Showing posts with label Personal Responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Responsibility. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Prime 2A Justification

"A DeKalb County schoolteacher carjacked early Sunday scored a measure of revenge against his attackers...Harper ran inside and grabbed his .380 pistol.

“I was waiting for them,” he said. Harper estimates he fired two to three bullets, which might have contributed to the driver crashing the van less than a block away. A small amount of blood was found inside the vehicle." [link]

Very simply bad guy commits crime, bad guy gets immediate consequences via a law abiding armed citizen.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Graphic Representation of My Favorite Quote

As many of you who read this blog know I have a favorite quote and it is by the late Colonel Jeff Cooper. I just ran across a story that shows an excellent example of the philosophy of this quote in action. I hope you all enjoy the stories and pictures as much as I did.

"Fight back! Whenever you are offered violence, fight back! The aggressor does not fear the law, so he must be taught to fear you. Whatever the risk, and at whatever the cost, fight back!"--Col. Jeff Cooper

A knife-wielding burglar had a shock when he attacked a pensioner in his home - and discovered his victim was a retired boxer.

Senior citizen Frank Corti, 72, a former junior boxing champion is still a bit handy with his dukes.

And when he spotted the aforementioned intruder, Gregory McCalium, in his hallway he sprang into action and delivered two right hooks. [link]

On the left you see a before photo of the criminal and on the right you see a photo after his run in with Mr. Corti.


Monday, June 22, 2009

Newest Victim Disarmament Zone

Officials said Wednesday that starting July 17th, no guns will be allowed on Beale Street. All clubs and businesses will post signs notifying patrons of the ban.

Police officers and private security guards will use handheld metal detectors to search patrons before allowing them inside the famous street's barricades.

Merchants will have to cover the cost, but they say it's worth it to maintain Beale Street's reputation as one of the country's safest entertainment districts.

John Elkington of Performa Entertainment says he wants to offer tourists and other patrons the opportunity to visit Beale without the fear of encountering armed citizens. [link]

You can now count this place off my places in America to visit. It is a shame really, I visited Beale Street several years ago and it is truly a nice place. Good entertainment, good food, and a relatively family friendly atmosphere. However if you will no longer allow me to legally protect myself and my family then I will not be going. For those that request it though, will you provide an armed security guard or a police officer to escort people around?

How long do you think it will be before the criminal element realizes there is a massive victim disarmament zone full of tourists with cash?

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

On Liberty Pt. 3 (Personal Responsibility)

Personal responsibility is perhaps the cornerstone of true liberty. It is not always easy for a person to say that "I am responsible for myself and my actions at all times", but this is the reality of life, and the sooner this is understood the sooner all people can start living free. How can such a simple statement be so powerful? If I am responsible for myself (my safety, well being, health, economic standing, etc...), then I will also be on the lookout for things that could harm my self interest and take the necessary measures to fix them.

Selfishness! In a way yes, but in the broader scope of things it works out differently. How do "selfishness" and "self-interest" actually coincide with a better community for all? If each person in a community were to be personally responsible for themselves and their actions then they would not do anything to jeopardize their "self-interests". This would include not committing crimes against people or property. This would also mean if I wanted to make money from my investment in my home that I would want to be on good terms with my neighbors. (Human nature is strange, make a friend and more often than not there will be friendly competition on a subconscious level. "I can make my lawn look better than his", or "Her flower garden is beautiful, but I bet I can outdo her"). However make an enemy and oftentimes out of spite they will let themselves go to make you look bad.

The best thing about personal responsibility is being in full control of your own life. If I do not have to depend on anyone for necessities then I am beholden to no one. As soon as you turn to someone else to take care of your needs, you are no longer the one in control of your life. You have chosen to allow someone else to control you and you are along for the ride. Do not misunderstand this in certain respects, charity in many instances is to help, if the charity is freely given. Once charitable contributions are forced (taxes) then there is a sudden rift between those being forced to be charitable and those choosing to accept the charity (tax money).

In a community where people are responsible for themselves charity is freely given, because each person usually realizes that things can happen. Homes can burn, crops can whither and die, fatal accidents do happen, sudden illness strikes, etc... In times like this it is best to turn to friends and neighbors for help. However if you have been responsible and charitable yourself, you will not have to turn far because help will usually be there before you even have to ask.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

On Liberty Pt. 2 (Entitlements)

Any more there are quite a few people that seem to think they deserve something for just being. Well in a since they are correct. They deserve to have their rights honored and the chance to work as hard as they want to achieve whatever they may. They also deserve the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

They do not however deserve a handout if they fall on hard times, they don't deserve a bailout because their 401K tanked, and they don't deserve "free" food because they don't make enough money.

Plenty of people would call this harsh and in a way it is, however it is not my job or yours to be forced to fend for those that either cannot or choose not to fend for themselves. To look at it another way. If not for the income tax, payroll tax, unemployment tax, social security tax, school tax, library tax, property tax, etc...a community could easily support those less fortunate via charity than is being done now via forced taxation.

Deep down a vast majority of human beings are very generous, we just don't always have the means to give what we would like. However if not for forced "entitlements" there is quite a bit of good that each and every one of us could share easily.

Keep watching for more short topics On Liberty.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Lies and Rhetoric but No True Freedom

"President Barack Obama says no country should try to impose a system of government on another nation...Obama also says he believes governments must reflect the will of their people. And, he says he believes all people want to be able to speak their minds and have a say in how they are governed. He says he believes people want to have confidence in law and justice, as well as a transparent government and the freedom to live as they choose." [link]

How about an administration trying to impose a system of government that 50+million of its citizens voted to reject? A government reflecting the will of the people? Please Mr. Obama lie to us again. How many people in America are against your taxpayer money spending spree, yet the floodgates seem to be open with no sign of anyone shutting off the flow.

Americans, at least a large number, do prefer to have the freedom to live as they choose. This means being able to live as they see fit without government intervention, so long as they do not violate the rights of others. Keep your rhetoric and false promises. Start doing what you say not saying one thing and then doing the other. Quit spending OUR hard earned money, stop taxing us to support your programs, get your hands out of and off of private business. Do these and show that you truly believe in transparent government and freedom!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Police and Safety or Lack Thereof

"This is devastating," he told reporters Tuesday. "None of us signed up for this kind of task."

Distelzweig said under the 2010 budget plan, the department will focus on priority calls and maintaining public safety. "Policing in this city will change as we know it today," he said. " ... [We're] going to do less with less." [link]

Directly from the mouth of a large city police chief. Doing less with less. That should really make one feel safe. Yet there are plenty of people that say average American citizens do not need to be armed because that is what the police are for, to protect "us". Well what happens then when things in the economy get so bad that the police don't get paid, but they still have their guns?

The same people that feel this way also usually don't realize that the police have no obligation to protect anyone and are not liable for injuries or death caused by crime or failing to respond in a timely manner. This is why the sole responsibility of individual safety should be left up to the individual.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Force Them to Become Domesticated

"The principal of a Utah middle school has been asked to apologize for forcing a kilt-wearing student to change his clothes.

Weber School District spokesman Nate Taggart says Craig Jessop has been asked to extend an apology to 14-year-old student Gavin McFarland of Hooper after the school official's comments Wednesday.

Gavin says he wore the kilt twice in the past two weeks to Rocky Mountain Junior High as a prop for an art project. Jessop told the boy that the outfit could be misconstrued as cross-dressing." [link]

If they force you at an early age to learn to be controlled, you wind up being easy to handle. Like domesticated animals. Those that can think for themselves and show personal responsibility are the "real dangers" to the system.

For the longest time I used to misconstrue public schools as actual education centers!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

More Hoplophobia

Hoplophobia: A term coined by Jeff Cooper to describe someone who has an irrational fear of firearms.

"An apparent organized flexing of Second Amendment rights last weekend was a bit too Wild West for some local citizens and business owners.

Police and deputies responded to a number of complaints about citizens packing sidearms at restaurants, stores and other public areas.

None of the gun carriers was cited." [link]

Notice once again the gun-grabber use of the "Wild West" fallacy. It is interesting to note that several people were approached by the police in several different areas, and guess what? Not one of them was a criminal or doing anything against the law. Even more surprising was not one of these law abiding gun owners later that day turned criminal and hurt anyone with their firearm. A bit later in the article we get this wonderful bit of "wisdom":

"Stellingworth and Undersheriff Thomas Finco said that citizens who exercise the right to carry guns openly should realize it alarms the public and police."

You know what, it doesn't matter! It alarms gun owners when others try to infringe on our rights. It alarms Americans when we hear report after report of police officers acting like criminals (see all these reports by David Codrea). It alarms the public when we, as American citizens are labeled as potential terrorists (MIAC, DHS Report, Virginia Police Report).

Certain people need to understand those that support personal responsibility, the United States Constitution, freedom, and liberty, are rarely those that you need to be afraid of, or alarmed about. If you want to know who to be alarmed about try turning on the T.V. and see what Congress is up to, pick up a newspaper and see what your elected officials are doing. Leave those of us that mind our own business and live our lives as we see fit alone.


Innocent Life Saved With Firearm

"A 42-year-old Midlothian man was fatally shot in self-defense Friday night, Arlington police said.

Rodney Kennedy was in his ex-wife's home when he was shot by his former father-in-law, 67, police said. The shooting happened at 10 p.m. during an altercation, according to reports." [link]

Purely conjecture, but based on past instances of events like these the man probably had a restraining order against him, broke or attempted to break in, was confronted by ex father-in-law and was shot. This could very well have ended badly if the woman would have been home alone with no firearm for protection. Like I said purely conjecture, but you can look to the past to see how these usually turn out.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

One Hurdle Overcome in Wisconsin

"Madison gun owner Auric Gold said he often carries a handgun in a holster while walking in his east side neighborhood, a right that attorney general J.B. Van Hollen affirmed in a memorandum to prosecutors on Monday."

"To me it's a very different issue whether you're walking down Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee with a gun on your hip and . . . if you're carrying a hunting rifle through a town during hunting season," Doyle said.." [link]

You are so correct Heir Doyle a hunting rifle during hunting season is a tool to harvest game. A gun on your hip in Milwaukee is a tool to protect your life and the lives of your family. I can see which one would hold the most importance for you. Oh, but I am sure you have an armed security detail with you don't you?

Excellent news here. Wisconsin is one of only two states (Illinois being the other) that do not allow concealed carry. Good to see that at least those that wish to protect themselves at least have an option now. Could be better, but you take what you can get, when you can get it. Just keep up the fight and keep pushing for concealed carry in Wisconsin.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

A Declaration of Seperation

Copied and re posted in its entirety from Free and Unashamed. Only editing and link changes were made.

To The Governments & People of Earth:

We claim the right to exist, and we will defend it.

We do not seek to overthrow anything. We do not seek to control anything. We merely wish to be left alone.

All we ever wanted was to live in peace with our friends and neighbors. For a long, long time we bore insults to our liberty; we took blows, we did what we could to avoid injury and we worked through the system to get the offenses to stop. That has now changed.

We no longer see any benefit in working through the world's systems. At some point, working within a system becomes cowardly and immoral; for us, that point has arrived. Regardless of the parties in power, their governments have continued to restrict, restrain and punish us. We hereby reject them all. We hereby withdraw from them all. We hold the ruling states of this world and all that appertains to them to be self-serving and opposed to humanity.

We now withdraw our obedience and reclaim the right to strike back when struck. We will not initiate force, but we do reserve the right to answer it.

We did not choose this — it was forced upon us.

To The Governments of Earth:

You are building cages for all that is human. In the name of protection, you have intruded into all areas of human life, far exceeding the reach of any Caesar. You claim ultimate control of our property and our decisions, of our travels and even our identities. You claim ownership of humanity far beyond the dreams of any Emperor of any previous era.

Understand clearly: We reject your authority and we reject your legitimacy. We do not believe that you have any right to do the things you do. You have massive power, but no right to impose it upon us and no legitimacy. We have forsaken you. We are no longer your citizens or your subjects.

Your systems are inherently anti-human, even if all their operators are not.

We are not merely angry young people. We are fathers and mothers; aunts, uncles and grandparents; we are business owners and trusted employees; we are mechanics and engineers and farmers. We are nurses and accountants and students and executives.

We are on every continent.

This is not a burst of outrage; this is a sober declaration that we no longer accept unearned suffering as our role in life.

For long decades we sat quietly, hoping that things would turn around. We took no actions; we suffered along with everyone else. But after having our limits pushed back again and again, we have given up on your systems.

If our fellow inhabitants of this planet wish to accept your rule, they are free to do so. We will not try to stop them. We, however, will no longer accept your constraints upon us.

From now on, when you hurt us, we will bite back. If you leave us alone we will leave you alone and you can continue to rule your subjects. We are happy to live quietly. But if you come after us, there will be consequences.

You caused this because of your fetish for control and power. The chief men and women among you are pathologically driven to control everyone and everything that moves upon this planet. You have made yourselves the judge of every human activity. No god-king of the ancient world ever had the power that your systems do.

You have created a world where only the neutered are safe and where only outlaws are free.

To The People of Earth:

We seek nothing from you. We do not want to rule you and we do not want to control you.

All we wish is to live on earth in peace. As always, we will be helpful neighbors and generous acquaintances. We will remain honest business partners and trustworthy employees. We will continue to be loving parents and respectful children.

We will not, however, be sacrificial animals. We reject the idea that others have a right to our lives and our property. We will not demand anything from you, and we will no longer acquiesce to any demands upon us. We have left that game. We reject all obligations to any person or organization beyond honesty, fair dealing and a respect for human life.

We will shortly explain what we believe, but we are not demanding that you agree with us. All we ask is that you do not try to stop us. Continue to play the game if you wish; we will not try to disrupt it. We have merely walked away from it.

We wish you peace.

To Those Who Will Condemn Us:

We will ignore you.

We welcome and seek the verdict of a just God, before whom we are willing to expose our innermost thoughts. Are you similarly willing?

We would stand openly before all mankind if it were not suicidal. Perhaps some day we will have to accept slaughter for our crime of independence, but not yet.

Your criticism and your malice are much deeper than mere disagreements of strategy or philosophy. You do not oppose our philosophy, you oppose our existence. Our presence in the world means that your precious ideals are false. Some of you would rather kill us than face the loss of your ideologies, just as those like you have either hated or killed every sufficiently independent human.

You present yourselves to the world as compassionate, tolerant and enlightened, but we know that your smooth words are costumes. Oh yes, we know you, servant of the state; don't forget, we were raised with you. We played with you in the schoolyard, we sat next to you in the classroom. Some of us studied at the same elite universities. We watched as you had your first tastes of power. We were the boys and girls standing next to you. Some of us were your first victims. We are not fooled by your carefully crafted public image.

What We Believe

  1. Many humans resent the responsibilities that are implied by consciousness. We accept those responsibilities and we embrace consciousness. Rather than letting things happen to us (avoiding consciousness), we accept consciousness and choose to act in our own interest.
    We do not seek the refuge of blaming others, neither do we take refuge in crowds. We are willing to act on our personal judgment, and we are willing to accept the consequences thereof.
  2. We believe in negative rights for all: That all humans should be free to do whatever they wish, as long as they do not intrude upon others; that no man has a right to the life, liberty or property of another; that we oppose aggression, fraud and coercion.
  3. We do not believe that our way of life, or any other, will make life perfect or trouble-free. We expect crime and disagreements and ugliness, and we are prepared to deal with them. We do not seek a strongman to step in and solve problems for us. We agree to see to them ourselves.
  4. We believe in free and unhindered commerce. So long as exchanges are voluntary and honest, no other party has a right to intervene — before, during or after.
  5. We believe that all individuals should keep their agreements.
  6. We believe that honestly obtained property is fully legitimate and absolute.
  7. We believe that some humans are evil and that they must be faced and dealt with. We accept the fact that this is a difficult area of life.
  8. We believe that humans can self-organize effectively. We expect them to cooperate. We reject impositions of hierarchy and organization.
  9. We believe that all humans are to be held as equals in all matters regarding justice.
  10. We believe that the more a man or woman cares about right and wrong, the more of a threat he or she is perceived to be by governments.
  11. We believe that there are only two true classes of human beings: Those who wish to exercise power upon others - either directly or through intermediaries - and those who have no such desires.
  12. Large organizations and centralization are inherently anti-human. They must rely upon rules rather than principles, treating humans within the organization as obedient tools.

Our Plans:

We are building our own society. We will supplement traditional tools with networking, cryptography, sound money, digital currency and anonymous messaging.

Our society will not be centrally controlled. It will rely solely on voluntary arrangements.

We welcome others to join us. We are looking for people who are independent creators of value, people who act more than talk, and people who do the right thing because it is the right thing.

We will develop our own methods of dealing with injustice, built on the principles of negative rights, restitution, integrity and equal justice.

We do not forbid anyone from having one foot in each realm - ours and the old realm - although we demand that they do no damage to our realm. We are fully opposed to any use of our realm to facilitate crime in the old realm, such as the hiding of criminal proceeds.

We expect to be loudly condemned, libeled and slandered by the authorities of the old regime. We expect them to defend their power and their image of legitimacy with all means available to them. We expect that many gullible and servile people will believe these lies, at least at first.

We will consider traps laid for us to be criminal offenses.

Any who wish to join us are encouraged to distribute this declaration, to act in furtherance of our new society, to voluntarily excel in virtues and to communicate and cooperate with other members of the new society.

Free, unashamed men cannot be ruled.

We are The Free and The Unashamed.

Friday, April 17, 2009

When Seconds Count

"I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, 'cause it's going to be empty." --Clint Smith

Excellent Gun Rights Examiner column today. Go here to read it yourself.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Liberty Is a Bitter Pill

I have wrote before that liberty is not easy, and we all know that it is not free. However what a lot of people fail to realize is that liberty is also a bitter pill. A bitter pill, but not a toxic one. To truly embrace liberty, I must also be willing to allow the same types of liberty to others.

This often times means allowing others to act in a way that I find immoral, unethical, and personally reprehensible. However, as long as they do not violate my rights, or anyone else's rights then by all means allow them to do as they wish, it is their life, their conscience, and their soul.

Gun owners in particular, it has been said, don't care whether you personally decide to own a gun or not, if you decide not to, then do not infringe on the rights of those that choose to do so. That is your personal choice and you are free to make it, just don't try and force your beliefs on us.

Drug usage is the same way. Use what you want to, when you want to, how you want to, but your using had better not infringe on anyone else's rights. Get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you deserve what you get, if not worse. OD, don't expect my unlawfully gained tax dollars to pay for your lifesaving medications.

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. There are plenty of choices and lifestyles that I find wrong for many different reasons, but that does not give me the right to say that they are wrong and should be forbidden, banned, outlawed, etc...

Let each person choose their own way in life so long as it does not keep you from choosing yours. If whatever someone else chooses infringes on your rights, then you have the right to do something about it. If what someone chooses does not interfere with your rights but only enrages you morally, ethically, etc... then if you are a liberty lover you will allow them to do as they please, choose what label fits you best: socialist, fascist, hatemonger, etc... Just remember if you feel you are right in taking someone elses rights, then what stops someone else from taking yours. This is the difference between the bitter pill and the toxic pill.
 
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