ThinkingAfield.org

Chris Matthews says Obama will address the nation in a separate speech about more gun control soon.

“There is going to be a special presidential address on gun control. It has not been scheduled yet, but there is going to be one in the near future. So he is not overlooking it but I think they must have made a tactical decision that it would [become] the headline tonight and they are looking for an economic-jobs headline tonight. You can take it from me.

With a lot of the country, it is the issue. It makes no sense to some people in the suburbs and in the cities and perhaps some places in the rural areas. But in other areas, in western Pennsylvania, guns are it. I don’t think he wanted to depress the news that he is trying to make about jobs tonight.”

GW: This is good news from Buck Knives. I don’t like trying to figure out if products from American-based companies are being built in China – and, I’d rather not purchase them if they are. Buck has a fantatic product line. Its heat treating is unsurpassed and I carry one of its folders daily. The stainless steel is superior to most anything and can really hold an edge…

POST FALLS, IDAHO– It has been two years since Buck Knives first announced their American Commitment and now, after a full review, they have emphatically renewed that commitment for 2011 and the years ahead.

“We found it has been effective in every way,” said CJ Buck, president of the 108-year-old family knifemaking company. “Most important, it has been our small way of helping reverse a growing trend to move jobs offshore, while America has too many jobless workers.”

Buck went on to explain that their policy has resulted in healthy increases in their Idaho workforce. This was possible because they brought back to America the production of many knives they had been outsourcing. As a result, Buck built 30% more product in Idaho in 2010 than they did the year before, a significant measure of success.

“We are proud that 100% of all our many hunting knives are made right here in Post Falls,” Buck said. “Perhaps more meaningful, 93% of the many new products we have introduced for 2011 are being made in our plant.”

As a key factor, Buck cited the warmth of the positive response they have had from both consumers and dealers. He said they found that most customers definitely prefer an American-made knife, “especially if it has the Buck brand name on it.”

To further make the point, Buck said that even in what has been an essentially soft market for everyone, including knives, their sales volume and profitability have shown a significant gain since their American Commitment. “So we are both proud and happy to renew it,” he said.

GW: Why not? The bad guys already do it!

January 13, 2011, Introduced by Rep. LeBlanc and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled

“An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply
for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,” by amending section 5c (MCL 28.425c), as amended by 2002 PA 719; and to repeal acts and parts of acts.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

Sec. 5c. (1) A license to carry a concealed pistol shall be in a form, with the same dimensions as a Michigan operator license, prescribed by the department of state police. The license shall contain all of the following:

(a) The licensee’s full name and date of birth.
(b) A photograph and a physical description of the licensee.
(c) A statement of the effective dates of the license.
(d) An indication of exceptions authorized by this act applicable to the licensee.
(e) An indication whether the license is a duplicate.

(2) Subject to section 5o and except Except as otherwise provided by law, a license to carry a concealed pistol issued by the county concealed weapon licensing board authorizes the licensee to do all of the following:

(a) Carry a pistol concealed on or about his or her person anywhere in this state.
(b) Carry a pistol in a vehicle, whether concealed or not concealed, anywhere in this state.

Enacting section 1. Section 5o of 1927 PA 372, MCL 28.425o, is
repealed.

The crossbow is experiencing a level of popularity the likes of which it hasn’t seen since the legendary medieval days. Even during the era that followed, Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) and King James I (1603-1625) were said to be expert hunters with the crossbow.

Just think how history could possibly have changed had today’s crossbows been available then, along with the new Plano® Manta™ crossbow case to assure their handing down from generation to generation.

The growth spike in these unusual looking bows on a rifle-type stock can be attributed to many things, but leading the way is the fact that more and more states are relaxing their bowhunting regulations to make the crossbow a legal option for many archery seasons. As a result, several manufacturers have responded with state-of-the-art crossbows that are lighter, faster and more accurate than they’ve ever been. Plano has also kept up with the evolution.

“Without a doubt, today’s crossbows have advanced rapidly from new technology in engineering and materials,” said Jesse Simpkins, marketing vice president at Plano. “The newest designs quickly outdistanced our original crossbow case configuration, but our ingenious new Manta now offers the perfect casing solution for all of them. You can trust it to carefully protect your finest and most intricate crossbow, whether tossed in the back of a pickup bed or going through airline baggage handling.”

The Manta benefits from Plano’s long and illustrious history of making high-impact molded cases for providing safe and durable storage care for guns and bows. Featuring the company’s patented PillarLock™ system for crush-proof protection, the Manta is appropriately named after the sea rays it resembles, with their streamlined, winged forms and super efficient body parts.

The Plano Manta is designed for versatility, meaning most any style of crossbow can be secured down into the case’s customizable high-density foam padding in key impact areas for the ultimate protection of stock and limbs. It’s multiple tie-down locations and straps inside fit crossbows of all sizes and shapes to hold them securely in place.

The Manta’s “tail” adjusts as necessary for long and short tail stocks, further adding to the case’s flexibility in accommodating the country’s most popular crossbow brands and styles, including the Ten Point GT Mag, Excalibur Exomax, Darton Lightning, Horton Vision 175, Barnett Quad 400 and Ten Point Titan II.

The unique case measures 44.75” long when fully extended but can be collapsed to its shortest length of 33.125” for short-stocked crossbows. Its width is 38.75” and height is 13.125” and ships at the same shipping rate as the Plano 1131 crossbow case.

The case hinges at the front to open and close like a clam for easy bow placement and removal. The lid has a built-in storage area for holding bolts and a quiver. Heavy-duty latches on both sides of the tail provide positive closure. Two handles and a removable shoulder strap afford convenient options for carrying and handling the Manta.

Classy looking in its sleek styling and black color, the Manta model 1133 retails for around $99.99.

For more information on the Manta and to see the entire Plano lineup of products for hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts, visit www.PlanoMolding.com.

Nikon will celebrate the hunter’s conservation efforts of preserving local deer populations January 20-30, 2011 by declaring it Coyote Week. During Coyote Week hunters have the opportunity to watch videos, learn coyote hunting tips and enter to win a sweet coyote hunting prize package, exclusively at Nikonhunting.com.

For 10 days, hunters and shooters can log onto Nikonhunting.com and watch videos from Nikon’s own coyote hunters. Videos range from calling techniques, set ups and how to effectively preserve deer populations by culling coyote populations.

A great coyote hunting prize package is at stake, from world-class optics to Columbia’s best hunting jacket to calls. Hunters and shooters can also enter to win a Coyote Special Riflescope as well as a Coyote Hunting Prize Package (up to a $2,000value) on Facebook. www.facebook.com/nikonhunting.

HARRISBURG – Anthony Mark Marasco, 38, of Pittsburgh Street in Cheswick, Allegheny County, was sentenced to pay more than $4,750 in fines and serve two 90-day concurrent prison sentences after being convicted of his fourth poaching-related offense in 13 years, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. Marasco is the first to be sentenced to prison under the new fines and penalties for poaching that took effect in September.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Dan Puhala filed charges against Marasco in the office of District Judge Elissa M. Lang, in Sharpsburg. On Jan. 20, Lang found Marasco guilty of the following:

– Unlawfully killing big game (turkey) over the limit, for which the judge assessed a fine of $1,500 and 90 days imprisonment;

– Unlawfully hunting while on license revocation, for which the judge assessed a fine of $1,500 and 90 days imprisonment;

– Unlawfully shooting on or across a highway, for which the judge assessed a fine of $300;

– Unlawfully hunting from a vehicle, for which the judge assessed a fine of $500; and

– Unlawfully taking or possessing game, for which the judge assessed a fine of $450, which is the result this most recent offense being a second and/or subsequent violation within a seven-year period.

Also, under the “enhanced penalties” section of the Game and Wildlife Code, Judge Lang added an additional $500 to the total fines, of which the witness is eligible for a $250 reward.

According to WCO Puhala, Marasco’s most recent incident in November was preceded by three deer-related convictions, beginning in 1997, followed by convictions in 2003 and 2007.

“The habitual nature of Marasco’s poaching offenses left little room for leniency,” Puhala said.

On Nov. 6, as WCO Puhala and Deputy WCO Art Harencame were on patrol, they were contacted by the Fox Chapel Police Department, who had stopped an apparent turkey poacher based on an anonymous tip.

“When we arrived on scene, Marasco was in his truck, along with his bow and some arrows, and was returning to the scene to pick up the turkey he had just shot with his compound bow along Trillium Lane in Fox Chapel,” WCO Puhala said. “We found that he saw the flock of turkeys from his truck, got out and shot a hen from the road, then left the area to return a short time later.

“Marasco has had his hunting privileges suspended for his previous game law violations, and remained on revocation for failure to pay more than $800 in fines assessed for offenses dating back to 1997.”

The law to increase fines and penalties for poaching was made possible by House Bill 1859, which was sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3. The bill was signed into law on July 9, making it Act 54 of 2010.

GW: This is an edited version of the bill. If this becomes law – and, I think it should – permit holders will finally carry concealed weapons, rather than be limited to pistols. Tasers work well for law eforcement and by not using lethal force, defenders’ lives will not be ruined in civil court after the criminal element has been neutralized.

January 19, 2011, Introduced by Senators JONES and HANSEN and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

A bill to amend 1927 PA 372, entitled

“An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms and gas ejecting devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals who apply
for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act,”

An act to regulate and license the selling, purchasing, possessing, and carrying of certain firearms, and gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices; to prohibit the buying, selling, or carrying of certain firearms, and gas ejecting devices, and electro-muscular disruption devices without a license or other authorization; to provide for the forfeiture of firearms under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide immunity from civil liability under certain circumstances; to prescribe the powers and duties of certain state and local agencies; to prohibit certain conduct against individuals
who apply for or receive a license to carry a concealed pistol; to make appropriations; to prescribe certain conditions for the appropriations; and to repeal all acts and parts of acts inconsistent with this act.

Sec. 5f. (1) An individual who is licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol shall have his or her license to carry that pistol in his or her possession at all times he or she is carrying a concealed pistol.

(2) An individual who is licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol shall show both of the following to a peace officer upon request by that peace officer:

(a) His or her license to carry a concealed pistol.

(b) His or her driver license or Michigan personal identification card.

(3) An individual licensed under this act to carry a concealed pistol and who is carrying a concealed pistol and who is stopped by a peace officer shall immediately disclose to the peace officer that he or she is carrying a pistol concealed upon his or her person or in his or her vehicle. If the individual is carrying on his or her person or in his or her vehicle a portable device that uses electro-muscular disruption technology pursuant to section 224a(2)(a)(xii)…

The complete bill can be viewed at:http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2011-2012/billintroduced/Senate/htm/2011-SIB-0030.htm

The Thomas M. Cooley Law Journal and the Cooley chapter of The Federalist Society are pleased to announce a jointly-sponsored symposium entitled “To Bear or Not to Bear: Guns in Educational Institutions.”

The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Auditorium on the 6th floor of Cooley’s Temple Building located at: 217 South Capitol Avenue, Lansing, MI 49801 on Friday, February 4th from 1-4 p.m.

The list of presenters includes attorneys, professors, best-selling authors, and nationally-known experts on both sides of the gun control debate:

* Dr. John Lott, Senior Research Scientist, UM, Author of “More Guns, Less Crime,” and, “The Bias Against Guns.”
* James Manley, Mountain States Legal Foundation
* Dennis Henigan, Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence
* Josh Horwitz, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence
* John Johnson, Campaign to Keep Guns of Campus
* Professor Steven Dulan, Adjunct Professor, Cooley Law School, and member of the Board of Directors of MCRGO and the MCRGO Foundation.

The format will be a presentation/debate with time for audience questions. There is ample seating available and interested persons are invited to attend. Professional dress is not required. NOTE: Cooley is a private institution which prohibits firearms on its premises.

Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

I love animals – and, not just the type that make it to the skillet. Our family pets have included many dogs and cats, most of which have been rescued from otherwise miserable futures. The current stock includes six cats – five of which consist of a recently taken-in stray mother, which promptly had four kittens at our home. The other is a male cat that was abandoned in a devastated apartment, which was flooded after the natural gas had been shut off and the pipes burst from the freezing conditions. Over the years, our animals have had the best of veterinary care by Dr. James Kimento of the Perry Animal Clinic and have been spayed or neutered so as not to contribute to overpopulation.

On another occasion, we literally rescued a mixed-breed dog from Grand River Avenue in Lansing, after it broke free from a chained pole, got struck by a car and lay helpless and near death amid the speeding traffic. We paid the vet bill to get it back to health and kept it, when the owner awarded it to us after creating its bleak existence.

We are also no strangers to the Shiawassee County Humane Society, where we have taken home older cats that were destined for doom. We have donated personal funds on certain occasions of public appeals and have shared homegrown catnip to the caged felines, just so they’d have a temporary reprieve from confinement.

We support the efforts of the local humane society, because it has no hidden agenda; its volunteers truly strive to help unwanted animals. The Humane Society of the United States, however, purports to do the same by virtue of its moniker, but its purpose is vastly different and multi-faceted.

To begin, it operates no pet shelters and in year 2008, contributed less than one-half of one percent of its budget in the form of grants to local shelters. So, what does it do with all its nearly $100 million in annual income? How about giving $2.25 million to a political campaign committee to support an anti-meat ballot initiative in California, while depositing the same amount into its own executive pension plan?
Its senior management includes a former spokesman, John Goodman, for the Animal Liberation Front (ALF), a group described by the FBI as terrorists. When Goodman responded to media questions about an incident in Utah, where a farmers’ feed co-op was fire-bombed by ALF, and a sleeping family on premises barely escaped with their lives, Goodwin said, “We’re ecstatic!”

So, you see, there’s a big difference in how these whackos love their animals; to them, animal welfare has morphed into animal rights. Mere ownership of pets to them constitutes cruelty because it denies animals the natural lives their species were intended to lead.

Lowell E. Baier, President of the Boone and Crockett Club, in his column, “The Secret World Inside the Animal Rights Agenda”, explains the effect of the 1970 Horse Protection Act and the 1971 Wild Horse and Burro Act – major programs of HSUS. Political action and litigation by HSUS has compelled the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to strictly interpret the 1971 act causing 37,000 feral horses and burros to free-range on land beyond its carrying capacity. The result is that almost 46 million acres of public rangelands have been hard-packed, overgrazed, and streams polluted. Additionally, 33,000 more feral horses and burros are in government-maintained corrals and pastures costing American taxpayers $40 million each year. Another $42.5 million was spent purchasing land for preserves.

With the help of emotion across “the pond”, HSUS has maneuvered the British Parliament into banning fox hunting. And, HSUS President, Wayne Pacelle has stated, “If we could shut down all sport hunting in a moment, we would.” HSUS has been the lead plaintiff fighting for wolf protections in spite of the fact that their numbers have far exceeded goals and that they are wreaking havoc with ranchers.
Elk and deer herds have been so devastated by wolves in Idaho’s Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness that license sales have plummeted by $10 million crippling the state’s game management revenue. Outfitters are going out of business as are ancillary service-related businesses such as motels, sporting goods stores, restaurants, etc.
Make no mistake; the goal of HSUS is to grant animals legal rights and standing equal to humans no matter the cost.

Think about that next time it solicits your money.

On Tuesday, Jan. 18, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) introduced H.R. 308, the “Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device Act.” The bill would ban the manufacture and importation of new magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition. Unlike the magazine ban that was in effect from 1994 to 2004, her new bill would also make it illegal for the tens of millions of Americans who already own these magazines to sell or otherwise transfer them, even through inheritance.

In a letter to her colleagues, Rep. McCarthy claimed, “The only reason for the existence of these devices is to be able to shoot as many people as quickly as possible.” Yet her bill would allow the continued acquisition and possession of these magazines by law enforcement officers, who carry firearms to defend themselves and the public. It would even allow these magazines to be transferred to law enforcement officers upon retirement, even though a retired officer’s right to use firearms for self-defense is the same as any other private citizen’s right.