Politics

Socialization

/ hsoi / 4 Comments

So I’m reading JR’s blog and he refers to this article from DirtCrashr. The article talks about the so-called “GIVE Act”. What actually hit me about the blog post wasn’t so much the content of the posting, but that along with the visual that hit me when I was reading it. Here’s a screenshot (you can click on it to see it larger):

Just look at that. Yes, read the words… then look at the pictures, especially the one on the top-left and the one on the right. Just take in the whole visual state of the blog posting.

You see, Wife and I homeschool our children. What’s the #1 thing that people say to us regarding homeschooling? Why, the “S” word of course: socialization.

Kinda takes on a whole new meaning now doesn’t it?

April 2009 Rangemaster Newsletter

/ hsoi

The April 2009 Rangemaster Newsletter is now available. Almost all the content of this edition is devoted to an article by John R. Lott, Jr. on media bias and how it shapes public perception. A good read.

HB 1893 update

/ hsoi

Went looking for information on HB 1893 and found this, which didn’t add a whole lot, then found this and this which was somewhat of a live blog of the hearing coverage.

Apparently it was not passed out of committee and the committee adjourned at 10:56 PM after hearing several hours of testimony.

So, I guess we continue to wait….

Interesting to consider some of the testimony mentioned in the hearing. Some was the same old claptrap from the anti’s, based on emotion and ignoring all facts and evidence. One interesting pro argument was the disabled on campus, wanting to ensure they could defend themselves. The live blog contains a lot of chatter, but it is interesting to review.

Updated:  The bill’s official page has been updated to say it was considered in public hearing, testimony was taken and recorded, and it was left pending in committee. Hopefully just means the hour was late, everyone was tired and wanted to go home, and they’ll pick things up today. More updates as I find ’em.

As well, I see there are now 66 co-authors listed. There were 65 when I last checked.

Current tactics? Engage.

/ hsoi / 2 Comments

The nursing home rampage in North Carolina is a horrible tragedy. However, one bright spot (if you can call it that) is what Officer Justin Garner did that brought an end to the rampage.

He actively engaged the shooter.

He did not wait for backup. He did not wait for the SWAT team. He did not wait for anything. He was the first to arrive on the scene and entered the nursing home alone to bring an end to the situation. He was successful.

I’ve mentioned before how active shooter tactics have changed. What we see here is an application of those new tactics, and that they worked.

HB 1893 to be heard today

/ hsoi / 1 Comment

Texas House Bill 1893 is to be heard today. With 5 authors and 65 co-authors there’s some strong backing for this bill in the House. JR provides his input.

If you live in Texas and haven’t contacted your Representative yet, today is the day. You may also want to contact the members of the House Committee on Public Safety and let them know — briefly and politely — of your desire for them to support and pass this bill.

I know how my Representative stands on this. I just sent her a reference to a study containing much empirical evidence on the matter, but I don’t expect the facts, research, and evidence to sway how she feels.

Liberals that we can’t stand

/ hsoi

(h/t to Caleb)

The chorus sings “If you don’t like it, go write your own and start up your own band.” Yeah, but their response would be to whine, bitch, scream, cry, call for a ban, thereoughtabealaw against….

And there are a lot of so-called “conservatives” that I can’t stand either, but I haven’t picked up a guitar or written a song in years….

Sobering facts

/ hsoi / 8 Comments

Thanx to Xavier for bringing this to my attention.

I would love to get a hold of the full report. If you have a copy and/or know how to get it (my Google-Fu has been weak today), please let me know.

The facts presented are sobering:

  • Handguns are the weapon of choice. None are obtained by “legal” means and no laws stop them from obtaining the gun; in fact, they laugh in the face of gun laws.
  • Many offenders have formal training (e.g. military) and most practice on average at least bi-weekly.
    • Their training is motivated by thinking police practice a lot. In reality, police don’t practice much at all. Just because their job requires them to carry a gun doesn’t mean they’re proficient with them.
  • Offenders don’t use holsters, but they do have backup weapons.
  • Offenders have a cold-blooded mindset. They have no problem killing you and killing you first.

And there are many more. Go read.

And I have to agree with Xaiver:

“They practice getting the gun out and using it,” Davis explained. “They shoot for effect.” Or as one of the offenders put it: “[W]e’re not working with no marksmanship… We just putting it in your direction, you know… It don’t matter… as long as it’s gonna hit you…if it’s up at your head or your chest, down at your legs, whatever… Once I squeeze and you fall, then… if I want to execute you, then I could go from there.”

Those are some chilling words. Remember them when you practice. Train like you fight, and you’ll fight like you train.