise up against state government.  No uprising is being planned, armed or otherwise.  In fact, even though it is entirely lawful to carry long guns to the Assembly, the Virginia Citizens Defense League—the no-compromise statewide advocacy group—has attendees not to bring guns to the Capitol for Lobby Day.  From VCDL President Phil Van Cleave: 

“Long Guns

“If you are asking how you can help with VCDL’s mission, carrying long guns at Lobby Day is not helpful—it is a distraction. VCDL’s important messages inevitably get lost as the press rushes to get pictures of anyone carrying an AR or AK. The stories then become about the rifle, not VCDL’s agenda. You can set your watch by it. Long guns are not easy to carry in a crowd, either. VCDL needs its voice heard loud and clear in order to able to stop the onslaught of gun-control bills.”

Regarding rhetoric, let’s remember who is doing the escalating.  First, the Governor suggested that outright confiscation was in the works:

“When asked directly about whether he is supportive of confiscating ‘assault weapons from gun owners’ Northam replied, ‘That’s something I’m working [on] with our secretary of public safety. I’ll work with the gun violence activists, and we’ll work [on] that. I don’t have a definitely plan today.’ “

Then Congressman McEachen suggested that the National Guard could enforce gun control laws the Assembly passes:

“I’m not the governor, but the governor may have to nationalize the National Guard to enforce the law. That’s his call, because I don’t know how serious these counties are and how severe the violations of law will be. But that’s obviously an option he has.”

If Horowitz attended a Second Amendment Sanctuary Hearing before a county Board of Supervisors, he’d see how orderly consideration is being given.  For example, in Prince Edward County, the Board established clear ground rules for the 650 attendees: three minutes per speaker, and an equal number of speakers for and against (15 each).  After finding only seven who would speak against, the board cut off further comment, and read two proposals. One was more worded more compellingly than the other. A majority voted for the stronger of the two.  There were no threats of violence, merely serious civic engagement. 

Virginia’s government needs to be guided by facts, not ideology.  Violent crime using guns is endemic to inner city areas where gangs and the drug trade thrive.  Disarming law abiding law-abiding citizens will puts them at greater risk.  The risk of suicide by gun (or any means) requires mental health interventions, because disarmed persons with suicidal ideation can find other means.

Please come to two Virginia Gun Lobby Days coming shortly: with the NRA on January 13 and with VCDL on January 20.

Stopping authoritarian government from stealing our natural rights does not come as a gift or easily, ever. Do not back down!

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–Dennis Petrocelli, MD is a clinical and forensic psychiatrist who has practiced for nearly 20 years in Virginia. He took up shooting in 2019 for mind-body training and self-defense, and is in the fight for Virginians’ gun rights.

All DRGO articles by Dennis Petrocelli, MD

Why Choose a Gun?

By
Keith Finch
-

Every time this particular TED talk crosses my feed I like to share it. Peter van Uhm, in 2011, gave a TED talk in Amsterdam on why he chose to take up the gun. To take up arms and learn that discipline in order build a peaceful world alongside the writers, artists, doctors, and scientists who normally populate the TED stage.

He remarks on the unique privilege of people in the audience being uncomfortable with a gun, on that stage in front of them in the hands of their own military commander. It was good, in a way, that they felt discomfort. It meant they lived in a nation not at war, something Peter’s father did not have the luxury of when Nazi troops took the Netherlands.

There was an older meme. First world problems.

The freedom from the necessity to know the discipline of arms is a first world problem. The incredible privilege that our corners of the world are so safe, because of the discipline of arms, that small professional militaries and police forces are the norm.

How unique is that in world history? Peter explains. But he also has a very European perspective. It is, in its own way, subject to the biases inherent in that semi-isolation of Western European societies and smaller more homogenous groups. His perspective is well reasoned and introspective, and it is important to hear and understand.

Agree? Not with everything. Having a legal monopoly on legitimate force is not the same as a government monopoly. Equally, acknowledgement that the sliding scale of incentives that use of force is on is not perfectly rational or predictable as all parties using that scale do not think the same. Each participant is assigning values to various options at their disposal, these values are not equally assigned person to person, they are highly subjective to the motivations of the group.

Variable 87, DeSantis Nylon

By
Keith Finch
-

For a company known for making quality leather without breaking the three figure price point (minus specialty items) DeSantis SKUs into other holster materials from time to time as well. The Variable 87 is one such venture and they use nylon to accomplish it.

Variable™ 87 is a new light weight IWB holster made from 1060 Ballistic Nylon, closed cell foam and lined with slick pack cloth. It is also fitted with the DeSantis Tuckable 360® clip for unlimited cant adjustment and integrated sweat shield.  This feature allows operator to wear this holster on any part of the waistline. The #M93 is built in 5 different sizes to accommodate today’s most popular concealable handguns. 

Playing of their Variable 13 title, an ambidextrous leather configurable, the 87 comes in at half the cost and available in a variety of frame fitments. The smaller pistols like the G43, Sig P365, and Springfield Hellcat are catered toward by the 87 and its tuckable IWB setup.

DeSantis looks to comfortably accommodate the end user and account for all tastes in firearms. I expect the variable line to keep growing and I will probably try one out on this Hellcat I’ve got.

M855A1 EPR and the NGSW

By
Keith Finch
-

One of the things that the NGSW is looking to enhance is the individual shot lethality of the combat rifle, and now that we know a little more about the program is seems that the new 6.8mm rounds are looking to springboard off earlier developments… specifically in 5.56 with the M855A1.

Interior of a 6.8 prototype, specifically the Telescoped Case Textron.

The 5.56 EPR and 7.62 EPR rounds, M855A1 and M80A1 respectively, have a projectile design that does two things. One, and probably the most publicized aspect, was it was a “green” round that didn’t use a lead projectile. Environmentally friendly lethality. The second and more important aspect was being a more accurate, consistent, and terminally effective round.

Both A1’s accomplish this by upping the pressure, and thus the velocity, of the rounds are at the high end of their safe pressure spectrum. The projectile’s tips are hardened steel and that, combined with the increase in speed, give it very good penetrative capabilities.

The new 6.8mm, in all three submissions, have high velocity, energy, and penetrative capabilities, greater than those of 5.56 and 7.62 rounds. The greatest limitation of current weapons is the physical limits of their calibers. We’ve pretty much optimized what we can do with 5.56 rifles and it’s pretty good. To jump the weapons capabilities we need to change calibers. The 6.8 solutions are designed to use that same maximization concept, but without the old limitations of a 5.56 case or rifle interior loading limitations.

Building around a projectile and to meet a velocity requirement allowed Sig, Textron, and General Dynamics a wider methodology to solve the equation. Of the three, I think Sig’s makes the simplest and most likely candidate for success. A fairly conventional case but formed in a way to maximize its capacity for powder and then placed within a variant of its well liked MCX Chassis in a “.308” length action.

The result, an updated carbine and automatic rifle/machine gun that closely resembles what the M4 feels like, runs like, and weighs, while increasing the effective range closer to a kilometer, or perhaps beyond. Also giving it an increased range envelope for armor defeat.

Science. Ballistics. Effective range on targets based on hit percentage. Effective range against armor. It’s a fun topic.

New! Ruger 57 5.7x28mm Pistol for 2020. Now we have like.. 4 guns that use that round.

By
Keith Finch
-

 

So, 5.7 is coming back. Stargate fans gonna be excited!

The full-sized and full-featured Ruger 57 handgun was announced just in time for the New Year and comes with an FN competing 20+1 capacity.

The 5.7x28mm, made by FN during the “PDW” craze that also gave us the MP7 from H&K and its 4.6mm, is a fantastic and funny little round. These came about as the result of a request for weapons capable of defeating certain body armors and were theorized and developed to be used by Personal Security Detail personnel and those working in confined spaces, like tankers. This all came to naught as military’s were reluctant to field another ‘rifle’ specifically for vehicle crews with highly diminished capabilities over their service rifles. Instead we made smaller AR’s and it has worked out well.

But the guns did find some success in the PSD roles, like with the Secret Service… and against the Goa’uld.



Yes, I wanted one too… thanks Richard Dean Anderson.

Where the Ruger 57 separates most from the FN Five-seveN is in price, with the Ruger carrying an MSRP of $799 against the FN’s $1,435. This makes a Ruger/AR57 combination a very economical alternative to a Five-seveN/PS90 combo, if you just have to have 5.7mm.

Speer is even working out a Gold Dot round which will make both 57 and Five-seveN owners happy.

“The Ruger-57 is destined to become one of America’s favorite handguns,” said Ruger President and CEO Chris Killoy. “This pistol is soft shooting, accurate, powerful and just plain fun to shoot.”

The Ruger 57 has a windage and elevation adjustable serrated rear sight and a rapid acquisition fiber optic front sight. The slide is drilled and tapped for use with a separately available optic adapter plate to keep things in line with Red Dot trends. A Picatinny-style accessory rail for lights and lasers and a ‘Secure Action’ fire control with what Ruger terms a “short, crisp trigger pull and positive reset.” Neat.Ruger 57

For fans of the zippy little 5.7 who haven’t been able to justify the cost of FN’s offering(s) this will play to your hearts. It looks well thought out with an eye and ear towards the modern trends. If it runs well I’m sure the increased demand for 5.7 may see more rounds and an uptick in P90/carbine offerings trickle in too.

But I suspect this will still be very niche in the grand scheme.

Do a Beryl Role.

By
Keith Finch
-

A few friends and I have been on about AK’s in 5.56 recently. Especially with available guns like the Rifle Dynamics RN NATO, US friendly to feed AKs have a solid place in our market. However I recall one of the original masters in this space did not originate for our benefit. It was the Polish and their Beryl and the role that rifle would play post Soviet Union.

The Beryl was Poland’s big move with small arms, signaling their return to the fold of Western Europe with NATO. Prior to that the Polish were using AKMs and 74 variants, classics from the cold war. In an intelligent move the country decided their armed forces would modernize on a platform they already knew from the base production level to the individual soldier. And then, export them too!

The Beryl was adopted in 1996 and has seen modernization efforts inline with other western military forces to keep up with the use of modern equipment. Rails, adjustable stocks, the usual.

However currently the rifles have about a 50% total permeation within the Polish armed forces and most are still bone stock iron sight units from the original variant, not the C or D models. Not a single one I saw had so much as a light or a red dot during my personal time spent alongside the Poles in a NATO mission a year back. US Troops are spent well on,

But the rifle itself one of the first notable adaptions of the NATO round to the AK. Now that had been done before, including by the Polish themselves with the Tantal. Other notable examples include Romanian WASR-3 rifles. It had been toyed with but the Polish were the first to buy in big and grab tens of thousands of 5.56 AKs instead of continuing the “Nyet! Rifle is Fine!” stagnation.

And on that. Enjoy 9-Hole Reviews well weathered test of the Beryl! Also go follow them. For science! Do it…

Iran Quds Revolutionary Guard and Hostile Iraqi Militia Leaders Start 2020 with a Bang

By
Keith Finch
-

Drones are fun.

The Global War on Terror has shaped modern gun culture. You can see it in everything. What Glock does SOCOM use? What M4 variant is the current hotness with the SEALs? The Marines use this ACOG! And so on. But with the cool down to skirmish level events all over the Middle East it wasn’t clear where the Military would be focusing its future tech.

Oh sure, the NGSW program and future tech from frigates to F-35 fighter planes were shifting focus to “near peer” forces like China. But the gunfights and skirmishes are still happening in the Middle East. And Iran is the pusher of so many of those buttons it isn’t funny. Iran has supported everywhere they believed they could put pressure on us through militants and have been actively involved behind the scenes in every hot spot there for the past 2 decades. All while remaining officially outside acknowledged military engagement.

Kind of like when the Russians just casually strolled into Ukraine but forgot their patches. That’s been Iran’s favorite method of participation.

Well Iran poked, again. We poked back. Iran shoved at the Baghdad embassy. We blew up their general and the commander of his favorite pet militia in Iraq.

More desert warfare for us? Probably. Full blown blitzkrieg? Maybe, depends on how well Iran plays chicken. U.S. Troops have known for years that Iran would probably need a punch in the gut at some point. There it was. Factions in Iraq will praise us for it, who’ve suffered under Iranian pressure. Those who had something to gain from Iran will not.

Someday someone bright in the Middle East will be in power and realize that putting on the show of ‘pushing’ the world’s largest military power out of the region is probably a bad idea. Just quiet down and they’ll leave. Stay quiet and they’ll stay gone. Stay quiet a little longer and they’ll come back… but with like tourist money and stuff.

Qassim Suleimani, killed by Drone Strike. Worst regional tourist manager ever.

The U.S. is far from done in the desert. So our industry here is still going to see desert focused tech. FDE for everyone!

Happy Friday, Readers.

Gun MEME REVIEW – 2020 Jack Wilson Edition

By
Keith Finch
-

Greetings GAT Readers!

This is the way

Let’s get into it shall we. Brandon Herrera, has the round up on the Jack Wilson memes. The Texas Hero who took a shotgun wielding assailant down with a headshot at a rather incredible distance.

He also revived .357 SIG and reaffirmed Traditional Double Action (TDA) carriers like myself that our pieces still do work. P229 gang!

Blaser USA Transitions to Blaser Group

By
Keith Finch
-

San Antonio, Texas (January 2, 2020) – Blaser USA, the official U.S. importer for Blaser, Mauser, Sauer, Rigby and Minox, is now operating under the new name of Blaser Group.   The name change is a key component in the global branding strategy of the portfolio of companies in the L&O Hunting Group.

“The transition from Blaser USA to Blaser Group reflects a significant milestone in establishing consistent branding around the world. In all key markets, Blaser Group will represent our fine German and English brands” said Jason Evans, CEO of Blaser Group (USA division). “All U.S. consumer brand strategies and business operations will remain unchanged.”

Blaser Group recently added the new Blaser R8 Ultimate and Ultimate Leather to its renowned line of bolt-action rifles.  The R8 features a straight-pull action and is among the world’s fastest and most modular hunting rifles. 

London gunmaker John Rigby & Company has released a new limited edition ‘W.D.M. Bell’ model of their Highland Stalker rifle, paying homage to adventurer Karamojo Bell.  The African big game hunter is celebrated worldwide as an advocate for accurate shot placement using smaller caliber rifles, a technique he perfected by the dissection and study of the skulls of elephants he shot, namely with his .275 Rigby.  This limited run of only 50 rifles is the first in Rigby’s new Heritage series and will be offered in .275 Rigby, like Bell’s original rifle.

About Blaser Group                

The Blaser Group is the official U.S. importer for iconic German firearms brands Blaser, Mauser and J.P. Sauer; English gunmaker John Rigby & Co.; and Minox optics.   Established in 2006, the company which is based in San Antonio, Texas works with over 200 authorized Blaser Group dealers across all North American states, with this figure continually growing. Today the Blaser Group’s industry-leading product portfolio includes bolt-action, combination rifles and over-and-under shotguns designed specifically for game hunters and competitive target shooters. Its custom shop offers exclusive engravings, design work and custom finishing for bespoke guns. With recent innovations, Blaser Group has gone on to expand its product portfolio into cutting edge optics and accessory lines. For more information about the company and product lines, visit: www.blaser-group.com. 

Illinois, Marijuana, and Guns

By
Keith Finch
-
Image via CNBC, also covering the law change

Illinois followed the national trend and legalized recreational marijuana use with the New Year. But, as is still the question in all states with legal use… what about guns? Federally marijuana remains illegal. Now the FBI and DEA aren’t doing backflips to shut down in state operations and are just kind of in a holding pattern until it finally gets taken care of at the Federal level too. But it is still illegal.

The Illinois State Police have also issued ‘guidance’ on what they will do for legal residents who are FOID card holders since federally marijuana is still prohibited.

According to a Facebook post by the ISP, “The Illinois State Police will not revoke Firearm’s Owner’s Identification Cards based solely on a person’s legal use of adult use cannabis. Pursuant to both State and Federal law, a person who is addicted to or a habitual user of narcotics is not permitted to possess or use firearms.”

That isn’t what line says. The line on the 4473, question 11e, currently terms it, “Unlawful user of, or addicted to”, not a habitual user. That is a state interpretation from Illinois itself. It sounds like Illinois will be enforcing the Federal provision only if it is also in violation of the state provisions under the new Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. This is, of course, within their prerogative and seems to be the unwritten interim agreement. But it isn’t the law.

A FOID card will be revoked by the ISP, “where it is demonstrated that an individual is addicted to or is a habitual user of cannabis.” It will also be revoked for those who violate certain provisions of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, according to the ISP.

Like stated above, violations of the state rules will be considered most egregious while Federal rules will receive… acknowledgement is probably the best term for it. But the full book could still come down on anyone in violation of the statues so, Illinois be careful.

Traipsing Alone

By
Dr LateBloomer
-
When the only footprints are yours.

I saw a meme online on New Year’s morning. It spoke of the value of a traipse through the woods hunting – whether one got one’s limit of game or not.

I like the word “traipse”. I do a lot of it. It means more or less to wander aimlessly.

One of my favorite things to do is traipse through the woods alone. I’m not a true “adventuress” like some of the gals out there. I don’t live in the Rockies and hunt elk on horseback while camping at elevation. But I do enjoy a good wander through familiar territory alone.

I was raised on a patch of 40 acres, and as a kid I would often go on a wander alone down to the pond, or just through the woods. I knew vaguely where I was, so I was never worried about getting lost. I just ambled aimlessly – listening to the leaves crunch, looking at bark and moss and deer poop and such. It didn’t have a “purpose” per se, but it did in the end serve a purpose. It was good for the inner “me”.

That inner me is still fed to this day by that kind of traipsing. These days I do more picture-taking than I used to. But photos can’t capture the smell of the fresh air tinged with pine, damp earth, and leaf mold. The photos also can’t record the “white noise” of the breeze blowing past my ears, or the chatter of squirrels, the scolding of jays, or the screaming of a red tailed hawk as he circles in the currents overhead.

Being alone is what facilitates the experience for me. When I’m with someone else – even my daughter – there tends to be conversation. Although that can be pleasant too, and it’s nice to be able to point something out and say “Isn’t that cool?”, I find that I miss too much when I’m with someone else. When I’m alone, I hear, I smell, I see, and I “feel” so much more. 

Maybe that doesn’t make sense to extroverts, but I’m not one of those. My inner life craves quiet, peace, and introspection. I didn’t get enough of that this past year. Because of certain financial pressures I worked too many days, and didn’t take nearly enough time off. I didn’t get enough woods traipsing, and by the end of the year I could feel it – I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. 

This year I aim to fix that. I need to plan more alone time in the woods. I need to put it on my calendar and work it into my schedule purposefully. It doesn’t matter if I’m toting a rifle and actually hunting or just wandering with my woods revolver on my hip – I have found the experience to be too important to my mental and emotional well-being not to MAKE the time for it.

I’m an introvert – and a traipse through the woods is just what the doctor ordered!

The Violent Spirit of St. Louis

By
DRGO
-
(from fox2now.com)

On Friday, December 13 (how ironic), the mayor of St. Louis signed a bill into law which bans all firearms in the 110 city-owned parks, athletic fields and recreation facilities.  I am certain that felons-with-guns are shaking in their boots.  “It’s another tool to help police keep our playground and recreation facilities safe,” said Jacob Long, the mayor’s director of communications.  Prior to the passage of the law, Alderman Bret Narayan predicted that this reclassification would face a challenge in the courts by gun-rights activists, who he said would likely prevail. 

We know that ‘gun-free-zones’ are killing fields.  And the woefully understaffed St. Louis Police Department cannot enforce existing laws, let alone this new one. 

For those of you not from St. Louis, the city has the highest per capita murder rate in the country.  In the metro area there is approximately one car-jacking per day.  The City is short 134 officers, and has an ill-informed rule that police officers must live in the City, where public schools are terrible. 

The State of Missouri has loaned prosecutors to the U.S. District Attorneys Office in St. Louis; thus, more felons-with-guns are going to federal prison where they will spend much more time than opposed to a state prison. The State has also loaned State Troopers to patrol the Interstate Highways in St. Louis, thus freeing city police to concentrate on the neighborhoods.  Statistics indicate that the State Police are making drug busts, and my personal observation is that they are doing a great job of enforcing traffic laws. 

In October the St. Louis Board of Alderman approved spending $5,000,000 on “Project Cure Violence”.  “The program treats gun violence as a health care crisis. It aims to change the behaviors and norms that uphold violence. Other cities like Baltimore, New York and Philadelphia have utilized this plan as well.”  [Project Cure Violence was founded in the year 2000 and was originally named “Project CeaseFire”.] 

Programs like “Cure Violence” can be applauded for trying to address the roots of violence (though not for defining it as a “health care” matter). But during the interminably long goodbye to violence in society, we must make ourselves safe. Banning firearms anywhere makes those places more likely to be attacked and more vulnerable to bad outcomes when they are.

As the good people of the West Freeway Church of Christ in White Settlement, Texas found on Sunday, police even 1 second away are too far. The shooter there killed 2 in the 6 seconds before he was shot dead by one of the church’s security team. An armed society is not only more polite, but capable of protecting its innocents infinitely better than signs notifying passersby of another “gun-free zone”.

The Second Amendment, applied as written, is America’s best defense against violence—228 years ago, this week, and for as long as our nation endures.

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— Warren Lind is a retired licensed clinical social worker and former security officer who writes extensively about crime, survival, and self-defense.  He is a member of too many pro-2A organizations to list.

All DRGO articles by Warren Lind

‘Success’ Claimed in Rhode Island Red Flags

By
Keith Finch
-
red flag law
Image Credit - Derplist and wherever they meme mined it from

Happy New Year to all!

This is a curious read. Click and hop over to the Providence Journal and see for yourself but in essence it seems to suggest that since they have used the law 33 times it is therefore a success…

I’m not convinced for a number of reasons.

Firstly, in each case, was the ‘Red Flag’ legislation the only legal mechanism by which to accomplish the goal? In only 1 of the 33 cases is this stated, at least in the piece linked, to be the case that the police had no other recourse but to ‘Red Flag’ an individual for making threats. The search didn’t turn up the alleged weapon.

In only a handful of cases were firearms recovered. In other cases, like the story presented in the opening of piece, a man giving signs of suicide (through picture and text message) was intervened with by law enforcement and he did not kill himself. That man had a weapon. However that case is hard to justify as a ‘Red Flag’ win. The police are empowered , and have the full human ability to go speak with someone showing concerning behavior, that wasn’t magically granted unto them with the advent of ‘Red Flag’ laws…

It seems to me, and perhaps I am merely pessimistic, that ‘Red Flag’ authors are chalking anything remotely resembling a use of the law as a ‘win’ and not doing so through the lens of abilities present before the law change. I also don’t think they’re going to chalk anything into the ‘lose’ column, even if something is missed, someone is wrongly flagged, or even if someone dies during the seizure.

NYE 2019

By
Keith Finch
-

Another orbit down. Let the libations flow and the good cheer with it!

With that said don’t lose your heads, Oh GAT Daily Readership. I want all of you back with all limbs attached in the morning.

Set plans, set responsibilities, have alternatives.

A place to stay. A way to get home. A number to call when all else fails.

Be Safe. Have fun. See you in the 20’s!

Kinetic Energy Weapons – Project Thor: Rods From God

By
Keith Finch
-

As a break from waxing overly political on NYE I instead want to delve into some fun tech! I’m still looking at the various political machinations and how opinions are polarizing around the shooting in Texas. I will have more thoughts on that one but…

Tech break everyone!

Kinetic Energy Weapons are something that has been mostly relegated to science fiction. At least in how they’re usually portrayed. In reality we use low power kinetic energy weapons (firearms) and chemical energy weapons (explosives) and have for centuries.

Our low power kinetic energy weapons, say your EDC sidearm, aren’t using raw kinetic energy as their principle wounding method per se. Instead it’s a combination effect of the kinetic hydrostatic transfer (terms like hydrostatic shock and temporary wound cavity address this damage) and the permanent wound cavity through critical body systems causing organ failure due to tissue damage and exsanguination (not enough blood left in the body and/or one or more of the really important organs turned off)

Our chemical weapons (explosives), and by extension our nuclear weapons, are expensive special material enhancements to up the amount of destructive power a device can deliver from its inert kinetic raw form.

What strategic level kinetic energy weapons do, or would do, is take the energy levels currently only achievable through chemical or nuclear reactions and use extreme speed to do the same thing. We are using the kinetic energy equation to maximum effect, because the big money energy contributor is speed.

This is also the tech behind railguns, non-complex material traveling at high speed. Gravity, however, is the easiest and most plentiful accelerator we have access too. It isn’t going anywhere and doesn’t fail. Which makes the whole concept of orbital strategic kinetic weapons this incredibly interesting cross between high tech and low tech.

High tech because… well… space! Low tech because we’re doing the orbital equivalent of dropping a lawn dart. High tech again because we’ve given it GPS and other guidance tech like we’ve adapted to precision munitions. We also design the ‘dart’ from a dense high mass material and shape it to efficiently retain velocity, resist drag, and survive hypervelocity atmospheric entry and transit.

It’s mostly just that the same physics that go into dropping a foam finned football onto your siblings head from the second story deck can be macroed onto a planetary orbital scale and become a superweapon.

Neat!

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