Imagine a mountain community with 250 – 300 families who each respect each other’s rights. A community where greenhouses and square foot gardening is encouraged. A place that is 70% – 80% self-sufficient. A place where each homestead is on 3 – 5 acres.
Imagine a place with water rights that predate the state’s charter.
A place that can not only generate their own power, but can subsidize their community with the revenue they earn selling power to the power company.
Imagine owning 3 – 5 acres outright and not having to pay property tax on it.
A place where having a car is not a necessity, but an option.
A place where neighbors willingly share their expertise with their community - for the good of the community.
A place where the quality of people attracted, and the expertise that they can bring to the community, greatly outweighs the profit motive of the founders.
A place that is not “governed” by a committee, but allows each landowner to have an equal voice in the planning and development. A community that will not exclude people for the religious beliefs or their individual differences.
A community with million dollar views.
Imagine buying a three acre plot in a place like that for $1000 an acre. Someone already did. I visited there yesterday. While some of these ideas on only in the wishing stage, most of them are already possible. Either way, I like the way they think.
Friday, April 09, 2004
Imagine a 1000-Acre Township of Self-Ruling Individuals.
George W. Bush isn’t so much a president as a superhero.
George W. Bush to the rescue!
George W. Bush isn’t so much a president as a superhero.
When he’s not saving Planet Earth from Evil Terrorists, he’s providing the Greatest Generation with free drugs. When he’s not colonizing Iraq and Afghanistan, he is planning to colonize the moon. When he’s not keeping every child from being Left Behind, he’s saving the holy institution of marriage from those who would destroy it.
The marriage-saving thing is what has really caught my attention. I’m no expert on the subject, although next week I will celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary. What astounds me, is that my wife and I have lasted so long without the help of any government program.
Maybe we’re just in denial.
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Source: STEVEN GREENHUT LewRockwell.com
Thursday, April 08, 2004
12 year old shoots 8 year old with Grandfather's Gun
A good friend send me this very serious message today. I post it so that others may benefit.
A bad thing happened in NJ that I know about from working with the teacher of one of the two kids involved. It raises questions for me I'm not sure how to answer.
Situation: 12 year old boy was visiting his grandfather. His 8 year old cousin also was. (There may or may not have been other people but it doesn't matter.) The 12 year old came upon a 38 calibre handgun. He shot his cousin in the back, above the kidneys. Kid went to the hospital and eventually died.
That's all we know about the situation. First reaction of most adults, including me: why did the grandfather have a loaded 38 calibre handgun lying around where a kid could get it?
Then, for me, after some thought, I came upon this dilemma: Assuming the grandfather keeps a handgun around in case of self defense, how much use would it be to him if it was locked in a cabinet separate from another cabinet in which was locked the ammunition? Wouldn't he need to have it in a place where he could get it quickly and use it quickly? And, if that is the case, how can he insure that a person visiting would not get it?
Would you entertain this dialog with me please? I am trying to have a more sophisticated understanding of guns and the right to have them. I also know accidents happen. Please let me know what you think about this above situation. I'd appreciate your comments.
Here is my Reply
Great question. Thank you for asking.
It is true that people, especially elderly, weak, and infirmed, should be allowed to have a gun for self defense. It is also correct that in a self-defense situation, a gun in a safe with ammo in another location is useless.
The fact is that gun owners need to be responsible. It is the responsibility of gun owners to practice gun safety at all times. Many folks I know always have a loaded gun accessible within a few steps or a few seconds. BUT, I if they leave a gun in their car, they LOCK the car so someone will not find the gun and possibly hurt themselves or someone else.
In their home, all adults in the home know where all loaded guns are. All loaded guns are where they are inaccessible to children. Also, most of my loaded guns could not be fired by my 4 and 5 year old kids or any of their friends because of the strength needed to chamber a round. As an additional safety, guns are stored in "safe" position.
When I am in a car with others who might not be as knowledgeable about guns and gun safety, I either lock the gun in glove box or keep it on my person - in my control. In Utah, CCW holders are required to do this when non-CCW holders are in the car with them. Many people keep lots of guns in an officer or work area. These areas should be secured with a deadbolt and lock when away. This also keeps the guns away from babysitters.
The bottom line is that the grandfather was probably raised at a time when everyone was familiar with guns and they were a part of life. Children were taught proper gun safety and knew that they were to never touch a gun and CERTAINLY never point it at anything they did not wish to kill (destroy).
The media may milk this for everything it is worth and suggest that guns must be in safes, kids shouldn't be permitted to watch movies that have gun violence, all gun owners need to pass safety exams yearly, or some other knee-jerk nonsense.
The truth is that if gun safety training were still taught in schools, this would never have happened. The truth is that it is always easy to point the finger after a tragedy. The truth is that grandpa will probably commit suicide over the guilt he feels (but he won't use a gun because the police probably stole every gun the guy had).
I am very sorry for the parents, the kid and the old man. Unfortunately, tragic accidents happen. If this were a case where a kid pushed his friend in a pool and the friend drown, it would barely make the news. However, the anti-gun crowd prays for events like this to point out how evil guns are and that they must be stopped for the sake of the children - you have heard the rhetoric. The fact is that hundreds of children drown every year, but very few are shot accidentally - even though there are FAR more guns than there are pools.
Your initial response is a good one - "why did the grandfather have a loaded 38 caliber handgun lying around where a kid could get it?"
He shouldn't have. If his son or daughter knew that he had a gun, they should have reminded him to put the gun away - or remove the bullets while grandpa watches the kids - or carry the gun concealed - or, take the kids out and give them a demonstration of the power of a .38, the damage it can do to a coffee can, the safe handling of a gun, and explain why an old man feels the need to have it and why children must NEVER touch a gun except under the permission and supervision of a parent or gun instructor. I'm sure that the kids parent is also beating themselves up and wondering what they could have done differently too.
Because I have guns in my home, I have given my wife and kids safety lessons on gun handling. I have NEVER ONCE, had my kids touch any of my guns even when they had the opportunity. I have two BB rifles in the kitchen cabinet so that they are familiar with seeing guns. I take them out in the back yard to shoot them every couple of weeks and give the entire gun safety lesson each time. I make the girls tell me the answers. They never forget, have never once shown bad muzzle control, and love to shoot. They are both very good shots. Guns are a part of my life. They will be a part of my kids life.
I have heard so many people say, "...if it would save just one life...".
Here is a suggestion that I believe could save a lot of lives. Teach children basic gun safety.
1. All guns are loaded. There is no such thing as an empty gun. Always check the chamber and magazine of a gun when you pick it up.
2. Never point a gun at anything you do not want to kill. (I never let any kids point toy guns at other kids. I tell their parents that if I see it, I will take the gun away and teach the kid gun safety. The parents think I am nuts, but the kids learn muzzle control. My girls come to me immediately and inform on anyone who is not handling a toy gun safely.)
Here is a web page with a list of safety training aids. http://www.nrahq.org/youth/resources.asp
If a 15 minute video could prevent 30 kids from having a similar accident, why not show it. OR, Get some material for the school library and send a note to parents saying, "Due to the recent tragedy involving a gun accident, we have purchased some gun safety videos for the library. If you own guns, or believe that your children may enter a home where they own guns, we urge you to show these videos to your family. Thank you."
We can't undo the tragic event, but through proper education, other accidents could be avoided.
Keeping kids in the dark is not the answer. Blaming guns is not the answer.
Thank you for asking my my opinion. I am happy to discuss this further. Was this helpful? Do you agree with me?
Here is another link.
http://www.nrahq.org/education/guide.asp
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s) which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
Sunday, April 04, 2004
Plural marriages - Who are they hurting?
I just read Confessions of a Libertarian Polygamist and found it fascinating. I have talked with several people in the past year that either come from plural marriages or are polyamorous themselves. In fact, I am very surprised at the number of folks I have met and the vast numbers that seem to exist.
The thing is, it doesn't bother me in the least. In fact, as long as all parties involved are consenting adults, what business is it of anyone else? I find it difficult to maintain a relationship with one wife, so I am not sure I would have much luck in a relationship with multiple loves. In any event, I think adults should be allowed to be with whoever they love - and if that means more than one person - more power to them. The world needs more loving families.
GUN CONTROL - A brief history
In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control.
From 1929 to about 1953, 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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In 1911, Turkey established gun control. >From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated.
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China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated' people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.
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Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million. It has now been 12 months since gun owners in Australia were forced by new law to surrender 640,381 personal firearms to be destroyed by their own government, a program costing Australia taxpayers more than $500 million dollars.
The first year results are now in:
Australia-wide, homicides are up 3.2 percent
Australia-wide, assaults are up 8.6 percent
Australia-wide, armed robberies are up 44 percent (yes, 44 percent!)
In the state of Victoria alone, homicides with firearms are now up 300 percent.
(Note that while the law-abiding citizens turned them in, the criminals did not, and criminals still possess their guns!)
While figures over the previous 25 years showed a steady decrease in armed robbery with firearms, this has changed drastically upward in the past 12 months, since the criminals now are guaranteed that their prey is unarmed.
There has also been a dramatic increase in break-ins and assaults of the ELDERLY.
Australian politicians are at a loss to explain how public safety has decreased, after such monumental effort and expense was expended in successfully ridding Australian society of guns."
The Australian experience and the other historical facts above prove it.
You won't see this data on the American evening news or hear our president, governors or other politicians disseminating this information.
Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws affect only the law-abiding citizens.
Take note my fellow Americans.....before it's too late!
The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson.
With guns, we are citizens. Without them, we are subjects.
When Will We Be Free?
Have you heard the armed forces propaganda spots on the radio? "Imagine a place, where you are totally free...to criticize the government... imagine living in a place like that. Oh, that's right...you already do."
What a pile of crap. The truth is that most of the "rights" that our founding fathers took pains to protect, have been eroded and ignored by the government.
| The Ten Planks of the Communist Manifesto Translated |  |
1. Abolition of private property and the application of all rent to public purpose.
2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.
3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance
4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels
5. Centralization of credit in the hands of the State, by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly.
6. Centralization of the means of communication and transportation in the hands of the State
There is also the postal monopoly, AMTRACK and CONRAIL
7. Extention of factories and instruments of production owned by the State, the bringing into cultivation of waste lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.
8. Equal liablity of all to labor. Establishment of Industrial armies, especially for agriculture.
9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the population over the country.
10. Free education for all children in government schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc. etc.
So I ask you...does changing the words, change the end result?
It is my hope that one day, a great number of individuals will become self-reliant and demand to live as free men. That they will refuse to allow others to violate their right to be free. No matter how hard the work is, they will have an inner smile and inner peace because they will be free. Such a peace can only come to those willing to defend that freedom with their lives. I hope to see you there.
