tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40631632576242315572024-03-12T15:41:18.796-07:00Dustin's Gun BlogDustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.comBlogger838125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-32407575230356335232018-11-28T23:39:00.000-07:002018-11-28T23:50:17.617-07:00You've never budgeted like this beforeLike most people I never learned any effective method to manage and budget my money while I was growing up. Over the years I tried many of the traditional budget methods such as listing our total monthly projected income and subtracting the expected expenses which looked good but never matched reality, so at the end of the month we were in a position of wondering where all the money had gone. We tried using mint which was fairly good at tracking where our money went, but we didn't find it effective for planning where we wanted our money to go nor to decide in the moment how much we could actually spend on any particular item. We tried everydollar which is very effective at assigning jobs to every dollar based on your projected income, but the free version doesn't link to your accounts so it is difficult to track expenses, and as it follows a more traditional income forecasting method we never knew exactly when we could actually pay our mortgage or pay a utility bill and also buy a weeks worth of groceries without bouncing a check.<br />
<br />
All that to share with you that about a year and a half ago we found <a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">YNAB</a> - an acronym for <a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">You Need A Budget</a> - their budget application is available via the web and as an app on your smart phone - they have an app for both the android and the iphone. It is a virtual cash envelope system in that you only budget money you actually have available to spend right now, cash sitting in the bank or in your wallet. If you have a multi-adult household you can easily share a budget by both logging into the same <a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">YNAB</a><a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank"> </a>account. For example, if I buy some groceries and enter my purchase on my phone, then a little later my wife goes to buy groceries, she can easily check on her phone to see how much money is still available to spend on groceries as she walks into the store.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">YNAB</a> is able to link to your accounts and will download transactions which it will present to you in a list of new transactions that will be matched against those you entered manually, and will also present to you any that you forgot to enter for your review and acceptance. Super easy and painless, it is the first system that has worked for us for both planning our spending before we spend, and tracking our spending after it is spent. It also has a wonderful reporting system to review average expenses in any category or category group over any period of time, which is great for calculating monthly funding goals for variable expenses like fuel or groceries.<br />
<br />
Since the app is a virtual cash envelope system, you only budget with actual cash on hand, either in your pocket, home safe, or in your checking or savings account for example. You'll give every dollar a job, and if there is a dollar in any given category - such as groceries - you know that the dollar actually exists RIGHT NOW, and can be spent right now. No more complicated issues around forecasting future income and having no idea how much you can spend today without bouncing a check.<br />
<br />
Since we started using <a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">YNAB</a> a year and a half ago, we were able to build up a 1 month buffer (all money earned this month gets budgeted for spending during the following month) - December is still a few days away and we already have every single dollar that we'll be spending during the month of December in the bank ready to go on December 1st, from the money that we actually earned this month (November). This makes budgeting amazingly easy and stress free. We also follow <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/" target="_blank">Dave Ramsey's baby steps</a> and saved up a $1,000 baby emergency fund, paid off all of our non-mortgage debt, and more recently built up a 3 month cash emergency fund in the bank (steps 1 through 3). Today we are on baby steps 4, 5, and 6 (contribute 15% of our income to retirement, save up or cash flow kids college, and work on paying off the home mortgage early).<br />
<br />
I can't even put into words the peace of mind that our current financial position has placed us in. A year and a a half ago we were making monthly payments on debt and living paycheck to paycheck, under immense stress wondering when (not if) we'd bounce our next check. Now instead of feeling like literal slaves to debt, when we had to allocate most of our monthly income to debt payments, we actually get to choose where to spend our money based on our own priorities. The peace of mind of being consumer debt free is indescribable and priceless!<br />
<br />
You too can do what we've done. Anyone can do it. About 8 out of 10 Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck irregardless of income the same way we were only 18 months ago. Whether your income is 20,000 a year of 200,000 a year, it isn't about how much you make, it's about making a plan for your money and sticking to it. I've heard people make an excuse for why they don't budget saying they don't have enough money to be worth making a plan. If you don't have enough money your need to budget is even GREATER than most, not less. Every single penny becomes precious and you should not spend so much as one of them without having a plan for your money based on your own goals and priorities. If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Once you become consumer debt free, you'll never go back!<br />
<br />
If you use my <a href="http://tinyurl.com/getynab" target="_blank">YNAB</a> referral link when you sign up for your free trial we'll both get an additional month of their service for free. They also have incredibly helpful free online training on how to use their amazing budgeting system. The budget training alone is worth more than they charge for their service. No payment information is required to try their 34 day free trial so you have everything to gain and absolutely nothing to loose. Just give it a try, you'll be thanking me later!<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4VJ4v_Y_d8" width="480"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-52831522548768810952013-05-24T18:52:00.000-07:002013-05-24T18:58:12.856-07:00Save Thousands on your Electric BillI'd like to welcome our newest sponsor - <a href="http://share.solarcity.com/dustinsgunblog">Solar City</a>. When we sat down with our <a href="http://share.solarcity.com/dustinsgunblog">Solar City Rep</a> he created a lease package for us that is going to save us Thousands of dollars on our electric utility bills in the coming years with zero up front out of pocket cost. Once the system is activated we will simply start making our low monthly lease payments while the system starts generating electricity.<br />
<br />
I have looked into purchasing solar panels in the past but had been deterred by the associated large down payment and high monthly payments that make it impossible to save money until you've been making monthly loan payments for years. With a Lease you can start your savings from day 1. A solar lease may not be the perfect scenario for everyone, but why not give <a href="http://share.solarcity.com/dustinsgunblog">Solar City</a> a call to see if a <a href="http://share.solarcity.com/dustinsgunblog">solar panel lease</a> would be right for you? The only thing you have to loose are those high electric bills you're currently paying.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-1164128988374256542013-05-24T18:25:00.001-07:002013-05-24T18:26:16.120-07:00Teacher Arrested in Kansas for Bearing ArmsDo we create a "safe" environment when we disarm teachers and force them to be defenseless? Or worse - <a href="http://.wichita-teacher-arrested-at-elementary-school-for-possessing-unloaded-gun-on-campus-to-protect-students/">arrest them</a>? I think not. Not only is it unconstitutional to disarm our teachers, it doesn't even enhance safety. It isn't as if any person determined to do harm to our children would be deterred by a so-called "gun free zone".<br />
<br />
I think this has been well proven.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-81736549063881957492013-05-01T07:47:00.001-07:002013-05-01T07:50:16.289-07:00Turn in your Arms - the Government will take care of youTurning in weapons worked really well for the Native Americans didn't it? Then again, maybe not. If you have any doubts just look up <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wounded_Knee_incident">Wounded Knee</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwbYaqxTCg/UYEq2Q87c8I/AAAAAAAABq4/DES14WiMSKI/s1600/turninyourarms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jwbYaqxTCg/UYEq2Q87c8I/AAAAAAAABq4/DES14WiMSKI/s320/turninyourarms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-27538491596104961202013-04-26T09:00:00.000-07:002013-04-26T09:00:00.333-07:00RealBullet.comThe folks over at <a href="http://RealBullet.com/">RealBullet.com</a> were kind enough to send me a few samples of their products to try out and review. I am happy to say that after using the products that I received I am 100% satisfied with the durability and high quality of construction - I am certain they will stand the test of time and be enjoyed by my family for many years to come.<br />
<br />
Our favorite neclace is the <a href="http://realbullet.com/bullet-necklace/paracord-necklace">.308 paracord neclace</a> which has 2 slipknots making size adjustment easy depending on your preference. My primary struggle has been to keep either of the <a href="http://realbullet.com/bullet-necklace">bullet necklaces</a> for myself as my teenage boys have been "borrowing" and failing to return them. Needless to say they are a hit in our home. I have also found that in addition to being stylish the <a href="http://realbullet.com/bottle-openers">bullet bottle openers</a> have been effective at easily removing the lid off of the soda bottles I tried them out on.<br />
<br />
So if you're interested in trying out interesting products made by the employees of a small American company, go check out <a href="http://RealBullet.com/">RealBullet.com</a> - I don't think you would be disappointed, and just in case anything were to go wrong - they have an excellent <a href="http://realbullet.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=6">customer satisfaction return policy</a>.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-56298854587643556802013-04-25T18:09:00.002-07:002013-04-25T18:09:32.628-07:00Guns in America<a href="http://www.theblaze.com/">The Blaze</a> has a very cool series named <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/news/guns-in-america/">Guns in America</a> that is helping to spread truth and dispel myth. Recent topics include <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/09/more-and-more-women-are-buying-guns-heres-why/">Women & Guns</a>, <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/26/nr-draft-how-important-are-guns-to-the-u-s-economy-for-starters-the-firearms-industry-employs-twice-as-many-americans-as-bailed-out-gm/">Gun Industry Employment</a>, and <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/03/19/how-many-people-own-guns-in-america-and-is-gun-ownership-actually-declining/">Gun Ownership</a>. Check it out.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-5513237044257367692013-04-25T14:52:00.000-07:002013-04-25T14:52:33.967-07:00Standing up for Free Speech8th grader Jared Marcum was not the first youth to be <a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/04/23/8th-grader-suspended-arrested-over-his-nra-t-shirt-returns-to-schoolwearing-the-exact-same-shirt/">unjustifiably disciplined for wearing an NRA Shirt</a>, but I believe he may be the first to wear the exact same shirt on the very first day that he returned to school. Keep up the great work Jared!<br />
<br />
I believe Ben Franklin would agree when I say that we must all hang together in support of Free Speech, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-32463577136066721682013-03-22T12:37:00.002-07:002013-03-22T12:37:39.344-07:00Star Parker - Standing up for Gun RightsThree must see videos posted by gun rights activist <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/StarParkerForFreedom?feature=watch">Star Parker</a>:<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uMV1hNXt1JM?list=UUD0XnFHu0kQKrcXAxHC55nw" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JM72klOt0jk?list=UUD0XnFHu0kQKrcXAxHC55nw" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/il9r2vuYxlU?list=UUD0XnFHu0kQKrcXAxHC55nw" width="420"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-28100410727773085822013-03-19T20:09:00.001-07:002013-03-19T20:18:32.746-07:00Arizona Ranked #1 for Gun Owners<a href="http://www.gunsandammo.com/">Guns and Ammo</a> ranked all of the States to see where gun owners enjoyed the most freedom, and I'm happy to report that <a href="http://www.gunsandammo.com/2013/03/14/ga-ranks-the-best-states-for-gun-owners-in-2013">Arizona was ranked number 1 on the list</a> with 49 out of a maximum of 50 points! Thanks fellow Arizonans for your support of the changes that have been made to Arizona law in recent years to restore freedom to Americans who choose to make Arizona their home, or even to those who are simply passing through. We still have a ways to go, such as getting rid of gun free zones, but it is great to get a glimpse in the rearview mirror at how far we have already come.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-7072799322468134532013-02-27T12:57:00.002-07:002013-02-27T13:03:19.083-07:00Equal Gun Rights!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UBelF4UddcY" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
From the <a href="http://www.saf.org/">SAF</a>. Find additional details at <a href="http://www.equalgunrights.com/">equalgunrights.com</a>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-69675300129555551512012-12-20T07:58:00.001-07:002012-12-20T08:01:10.410-07:00AZ Representative Harper Opposes War on 2nd AmendmentArizona <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/MembersPage.asp?Member_ID=94&Legislature=50&Session_ID=102">Representative Harper</a>: The issue is Mental Health, not the 2nd Amendment:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/luof_lX-ZDU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-81769276311917370152012-12-19T21:58:00.001-07:002012-12-19T21:58:27.078-07:00NRA Membership Spike<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="http://www.theblaze.com/stories/nra-sees-huge-spike-in-membership-after-sandy-hook-massacre-numbers-said-to-dwarf-past-trends/">The NRA sees huge spike in membership numbers</a></span>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-63406762692636471792012-10-31T17:01:00.001-07:002012-10-31T17:01:16.542-07:00S.O.S.<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3hMdCAGANiE" width="420"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-5158275000770345442012-10-31T14:30:00.002-07:002012-10-31T14:30:25.690-07:00Steven Crowder: Halloween Obama Style<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fHNBr3PZQaE" width="420"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-13724137203763094922012-10-31T14:21:00.001-07:002012-10-31T14:21:27.868-07:00Steven Crowder on Guns<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-WKLXCHgOiA" width="420"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-27571345736341947672012-04-24T14:09:00.000-07:002012-04-24T15:02:24.251-07:00Free Market America: "If I Wanted America to Fail"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CZ-4gnNz0vc" width="425"></iframe><br />
<br />
By <a href="http://www.freemarketamerica.org/">Free Market America</a>.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-48072453436847320572012-01-11T14:57:00.000-07:002012-01-11T15:03:08.185-07:00More Women Signing up for Concealed Carry Classes<iframe frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/iframe?pl_id=19942&page_count=5&rel=3&tags=5709&windows=2&aspect_ratio=3x2&va_id=3171163&show_title=0&pf_id=9204&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&volume=8" width="320" height="520"></iframe>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-68312820348155880702012-01-06T17:47:00.005-07:002012-01-06T18:42:09.464-07:00Another try for Campus Carry<a href="http://a-human-right.com/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 374px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694685604691732994" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VcU1ED5nl0/TweWYr8uagI/AAAAAAAABhY/k2XjkegumOA/s400/s_reason.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Patriotic <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/MembersPage.asp?Member_ID=96&Legislature=49&Session_ID=87">Senator Ron Gould</a> plans to introduce legislation on Monday that would remove current restrictions for students who poses CCW permits while they are on Arizona College Campuses. I'd love to see an even broader bill, but based on past results this is likely the best first step. Please contact Senator Gould and let him know that you support his efforts. He is currently facing an <a href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2011/12/20/20111220arizona-guns-campus-push.html">onslaught of left wing anti-gun media coverage</a> claiming that the sky would fall and blood would run in the streets if 21 year old adults who already have CCW permits and already carry a gun everywhere else in the State were suddenly no longer prohibited from defending themselves while they happen to be in yet another so-called "<a href="http://dustinsgunblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Gun%20Free%20Zone">Gun Free Zone</a>"<br /><br />For those who think Gun Free Zones work, just ask the victims of the Virginia Tech Gun Free Zone how well the zone worked for them. The simple truth is that criminals, rapists, and crazy people do not obey <a href="http://dustinsgunblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Gun%20Free%20Zone">gun free zone</a> signs any more than they would obey a smoke free zone or a no parking zone. They simply ignore them. The people victimized by gun free zones time and time again are the defenseless victims trapped within them.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-59726973963128037882012-01-05T13:19:00.014-07:002012-01-11T16:21:52.015-07:00How the Presidential Candidates rate on gun rightsIt can be difficult to determine where your favorite Presidential Candidate stands on the Second Amendment if you only listen to their standard talking points. As a result it is helpful to look at their ratings from the gun rights organizations that you trust. Unfortunately the NRA does not rate candidates specifically for the primary, so you have to do some digging through the <a href="http://www.nrapvf.org/grades-endorsements.aspx">NRA PVF Archive</a> to find NRA ratings from past elections. For your convenience, I've done the digging for you, and below is what I found for the current top contenders along with the date that the NRA rated them.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nrapvf.org/grades-endorsements.aspx"><span style="font-size:130%;">NRA PVF Ratings:</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><br /><ul><br /><li>A+ Rick Perry (2010 election for Texas Governor)</li><br /><li>A+ Rick Santorum (2006 election for Pennsylvania US Senate)</li><br /><li>A- Ron Paul (2010 election for US House of Representatives)</li><br /><li>B Mitt Romney (2002 election for Massachusetts Governor - <a href="http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=1149">prior to signing 2004 legislation</a>)</li><br /><li>Newt Gingrich - I can't find the ratings on Gingrich since the archive only goes back to 2002 and he last ran for office in 1998 but rest assured that <a href="http://www.newtexposed.com/">Newt Gingrich is a big government progressive with plenty of Gun Rights issues to be concerned about</a>.</li></ul><a href="http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-st-louis/top-2-iowa-frontrunners-no-better-than-obama-light-on-guns">Be aware that there are significant concerns</a> with anti-gun legislation that Rick Santorum has voted for in the late 1990's. There are also concerns about <a href="http://www.iberkshires.com/story.php?story_id=14812">legislation Romney signed in 2004</a> when he was Governor in Massachusetts. Kurt Hofmann has gathered together the details on <a href="http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-st-louis/top-2-iowa-frontrunners-no-better-than-obama-light-on-guns">past gun rights concerns with Santorum and Romney</a>. I have sent questionnaires to the press e-mail of both Santorum and Romney to ask them detailed questions on their current position on critical gun rights issues - if I get responses from either I will post them on this blog.<br /><br />Unlike the NRA which rates incumbant candidates based on a mathematical grade scale measurment of specific gun rights votes and actions, the GOA rates candidates on a subjective gut feeling of the GOA President, so I recommend considering the GOA ratings as the subjective opinion of a single gun rights activist. However, here are the <a href="http://gunowners.org/2012presidential.htm">GOA 2012 Presidential Primary candidate ratings</a> which includes some details on why the GOA rated some of them the way they did.<br /><br /><strong>Update 1</strong>: <a href="http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=1149">Clarification from the NRA on the 2004 Legislation Mitt Romney Signed</a>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-31046319819251010892011-11-16T10:19:00.004-07:002011-11-16T10:39:46.650-07:00John R Lott Jr on HR 822John R. Lott Jr posted a great article about <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr822rh/pdf/BILLS-112hr822rh.pdf">HR 822</a> titled "<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/11/15/whats-wrong-with-making-it-easier-to-carry-gun-in-usa/">What's Wrong With Making It Easier to Carry a Gun Across State Lines?</a>"<br /><br />Take a look at <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr822rh/pdf/BILLS-112hr822rh.pdf">HR 822</a>, it is straight forward, essentially similar to existing Federal law that tells States that they must recognize drivers licenses issued by other States. HR 822 tells States that if they issue concealed carry permits, they must recognize concealed carry permits issued by other States. It is only a few paragraphs long, and is so simple that even my 5th grader understandood it. Really. I had him read it and explain it to verify my theory.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-17925652213167664872011-08-11T20:25:00.007-07:002011-08-11T20:44:53.720-07:00Interview on Gun Laws in CAWell done interview:
<br />
<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4o6yhv6-3LQ" frameborder="0" height="344" width="425"></iframe>
<br />
<br />In the interview <a href="http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/makebio.asp?district=44">CA State Assemblyman Anthony Portantino</a> mentioned that he wanted to remove the "loophole" in California that does not yet deny American Citizens the ability to bear unloaded firearms who have not yet been granted a piece of paper by a mighty Sheriff, yet he failed to mention the fact that Thousands of California Residents are DENIED said piece of paper every single year because they write down on their application that the reason they wish to apply is simply because they wish to be able to defend their own life or the life of their loved ones while they are away from their own homes. Not to mention those of us who visit from out of State who are not even eligible to apply for a permit, nor are our own permits recognized.
<br />
<br />That's right, apparently in California in the mind of many lawmakers your life is worth LESS than diamonds or dollars. If you are protecting cash being deposited at the bank you can get a permit. If you are defending life and limb, forget it.
<br />
<br />My message to Anthony Portantino and any lawmakers who agree with him: It is time to Go HOME!
<br />
<br />H/T to <a href="http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/2011/08/11/psh-in-california/">Sebastian</a>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-69126628614911957582011-08-11T19:53:00.007-07:002011-08-11T20:47:45.875-07:00USCCA Concealed Carry ReportHave you signed up for the <a href="http://deltamedia.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=3&aff_id=1073">free USCCA Concealed Carry Report</a> put out by the <a href="http://deltamedia.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=5&aff_id=1073">USCCA</a>? It is 100% free, and has a lot of valuable insights and information in every release.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-10414104697138382672011-05-22T08:02:00.007-07:002011-05-22T10:14:05.367-07:00So much for the city of Brotherly LovePerhaps they should <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/21/altercation-philadelphia-police-say-wont-look-way-open-carry-gun-owners/?test=latestnews">rename Philadelphia the city of we hate law abiding gun owners</a>. It doesn't exactly roll off the tongue, but it does fit <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/05/21/altercation-philadelphia-police-say-wont-look-way-open-carry-gun-owners/?test=latestnews">the stated policy of the Philadelphia PD</a>.<br /><br />They plan to assume that all people who carry openly are common criminals until proven otherwise rather than the other way around. Why not take the current activity or demeanor of the law abiding citizen into consideration? How many common criminals have you ever heard of that even bother to use holsters much less carry a gun openly? Why not use common sense? It is evident to me that there is not much common sense nor brotherly love coming from the Top Brass of the Philadelphia PD.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEQmYHgXBAs">Listen to the full details on what happened to Mark Fiorino</a>. Here is <a href="http://youtu.be/eXKVhWsOyJY">part two of the story</a>. Here is the <a href="http://youtu.be/Z-vUYeJXSrA">audio of the full incident</a> - be aware that the officer uses a lot of inappropriate language, so do not listen to this with any children in the room. Instead of an apology, the Philadelphia PD says to expect more of the same. Reprehensible. Disgusting. The top Brass at the Philadelphia PD should be ashamed of themselves.<br /><br />H/T to Mark Walters who will be discussing this story this afternoon on <a href="http://www.armedamericanradio.com/">Armed American Radio</a> - don't miss it, always a great program.Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-88076659633914952502011-05-09T18:07:00.005-07:002011-05-09T18:26:52.190-07:00Texas Senate Passes Campus CarryFrom <a href="http://www.concealedcampus.org/">SCCC</a>:<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>TEXAS SENATE PASSES “CAMPUS CARRY” BY VOTE OF 21 TO 10<br /><br />On Monday, May 9, following months of parliamentary challenges, backroom negotiations, and public accusations, the Texas Senate finally passed legislation that would legalize licensed concealed carry (of handguns) at Texas public colleges. By a vote of 21 to 10, the Texas Senate agreed to add Senator Jeff Wentorth’s (R- San Antonio) “campus carry” amendment to SB 1581, a higher education finance bill authored by Senator Steve Ogden (R-Bryan). The bill itself passed by a vote of 19-12 and will now go to the Texas House. Texas Governor Rick Perry has repeatedly voiced his support for campus carry and promised to sign the legislation if it’s passed by the legislature.<br /><br />W. Scott Lewis, Texas legislative director for Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, commented, “This has never been a question of securing majority support; it’s always been about overcoming the parliamentary hurdles laid out by a handful of Senators opposed to campus carry. Now that it’s gotten past the Senate’s infamous two-thirds rule, campus carry has more momentum than a runaway freight train.”<br /><br />The language of Senator Wentworth’s amendment is very similar to his Senate Bill 354, which stalled in the Senate last month after two Senators abruptly withdrew support during a floor debate, dropping the number of supporters from 22 to 20. A longstanding tradition in the Texas Senate requires that two-thirds of the Senators present (21 of 31) agree to hear a bill.<br /><br />After exploring various methods for getting his bill heard on the Senate floor, Senator Wentworth was finally able to attach his amendment to SB 1581 after an earlier amendment by Senator Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) changed the overall subject matter of the bill, allowing Senator Wentworth’s amendment to meet the “germaneness” test laid out in the Senate rules. Senator Ogden supported the amendment despite having previously opposed SB 354. Lewis concluded, “Despite all of the media hype, all of the fear mongering, and all of the misinformation, a vast majority of the Texas Senators tasked with researching and voting on this issue opted for empirical evidence over emotional rhetoric.”<br /><br />###<br /><br />ABOUT <a href="http://www.concealedcampus.org/">STUDENTS FOR CONCEALED CARRY ON CAMPUS</a> - <a href="http://www.concealedcampus.org/">Students for Concealed Carry on Campus (SCCC)</a> is a national, non-partisan, grassroots organization comprising over 44,000 college students, professors, college employees, parents of college students, and concerned citizens who believe that holders of state-issued concealed handgun licenses should be allowed the same measure of personal protection on college campuses that current laws afford them virtually everywhere else. SCCC has members in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. SCCC is not affiliated with the NRA or any other organization. <a href="http://www.concealedcampus.org/">SCCC</a> extends an open invitation to publicly debate representatives from any organization or institution opposed to “campus carry.”</blockquote>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4063163257624231557.post-3107108656798716382011-04-19T22:07:00.004-07:002011-04-21T09:54:14.912-07:00Governor Brewer Vetoes Campus CarryIn <a href="http://www.azgovernor.gov/dms/upload/PR_041811_SB1467VetoLetter.pdf">her veto letter</a> yesterday afternoon, Governor Brewer claimed that she vetoed <a href="http://www.azleg.gov/DocumentsForBill.asp?Bill_Number=SB1467&Session_ID=102">SB 1467</a> because she was concerned that the public right of way specified in the legislation was not properly defined within it. Is it just me, or does it seem fairly simple to you? If it's a sidewalk or a parking lot, and the public has the right to be there, then it is a public right of way area. If it's a place the general public is not allowed to be, it is not a public right of way area.<div><br /></div><div>That is so simple even a 5th grader can understand it, but apparently it was too difficult for our Governor even with her entire staff to help her out. If they failed to help her figure it out, all she had to do was call me, and I would have been happy to give her a hand. I even happen to have a 6th grader here at home who could have helped her in a pinch if I was too busy at the moment.</div><div><br /></div><div>She also gave a lame excuse about K-12 schools which were not even mentioned in the legislation at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks to her Veto stamp, Students and Teachers will continue to be faced with the decision of getting an education in a defenseless victim zone here in Arizona, or moving to another state like Utah or Colorado where they are free to be prepared to defend their own life if they are threatened by an armed rapist or thug while they happen to be on the grounds of a University or College campus. The criminals either don't know how to read the gun free zone signs, or they simply have been choosing to ignore them. When you're in the dark, alone, and confronted by an armed thug, do you want to be armed with a gun or a cell phone? The gun would be right there at your side in your holster ready to go. The Police would be minutes away, likely to arrive in time only to draw outlines of chalk where they found the bodies of the disarmed victims at the scene of the crime.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Gun Free Zone experiment is a dismal failure, which has turned competent individuals into helpless disarmed victims. It is well past time for us to stop treating our students and teachers like lab rats. They should be given back their natural right to choose whether or not they wish to be prepared to defend themselves, or to walk around with nothing but a cell phone in their pocket.</div><div><br /></div>Dustinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10234393631788374972noreply@blogger.com10