Back in April, one "outlaw cowboy" in Bunkerville decided to wage a "Range War" against the federal government. So he gathered an army of fellow "outlaw cowboys" to point guns at federal agents and back up traffic on The 15. And the rest is history...
Except it's also still happening. Over the weekend, the Southern Poverty Law Center checked in on "The Bundy Files" and uncovered no legal action against Cliven Bundy or any of his accomplices. Neither the feds nor local authorities have stepped up as of yet, though both claim investigations are still underway.
So now, Bundy is enjoying the celebrity life as he accepts speaking engagements, media interviews, and even invitations to appear in campaign ads. Yep, he's actually going there.
Never mind he and his cohort pointed guns at federal agents. Never mind he's still palling around with his buddies in the sovereign citizen gang and the Patriot Movement. And never mind that he still owes the feds over $1,000,000 in back owed taxes and fines while he continues to trespass on federally owned land.
For now, let's return to Bundy's "sovereign" and "patriot themed" buddies. Remember them? They just have an extensive history of resorting to whatever means necessary to overthrow our duly elected government.
Remember when #BundyRanch was not just trending on Twitter, but was also attracting "sovereign" warriors from across the nation? One of them happened to be one Jerad Miller. Remember him? He & his wife just shot two Metro Police Officers and a third victim dead before they shot themselves to "start the revolution".
Even before #BundyRanch exploded onto the national media's radar, "sovereign citizen" inspired criminal activity was on the rise. But since Cliven Bundy has taken to the national stage to legitimize this fringe "movement", we've been witnessing even more "sovereign" activity across the nation.
Last month, a sniper opened fire on a Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Pike County. Trooper Alex Douglass was critically injured in the attack. Corporal Byron Dickson was shot dead.
Investigators soon found an abandoned Jeep Cherokee nearby containing the Social Security card belonging to Eric Frein. The Jeep was then traced to Frein's parents. Eric Frein is now the sole suspect in this attack. Pennsylvania State Police is in an active manhunt for Frein, and the FBI recently added Frein to its "Ten Most Wanted" list.
Surprise, surprise, Eric Frein is a "sovereign citizen". Who could have guessed another one would attack law enforcement?
Yet even though they deny their role in promoting him, a slew of prominent Nevada Republicans refuse to actually condemn Cliven Bundy's free range lawlessness. And because calling this what it is has somehow become "controversial", the federal response has been awfully slow... Perhaps too slow.
And so for the time being, we're stuck with the Bundy Family Circus. And no, we're not laughing.
Showing posts with label Jerad Miller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerad Miller. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Fully Loaded Danger
Ready to learn? Isn't that how we want our children to feel when they go to school?
Try explaining that to Leonard Embody... Or maybe not. The Tennessee open carry activist says people who are offended by his carrying of an assault weapon just outside a Nashville school should "see a psychologist".
WSMV Channel 4
Actually, he may force some of the kids at that school to seek counseling. After all, wouldn't you be at least a little scared if you saw someone like Leonard Embody pack heat right outside your school?
There have been at least 79 school shootings since Newtown. One of those school shootings was right here in Nevada, at Sparks Middle School. Contrary to what open carry radicals like Leonard Embody say, this is no laughing matter.
Just so far this year, there have been 98 homicides in Las Vegas Metro Police's area of jurisdiction. Our homicide rate is the highest it's been since 2006.
Even Metro itself has been affected by this. In June, Las Vegas Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead by extreme right-wing Patriot Movement figures Amanda & Jerad Miller. They also shot dead Joseph Robert Wilcox before they killed themselves.
Jerad Miller may have obtained a gun via Facebook. Even though he was not legally permitted to own any firearms (due to past felony convictions), Miller was able to evade this because of the lack of universal background checks for gun purchases.
All too often, the NRA and its favorite G-O-TEA politicians have been all too willing to play silly games with the serious issue of gun violence. They think it's cute to grandstand with a bunch of "outlaw cowboys" pointing guns at federal agents. They think it's great to see people open carry in front of schools. They think it's more important to discuss the "philosophy of gun rights" and explore theoretical language than to actually make any real policy changes that could save lives.
This is why Leonard Embody is allowed to roam outside a Nashville school packing heat. This is why Las Vegas' homicide rate continues to inch upward. This is why Alyn Beck, Igor Soldo, and Joseph Robert Wilcox are no longer on this earth. This is why Sparks Middle School will never be the same. And this is why we can't afford to ignore the fully loaded danger around us.
Try explaining that to Leonard Embody... Or maybe not. The Tennessee open carry activist says people who are offended by his carrying of an assault weapon just outside a Nashville school should "see a psychologist".
WSMV Channel 4
Actually, he may force some of the kids at that school to seek counseling. After all, wouldn't you be at least a little scared if you saw someone like Leonard Embody pack heat right outside your school?
There have been at least 79 school shootings since Newtown. One of those school shootings was right here in Nevada, at Sparks Middle School. Contrary to what open carry radicals like Leonard Embody say, this is no laughing matter.
Just so far this year, there have been 98 homicides in Las Vegas Metro Police's area of jurisdiction. Our homicide rate is the highest it's been since 2006.
Even Metro itself has been affected by this. In June, Las Vegas Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead by extreme right-wing Patriot Movement figures Amanda & Jerad Miller. They also shot dead Joseph Robert Wilcox before they killed themselves.
Jerad Miller may have obtained a gun via Facebook. Even though he was not legally permitted to own any firearms (due to past felony convictions), Miller was able to evade this because of the lack of universal background checks for gun purchases.
All too often, the NRA and its favorite G-O-TEA politicians have been all too willing to play silly games with the serious issue of gun violence. They think it's cute to grandstand with a bunch of "outlaw cowboys" pointing guns at federal agents. They think it's great to see people open carry in front of schools. They think it's more important to discuss the "philosophy of gun rights" and explore theoretical language than to actually make any real policy changes that could save lives.
This is why Leonard Embody is allowed to roam outside a Nashville school packing heat. This is why Las Vegas' homicide rate continues to inch upward. This is why Alyn Beck, Igor Soldo, and Joseph Robert Wilcox are no longer on this earth. This is why Sparks Middle School will never be the same. And this is why we can't afford to ignore the fully loaded danger around us.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Protect & Serve
We know it's not an easy job. We know it's a very dangerous job. We know this is the kind of job that most of us are too afraid to take up.
However, none of that excuses this. None of that excuses the horrific human rights abuses we've seen at the hands of the police in Ferguson, Missouri.
Ironically, much of the very brutality we've criticized in Iraq, Syria, Russia, and other nations with rather spotty human rights records is now underway here in America. Think about that. No wonder why the rest of the world often doubts our "commitment to freedom".
The violence in Ferguson didn't erupt overnight. It's the product of decades of racist housing policies, limited economic opportunities for communities of color, and local "law enforcement" who have provided anything but.
We realize that law enforcement has come under attack in recent months. Right here in Las Vegas, 2 Metro Police Officers were murdered by 2 Patriot Movement/sovereign citizen extremists. And just this week, a sovereign citizen in Dallas attacked firefighters and police officers. With radical right domestic terrorism on the rise again, public safety officers have become moving targets for these extremists.
However, this does not condone police violence against unarmed civilians. The threats posed by extreme right militias that grew out of the racist "posse comitatus" movement do not condone extreme violence against historically oppressed minority communities. And the day to day pressure of "life on duty" does not condone the brutal slaughter of Michael Brown and other unarmed civilians.
President Obama just called for calm after multiple nights of police attacks on protesters, police violence against journalists, violent riots, and looting in Ferguson. However, this problem isn't limited to Ferguson. It's a problem that's prevalent across the nation.
We've even witnessed it here in Southern Nevada. Even today, Las Vegas Metro Police's top cops refuse to acknowledge the severity of their growing list of "officer involved shootings". Justice still hasn't been served in cases like the Adam Greene's. Police brutality is just as much of a problem here as it is in the St. Louis region.
It's time to talk. We can't ignore this any longer. And really, we also need serious action to curb this disturbing trend of police militarization and excessive force against civilians. Law enforcement will never enjoy the respect they should otherwise expect if they don't respect the citizens they're supposed to protect & serve. It's time we address this problem and prevent more of these horrifically senseless deaths.
However, none of that excuses this. None of that excuses the horrific human rights abuses we've seen at the hands of the police in Ferguson, Missouri.
Ironically, much of the very brutality we've criticized in Iraq, Syria, Russia, and other nations with rather spotty human rights records is now underway here in America. Think about that. No wonder why the rest of the world often doubts our "commitment to freedom".
The violence in Ferguson didn't erupt overnight. It's the product of decades of racist housing policies, limited economic opportunities for communities of color, and local "law enforcement" who have provided anything but.
We realize that law enforcement has come under attack in recent months. Right here in Las Vegas, 2 Metro Police Officers were murdered by 2 Patriot Movement/sovereign citizen extremists. And just this week, a sovereign citizen in Dallas attacked firefighters and police officers. With radical right domestic terrorism on the rise again, public safety officers have become moving targets for these extremists.
However, this does not condone police violence against unarmed civilians. The threats posed by extreme right militias that grew out of the racist "posse comitatus" movement do not condone extreme violence against historically oppressed minority communities. And the day to day pressure of "life on duty" does not condone the brutal slaughter of Michael Brown and other unarmed civilians.
President Obama just called for calm after multiple nights of police attacks on protesters, police violence against journalists, violent riots, and looting in Ferguson. However, this problem isn't limited to Ferguson. It's a problem that's prevalent across the nation.
We've even witnessed it here in Southern Nevada. Even today, Las Vegas Metro Police's top cops refuse to acknowledge the severity of their growing list of "officer involved shootings". Justice still hasn't been served in cases like the Adam Greene's. Police brutality is just as much of a problem here as it is in the St. Louis region.
It's time to talk. We can't ignore this any longer. And really, we also need serious action to curb this disturbing trend of police militarization and excessive force against civilians. Law enforcement will never enjoy the respect they should otherwise expect if they don't respect the citizens they're supposed to protect & serve. It's time we address this problem and prevent more of these horrifically senseless deaths.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Armed, "Sovereign", & Dangerous
Last month, the local "newspaper" figured it was a great idea to publish the new home address of US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D). What could possibly go wrong with that?
Apparently, the local "newspaper" didn't realize that Charles Jason Moreland was already sending explicit emails to Senator Reid declaring that he's "a dead man". Moreland wrote to Senator Reid to demand he resign from office "or face stern, harsh, unimaginable consequences to him and his family." And now, Moreland is about to stand trial in an Oklahoma federal court for his alleged death threats against Senator Reid.
Meanwhile just to the south in Texas, Douglas Lee Leguin was arrested in a tony North Dallas neighborhood. Dallas firefighters had arrived to fight a dumpster fire when Leguin allegedly opened fire on them. A SWAT team was then called to respond to him. And after an armed standoff with police, Leguin was arrested and charged with 7 counts of aggravated assault.
During the shootout with police, Leguin declared himself to be a "sovereign citizen". This isn't the first time a sovereign citizen has resorted to violence to "fight for freedom". In May 2010, the father-son team of Jerry & Joseph Kane shot dead West Memphis, Arkansas, police officers Brandon Paudert & Bill Evans during what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop.
Sovereign citizens and their ideological twins in the Patriot Movement are not above violence. In fact, they sometimes resort to violence to "start the revolution".
Does the West Memphis murder of 2 on-duty police officers seem eerily familiar? If so, that may be due to what happened in Las Vegas this past June. Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead at a local CiCi's Pizza by Jerad & Amanda Miller to "start the revolution". They then moved to a nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before they sacrificed themselves to "the revolution" in their final standoff with Metro.
Before they brought "the revolution" to Las Vegas, the Millers were in Bunkerville to assist Cliven Bundy in his "Range War" against the federal government. The Patriot Movement and allied anti-government radicals formed a critical mass in Bunkerville to defend their fellow sovereign citizens at #BundyRanch. They declared "posse comitatus" as they commanded Metro Officers to arrest federal agents for trying to enforce federal law.
Even before Cliven Bundy made international headlines, radical right violence was on the rise. But ever since sovereign citizens and the Patriot Movement (re)gained major media attention earlier this year, they've been enjoying a cultural zeitgeist on the fringe right as they increasingly permeate into what's supposed to be "political mainstream". Even though the Bundy clan no longer command media attention like they did in April, various "TEA" flavored media personalities continue to fan the flames of Bundy approved extremism with discredited conspiracy theories and xenophobic fearmongering.
Charles Jason Moreland didn't just send ugly emails to Senator Reid. Last September, the Tulsa man sent The White House an email last September in which he threatened to go to Washington, DC, “and start killing people if the monitoring of his Internet and cell phones did not stop.” He also sent threatening emails to his local Member of Congress, Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Oklahoma).
Once upon a time, this kind of activity was considered shocking. Not any more. It's unknown at this time if Moreland has any direct ties to the Patriot Movement and/or any sovereign citizen group. However, we can't deny they're leaving indelible and rather dangerous marks on contemporary American politics.
Apparently, the local "newspaper" didn't realize that Charles Jason Moreland was already sending explicit emails to Senator Reid declaring that he's "a dead man". Moreland wrote to Senator Reid to demand he resign from office "or face stern, harsh, unimaginable consequences to him and his family." And now, Moreland is about to stand trial in an Oklahoma federal court for his alleged death threats against Senator Reid.
Meanwhile just to the south in Texas, Douglas Lee Leguin was arrested in a tony North Dallas neighborhood. Dallas firefighters had arrived to fight a dumpster fire when Leguin allegedly opened fire on them. A SWAT team was then called to respond to him. And after an armed standoff with police, Leguin was arrested and charged with 7 counts of aggravated assault.
During the shootout with police, Leguin declared himself to be a "sovereign citizen". This isn't the first time a sovereign citizen has resorted to violence to "fight for freedom". In May 2010, the father-son team of Jerry & Joseph Kane shot dead West Memphis, Arkansas, police officers Brandon Paudert & Bill Evans during what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop.
Sovereign citizens and their ideological twins in the Patriot Movement are not above violence. In fact, they sometimes resort to violence to "start the revolution".
Does the West Memphis murder of 2 on-duty police officers seem eerily familiar? If so, that may be due to what happened in Las Vegas this past June. Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were shot dead at a local CiCi's Pizza by Jerad & Amanda Miller to "start the revolution". They then moved to a nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before they sacrificed themselves to "the revolution" in their final standoff with Metro.
Before they brought "the revolution" to Las Vegas, the Millers were in Bunkerville to assist Cliven Bundy in his "Range War" against the federal government. The Patriot Movement and allied anti-government radicals formed a critical mass in Bunkerville to defend their fellow sovereign citizens at #BundyRanch. They declared "posse comitatus" as they commanded Metro Officers to arrest federal agents for trying to enforce federal law.
Even before Cliven Bundy made international headlines, radical right violence was on the rise. But ever since sovereign citizens and the Patriot Movement (re)gained major media attention earlier this year, they've been enjoying a cultural zeitgeist on the fringe right as they increasingly permeate into what's supposed to be "political mainstream". Even though the Bundy clan no longer command media attention like they did in April, various "TEA" flavored media personalities continue to fan the flames of Bundy approved extremism with discredited conspiracy theories and xenophobic fearmongering.
Charles Jason Moreland didn't just send ugly emails to Senator Reid. Last September, the Tulsa man sent The White House an email last September in which he threatened to go to Washington, DC, “and start killing people if the monitoring of his Internet and cell phones did not stop.” He also sent threatening emails to his local Member of Congress, Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Oklahoma).
Once upon a time, this kind of activity was considered shocking. Not any more. It's unknown at this time if Moreland has any direct ties to the Patriot Movement and/or any sovereign citizen group. However, we can't deny they're leaving indelible and rather dangerous marks on contemporary American politics.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
From Brady to Bundy
March 30, 1981, seemed to be just another day in DC. Then President Ronald Reagan and his staff were leaving the Washington Hilton after the President delivered a midday speech. Just as Reagan was heading towards his presidential limousine, John Hinckley, Jr., opened fire. Hinckley fired his "Saturday Night Special" Rohm AG-15 at Reagan in hopes of convincing Jodie Foster to date him.
Reagan was shot in the chest and the lower right arm. And even though his lung was punctured, the President was able to fully recover from his injuries.
Then White House Press Secretary James Brady was also shot. A bullet hit his head. He was also rushed to the hospital. And while he survived the assassination attempt, he did suffer permanent injuries.
On Monday, Jim Brady passed away.
After surviving the shooting, Jim & Sarah (his wife) founded the Brady Campaign. They decided to dedicate their lives to preventing future tragedies like the one they experienced. They committed themselves to stopping rampant gun violence.
And they weren't alone. Even though he had fostered a political legacy suggesting otherwise, Ronald Reagan also took action to curb gun violence. He signed a law banning fully automatic weapons in 1986, penned a New York Times op-ed in support of the Brady Bill (which first established the national background checks system in 1991, and even endorsed the first Assault Weapons Ban in 1994.
Remember, John Hinckley, Jr., used a "Saturday Night Special" he obtained under a false identity in his assassination attempt. And when he was Governor of California in 1967, Reagan teamed with the NRA (??!!) to pass the Mulford Act to prevent the carrying of any loaded firearms at any public location in California. (Back then, both Reagan & the NRA feared the message of armed resistance preached by the Black Panthers.)
Why is it so easy to forget our history? Armed militia movements aren't new. And neither are government regulations of the firearms industry. And neither are regulations meant to prevent criminals from obtaining lethal firearms.
While this isn't new, we haven't seen in a while this brazen call to arms against the rule of law. He may not have invented the American militia movement, but Cliven Bundy has breathed some new life into the extreme anti-government Patriot Movement by declaring a "Range War" against state & federal law. Even now, the Bundy Bunch continue their call to arms in the age old battle between good and evil", a call to arms that Jerad & Amanda Miller, Brent Douglas Cole, and others have been all too willing to take heed.
What is relatively new is the NRA's full embrace of this armed extremism. Once upon a time, the NRA supported a number of gun safety regulations. Only when a slate of radicals took over the NRA board in the late 1970s did the NRA begin to turn around and reflexively oppose any and all gun safety standards... But even this has been a gradual process. Even as recent as 1999, the NRA endorsed expansion of background checks for gun purchases. It wasn't until 2013 when the NRA killed a very modest background checks bill in Congress.
Once upon a time, Republicans like Ronald Reagan championed gun safety laws and the NRA didn't object. After Reagan himself was nearly assassinated and Jim Brady was seriously injured, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to curb gun violence. But now, the NRA encourages "armed resistance" and enables the kind of violence that changed the Brady family's lives forever and nearly killed our 40th President.
Reagan was shot in the chest and the lower right arm. And even though his lung was punctured, the President was able to fully recover from his injuries.
Then White House Press Secretary James Brady was also shot. A bullet hit his head. He was also rushed to the hospital. And while he survived the assassination attempt, he did suffer permanent injuries.
On Monday, Jim Brady passed away.
After surviving the shooting, Jim & Sarah (his wife) founded the Brady Campaign. They decided to dedicate their lives to preventing future tragedies like the one they experienced. They committed themselves to stopping rampant gun violence.
And they weren't alone. Even though he had fostered a political legacy suggesting otherwise, Ronald Reagan also took action to curb gun violence. He signed a law banning fully automatic weapons in 1986, penned a New York Times op-ed in support of the Brady Bill (which first established the national background checks system in 1991, and even endorsed the first Assault Weapons Ban in 1994.
Remember, John Hinckley, Jr., used a "Saturday Night Special" he obtained under a false identity in his assassination attempt. And when he was Governor of California in 1967, Reagan teamed with the NRA (??!!) to pass the Mulford Act to prevent the carrying of any loaded firearms at any public location in California. (Back then, both Reagan & the NRA feared the message of armed resistance preached by the Black Panthers.)
Why is it so easy to forget our history? Armed militia movements aren't new. And neither are government regulations of the firearms industry. And neither are regulations meant to prevent criminals from obtaining lethal firearms.
While this isn't new, we haven't seen in a while this brazen call to arms against the rule of law. He may not have invented the American militia movement, but Cliven Bundy has breathed some new life into the extreme anti-government Patriot Movement by declaring a "Range War" against state & federal law. Even now, the Bundy Bunch continue their call to arms in the age old battle between good and evil", a call to arms that Jerad & Amanda Miller, Brent Douglas Cole, and others have been all too willing to take heed.
What is relatively new is the NRA's full embrace of this armed extremism. Once upon a time, the NRA supported a number of gun safety regulations. Only when a slate of radicals took over the NRA board in the late 1970s did the NRA begin to turn around and reflexively oppose any and all gun safety standards... But even this has been a gradual process. Even as recent as 1999, the NRA endorsed expansion of background checks for gun purchases. It wasn't until 2013 when the NRA killed a very modest background checks bill in Congress.
Once upon a time, Republicans like Ronald Reagan championed gun safety laws and the NRA didn't object. After Reagan himself was nearly assassinated and Jim Brady was seriously injured, Congress passed bipartisan legislation to curb gun violence. But now, the NRA encourages "armed resistance" and enables the kind of violence that changed the Brady family's lives forever and nearly killed our 40th President.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Why Do We Let Them Call the Shots?
Are they serious? Or is this clickbait? Or has everyone at the NRA stopped caring about even attempting to sound sane & rational?
Fresh off going Godwin in Washington State, the NRA decided today is a terrific day to release this new video from "official ammosexual man candy" Dom Raso celebrating the "right" of blind people to fire guns.
Sure, eye sight isn't necessary to fire a gun. It's just necessary to properly aim a gun.
And no, that's not "discriminatory". That's common sense. There's a reason why blind people don't drive. (Hell, it may be the same reason why we don't drive!)
But as of late, the NRA and its "TEA" fueled allies have declared war on common sense and rational thought. The Open Carry crowd decided to release a new children's book celebrating mommy & daddy packing heat at the grocery store. They're also rallying behind Peter Nathan Steinhetz, the Arizona medical researcher who thought it was a great idea and a cogent "political statement" to carry a loaded AR-15 assault weapon into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport... And point it at a woman & her daughter.
But then again, why are we suprised by any of this? We're talking about the same "gun rights movement" that celebrates the lawlessness of Cliven Bundy and his Patriot Movement cohorts, defends the "right" of Jerad Miller to get his hands on lethal firearms (so he can "start the revolution"), and demands more "Stand Your Ground" laws so that Darren Mack and George Zimmerman can keep shooting whenever they feel "threatened" by such things as court orders and hoodies.
Why do we let them call the shots? Why do we let the NRA and gun industry dictate to us how (not) to regulate firearms? If we have basic safety standards in place for our cars, our homes, and our places of work, why can't we have basic safety standards in place for items that are literally built to kill? Think about that.
Fresh off going Godwin in Washington State, the NRA decided today is a terrific day to release this new video from "official ammosexual man candy" Dom Raso celebrating the "right" of blind people to fire guns.
Sure, eye sight isn't necessary to fire a gun. It's just necessary to properly aim a gun.
And no, that's not "discriminatory". That's common sense. There's a reason why blind people don't drive. (Hell, it may be the same reason why we don't drive!)
But as of late, the NRA and its "TEA" fueled allies have declared war on common sense and rational thought. The Open Carry crowd decided to release a new children's book celebrating mommy & daddy packing heat at the grocery store. They're also rallying behind Peter Nathan Steinhetz, the Arizona medical researcher who thought it was a great idea and a cogent "political statement" to carry a loaded AR-15 assault weapon into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport... And point it at a woman & her daughter.
But then again, why are we suprised by any of this? We're talking about the same "gun rights movement" that celebrates the lawlessness of Cliven Bundy and his Patriot Movement cohorts, defends the "right" of Jerad Miller to get his hands on lethal firearms (so he can "start the revolution"), and demands more "Stand Your Ground" laws so that Darren Mack and George Zimmerman can keep shooting whenever they feel "threatened" by such things as court orders and hoodies.
Why do we let them call the shots? Why do we let the NRA and gun industry dictate to us how (not) to regulate firearms? If we have basic safety standards in place for our cars, our homes, and our places of work, why can't we have basic safety standards in place for items that are literally built to kill? Think about that.
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
What Boobs
They still haven't learned. And no, not even an entire online TV channel can save the fine folks at the NRA from their own insani-TEA. Hell, not even an entire online TV channel can save the NRA (and its BFF Open Carry Texas) from an army of topless women armed with "boobs for peace"!
But wait, there's more. Not wanting to be outdone by a bunch of ragtag Texas women daring to "bare it all", the NRA decided to go Godwin.
Oh, yes. That's right. An NRA lobbyist Brian Judy actually compared expansion of background checks to the genocidal tyranny of Nazi Germany. Wait, what?!
The NRA and its "TEA" powered allies in Washington State are furious over Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer supporting I-594. So not only did the NRA decide to engage in "Everyone gets a gun!" style socialism, but one of its Washington lobbyists actually attacked Hanauer, his Jewish heritage. And then, he claimed Hanauer is trying to disarm the proletariat, provoke Helter Skelter, and celebrate his family's escape from Nazi Germany by endorsing the alleged policies that would have exterminated them.
Wait, what?! We know the NRA is trying hard to "rebrand" itself as "the nation's oldest civil rights organization", but this is just beyond the pale. It was bad enough when the NRA celebrated George Zimmerman's ruthless slaughter of Trayvon Martin. It only worsened when the NRA then encouraged Cliven Bundy and his "Patriot Movement" comrades to start a "Range War" in Bunkerville. And it only became more tragically revolting when the NRA's favorite G-O-TEA politicians boasted about being "what stood in the way" of mere background checks legislation (like Washington's I-594) that could have prevented Jerad & Amanda Miller from obtaining the weapons they needed to slaughter two Las Vegas Metro police officers and one civilian in June.
Those women in Austin may have revealed their bare breasts as a response to ammosexual idiocy, but the NRA and its allies seem to be the real boobs here. Either they're incredibly clueless about their own "legacy of civil rights", or they're attempting to be "too clever by half" by adopting this rhetoric. Either way, they sound like idiots. Either way, they're the ultimate boobs.
But wait, there's more. Not wanting to be outdone by a bunch of ragtag Texas women daring to "bare it all", the NRA decided to go Godwin.
Oh, yes. That's right. An NRA lobbyist Brian Judy actually compared expansion of background checks to the genocidal tyranny of Nazi Germany. Wait, what?!
The NRA and its "TEA" powered allies in Washington State are furious over Seattle venture capitalist Nick Hanauer supporting I-594. So not only did the NRA decide to engage in "Everyone gets a gun!" style socialism, but one of its Washington lobbyists actually attacked Hanauer, his Jewish heritage. And then, he claimed Hanauer is trying to disarm the proletariat, provoke Helter Skelter, and celebrate his family's escape from Nazi Germany by endorsing the alleged policies that would have exterminated them.
Wait, what?! We know the NRA is trying hard to "rebrand" itself as "the nation's oldest civil rights organization", but this is just beyond the pale. It was bad enough when the NRA celebrated George Zimmerman's ruthless slaughter of Trayvon Martin. It only worsened when the NRA then encouraged Cliven Bundy and his "Patriot Movement" comrades to start a "Range War" in Bunkerville. And it only became more tragically revolting when the NRA's favorite G-O-TEA politicians boasted about being "what stood in the way" of mere background checks legislation (like Washington's I-594) that could have prevented Jerad & Amanda Miller from obtaining the weapons they needed to slaughter two Las Vegas Metro police officers and one civilian in June.
Those women in Austin may have revealed their bare breasts as a response to ammosexual idiocy, but the NRA and its allies seem to be the real boobs here. Either they're incredibly clueless about their own "legacy of civil rights", or they're attempting to be "too clever by half" by adopting this rhetoric. Either way, they sound like idiots. Either way, they're the ultimate boobs.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Who Could Have Guessed?
Who could have guessed? Who could have figured? Who could have possibly foreseen this?
In Seminole County, Florida, Mark Stanley claims he was legally justified in stealing copper wiring from a church... Because the law doesn't apply to him. A similar story has emerged in Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pennsylvania, where Ishaq Ibrahim claims "common law" allowed him and his cohorts to rob a bank. And just last week, Kevin Green was convicted of robbery in nearby Philadelphia despite Green's claim that the very court he was tried in is "unconstitutional".
But wait, there's more. In Oracle, Arizona, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu (R) encouraged local 21st Century Know Nothings to conduct a Murrieta style bus blockade to prevent #BorderChildren from reaching their promised shelter. And to make matters even worse, Paul Babeu and the anti-immigrant rabble rousers summoned the notorious Arizona State Militia to further intimidate the bus full of children.
Sound familiar yet? For one, all the above mentioned figures claim they can commit these crimes because they're "sovereign citizens". And in the Arizona case, the Arizona State Militia happens to be the ideological and organizational offspring of the Minuteman Project, the same outfit that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde and JT Ready.
Oh, and let's not forget this: the Arizona State Militia also rushed to fellow "sovereign citizen" Cliven Bundy's defense back in April. After all, they don't recognize the law. And #BundyRanch gave them the perfect opportunity to launch their ideal "Range War" against the federal government.
So they're all at it again. This time, Cliven Bundy is cheering from the sidelines while his "Patriot Movement" comrades take the "Range War" to a whole new level.
And speaking of whole new level, the Salt Lake City FBI recently arrested John David Huggins after uncovering his plot to blow up the Tremonton, Utah, police department. Of course, he wanted to "start an anti-government revolution". Hmmm... Where have we heard this before? (Hint: Remember the rants of Jerad & Amanda Miller.)
Who could have guessed? Who could have figured? Who could have possibly surmised all of this? Actually, the evidence has been all around us. We just need to start noticing it.
In Seminole County, Florida, Mark Stanley claims he was legally justified in stealing copper wiring from a church... Because the law doesn't apply to him. A similar story has emerged in Lower Pottsgrove Township, Pennsylvania, where Ishaq Ibrahim claims "common law" allowed him and his cohorts to rob a bank. And just last week, Kevin Green was convicted of robbery in nearby Philadelphia despite Green's claim that the very court he was tried in is "unconstitutional".
But wait, there's more. In Oracle, Arizona, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu (R) encouraged local 21st Century Know Nothings to conduct a Murrieta style bus blockade to prevent #BorderChildren from reaching their promised shelter. And to make matters even worse, Paul Babeu and the anti-immigrant rabble rousers summoned the notorious Arizona State Militia to further intimidate the bus full of children.
Sound familiar yet? For one, all the above mentioned figures claim they can commit these crimes because they're "sovereign citizens". And in the Arizona case, the Arizona State Militia happens to be the ideological and organizational offspring of the Minuteman Project, the same outfit that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde and JT Ready.
Oh, and let's not forget this: the Arizona State Militia also rushed to fellow "sovereign citizen" Cliven Bundy's defense back in April. After all, they don't recognize the law. And #BundyRanch gave them the perfect opportunity to launch their ideal "Range War" against the federal government.
So they're all at it again. This time, Cliven Bundy is cheering from the sidelines while his "Patriot Movement" comrades take the "Range War" to a whole new level.
And speaking of whole new level, the Salt Lake City FBI recently arrested John David Huggins after uncovering his plot to blow up the Tremonton, Utah, police department. Of course, he wanted to "start an anti-government revolution". Hmmm... Where have we heard this before? (Hint: Remember the rants of Jerad & Amanda Miller.)
Who could have guessed? Who could have figured? Who could have possibly surmised all of this? Actually, the evidence has been all around us. We just need to start noticing it.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Bundy's Box
There's a reason why we've been talking about it. It's something we should really take seriously.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has just released a new report, War in the West, detailing why. When Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at a CiCi's Pizza and a Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley last month, we knew it didn't come from nowhere. When they proclaimed their murderous rampage the "start of the revolution", we could sense exactly where this came from.
In April, Cliven Bundy declared his "Range War" against federal law. And once he declared war, he summoned "Patriot Movement"/"sovereign citizens" from across the nation to help him fight this "Range War". Yet when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) warned of the dangers of the escalating armed conflict in & around Bunkerville, plenty of politicians & pundits (especially those of the "TEA" tinged variety) condemned Senator Reid for his "poor choice of words".
While "TEA" flavored politicians and pundits were attacking Senator Reid for refusing to mince words, Jerad & Amanda Miller wanted to spread the #BundyRanch "revolution" elsewhere. They shared the same extreme anti-government ideology as the Bundy family. Yet unlike the Bundys, the Millers weren't afraid of spreading the "revolution" into Las Vegas. So they walked into a pizza place and opened fire on 2 Metro Police Officers.
They weren't alone in their "revolutionary" fervor. Even before #BundyRanch dominated cable TV in April, radical right militia groups were on the rise. The "Patriot Movement" has roots going all the way back to resistance to post Civil War Reconstruction in the 1870s. The "Posse Comitatus" movement sprang from the ashes of that resistance nearly 100 years later, after the contemporary civil rights movement scored key legislative and judicial victories. And in 1995, this movement seemed to reach its pinnacle when Timothy McVeigh and his "Patriot" cohorts bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
But after the onset of "The Great Recession" and the first election of President Obama in 2008, the "Patriot Movement" and other anti-government militia groups made a major comeback. And while the "Patriot Movement" has "rebranded" itself in recent years, it hasn't actually strayed from its xenophobic roots.
Just take a look at the current revitalization of the anti-immigrant militia movement. They're trying to take advantage of the Central American refugee crisis and claim this "invasion" is grounds for "war". Last week, Jim Gilchrist called for the revival of the very Minutemen Project that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde & JT Ready. And now, several "Patriot Movement" leaders are calling for armed patrols of the US-Mexico Border.
While their "call to arms" in South Texas has gone mostly unheeded as of late, this may only be the calm before the storm. After all, it looked like #BundyRanch quieted down in late April. Many didn't realize the "Range War" was only the beginning.
When a number of G-O-TEA politicians and media personalities rallied around Cliven Bundy and his "Range War", they either didn't realize or didn't care to acknowledge that they were endorsing something awfully frightening. And when the Bundy family decided to bring these "Patriot Movement" acolytes into Southern Nevada, they didn't care to think about the danger they were importing here and the extreme ideology of violence they were embracing.
Like Pandora, they have opened this box full of evil. That's the reason why we continue to talk about it. This is something we must take seriously.
The Southern Poverty Law Center has just released a new report, War in the West, detailing why. When Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at a CiCi's Pizza and a Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley last month, we knew it didn't come from nowhere. When they proclaimed their murderous rampage the "start of the revolution", we could sense exactly where this came from.
In April, Cliven Bundy declared his "Range War" against federal law. And once he declared war, he summoned "Patriot Movement"/"sovereign citizens" from across the nation to help him fight this "Range War". Yet when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) warned of the dangers of the escalating armed conflict in & around Bunkerville, plenty of politicians & pundits (especially those of the "TEA" tinged variety) condemned Senator Reid for his "poor choice of words".
While "TEA" flavored politicians and pundits were attacking Senator Reid for refusing to mince words, Jerad & Amanda Miller wanted to spread the #BundyRanch "revolution" elsewhere. They shared the same extreme anti-government ideology as the Bundy family. Yet unlike the Bundys, the Millers weren't afraid of spreading the "revolution" into Las Vegas. So they walked into a pizza place and opened fire on 2 Metro Police Officers.
They weren't alone in their "revolutionary" fervor. Even before #BundyRanch dominated cable TV in April, radical right militia groups were on the rise. The "Patriot Movement" has roots going all the way back to resistance to post Civil War Reconstruction in the 1870s. The "Posse Comitatus" movement sprang from the ashes of that resistance nearly 100 years later, after the contemporary civil rights movement scored key legislative and judicial victories. And in 1995, this movement seemed to reach its pinnacle when Timothy McVeigh and his "Patriot" cohorts bombed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.
But after the onset of "The Great Recession" and the first election of President Obama in 2008, the "Patriot Movement" and other anti-government militia groups made a major comeback. And while the "Patriot Movement" has "rebranded" itself in recent years, it hasn't actually strayed from its xenophobic roots.
Just take a look at the current revitalization of the anti-immigrant militia movement. They're trying to take advantage of the Central American refugee crisis and claim this "invasion" is grounds for "war". Last week, Jim Gilchrist called for the revival of the very Minutemen Project that spawned the likes of Shawna Forde & JT Ready. And now, several "Patriot Movement" leaders are calling for armed patrols of the US-Mexico Border.
While their "call to arms" in South Texas has gone mostly unheeded as of late, this may only be the calm before the storm. After all, it looked like #BundyRanch quieted down in late April. Many didn't realize the "Range War" was only the beginning.
When a number of G-O-TEA politicians and media personalities rallied around Cliven Bundy and his "Range War", they either didn't realize or didn't care to acknowledge that they were endorsing something awfully frightening. And when the Bundy family decided to bring these "Patriot Movement" acolytes into Southern Nevada, they didn't care to think about the danger they were importing here and the extreme ideology of violence they were embracing.
Like Pandora, they have opened this box full of evil. That's the reason why we continue to talk about it. This is something we must take seriously.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
(In)Action
In the past week, we've been doing our part here to explain the severity of the #BorderChildren crisis. They are indeed real people. They are not mere political footballs.
But for the newly "rebranded" soon-to-be-ex-Governor Rick Perry (R) and his fringe militia loving BFF Sean Hannity, today is the perfect day to pack extra heat at the Texas Border. Of course, we're just wondering why they didn't invite the rest of the Open Carry Texas crew to join them. We're sure they would have loved to pack heat alongside them.
Perhaps instead of trying to (mis)use a genuine humanitarian crisis to score political points, Governor Perry should actually do his job? Did he miss the big news occurring in his own state?
Yesterday, Ron Lee Haskell was arrested after Spring, Texas, police finally convinced him to surrender. He's suspected of killing 4 children and 2 adults. Another young girl was wounded in the shooting, and she's still in critical condition.
This comes just days after a major shooting next door (in Louisiana). On New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street, Trung Le is suspected of shooting 1 person dead and injuring 9 other people. Keep in mind that this occurred on Bourbon Street. That's where tourists like to "whoop it up" and enjoy themselves.
Sound familiar yet? It should. Last year, we witnessed multiple shootings on the Las Vegas Strip. And just this past March, we saw another near miss on The Strip.
Last year, Congress had the chance to do something on gun violence, even something as tiny & modest as expanding background checks for gun purchases. But for Dean Heller (R-NRA), that was just too much. And for Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA), the "portal" wasn't right. For them and many of their G-O-TEA colleagues, it was far easier to serve as "what stood in the way" than to make any effort to prevent more senseless bloodshed.
And so far, it looks like they prefer Rick Perry's brand of heat packing (photo-op) "action" over real action. We've been seeing them grandstand on immigration reform. And... Well, they're not pretending to act on gun violence any more. Apparently as long as the NRA is happy with their inaction, they're happy. Never mind the "new normal" of bloody dystopia all the rest of us must live under.
But for the newly "rebranded" soon-to-be-ex-Governor Rick Perry (R) and his fringe militia loving BFF Sean Hannity, today is the perfect day to pack extra heat at the Texas Border. Of course, we're just wondering why they didn't invite the rest of the Open Carry Texas crew to join them. We're sure they would have loved to pack heat alongside them.
Perhaps instead of trying to (mis)use a genuine humanitarian crisis to score political points, Governor Perry should actually do his job? Did he miss the big news occurring in his own state?
Yesterday, Ron Lee Haskell was arrested after Spring, Texas, police finally convinced him to surrender. He's suspected of killing 4 children and 2 adults. Another young girl was wounded in the shooting, and she's still in critical condition.
This comes just days after a major shooting next door (in Louisiana). On New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street, Trung Le is suspected of shooting 1 person dead and injuring 9 other people. Keep in mind that this occurred on Bourbon Street. That's where tourists like to "whoop it up" and enjoy themselves.
Sound familiar yet? It should. Last year, we witnessed multiple shootings on the Las Vegas Strip. And just this past March, we saw another near miss on The Strip.
Last year, Congress had the chance to do something on gun violence, even something as tiny & modest as expanding background checks for gun purchases. But for Dean Heller (R-NRA), that was just too much. And for Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA), the "portal" wasn't right. For them and many of their G-O-TEA colleagues, it was far easier to serve as "what stood in the way" than to make any effort to prevent more senseless bloodshed.
And so far, it looks like they prefer Rick Perry's brand of heat packing (photo-op) "action" over real action. We've been seeing them grandstand on immigration reform. And... Well, they're not pretending to act on gun violence any more. Apparently as long as the NRA is happy with their inaction, they're happy. Never mind the "new normal" of bloody dystopia all the rest of us must live under.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Bloody "Rebranding"
We know they like to go there. But really, must they go there? Don't they realize how moronic they sound whenever they go there?
But alas, NRA "News"internet eye candy commentator Dom Raso insists on going there.
Really, Mr. Raso? Really, NRA? Jim Crow? Seriously?
We know the NRA is trying hard to "rebrand" itself as "the nation's leading civil rights organization"... But that doesn't mean this statement is true. After all, where was the NRA when Trayvon Martin was brutally murdered?
Oh, yes. That's right. The NRA was busy enabling more George Zimmermans to "stand their ground" against innocent people. And the NRA & its "TEA" tinged allies were busy attacking Trayvon's family & friends for daring to fight for #JusticeForTrayvon.
And for the record, we saw the same reaction from the NRA after the murder of Jordan Davis. That's because the NRA always turns to "philosophical arguments" over "framing & language" whenever it's confronted with the ugly truth about "Stand Your Ground".
Jim Crow? Seriously? But of course, it's easier for the NRA to turn to rhetorical nonsense than to address its own history of enabling the likes of Johnny Lee Wicks, Cliven Bundy, Wayne Burgarello, Jerad & Amanda Miller, and Brent Douglas Cole. The NRA can "rebrand" itself as often as it wants, but it can't "rebrand" away its own bloody record.
But alas, NRA "News"
Really, Mr. Raso? Really, NRA? Jim Crow? Seriously?
We know the NRA is trying hard to "rebrand" itself as "the nation's leading civil rights organization"... But that doesn't mean this statement is true. After all, where was the NRA when Trayvon Martin was brutally murdered?
Oh, yes. That's right. The NRA was busy enabling more George Zimmermans to "stand their ground" against innocent people. And the NRA & its "TEA" tinged allies were busy attacking Trayvon's family & friends for daring to fight for #JusticeForTrayvon.
And for the record, we saw the same reaction from the NRA after the murder of Jordan Davis. That's because the NRA always turns to "philosophical arguments" over "framing & language" whenever it's confronted with the ugly truth about "Stand Your Ground".
Jim Crow? Seriously? But of course, it's easier for the NRA to turn to rhetorical nonsense than to address its own history of enabling the likes of Johnny Lee Wicks, Cliven Bundy, Wayne Burgarello, Jerad & Amanda Miller, and Brent Douglas Cole. The NRA can "rebrand" itself as often as it wants, but it can't "rebrand" away its own bloody record.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Mack the Gun
We know 2006 may seem like an eternity ago, but please pay attention. And please do join us on this little stroll down Memory Lane.
In 2006, Darren Mack was undergoing a bitter divorce with his soon-to-be-ex-wife, Charla. He was incensed when Washoe County Family Court Judge Chuck Weller ordered Darren to pay Charla $10,000 per month in spousal support in addition to $849 per month in child support. He didn't like Judge Weller's ruling, so Darren Mack responded by "standing his ground". He stabbed Charla to death, then he shot Weller in a sniper style attack.
Even though Darren Mack ultimately plead guilty to the murder of Charla and attempted murder of Judge Weller at a Las Vegas courthouse in 2007, he later recanted his guilty plea. And even though the Nevada Supreme Court ultimately rejected his appeal, Darren Mack is trying again. And wait for this, he believed he was justified in shooting who he saw as a "corrupt judge" and exercising "self defense" against his wife.
Sound familiar yet? During the murder trial, state & national media shined a spotlight on the heinous nature of Mack's crimes. Even today, one can find shows on cable TV detailing every lurid and horrid aspect of the Mack case. Yet now, it doesn't seem that extraordinary. It doesn't seem all that far-fetched. It doesn't seem all that shocking.
Since Darren Mack's name and face were splashed all over the front pages in Las Vegas & Reno, we've seen the rise of the "Stand Your Ground" Doctrine that can at least theoretically be used to justify Darren Mack's crimes. Hey, Wayne Burgarello went ahead and "stood his ground" against someone who didn't even know he was trespassing. And Johnny Lee Wicks "stood his ground" against a US Marshal and a courthouse security officer who had nothing to do with his denied Social Security claim. (And even if they did, was that shooting really justified?)
We've also seen the rise of Cliven Bundy and "TEA" powered "Range War" against state & federal law. Because the Bundy Gang don't like civil society, they think they can unilaterally impose armed madness upon everyone else.
And of course, this has aided the rise of "sovereign citizen" and "Patriot Movement" violence. Up north, Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on law enforcement agents on federal land. Down south, Jerad & Amanda Miller shot dead two Metro Police Officers and a civilian at a Las Vegas strip mall. And in other parts of the nation, "sovereign citizens" have sought armed conflict with the law... Because all of them refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of our nation of laws.
We can't help but wonder if Darren Mack has been noticing recent events. Back in 2006, and even in 2008, his crimes were almost universally condemned. But now, we have an entire "movement" of "patriots" and "sovereign citizens" who champion the kind of crimes Darren Mack committed. And we have the NRA backing them up. And we even have a number of G-O-TEA politicians standing in the way of any effort to rein in the gun violence these extremists regularly partake in.
While Darren Mack's latest appeal doesn't seem likely to succeed, it's frightening to think he even has a tiny opening today. And he has the "sovereign revolutionaries", their cheerleaders at the NRA, and their ideological soulmates to thank for this.
In 2006, Darren Mack was undergoing a bitter divorce with his soon-to-be-ex-wife, Charla. He was incensed when Washoe County Family Court Judge Chuck Weller ordered Darren to pay Charla $10,000 per month in spousal support in addition to $849 per month in child support. He didn't like Judge Weller's ruling, so Darren Mack responded by "standing his ground". He stabbed Charla to death, then he shot Weller in a sniper style attack.
Even though Darren Mack ultimately plead guilty to the murder of Charla and attempted murder of Judge Weller at a Las Vegas courthouse in 2007, he later recanted his guilty plea. And even though the Nevada Supreme Court ultimately rejected his appeal, Darren Mack is trying again. And wait for this, he believed he was justified in shooting who he saw as a "corrupt judge" and exercising "self defense" against his wife.
Sound familiar yet? During the murder trial, state & national media shined a spotlight on the heinous nature of Mack's crimes. Even today, one can find shows on cable TV detailing every lurid and horrid aspect of the Mack case. Yet now, it doesn't seem that extraordinary. It doesn't seem all that far-fetched. It doesn't seem all that shocking.
Since Darren Mack's name and face were splashed all over the front pages in Las Vegas & Reno, we've seen the rise of the "Stand Your Ground" Doctrine that can at least theoretically be used to justify Darren Mack's crimes. Hey, Wayne Burgarello went ahead and "stood his ground" against someone who didn't even know he was trespassing. And Johnny Lee Wicks "stood his ground" against a US Marshal and a courthouse security officer who had nothing to do with his denied Social Security claim. (And even if they did, was that shooting really justified?)
We've also seen the rise of Cliven Bundy and "TEA" powered "Range War" against state & federal law. Because the Bundy Gang don't like civil society, they think they can unilaterally impose armed madness upon everyone else.
And of course, this has aided the rise of "sovereign citizen" and "Patriot Movement" violence. Up north, Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on law enforcement agents on federal land. Down south, Jerad & Amanda Miller shot dead two Metro Police Officers and a civilian at a Las Vegas strip mall. And in other parts of the nation, "sovereign citizens" have sought armed conflict with the law... Because all of them refuse to acknowledge the legitimacy of our nation of laws.
We can't help but wonder if Darren Mack has been noticing recent events. Back in 2006, and even in 2008, his crimes were almost universally condemned. But now, we have an entire "movement" of "patriots" and "sovereign citizens" who champion the kind of crimes Darren Mack committed. And we have the NRA backing them up. And we even have a number of G-O-TEA politicians standing in the way of any effort to rein in the gun violence these extremists regularly partake in.
While Darren Mack's latest appeal doesn't seem likely to succeed, it's frightening to think he even has a tiny opening today. And he has the "sovereign revolutionaries", their cheerleaders at the NRA, and their ideological soulmates to thank for this.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
War Games
We witnessed yet another one yesterday. And it came right on the heels of another one in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This time, it happened at a campground near Nevada City, California, and Lake Tahoe. Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on a BLM ranger and California Highway Patrol officer. Both the BLM ranger and Cole had to be hospitalized for their injuries.
Brent Douglas Cole considered himself a "sovereign citizen". Remember the "sovereign citizen movement"? We've been seeing it on full display here lately.
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" may view theirarmed madness "Range War" as just good old fashioned "fun & games", but "revolutionaries" like Jerad & Amanda Miller took this far more seriously. They viewed it as war games.
Before he finally attained the violent showdown he desired, Jerad Miller had taken to radical conspiracy web sites to discuss important issues... Like killing police officers. Who could have guessed?
And now, we have the Nevada City incident. And we have the Kalamazoo incident. And we have the Cumming courthouse shooting. And we have a possible Portland murder. And we have this ongoing affair in Montana.
These war games may seem comical at times. They often look farcical to those of us who operate in civilized society. But when certain elected officials bestow a shroud of legitimacy upon a "movement" built on criminality, terrible consequences ensue. After all, war is hell. And these games they're playing aren't for fun.
This time, it happened at a campground near Nevada City, California, and Lake Tahoe. Brent Douglas Cole opened fire on a BLM ranger and California Highway Patrol officer. Both the BLM ranger and Cole had to be hospitalized for their injuries.
Brent Douglas Cole considered himself a "sovereign citizen". Remember the "sovereign citizen movement"? We've been seeing it on full display here lately.
Cliven Bundy and his gang of "outlaw cowboys" may view their
Before he finally attained the violent showdown he desired, Jerad Miller had taken to radical conspiracy web sites to discuss important issues... Like killing police officers. Who could have guessed?
And now, we have the Nevada City incident. And we have the Kalamazoo incident. And we have the Cumming courthouse shooting. And we have a possible Portland murder. And we have this ongoing affair in Montana.
These war games may seem comical at times. They often look farcical to those of us who operate in civilized society. But when certain elected officials bestow a shroud of legitimacy upon a "movement" built on criminality, terrible consequences ensue. After all, war is hell. And these games they're playing aren't for fun.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Do the Same
Gordon Martines finished in 7th place last Tuesday. He ran for Clark County Sheriff, and he finished behind 6 other candidates. He clearly failed to advance to the November runoff.
Still, Gordon Martines netted 2,124 votes this month. Those votes came from somewhere.
Over the past week, we've learned that Gordon Martines had 2 fans who would later become infamous. One of them even wore his campaign t-shirt for a TV interview.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were attracted to Martines' radical right, "Patriot Movement" friendly campaign platform. That's also why they were drawn to David VanDerBeek and Cliven Bundy. They were all drawn to the "Patriot Movement" ideology of taking down the federal government however possible...
Except for this one thing. VanDerBeek claims he wants a "nonviolent restoration". And when Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller, he uncovered Miller's criminal record. He then asked the Millers to step away from his campaign.
Think about this. Gordon Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller before he allowed Jerad & Amanda to become further involved in his campaign. Why wasn't a background check conducted before Jerad & Amanda Miller obtained the weapons they needed for their June 8 shooting spree that ultimately left themselves and 3 innocent people dead?
Oh, yes. That's right. Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) wanted to be "what stood in the way" between us and legislation that could have prevented the June 8 tragedy. Meanwhile in Washington, Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) & Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) only had excuses on hand when asked why they opposed similar background checks legislation in Congress.
But now, those excuses and political calculations can't bring back the 3 innocent people who passed away earlier this month. Universal background checks, however, may help in preventing future senseless tragedies.
Gordon Martines prevented what could have been a horrific political scandal by conducting a background check before proceeding. Why can't we do the same to prevent senseless gun violence? Think about that.
Still, Gordon Martines netted 2,124 votes this month. Those votes came from somewhere.
Over the past week, we've learned that Gordon Martines had 2 fans who would later become infamous. One of them even wore his campaign t-shirt for a TV interview.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were attracted to Martines' radical right, "Patriot Movement" friendly campaign platform. That's also why they were drawn to David VanDerBeek and Cliven Bundy. They were all drawn to the "Patriot Movement" ideology of taking down the federal government however possible...
Except for this one thing. VanDerBeek claims he wants a "nonviolent restoration". And when Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller, he uncovered Miller's criminal record. He then asked the Millers to step away from his campaign.
Think about this. Gordon Martines conducted a background check on Jerad Miller before he allowed Jerad & Amanda to become further involved in his campaign. Why wasn't a background check conducted before Jerad & Amanda Miller obtained the weapons they needed for their June 8 shooting spree that ultimately left themselves and 3 innocent people dead?
Oh, yes. That's right. Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA) wanted to be "what stood in the way" between us and legislation that could have prevented the June 8 tragedy. Meanwhile in Washington, Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) & Rep. Joe Heck (R-NRA) only had excuses on hand when asked why they opposed similar background checks legislation in Congress.
But now, those excuses and political calculations can't bring back the 3 innocent people who passed away earlier this month. Universal background checks, however, may help in preventing future senseless tragedies.
Gordon Martines prevented what could have been a horrific political scandal by conducting a background check before proceeding. Why can't we do the same to prevent senseless gun violence? Think about that.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Do Over
Last year, he had been considered the Democrat least likely to vote for any gun safety legislation. But then, Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) eventually backed a very modest background checks package. And the NRA still conspired to kill it.
But now, he's back. He wants to try expanding background checks again. And he's not alone.
After all, Senator Manchin wasn't the only Senate Democrat who evolved on gun violence. So did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In fact, he went further, way beyond a mere milquetoast background checks compromise. But now, he may be ready to try for those mere milquetoast background checks again.
So what's happened since then? Sunday, for one. Jerad Miller was able to access firearms despite his felony convictions. And now, three innocent people are dead.
What's also happened since then? Well, we've just experienced 74 more school shootings since Newtown. Troutdale just happened to be #74. We don't remember which number Sparks Middle School is.
What else has happened since then? More extremism. More senseless tragedies. More family losses. And even more blood shed.
Now, the only question is: What's changed on Capitol Hill since then? Has Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) grown a spine yet? Hell, has he sorted out his relationship with Cliven Bundy yet?
We shall find out soon. Last year, Congress put on one of the worst sh*tshows in American history (actually, one of several). Now, they have a chance at a do-over. Will they take it? Or will we have to endure 74 more unnecessary and horrifically bloody tragedies?
But now, he's back. He wants to try expanding background checks again. And he's not alone.
After all, Senator Manchin wasn't the only Senate Democrat who evolved on gun violence. So did Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. In fact, he went further, way beyond a mere milquetoast background checks compromise. But now, he may be ready to try for those mere milquetoast background checks again.
So what's happened since then? Sunday, for one. Jerad Miller was able to access firearms despite his felony convictions. And now, three innocent people are dead.
What's also happened since then? Well, we've just experienced 74 more school shootings since Newtown. Troutdale just happened to be #74. We don't remember which number Sparks Middle School is.
What else has happened since then? More extremism. More senseless tragedies. More family losses. And even more blood shed.
Now, the only question is: What's changed on Capitol Hill since then? Has Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA) grown a spine yet? Hell, has he sorted out his relationship with Cliven Bundy yet?
We shall find out soon. Last year, Congress put on one of the worst sh*tshows in American history (actually, one of several). Now, they have a chance at a do-over. Will they take it? Or will we have to endure 74 more unnecessary and horrifically bloody tragedies?
Another Bloody Tragedy
Another one? Already? Another one is happening? Already? How can this be so?
But alas, it's happening. Again. This time, it's at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon.
Just outside Portland, Troutdale has typically been known as a quiet and peaceful suburb. But today, that's no longer the case. Today, Troutdale became the latest in a string of armed battles on what was supposed to be civilian territory. Today, Troutdale became another notorious gun violence statistic.
It probably won't be long before we see the usual tweets of condolence from the usual politicians. It probably won't be long before the usual suspects in the "mainstream media" start bloviating on whether the shooter "had enough dates" and/or video games. And it probably won't be long before the NRA tries to "redefine" this latest "unfortunate accident".
In Troutdale, the shooter killed a student before killing oneself. And when the first flurry of media reports surfaced, parents throughout Greater Portland were scrambling to figure out whether it was their kids' school. For some unfortunate parents, it was.
Less than 48 hours ago, Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were murdered. Shortly after they shot these officers dead at CiCi's Pizza in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley, Jerad & Amanda Miller moved to the nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before killing themselves.
Jerad Miller had felony convictions on his record. He had also made it clear for some time that he wanted "the start of the revolution". Yet somehow, he was able to obtain firearms anyway. All he had to do was rant on Facebook.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), Rep. Joe Heck, and other G-O-TEA politicians have boasted about being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws. Just as the NRA has allowed the likes of Open Carry Texas to call the shots at its headquarters, far too many politicians have allowed the NRA to call the shots on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the nation (including ours).
It's only a matter of time before someone else who obtained military grade weapons under suspicious circumstances opens fire in another public place and leaves a bloody trail behind. It's only a matter of time before the next tragedy occurs.
How many more of these must occur? What else must happen before our elected "leaders" stop being cowards and start taking action? When will we finally reach the day when we wake up without experiencing yet another bloody tragedy?
But alas, it's happening. Again. This time, it's at Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon.
Just outside Portland, Troutdale has typically been known as a quiet and peaceful suburb. But today, that's no longer the case. Today, Troutdale became the latest in a string of armed battles on what was supposed to be civilian territory. Today, Troutdale became another notorious gun violence statistic.
It probably won't be long before we see the usual tweets of condolence from the usual politicians. It probably won't be long before the usual suspects in the "mainstream media" start bloviating on whether the shooter "had enough dates" and/or video games. And it probably won't be long before the NRA tries to "redefine" this latest "unfortunate accident".
In Troutdale, the shooter killed a student before killing oneself. And when the first flurry of media reports surfaced, parents throughout Greater Portland were scrambling to figure out whether it was their kids' school. For some unfortunate parents, it was.
Less than 48 hours ago, Metro Police Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were murdered. Shortly after they shot these officers dead at CiCi's Pizza in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley, Jerad & Amanda Miller moved to the nearby Walmart, where they shot Joseph Robert Wilcox dead before killing themselves.
Jerad Miller had felony convictions on his record. He had also made it clear for some time that he wanted "the start of the revolution". Yet somehow, he was able to obtain firearms anyway. All he had to do was rant on Facebook.
Governor Brian Sandoval (R-NRA), Senator Dean Heller (R-NRA), Rep. Joe Heck, and other G-O-TEA politicians have boasted about being "what stood in the way" of better gun safety laws. Just as the NRA has allowed the likes of Open Carry Texas to call the shots at its headquarters, far too many politicians have allowed the NRA to call the shots on Capitol Hill and in state capitols across the nation (including ours).
It's only a matter of time before someone else who obtained military grade weapons under suspicious circumstances opens fire in another public place and leaves a bloody trail behind. It's only a matter of time before the next tragedy occurs.
How many more of these must occur? What else must happen before our elected "leaders" stop being cowards and start taking action? When will we finally reach the day when we wake up without experiencing yet another bloody tragedy?
How Should a Patriot Act?
Remember this? Back in April, both of Nevada's US Senators appeared on KSNV/News 3's "What's Your Point?". Both were asked about #BundyRanch. Yet while Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) refused to mince words regarding the Cliven Bundy fiasco. Senator Dean Heller (R), on the other hand, celebrated the Bundy Gang as "patriots".
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Senator Heller was partially correct. They're anything but real patriots, since they seek to undermine the very foundation of this nation. However, many of the Bundy Crew happen to be part of the radical right, xenophobic, anti-government "Patriot Movement". We suspect this wasn't what Senator Heller intended to say...
But he ultimately, though accidentally, gave more credence to what Senator Reid was saying. We, Senator Reid, Rachel Maddow, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and a few others tried to warn the #BundyRanch cheerleaders of what they were so eagerly jumping into. The "Patriot Movement" is anything but patriotic, and it's certainly anything but nonviolent and well-intentioned.
On Sunday, Metro Officers Alyn Beck & Igor Soldo were taking their lunch break at the CiCi's Pizza at Nellis & Stewart. It was supposed to be a normal Sunday on the beat. They didn't know this would be their last day on earth. They didn't know they were being targeted by "Patriot Movement" followers Jerad & Amanda Miller. They didn't know they were about to become bloody "sacrifices" for "the start of the revolution".
The Millers proclaimed their act of terror as "the start of the revolution". It's not as if they just thought this up on their own. It's not as if this originated from a vacuum. It's not as if no one noticed what they were saying on Facebook. And it's not as if they were the only "Patriot Movement" figures to threaten violence. (The Millers just happened to follow through on their threats.)
In April, Senator Heller proudly proclaimed all the #BundyRanch agitators to be "patriots". Even though his own staff had briefed him on the severity of what was going down in Bunkerville, he nonetheless endorsed their actions.
And now, two Metro officers and another victim are dead. They're dead because two "Patriot Movement" fans wanted "the start of the revolution". They're dead because Jerad & Amanda Miller had a very disgusting, distorted, and disturbing definition of "patriot". And they're dead because Jerad Miller was able to obtain firearms despite his felony convictions.
In April, the usual G-O-TEA suspects lambasted Senator Reid for daring to speak the truth about the dangerous characters swirling around #BundyRanch. And they cheered Senator Heller when he called them "patriots". What a difference two months can make.
Monday, June 9, 2014
Full Circle
Last Friday, a normally sleepy Georgia town on the outskirts of Greater Atlanta was rocked by shocking violence. In Cumming, Georgia, a shootout occurred when a man tried to carry an AR-15 assault weapon and explosives into the Forsyth County Courthouse.
Dennis Marx was due to appear in the Forsyth County Courthouse last Friday to answer to his marijuana and weapons charges. He also had a running law suit against Forsyth County, as he claimed the county violated his civil rights. Dennis Marx was also part of the "Sovereign Citizen/Patriot Movement".
Remember them? They're the ones who rushed to the aid of Cliven Bundy when he declared a "Range War" against the federal government. And they're the ones with a storied history of breeding terrorists who have committed some of the worst crimes this nation has ever seen.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were also part of the "Patriot Movement". White supremacist paraphernalia were found at their apartment yesterday. Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at the CiCi's Pizza and Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley yesterday. They shot two Metro officers dead before shooting someone else dead in Walmart and ultimately killing themselves.
Jerad & Amanda Miller had boasted to their neighbors about their involvement in #BundyRanch. Reno area NBC affiliate KRNV even interviewed Miller in Bunkerville back in April.
We can't help but wonder what Senator Dean Heller (R), Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Assembly Member & NV-04 candidate Cresent Hardy (R), Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R), and other G-O-TEA politicians who had so merrily jumped on the #BundyRanch bandwagon nearly two months ago are thinking now. Do they regret what they said then? Are they embarrassed over their endorsement of what's turned out to be a collection of fringe extremists, some of whom haven't hesitated to resort to violence?
Of course, these are also the same G-O-TEA politicians who have boasted of being "what stood in the way" of legislation that could have prevented criminals like Jerad Miller & Dennis Marx from obtaining firearms. Might they be rethinking this as well? Is that "A rating" from the NRA truly worth more than actual human lives?
Sadly, the #BundyRanch saga has come full circle. Two months ago, a ragtag group of fringe extremists threatened violence against the federal government for daring to enforce the law. A month ago, they began fighting each other and scaring an entire community. And now, some of those threats have actually materialized here in the Las Vegas Valley. Why didn't our "leaders" take these threats seriously before yesterday?
Dennis Marx was due to appear in the Forsyth County Courthouse last Friday to answer to his marijuana and weapons charges. He also had a running law suit against Forsyth County, as he claimed the county violated his civil rights. Dennis Marx was also part of the "Sovereign Citizen/Patriot Movement".
Remember them? They're the ones who rushed to the aid of Cliven Bundy when he declared a "Range War" against the federal government. And they're the ones with a storied history of breeding terrorists who have committed some of the worst crimes this nation has ever seen.
Jerad & Amanda Miller were also part of the "Patriot Movement". White supremacist paraphernalia were found at their apartment yesterday. Jerad & Amanda Miller opened fire at the CiCi's Pizza and Walmart in the Northeast Las Vegas Valley yesterday. They shot two Metro officers dead before shooting someone else dead in Walmart and ultimately killing themselves.
Jerad & Amanda Miller had boasted to their neighbors about their involvement in #BundyRanch. Reno area NBC affiliate KRNV even interviewed Miller in Bunkerville back in April.
We can't help but wonder what Senator Dean Heller (R), Governor Brian Sandoval (R), Assembly Member & NV-04 candidate Cresent Hardy (R), Assembly Member Michele Fiore (R), and other G-O-TEA politicians who had so merrily jumped on the #BundyRanch bandwagon nearly two months ago are thinking now. Do they regret what they said then? Are they embarrassed over their endorsement of what's turned out to be a collection of fringe extremists, some of whom haven't hesitated to resort to violence?
Of course, these are also the same G-O-TEA politicians who have boasted of being "what stood in the way" of legislation that could have prevented criminals like Jerad Miller & Dennis Marx from obtaining firearms. Might they be rethinking this as well? Is that "A rating" from the NRA truly worth more than actual human lives?
Sadly, the #BundyRanch saga has come full circle. Two months ago, a ragtag group of fringe extremists threatened violence against the federal government for daring to enforce the law. A month ago, they began fighting each other and scaring an entire community. And now, some of those threats have actually materialized here in the Las Vegas Valley. Why didn't our "leaders" take these threats seriously before yesterday?
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