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How Committed To The Cause Are Gun-grabbers?

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Jim Braaten

Right now…in Minnesota…a skirmish for our gun rights is taking place. On Monday, President Obama was in Minneapolis to underscore his support for sweeping new gun control legislation—both federal and at the state government levels. Then on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week the Minnesota House of Representatives are holding a series of hearings on a handful of bills that, if they became law, would make Minnesota one of the most restrictive places in the country to own most guns.

And so, I’ve listened to the debate so far both yesterday and today. In essence, it’s the same old story we’ve heard for years with now the emotional twist of some mass shootings thrown in for good measure. Will the testimony really have an influence on the legislative committee? I doubt it…I think both sides are pretty well set with how they will eventually vote. In some ways these committee hearings take place just to give both sides a chance to air their views…to feel better somehow their message was at least listened to.

But, today’s hearing was most striking to me. The author of HF241–Assault Weapon Ban Bill in presenting her opening remarks to the hearing about the bill had a decision to make. Does she stay and fully introduce the bill while being available for questions, or does she leave the hearing early to attend a speaking engagement at a nearby theater for a bunch of school students? Tough choice, huh?

On one hand she’s presenting legislation for enactment directly impacting everyone’s constitutional rights. On the other hand, she certainly wouldn’t want to disappoint a bunch of school kids who my guess is doesn’t even know who Rep. Hausman is anyway. Check out the video beginning at the 17:30 minute point and see what she decides.

More importantly, Rep. Hausman didn’t even turn her duties over to a co-author of the bill. Nope! Instead she turned her duties over to Heather Martens who is the executive director of Protect Minnesota. To me that act alone shows a real lack of legislative commitment to one’s cause and duties as a legislator.

Frankly, I wonder how committed many sponsors of gun-grabbing legislation are no matter what legislative body they exist in. They don’t have the facts on their side…so, instead they peddle raw emotion. And that sometimes works great when terrible events are vivid in people’s minds and it overshadows logical thinking. Yet, the truth is most poor decisions people tend to make in life are those based purely on emotion. Take emotion out of the equation and allow logical, open-minded thinking to replace the discussion.

Right now it’s obvious the gun-grabbers are throwing lots of misguided gun legislation out there hoping something will stick. I truly believe in their hearts they are not as committed to their positions as those of us who push for gun rights are committed to our beliefs.

There are many battles yet to be waged. There will be lots of misinformation disseminated and twisted in the media about these and other proposed new gun control measures. But in the end, if we are battling an opponent who lacks the commitment level we have as gun owners possess, their actions and words will ultimately ring hollow and will have no merit in our society.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Gear, Politics | Tagged: assault weapons, gun control | Comments Off

Of Band-aids, Guns, Preschoolers and Politicians

Posted on February 1, 2013 by Jim Braaten

From time to time my four year old will come running to me in obvious pain and crying. She’s not looking for real medical attention of any kind—there often is no blood involved. Nor, does she want daddy to simply kiss her boo boo or give her a big, tight hug. As her daddy I know what gives her the most comfort in these situations. She needs a band-aid.

Now, mind you, the band-aid is not covering a real wound…just a perceived wound in the mind of a preschooler. Nothing…and I do mean nothing…relieves her stress in these situations better or faster than a band-aid expertly applied.

And sometimes one is not enough. When I see she is still fighting back the tears after sporting a freshly applied band-aid, I will occasionally grab one more…and another…and another. You see, when a problem continues to persist I’ve learned that applying multiple band-aids on one tiny leg will eventually cause us both to break out in laughter. Voilà! Problem solved.

Right now gun owners are dealing with lots of band-aids. Oh, these aren’t band-aids to help heal any emergent medical problem we have as a group. Nope, they are band-aids some folks believe are necessary to solve a societal problem through restrictive gun legislation. Unfortunately, a series of evil events have occurred in our world and a faction of lawmakers, along with the media, have devised their own form of a band-aid approach.

Now, I’m certainly not here to suggest we shouldn’t learn from and try to prevent future tragedies in our society. Quite the contrary. It’s the manner in how we react that displays if we deal with it like a 50 year old, or a four year old. One expects that an adult has a certain maturity level suggesting a logical and well-thought out response. A young child? Well, of course they will be more reactionary looking for whatever gives some immediate resolution to a perceived terrible problem.

Let’s be honest. At no other time in American history has the anti-gun movement felt so emboldened and powerful as they do right now. They feel this is their time. High emotions are being stoked on a daily basis with biased news reporting. The enemy isn’t the criminal who commits these cowardly acts…it is the gun…THE GUN I tell you! The gun is ALWAYS the problem. Remove the gun and…Voilà! The problem magically will go away.

Yeah, it will work just like that…won’t it? Maybe in the mind of a small child who wants some immediate action, but not for an advanced society who should be mature enough to know far better.

In the days and weeks to come this blog will expose how gun control is a big hoax being perpetrated by folks who want to take away our freedoms. Folks, it has nothing to do with protecting children in some school classroom or preventing another tragedy in some movie theater. Indeed, this is about a group of politicians who want to take action to appease the whims of their voter base. THEY WANT TO GET RE-ELECTED and they see restrictions on our guns as their first-class ticket to enabling political longevity.

How wrong they are. I’m not about to tell my four-year old that putting a band-aid on an imaginary owie is a silly thing to do. But I sure as hell will tell my politicians how taking a band-aid approach in dealing with gun violence is not the proper American thing to be doing. Any solution that restricts my long-standing, God-given freedom as an American is simply juvenile and should be treated as such.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Gear, Politics | Tagged: gun control, politics | 6 Comments »

Thoughts And Observations From My Local Gun Show

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Jim Braaten

In a few days I will be heading out to the 2013 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT Show) held in Las Vegas, but today I thought it would be interesting to stop by a local gun show where the buying public traffic was rather brisk and certainly actively engaged to purchase. I was in Rochester, Minnesota attending the Minnesota Weapon Collectors Association‘s first gun show of the year.

Most of the day it was elbow to elbow with gun show attendees at this event.

I should note that I have been attending this gun show for over 35 years. I don’t make it every year, but I do try to make it most years as it is one of the bigger gun shows in southern Minnesota. Today, the crowd I witnessed was hands down the busiest I have ever seen. It appears with details on possible new gun control measures being disclosed as early as next Tuesday, many folks were not about to delay making their purchases much longer.

There was certainly much talk among the show attendees of what firearms restrictions might be in the near future. Even though it was a rather solemn mood among those in attendance, I also witnessed a deeper resolve among nearly everyone that is starting to reach the boiling point. Indeed, I did hear one dealer admit to a customer that we are inching closer to a point where gun owners may need to take it beyond just standing up and being heard.

Prices for high capacity magazines were quite reminiscent of what they were back during Federal Assault Weapons Ban, a law which sunset back in September 2004. Magazines holding more than ten rounds that could have been purchased a few months ago for $20–$30 were now being offered for sale more in the $60–$75+ range. I even seen one dealer peddling very well used 30rd AR-15 magazines for $50, although other dealers had them for sale in the $30–$35 range.

The public seemed to be in a buying mood despite the fact prices appear to be on the rise.

I guess the upshot what I took away from this show is there are no bargains to be had any longer. Oh, sure, there may be bargains by today’s standards, but today’s standards are much different than they’ve been for many years. It appears we are entering a new period in gun sales with a market that is highly volatile depending on what legislation may be pending or what rumor seems to be gaining traction.

One thing I did notice which I thought was sort of odd was the lack of Glocks. Admittedly, I am not savvy when it comes to all facets of gun sales, but peering around the masses of people I sensed that Glocks of all models seemed to be more scarce than I would have expected. Again, this may have just been an anomaly and may not be the actual case.

Some of the busiest dealers were those folks who cater to gun magazine sales. This show vendor had hundreds of mags like this for nearly any kind of gun.

I did hear several dealers discuss how certain ammunition is nearly impossible to get these days. In fact, I preface this with a RUMOR ALERT, but one dealer in describing what his factory rep told him was that 5.56mm bulk ammo orders are so backed up that delivery wouldn’t be until 2015. Yup, 2015! Again, this comment was hearsay, but it exemplifies the sort of buzz that folks were hearing at the show.

In closing, I guess the one thing that surprised me was that there still are AR-15′s to be purchased. I’ve heard some dealers say they just don’t have any as their inventory has been wiped out last month. I suppose in some cases those modern sporting rifles were commanding a good price—probably nearly twice what they once were, but they are still available even at public shows like this one.

So, have you been to any gun shows lately? What is the mood of your favorite gun dealer? No doubt about it…we are living during interesting times that promise to only get more interesting in the days and weeks to come.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Events, Politics | Comments Off

When Money Flows Perception Is NOT Always Reality…

Posted on March 1, 2011 by Jim Braaten

…Especially in politics.

This news item has been out there now for a couple weeks, but each time I see it the whole crux of it sort of rubs me the wrong way. Take a read:

MINNEAPOLIS – Sen. Amy Klobuchar says Minnesota is getting over $25 million in federal money for conservation projects and hunter education.

A statement from her office says Minnesota will receive $13.7 million for fish habitat restoration, $9.6 million for wildlife restoration and $2 million for hunter education. The funds are coming from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

Klobuchar says the money will help protect land, water, and wildlife habitats so the state can enjoy them for generations to come.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program works to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and their habitats.

The state is expected to use some of the funds for technical assistance, instructor training, curriculum development and other support for the Minnesota Hunter Recruitment and Retention Program.

Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune (Feb. 20. 2011)

In this carefully crafted news item from our wonderful DFL Senator Klobuchar, it makes things sound as though thanks to her relentless efforts the great sportsmen of Minnesota are getting all this money for programs near and dear to our hearts. Of course, she doesn’t come right out and take credit for it…but the perception in her announcement is she must have had something to do with getting this money earmarked back to her constituents. Agree?

Fact of the matter is you’re expecting me to say she had NOTHING to do with it. Well, that wouldn’t be quite right. You see, Klobuchar and her fellow Democrat counterpart, Senator Al Franken, both indirectly had lots to do with building up this special tax coffer.

Indeed, the money she is talking about is from the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration and Pittman-Robertson Acts and the news release Klobuchar’s office basically re-wrote was this one. All of the numbers are true…but they have been coming back to our state like this for well over a half Century.

What Klobuchar should have taken credit for in her press release is the fact that her political party has helped to build this specific tax coffer to unprecedented levels, and this during a time when our economy has been largely in crisis during recent years. How did they do it? Simple. The Democrats, led by the 2009 “Gun Salesman of the Year,” Obama, helped to spur vigorous sales in firearms out of fear they would press for more strict gun control actions during his Presidency.

Seriously, if Senator Klobuchar wanted to make this announcement why wasn’t she also forthright with her constituents by saying something to the effect—although this money has flowed back to the states from taxes paid on sporting goods for several decades, you can thank my DFL caucus and me for the increased amount generated due to the fact we “scare the shit out of most gun owners” in this country.

Had she made that very truthful public admission…she would have gained at least a modicum of my respect.

Tags: Senator+Klobuchar, Pittman-Robertson+Act

Filed under: Politics | 1 Comment »

Should A Recent Gun-Related Tragedy Stifle Gun Rights Advocacy?

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Jim Braaten

Case in point. Do you think this ad recently mailed out by the Minnesota Republican Party is “too much” considering our current political climate?

GOPad11
(FRONT SIDE OF MAILER)

GOP_adB11
(BACK SIDE OF MAILER)

Well, apparently according to this source, they claim some folks within the Minnesota Democratic Party feel this message is way “over-the-top” in the wake of the Tucson shootings.

Excuse me, since when did promoting our gun rights during an important political election—where such issues have great significance—get squelched by an unfortunate incident half-way across the country carried out by a mentally deranged individual?

Like me, do you find it a bit strange how “toning down the political rhetoric” now seems to mean the only talk about gun rights should be how they need to come under more strict controls or greater restrictions?

As sportsmen, we cannot let our proud heritage of gun ownership and use be so blatantly disregarded because we might hurt someone’s feelings. This mailing was targeted (pun intended) to voters in a particular legislative district who happen to have a strong affinity toward gun ownership and the outdoors way of life. To avoid discussion on this critical gun rights topic, for any reason, only serves to minimize the overall importance of the issue—which, of course, is what the political left always strives to accomplish.

Minnesota Democratic Party, if you’re truly worried about how people feel about issues why don’t you consider this. Everything about this political ad speaks to our 2^nd Amendment Constitutional rights and deserves to be considered in a public forum BEFORE AN ELECTION. To behave in ways to suppress this important discussion—no matter how you rationalize doing it—shows the DFL party cares even less about the Constitutional Amendment that precedes the 2nd.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Politics | 1 Comment »

Time For State Senator Satveer Chaudhary To Step Aside

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Jim Braaten

Embattled Minnesota State Senator Satveer Chaudhary acknowledges unpaid taxes amounting to over $250,000.

via ap.brainerddispatch.com

Okay, I get it this guy has been the chair of the Minnesota State Senate Environment Committee. I also understand over the years he has done some great things for our Minnesota outdoors. And yeah, I get it he's one of us–a hunter and a fisherman. But enough is enough. After being involved in at least two highly publicized ethics violations–and now this IRS matter that has just come to light, it is time for his public service to our legislative process to end. Minnesota deserves much better than this. Chaudhary has demonstrated he is one of the "bad apples" that currently pervades our government (on all levels) and such behavior cannot be tolerated.

Filed under: Politics | Comments Off

Angered, But Certainly Not Surprised

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Jim Braaten

Chris Niskanen: Mail-call mistake only feeds culture war over Outdoor Heritage Fund

…The theater became more fascinating with a Dec. 28 letter from Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, who mistakenly sent her missive to a pro-hunting group called the North American Bear Foundation.

Kahn, not known for her pro-hunting positions, apologized for her wayward letter in an interview with me. She was a little flummoxed and charming, especially when I pointed out that on paper, she's a pretty smart person…

…She further suggests that "many of us" in the Legislature want to use the Outdoor Heritage Fund for "reforestation, water pollution repair or prevention" in order to create more jobs in Minnesota.

In other words, she flings open the barn door to using the Outdoor Heritage Fund for a wide array of things not defined in the constitutional language approved by voters….

via www.twincities.com (read more)

Great article by Chris Niskanen pertaining to Minnesota Politics in regards to our Outdoor Heritage Fund. But C'mon, did we really think the politicians were going to keep their grimy little fingers out of our new tax fund? The only surprise to me is the swiftness in which some of the Democrats already appear to be attempting to supplant funds away from the intended purpose. Simply amazing.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Politics | 1 Comment »

No Fur For The First Lady?

Posted on January 1, 2010 by Jim Braaten

Its official Michelle Obama has made a stand she will no longer wear fur way to stand up for something important. I’m glad our first lady has no other more important issue to get behind than fashion. Cancer must be cured teen smoking must be not be an issue anymore. Over the past year and a half it seems like Barack and Michelle are more interested in being rock stars than political servants for our country.

via www.fb.org

According to this report our Fashionista First Lady is choosing NOT to wear fur while also publicly making a statement about that choice. Here's hoping the bitter cold Washington wind of always striving to be politically correct blows directly up her skirt.

Filed under: Current Outdoor Issues, Politics, Trapping | 1 Comment »

Minnesota’s Conservation Amendment Becoming Contentious

Posted on December 29, 2009 by Jim Braaten

Doug Smith: War of words over constitutional amendment for conservation | StarTribune.com

Wonderful! Ever since this state constitutional measure passed back in 2008 I've been highly skeptical of the great conservation benefits the special interest groups promised us from this expansive sales tax measure. Now, less than six months into the new tax law, we learn how several lawmakers are simply "licking their proverbial chops" in an attempt to use the monies for creative purposes other than those for which many intended (toward fish and wildlife projects). This news surprises us how? After all, we should have learned long ago not to trust politicians whenever money is involved.

Filed under: Politics | Comments Off

Ammunition Prices Will Begin To Soar…Time To Act Is NOW!!!

Posted on March 16, 2009 by Jim Braaten

Five years ago when I started this blog I found myself writing about light-hearted, feel-good outdoor topics most of the time. Of course, it was different times back then…the Clinton assault weapons ban had just sunseted and our lawmakers were solidly Republican with a pro-gun rights stance.

Oh, how things have changed. In Washington we now have the most anti-gun President and legislature that this country has ever experienced. Quite honestly, it scares me what this group is capable of accomplishing during the next four years to slowly take away my liberty.

If you haven’t heard the latest, it seems that as of last Friday the Obama Administration has sent down an edict stating that all spent military brass ammo casings must now be destroyed and sold as scrap metal. Are you prepared for what this action means? Ammo prices are likely going to go through the roof…just mark my word. It appears Obama’s anti-gun rights thugs feel if they can’t directly take our guns, well they will just make our ammo unavailable or outrageously expensive. Yup, this is the CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN, all right.

I urge you to listen to the second hour of Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Podcast for great information about what is currently going on. You can listen to that here: http://guntalk.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=443576 After listening to that roughly 40 minute segment, I then urge everyone to contact their Congressmen and Senators to put them on notice. Here’s an outline of the letter my Washington representatives received today.

Dear Congressman Kline!

I am upset and extremely disappointed regarding the Department of Defense’s recent ruling on selling spent brass for scrap metal rather than to ammunition re-manufacturers. I understand that as of last Friday the current administration has pressured the DoD to destroy spent ammo casings and sell the material to be used only as scrap metal.

I view this as an assault on the gun-owning sportsman who has already seen his ammunition supply dry up. Result: ammo now costs three times as much as it did just a couple of years ago. If this measure is allowed to persist the price of ammo will continue to double, if not triple. Your quick action can prevent this from happening.

The DoD measure is unnecessary and makes no economic sense, whatsoever. The only purpose it truly serves is to effect law-abiding citizens and interfere with our gun owning rights.

Consider this. Selling the spent metal ammo casings for scrap is going to net the government 1/5 of what the value is if sold as casings able to be re-manufactured (as it has been sold prior to last Friday). During a time of government economic crisis that we are presently in…it is downright wasteful not to sell the ammo casings for their highest value.

These casings belong to me as a tax-paying citizen and not to receive the highest post-military value is absolutely unconscionable. Furthermore, it is my understanding that the recycled scrap metal will likely be sold to China. What a kick in the pants to me as an American.

I am asking you to act quickly to do whatever is necessary to reverse this latest government atrocity on the gun owning community. As a voter, I am watching closely to see if your actions (or lack of action) on this matter makes a difference. When someone attacks my most basic of constitutional rights I take the matter very seriously and will marshal my friends to do the same.

I look forward to your response as my Congressman on this important matter. In closing, I am proud to say I am a Lifetime NRA member.

The time to act is now. This isn’t just a potential threat…it is an ONGOING threat that you will be hearing more about in the coming days and weeks. Take it very seriously.

Oh, how I wish I could talk about more fluffy things in this blog like I did back in the beginning…but with current events as such affecting the gun-owning sportsman…it just doesn’t seem like a proper way to spend my time these days.

Filed under: Politics, Shooting Sports | 8 Comments »

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How Committed To The Cause Are Gun-grabbers?

Of Band-aids, Guns, Preschoolers and Politicians

Thoughts And Observations From My Local Gun Show

When Money Flows Perception Is NOT Always Reality…

Should A Recent Gun-Related Tragedy Stifle Gun Rights Advocacy?

Time For State Senator Satveer Chaudhary To Step Aside

Angered, But Certainly Not Surprised

No Fur For The First Lady?

Minnesota’s Conservation Amendment Becoming Contentious

Ammunition Prices Will Begin To Soar…Time To Act Is NOW!!!

Jim Braaten

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