Ah Pontiac.

Tam offers us her thoughts on Pontiac. I specifically like her bit about the Fiero.

Being that my 1st car was a Fiero (an 86' V6) I have to agree with everything she says. Of course MY Fiero was worse than most in that it was literally a junkyard car. My grandpa bought the shell from a junkyard and assembled it using as many scrap parts as he could. It was primered, no paint, and even the tires were bought used. It ran rich, leaked oil, and had leaky coolant lines. I discovered the latter when I topped the car out (~90MPH) and the motor overheated to the point where the thermostat guage actually broke. Oh yeah, it also had a bad master cylinder, so stopping was an adventure. The pedal went almost to the floor before you even began to stop.

Yes, it was a piece of shit, but I loved it. I spun it once (in rain of course) and ended up on a hill between two trees. We fixed it, and then not long after that I spun it again in the rain. Lift-off oversteer is not friendly to a 16 year old who learned to drive on a Buick Lesabre. The snap oversteer when you over correct the initial slide is equally uncool. I saved the initial slide, but the snap oversteer sent me 240 degrees in the opposite direction. The rear axle met the curb and that was the end of that car.

Sometimes I think It'd be cool to own another Fiero, but then I realize it has no advantages whatsoever over an MR-2. As much as I'd love to sell my mazda and pick up a AW11 or SW20 (1st and 2nd generation MR-2 for you non car guys) I always resist the urge to do so. I need something that is reliable everyday, and something that can handle winters. I don't think an MR2 fits either of those. 23 and I'm worried about something not being practical......what the hell is wrong with me?

Edited to add - Who thought it was a good idea to build a "sports car" on a Chevelle suspension. Pontiac finally got the suspension setup right in the 88' GT and Formula, and then promptly killed the Fiero off.

Speaking of Paranoia

It would seem as though Goebbels was right. Some lies just will not die and the "useful idiots," as Brezemov so aptly put it, will just continue to eat this blatant BS up.

From the Daily Beast article Catherine links to.

"If a new militia movement coalesces, its members will have no shortage of sophisticated assault weapons to choose from. At the gun show in Reno, I witnessed the sale of rocket-propelled-grenade launchers and bazooka guns.....Nearby, I interviewed another dealer retailing a brand of.50-caliber assault rifle that was banned in California because it could supposedly down an airplane."

No discussion of reality, no discussion of facts, no discussion of the laws on the books. Instead we get outright lies and hysterical fearmongering from the anti-freedom, pro-ignorance crowd. Do Catherine, or any of her supporters do even the slightest bit of research to confirm the veracity of such claims? Of course not, because they must peddle these lies or the gun-control movement dies.

Clearly they believe we MUST ban gun shows, since they're obviously a place where criminals are buying anti-aircraft rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and bazooka guns! Never mind that in the real world "rocket-propelled-grenade launchers" and "bazooka guns" (whatever those are supposed to be) cannot be bought by civilians at any gun show or gun store in the U.S.

As far as the .50 cal, the rational for banning it in CA probably WAS that "it could supposedly shoot down an airplane." Anyone with even a modicum of common sense should be able to shoot holes in that rationale, even if they know next to nothing about guns.

If I based my blog posts off of "reporting" like this I'd moderate comments as well.......to keep people from laughing at me.

Oh wow, the 1st comment by Zirgar is a case of sad, sad irony.

It's Official

My request for time off was approved and I'm now registered for the Blog Bash!

I *may* have submitted the registration form twice though, and I still need to book my flight & room after work.

See you all in Phoenix folks!

Too Nice to Blog

It's been 75-85 around here and sunny as can be. I've been outside pretty much all weekend, and if this keeps up I doubt much blogging will be happening here.

If you're reading this GO OUTSIDE, ENJOY THE WEATHER.

Oh Wonderful

Apparently there was a robbery on Wilson street, which is all of a few feet from the lot where I park everyday. Hmmm, and people wonder why I walk to and from my car as quick as possible with my head on a swivel.

My mom parks in the same lot. If only I could get her to actually pay attention to her surroundings and get her to stop walking around with a large bag and pocketbook in each hand. She looks and acts like a target. It's always amazed me that she hasn't been robbed.

I suppose I should be happy she doesn't park there when it's dark. I did that for a few months and I have to say, it's not somewhere you'd want to go after dark, even you were packing. I guess if you wanted to buy drugs it might be the right place to visit.....

So Many Posts.....

So little time.......

There's been lots to blog about recently, but I just haven't had the time to really write any substantive posts. I actually saw the article Sebastian discusses here about Markell, but haven't had the time to write up a post.

Needless to say I'm glad we have quite a few pro-gun folks in the State Legislature. Markell is what I and every other gun owner in this state expected him to be, a gun grabber. Aside from "may-issue" CCW and a few other things I quite like this state as far as gun laws are concerned. With this asshat in the Governor's office it looks like we've got a fight on our hands to keep it that way.

I'll have more on Markell's specific plans later. It sure looks like he's buddy-buddy with the Brady's. Doesn't he know he's tying himself to a sinking ship?

I'm going to thoroughly enjoy shooting off a few letters and watching each and every one of Markell's inane proposals go down in flames.

Compare and Contrast

Obama, at a meeting in Mexico City with Mexican President Calderon, voices his support for reinstating the Assault Weapons Ban.

Interesting, because only yesterday he said he would NOT seek a new ban, choosing instead to focus on enforcement of existing laws.

Aztec Red has the details.

Will This Make Skyewriter Change Her Tune.....?

Obama is backing the Inter-American Arms Treaty which, among other things, includes licensing requirements and restrictions on manufacturer of not just firearms, but their components.

I seem to remember Skye saying,

"My mind will not be changed until Obama actually *does something in terms of legislation as POTUS* to prove the un-arming point."

Think she'll change her stance now, in line with her above statement?......... Keep in mind that the POTUS cannot actually write or vote on legislation, but he can support legislation, treaties, etc.

Taking a quick look at Sebastians post, I find these two parts particularly scary.

"establish a cooperative process for sharing information between national law-enforcement agencies investigating arms smuggling."

and

"States Parties shall exchange among themselves, in conformity with their respective domestic laws and applicable treaties, relevant information on matters such as:
a. authorized producers, dealers, importers, exporters, and, whenever possible, carriers of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other related materials."

Do we really want the U.S. government giving sensitive, private information on U.S. citizens to corrupt governments like Mexico? And what are "other related materials?"

Tea Parties

You know, for 8 years the left has been screaming "Dissent is Patriotic." Now that they're in power and their political opposition is protesting all we're hearing is bleating about dangerous "Right Wing Extremists"

I guess dissent is only patriotic if you're a liberal, and when liberals protest general asshatery, unruliness, outright threats and violence are perfectly acceptable.

It's funny, because the majority of pictures, video, and reports from Tea Party protests in several states have shown the attendees to be decent, well-mannered, civilized folks. It's certainly a far cry from many of the liberal anti-war / anti-Bush protests we've seen the past 8 years. It also always struck me as hilariously ironic to see anti-war protesters resorting to violence.

Buy A Gun Day

If you read my last post you can probably guess why I didn't buy a gun yesterday for BAG day. I suppose I could have, but in the interest of fiscal responsibility I'll have to just drool over everyone else's goodies. I'm particularly jealous of Jay's Hi-Power. Lucky bastard. Caleb's new Para Tac-5 is sweet as well, though I have the distinct feeling both those guns (even a stock 18.9 LDA) are out of my price range.

I do have the hunk o' steel still waiting to be shot, so I figure I can consider that my BAG day purchase for 2009.

Procrastination

I just wrote two checks out. One to the U.S. Treasury and one to the Delaware Division of Revenue. What a new and incredibly shitty feeling. Since I'd previously been a child / student all my working life I'd always happily filled out my tax returns expecting to get a refund.

.... Now I know what the rest of the working public feels like come tax time. This sucks.

Asking for Facts

Skyewriter is asking for proof that Obama is "'anti-gun." Now, given what we know of her she'll likely delete or just not post any comments that contain those pesky things called facts, and she's certainly not going to post my comments. That said, if you're up for it head on over to her post. As she said, she's asking for it.

Of course she'll likely dismiss all evidence as not "recent" enough for her, or just dismiss it out of hand without thought or discussion (as she did with the Protection of Lawful Commerce Act) Obama's past is littered with anti-gun stances, which he's predictably been running away from ever since he decided to run for President.

Here's a small bit of evidence for her of Obama's opposition to "bearing" arms, which she'll of course ignore or dismiss.

Obama stated he believes the following, despite it having NO basis in reality. He "feels" that this is the case, so it must be true and the reality of CCW in this country over the past few decades is irrelevant to Obama.

"I am not in favor of concealed weapons," Obama said. "I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations."

Does that sound like someone who's pro-gun to you? How about someone who thinks DC's ban is Constitutional?

Now if Obama suddenly makes an about face and starts championing pro-gun legislation that's great. Until then any rational thinker will base their assessment of him on his past actions and statements.

Update - I post one comment. It goes through. Instead of reasonable discussion I get a copy & paste job and flat dismissal without any actual thought involved in her response whatsoever. Then I get this,

"You. are. a. dick.And you are not welcome on this blog.Adios!"

Ah, the typical response. She asks for an answer, doesn't like the response because it might challenge her irrational belief system, and resorts immediately to childish BS and banning. She's simply incapable of having a discussion based on the merits of each opposing arguments.

What a surprise!

Update #2 - Wow! I know I shouldn't be surprised, but this is some quick "reasoned discourse."

Skye in comments

"To traffic being directed here by Mike W. (once again acting in a manner that confirms my resolve not to engage in any kind of communication with him):Please see my post from today, 4.14.09.Life is short: don't waste my time and yours."

This is quite an interesting thought process on Skye's part. She asks for evidence that Obama is anti-gun, but doesn't allow me to comment. She then whines and complains that I linked to her post and drove over traffic. Can facts really be that damaging to the psyche of an anti-gunner?

She also insinuates that I, by virtue of my post, am acting in an uncivil, rude (insert other baseless pejorative here) manner. I did nothing more than link to her, provide her with some evidence to answer her question and predict (accurately) how she'd react when commenters tried to post facts that conflicted with her worldview.

Why ask for proof if you never intended to allow any to be posted in the 1st place.? Why even make the post if you were going to remain willfully ignorant and turn off your mind and comment section from the very beginning? Why ask for proof if you consider rational thought and educating onesself to be "a waste of time?"

A sarcastic, "Awww, you took your ball and went home all because of a handful of comments" is apparently a "mean" thing for me to have said, but it continues to be such a demonstratably apt description of the pro-ignorance, anti-freedom crowd.*

*I shamelessly stole that line from Weer'd.

Sad But Predictable, even when you give them evidence exactly as they asked for in a calm and reasonable manner they still go through the predictable standard stages I've laid out before. Then eventually they take their ball and go home.

ABC's "If I Only Had A Gun"

Calling all anti-gun folks. Watch ABC's hit piece and tell me the media isn't anti-gun.

I mean hell, could they have made it any more ridiculous, biased, and emotionally based?

Quote of The Day

"Mike, are you sure you aren't turning liberal? That's a pretty rough transition I've heard - includes the brain going numb too!"

Pops1911 in comments to this post

- I love it! I doubt there's any chance of me turning liberal, but it would be a rough, anxiety-ridden experience.

Frustrated

I'm still getting all kinds of crazy ass symptoms, the same ones that landed me in the ER last Friday. I had to call my parents to have them pick me up from work and bring me to the doctor this afternoon. I couldn't even fucking walk outside to the car without two people helping me every step.

It was the same thing as before but not as bad. Slightly difficult breathing, irregular heartbeat, high pulse / BP, lightheadedness, heavy, somewhat tingly / numb arms, legs & face, shakiness, numb feeling in my back, neck and chest, sudden chills and sweating. My hands & forearms turned really blue and though I didn't feel cold my co-workers said my hands felt like they'd just been in a bucket of ice water.

My EKG, blood sugar, bloodwork,X-rays and whatever other tests they did at the doctor all came back fine. They really have no idea what's wrong with me and do not think it's a drug interaction / allergy problem since it's been this long.

I know this isn't gun related at all, but I just needed to vent. This is all quite annoying and frustrating for someone who, aside from CP, is a perfectly healthy 23 year old in great shape.

Who knows when I'll finally be able to bring the P220ST out. I've been itching to shoot it.

The Blog Bash

I may not be able to go to Phoenix after all. I bought a new laptop this weekend, plus Friday I racked up a $100 ambulance bill + whatever my ER co-pay is. We'll see, I may be able to stay at someones house in Phoenix for free, which might make things workable if it's close enough to the Convention to make a taxi a viable option.

I'm also likely not going to be updating the blog for the next week or so. I guess that depends on whether I start feeling better.

Damn, it really would have been a wonderful weekend for a range trip.

Quote of The Day

"One tingles with excitement, wondering which industry the Dear Leader will reform next."

- Tam


Yup, excitement is the word. In fact, I'm so excited and filled with a never ending supply of Hope & Change that I might go buy another case of ammo, just in case "Dear Leader" decides to "help" the gun industry next.

I've been keeping this from all of you.....

Sarah Brady is my idol! I love you Sarah!

Oh, and Rahm better keep his hands off my woman.