In 1987, Florida became the first state to issue licenses to private citizens authorizing them to carry concealed firearms. Not only did Florida issue licenses, but the law specifically mandated that the state "shall issue" a license to anyone who was qualified. This meant that the state could not prevent a qualified US citizen from receiving a license to carry if he had passed the criminal background check and met all safety and training requirements.
Dire predictions of shootouts at high noon, blood in the streets, gun battles over disputed parking spots, and general road rage shootings were issued by the news media claiming Florida would regress to the Wild West Days of yore. In fact they re-named Florida; the Gunshine State! And guess what happened?
Nothing.
The reason these dire predictions did not materalize is because those persons who were issued licenses were and still are among the most honest and law abiding on the planet. Since Florida led the way, 47 other states now have concealed carry laws.
In no state has this ever been a problem to anyone except maybe a bad ass who got a rude surprise when he accosted a seemingly defenseless young woman or a doddering old man. A person can now carry legally not only in his home state, but in all other states that honor his state's law. (see www.handgunlawus.com) And there are several states, like Florida, that issue non resident licenses! More about this will be coming in future columns.
Let's back up here and look at the origin of concealed carry, specifically the racist origin of disallowing concealed carry. When word of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation arrived in Galveston more than two years after the signing, (this is known as Juneteenth Day in Texas) free men and women of color were finally given the right to go out on their own and seek their fortunes. Although the news arrived late, this in itself was a very good thing. Hundreds of families set out for the north to homestead land and live free; limited only by the amount of work they were willing to invest. At last, the freedom they sought was at hand.
But a real problem developed here in the form of roving gangs of vigilantes, thugs, the Ku Klux Klan, and other nefarious groups who preyed upon the unarmed families. At this time the freedmen were not even allowed to own a firearm, much less carry one for self defense. This was a privilege reserved only for White America.
But the freedmen armed themselves anyway, because...they had to! They had no choice! What would you have done in their place? They concealed their firearms under shirts, jackets, and coats. When the gangs attacked, they were met by equal force and had to flee. This went on for only a short while until local laws and ordinances were quickly passed making the carrying of concealed weapons illegal by the freedmen.
So who passed these laws? Southerners. White Southerners. White Southern Democrats; which begs the question; why does Black America continue to this day to support these racists? Beats me.
But for our discussion, it is enough to point out that forbidding the carrying of concealed weapons has deep racist roots that can not be disputed.
Today there are only two states that do not allow private citizens to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm. These states are Illinois and Wisconsin. Remember that while these states do not allow a private citizen the means to protect himself, neither do they step in to protect him!! Is that not hypocrisy?
Of the 48 states that do issue licenses, 9 of these are "may issue" as opposed to "shall issue", but this trend is changing. As home invasions increase, so do the number of license holders. It's a matter of time before these last two states are brought kicking and screaming into the fold.
Complimenting this surge in the number of license holders are the number of excellent schools that teach defensive pistol skills. These programs provide basic and advanced instruction with a firearm that puts the private citizen at least on a par with a Police Academy graduate and most schools go far beyond that level. Some that come to mind are The Chapman Academy in Missouri, Thunder Ranch in Oregon, Gun Site in Arizona, Front Sight in Nevada, and many others. Simply search for them on the Internet.
The civilian graduates of these fine programs actually train and compete with active Law Enforcement Officers in classes taught by LEO's! After completion of the courses, they continue to practice on their own as well as participating in local monthly competitions using realistic scenarios that prepare the armed citizen to reject home invasions, car jackings, and multiple threats. He also learns how to protect his family and survive public shootings by the deranged criminal population.
Wanna see this in action? Attend your local range where IDPA and USPSA events are taking place. Search for them on the Internet or call your local gun shop. Your eyes will be opened!
Recently, on Monday, February 22, 2010, concealed carry was re-instated in our National Parks where it had been removed last year by, yep, you guessed it, our old friends, the Liberal Democrats!
Pretty soon now, criminals must come to grips with the sad fact that their victims are no longer helpless. Intended victims will be like the freedmen; totally prepared to fight back with greater shooting skill sets, real fangs, and sharp claws.
When this happens, license holders will have a significant advantage by virtue of advanced training and practical experience. Criminals, along with defense attorneys, counselers and parole officers, will be forced to find real jobs. Newspaper writers will be relegated to merely preparing obituary columns for the lower life forms that used to ride roughshod over decent folk.
Remember all the dire predictions? Criminals were romantically referred to as 'expert gunmen' while a father teaching his son to shoot was ridiculed as an irresponsible parent. Pointed question; where does a criminal go to learn advanced self defense pistol tactics and become an 'expert gunman'?? I submit the real nut jobs are the reporters themselves! I don't refer to reporters as jounalists anymore because they are not journalists; they are propagandists!
When criminals stop their evil ways, Congress should then issue a new Emancipation Proclamation! But lest we forget, this problem started with the White Southern Democrats. Remember that when you vote.
And...hey! Let's be careful out there.
PB
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Say It Ain't So, Joe!
When Joe Biden's time in the office of Vice President is over, let's all hope he gets his own TV show where he can continue his entertaining ways. Has there ever been a public official that could put his foot in his mouth as often as Joe? All public officials make a gaffe now and then, but Biden seems to make a career of it. Here are few of my favorites.
1. Campaigning in Columbia, Missouri, Joe was told Senator Chuck Graham was in the crowd. Joe asked if Senator Graham was there. Spotting Senator Graham as he waved toward Joe on the podium, Joe then asked him to stand up so people could see him. Chuck is a disabled veteran confined to a wheel chair. Oops!
2. On Inauguration Day, Joe said, "Jill (his wife) and I had the privilege of standing on that stage, looking across at one of the great justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Stewart!" He was addressing Justice Stevens, who had sworn Biden in as Vice President. Oops!
3. While presenting parts of the stimulus package to members of Congress on February 6, 2009, he pontificated, "If we do everything right, if we do it with absolute certainty, there's still a 30% chance we're going to get it wrong." Oops!
4. Introducing Barack Obama on the campaign trail on 8/23/2008, "A man I'm proud to call my friend. A man who will be President of the United States...Barack America!" Oops!
5. Responding on the campaign trail to John McCain's economic plan, Biden said, "Look, his last minute proposal does nothing to tackle the number one job facing the middle class; jobs. And it happens to be, as Barack says, a three letter word, J-O-B-S...jobs." Oops!
6. Biden accused newly elected Senator Scott Brown of not knowing that even in military trials, accused terrorists will have an attorney. Brown has been in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for thirty years and is the Guard's top Defense Attorney for New England. "I know Military rules and regulations and procedures from A to Z.", Brown said.
Oops!
There are many more Biden gaffes that can be read by Googling them up. To be fair, all elected officials misspeak. Joe has company. Let's close with some of these...
George W. Bush
"I remember meeting the mother of a child abducted by the North Koreans right here in the White House." Oops!
Ronald Reagan
"I've left orders to be awakened anytime I'm sleeping in the event of a national emergency; even if I'm in a Cabinet meeting." Oops!
Jimmy Carter
During the infamous Playboy interview when asked about attractive women, Carter stated, "I too have lusted in my heart." Oops!
Barack Obama
At a National Prayer breakfast, he acknowledged Navy corpsman Christopher Brossard for his rescue efforts in Haiti. Unfortunately, he referred to Brossard as Christian Brossard and called his specialty 'corpse man'. Oops!
Most of these miscues can be gleefully enjoyed. When the speaker is an affable individual, most gaffes can be enjoyed lightly, but when the speaker is a pompous ass, the gaffe takes on a more ominous note.
Most of these guys took their gaffes with a grain of salt. Those who can't or won't laugh with us at these humorous experiences, will certainly attract unwanted, wicked ,and even maliginant attention.
Guess who won't laugh with us. Oops!
PB
1. Campaigning in Columbia, Missouri, Joe was told Senator Chuck Graham was in the crowd. Joe asked if Senator Graham was there. Spotting Senator Graham as he waved toward Joe on the podium, Joe then asked him to stand up so people could see him. Chuck is a disabled veteran confined to a wheel chair. Oops!
2. On Inauguration Day, Joe said, "Jill (his wife) and I had the privilege of standing on that stage, looking across at one of the great justices of the Supreme Court, Justice Stewart!" He was addressing Justice Stevens, who had sworn Biden in as Vice President. Oops!
3. While presenting parts of the stimulus package to members of Congress on February 6, 2009, he pontificated, "If we do everything right, if we do it with absolute certainty, there's still a 30% chance we're going to get it wrong." Oops!
4. Introducing Barack Obama on the campaign trail on 8/23/2008, "A man I'm proud to call my friend. A man who will be President of the United States...Barack America!" Oops!
5. Responding on the campaign trail to John McCain's economic plan, Biden said, "Look, his last minute proposal does nothing to tackle the number one job facing the middle class; jobs. And it happens to be, as Barack says, a three letter word, J-O-B-S...jobs." Oops!
6. Biden accused newly elected Senator Scott Brown of not knowing that even in military trials, accused terrorists will have an attorney. Brown has been in the Massachusetts Army National Guard for thirty years and is the Guard's top Defense Attorney for New England. "I know Military rules and regulations and procedures from A to Z.", Brown said.
Oops!
There are many more Biden gaffes that can be read by Googling them up. To be fair, all elected officials misspeak. Joe has company. Let's close with some of these...
George W. Bush
"I remember meeting the mother of a child abducted by the North Koreans right here in the White House." Oops!
Ronald Reagan
"I've left orders to be awakened anytime I'm sleeping in the event of a national emergency; even if I'm in a Cabinet meeting." Oops!
Jimmy Carter
During the infamous Playboy interview when asked about attractive women, Carter stated, "I too have lusted in my heart." Oops!
Barack Obama
At a National Prayer breakfast, he acknowledged Navy corpsman Christopher Brossard for his rescue efforts in Haiti. Unfortunately, he referred to Brossard as Christian Brossard and called his specialty 'corpse man'. Oops!
Most of these miscues can be gleefully enjoyed. When the speaker is an affable individual, most gaffes can be enjoyed lightly, but when the speaker is a pompous ass, the gaffe takes on a more ominous note.
Most of these guys took their gaffes with a grain of salt. Those who can't or won't laugh with us at these humorous experiences, will certainly attract unwanted, wicked ,and even maliginant attention.
Guess who won't laugh with us. Oops!
PB
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Old Cowboys
Driving across the plains of Texas, you will see many herds of different livestock; cattle, horses, deer, antelope, just to name a few. In every cattle herd, there is probably a bull; maybe a yearling, maybe a young bull or it could be a grizzled veteran of many battles. Seeing this familiar sight recently brought to mind some experiences and stories I heard as I grew up.
A neighbor named Gaddy Freeman, (no kiddin', his real name) bought the old Cagle place some miles from where we lived north and west of Abilene, Texas. Being a couple of hours ride from us, he became our next door neighbor. And what a neighbor. As I look back on him today, I realize he was about Dad's age. The two of them got along well together, swapping work so both could accomplish tasks that one man could not do alone. They were good friends, sharing a love for livestock, all kinds of livestock. Cattle, horses, dogs, you name it, they loved them all.
Gaddy went to an auction sale over in Cross Plains early one spring and became enamored of a four year old, handsome, shiny black gelding standing about 16 hands tall. He was told that even though the horse was tall, he had been ridden by children and was considered something of a pet. Gaddy looked him over well, liked what he saw and decided to take a chance on him. Since money was a little tight with Gaddy, he wanted to be sure that he was not being taken. He knew that very few ranchers wanted a kid's pet horse, but one that could earn his keep by working cattle and dealing with rough stock on a daily basis.
Gaddy circulated among the crowd asking questions about the horse that he figured would lessen the interest in this fine fellow and then Gaddy could step in late in the bidding and steal a treasure. He planted more confusion by saying he really liked the horse and wanted him for breeding. (heads up, Topekans, geldings are not known as good breeding stock)
As a result of the rumors he started, bidders began losing interest in the horse and started thinking how funny it would be for Gaddy to get back home with a gelding he bought for breeding.
But Gaddy had the last laugh of the day, buying the horse for a mere $130 which was serious coin in the 1950's, but much less than he would have paid had he not cast aspersions on this fine animal. He was most pleased with his purchase and named the horse Sealum. I don't know the origin of this name.
Gaddy took the gelding home, fed and watered him, and spent lots of time brushing his coat. Next morning, he rode over to our place to see what Dad thought about his new purchase. He told Dad the horse neck reined to the slightest touch and had an easy ground eating lope that was smooth as a rocking chair. Some tall horses have a rough, side to side motion in their gait that becomes very uncomfortable on a long ride. Old Tony was such a horse, but his story (and mine) is for another day.
Gaddy wanted to try out the new horse by moving a few head of cattle around, so Dad saddled up one of our horses and they rode out to look over the new spring crop of calves. They stopped a ways out from several of these little guys to watch them play. Gaddy pushed his hat back on his head, pulled his leg up out of the stirrup, and crossed it over the saddle horn. In this comfortable position, he took out his makin's and was building a smoke, when the calves started running toward the horses. Gaddy was about to learn something about Sealum's skills as a cow pony extraordinaire!
When one little calf ran close to Sealum's left side, the horse suddenly leaped sideways to block him. Gaddy lost his balance and was about to take a header when Sealum leaped again to intercept the calf which had now been turned back to the right. That did it. Gaddy was on the ground, cigarette papers flying one way and his sack of Bull Durham flying the other way. Sealum was in auto pilot mode, making sure no calf passed by him; doin' what he was trained to do.
Dad figured Gaddy had bought himself a bona fide cutting horse that may not have been up to standard competition quality on the circuit, but nevertheless was a very nice animal for ranch work. Gaddy was still very pleased with his horse, but had to change his life long habit of hooking his leg over the saddle horn when he was riding Sealum. What he didn't know at this point was that Sealum would be a good roping horse as well as a bull fighter!
Way across the prairie, Old Man Mose had bought himself a rank rodeo bull named Pedro. This bull was mean eyed, cantankerous, and more than a handful for old Mr. Mose, who was not a young cowpoke. Mr. Mose planned to breed Pedro to some of his wild cows and sell the calves to the various rodeo companies that were always looking for new sources of rough stock. Pedro was big and fast, a very dangerous animal that carried with him an aura of just plain evil.
One day, Gaddy rode over to ask Dad's help in getting some of his cattle gathered up from the Mose ranch where they had strayed and bring them back towards his place. They packed some lunch, filled their canteens, and made sure they had plenty of tobacco. This would no doubt be a long day. Little did they know.
Dad selected a little buckskin mare that was really good with cattle and had lots of endurance. Best of all, when the work was done, Dad knew he could point her west and she would head for the house, allowing him to cat nap on the slow and easy ride back home.
They found Gaddy's cattle bunched up in one of the small canyons that was on the far side of Old Man Mose's property. They circled the herd of about twenty head and with the two horses working together like a good team, they soon had the escapees headed sedately back to Gaddy's place.
As they passed the Mose ranch house, Pedro became irritated at this trespass into his private territory and took umbrage. Bellowing and snorting, he crashed through the corral fence and headed straight for Gaddy's cattle. Needless to say, they scattered like leaves in the wind. Tails high in the air they ran off in all directions, especially the yearling bulls as they were the prime targets of Pedro.
Dad and Gaddy tried to get the cattle together and headed away from the mad bull. This did not work. Pedro charged the cattle, hooking those closest to him. He even took off after the two horses! Did I mention he was a mean sumbitch? I should have.
Dad and Gaddy rode off a ways and decided they would have to deal with Pedro before they could recover Gaddy's cattle. They planned to rope Pedro and drag him back to the Mose ranch and deposit him in one of the stalls in the barn. This calls for two ropes being pulled in opposite directions so the horses could control him and he would be unable to charge.
So began the great chase. Back and forth they rode, getting close enough to rope Pedro, only to see the rope slide off his back or miss his big head completely. Finally Dad made a good cast and watched the loop settle gracefully over the bull's massive head and onto his neck. The fun really began when Gaddy missed his throw. Without the leverage of two ropes pulling in opposite directions, Pedro charged the little buckskin mare and Dad had to let the rope go to save her and himself. Pedro was off like a shot, Dad's rope trailing behind. Gaddy then tried to get a rope on the bull's heels but wasn't quite up to the task.
Time goes by, it's hot, everybody's tired, Gaddy's still trying unsuccessfully to get his rope on the bull, and all the animals are getting worn out. Pedro heads for a water hole and the trailing rope gets tangled in the thick shinnery slowing him down enough for Gaddy to get his rope on the bull, neatly snagging one hind leg. The bull is tired and foaming at the mouth, little eyes red with rage as he struggles to free his leg. This gives Dad a chance to reach down and grab his rope, taking a couple of dallies around the saddle horn to complete the capture. Now Pedro is immobilized; being pulled in opposite directions and unable to move; forward or backward. The guys pull on their respective ropes while trying to figure out what to do next.
They decide to drag Pedro over to a crevice in some rocks and snub him down. They look at the horses that are near exhaustion and realize they can't drag this 2200 pound bull all the way back to the barn. Gaddy's horse weighs about 1200 pounds while Dad's little mare weighs only about 800 pounds and both of them are just about worn out. Gaddy looks in his saddle bag and comes out with a nose ring and some tools.
With Pedro's head securely restrained in the crevice and the heeler rope tied to the saddle horn of Gaddy's horse, they have a nearly helpless bull that is still madder than hell, but held virtually motionless. So...taking off his hat and handing it to Dad, Gaddy opens the nose ring, depositing the little screws in his hat for safe keeping.
Using his pocket knife, he punches through the tough, gristly cartilage of the bull's nasal septum. He then inserts the ring through this opening while Dad holds the hat under the nose to catch the screws if they are dropped. Gaddy then proceeds to "ring" this bull. Now things are coming together.
With the nose ring in place, the bull can now literally be led around by the nose. Well, normally this would be the case, but old Pedro is not some dairy bull, but a veteran of many fights and judging from his looks and attitude, he probably won most of them! This fight ain't over yet. It takes mere minutes for these seasoned cowpunchers to realize this won't work either. So, with Pedro immobilized once again, they eat a quick lunch. Dad suddenly has a great idea.
Ready to travel once more, the end of one rope is secured to the ring in Pedro's nose. The rope then passes down between his front legs, along his underbelly, and on toward his back legs where it encircles the bull's scrotum. (for politicians in Topeka, Kansas, this means his bag)
Looping the rope around this appendage, and then running it back up to the nose ring, the bull now is much easier to manage. In fact, he has a real dilemma. If he pulls his head up, he will yank his scrotum forward, causing a great deal of discomfort. His only choice is to delicately take little steps, being very careful not to pull on his sensitive nose or apply unwanted torque on his tender appendage.
After allowing the horses to water, they prepare for the long ride back to the Mose ranch. Yes, even Pedro, damned nuisance that he is, was allowed to drink and seems resigned to his fate. Almost docile. Almost, but not quite. The guys won't trust him again.
With all ropes on Pedro secured to the saddle horns, they make a strange sight crossing the open range with Pedro being in the middle with the two horses way out on either side. Slowly they proceed toward the Mose barn. Pedro is virtually walking on tiptoe, making high pitched plaintive sounds with nearly every step. He is in a bad way, totally helpless and he knows it. Makes him even madder!
It's late in the afternoon when they arrive at Mose's place. The old man dodders out and opens the gate to one of the holding stalls. Once inside and freed from the ropes, Pedro bellows and paws the dirt floor, charging into the heavy timbers that make up this stall. The old man is really sorry about all this, but the damage is done. It's been a long day and they still have to gather and drive Gaddy's cattle back to his place. Then of course Dad has the long ride ahead of him to get back home from Gaddy's.
The horses get a break here also. The saddles are taken off, their backs are wiped dry and brushed. They take this chance to have a good roll, then they get fed with a little mixed grain along with more water and then the saddles go back on.
They find Gaddy's little herd not far from where they left them. Fortunately while they were fighting with Pedro, the cattle gathered themselves up and are now ready for the trip home.
The ride home is uneventful and they arrive at Gaddy's without further problems. Dad then heads the little buckskin home and she does the rest. He gets home late that evening and is purty near worn out. I remember taking the exhausted little mare out to the barn and making her comfortable for the night.
I hurried back to the house to hear about Dad's day as he ate a late supper. In the years to come, I would hear this story frequently along with many others as well, but this one was everybody's favorite.
As I look back on this event now, I realize that there is a lesson to be taken away from how these two men dealt with a number of problems in a pragmatic and effective manner. There was no concern about political correctness or looking to a third party to solve the problems as they occurred. We get into trouble when we make other folks responsible for our well being.
They saw what was needed, responded to it, and went on about their business. This is one of freedom's cornerstone principles on which this country was founded.
Sorry I missed it.
PB
A neighbor named Gaddy Freeman, (no kiddin', his real name) bought the old Cagle place some miles from where we lived north and west of Abilene, Texas. Being a couple of hours ride from us, he became our next door neighbor. And what a neighbor. As I look back on him today, I realize he was about Dad's age. The two of them got along well together, swapping work so both could accomplish tasks that one man could not do alone. They were good friends, sharing a love for livestock, all kinds of livestock. Cattle, horses, dogs, you name it, they loved them all.
Gaddy went to an auction sale over in Cross Plains early one spring and became enamored of a four year old, handsome, shiny black gelding standing about 16 hands tall. He was told that even though the horse was tall, he had been ridden by children and was considered something of a pet. Gaddy looked him over well, liked what he saw and decided to take a chance on him. Since money was a little tight with Gaddy, he wanted to be sure that he was not being taken. He knew that very few ranchers wanted a kid's pet horse, but one that could earn his keep by working cattle and dealing with rough stock on a daily basis.
Gaddy circulated among the crowd asking questions about the horse that he figured would lessen the interest in this fine fellow and then Gaddy could step in late in the bidding and steal a treasure. He planted more confusion by saying he really liked the horse and wanted him for breeding. (heads up, Topekans, geldings are not known as good breeding stock)
As a result of the rumors he started, bidders began losing interest in the horse and started thinking how funny it would be for Gaddy to get back home with a gelding he bought for breeding.
But Gaddy had the last laugh of the day, buying the horse for a mere $130 which was serious coin in the 1950's, but much less than he would have paid had he not cast aspersions on this fine animal. He was most pleased with his purchase and named the horse Sealum. I don't know the origin of this name.
Gaddy took the gelding home, fed and watered him, and spent lots of time brushing his coat. Next morning, he rode over to our place to see what Dad thought about his new purchase. He told Dad the horse neck reined to the slightest touch and had an easy ground eating lope that was smooth as a rocking chair. Some tall horses have a rough, side to side motion in their gait that becomes very uncomfortable on a long ride. Old Tony was such a horse, but his story (and mine) is for another day.
Gaddy wanted to try out the new horse by moving a few head of cattle around, so Dad saddled up one of our horses and they rode out to look over the new spring crop of calves. They stopped a ways out from several of these little guys to watch them play. Gaddy pushed his hat back on his head, pulled his leg up out of the stirrup, and crossed it over the saddle horn. In this comfortable position, he took out his makin's and was building a smoke, when the calves started running toward the horses. Gaddy was about to learn something about Sealum's skills as a cow pony extraordinaire!
When one little calf ran close to Sealum's left side, the horse suddenly leaped sideways to block him. Gaddy lost his balance and was about to take a header when Sealum leaped again to intercept the calf which had now been turned back to the right. That did it. Gaddy was on the ground, cigarette papers flying one way and his sack of Bull Durham flying the other way. Sealum was in auto pilot mode, making sure no calf passed by him; doin' what he was trained to do.
Dad figured Gaddy had bought himself a bona fide cutting horse that may not have been up to standard competition quality on the circuit, but nevertheless was a very nice animal for ranch work. Gaddy was still very pleased with his horse, but had to change his life long habit of hooking his leg over the saddle horn when he was riding Sealum. What he didn't know at this point was that Sealum would be a good roping horse as well as a bull fighter!
Way across the prairie, Old Man Mose had bought himself a rank rodeo bull named Pedro. This bull was mean eyed, cantankerous, and more than a handful for old Mr. Mose, who was not a young cowpoke. Mr. Mose planned to breed Pedro to some of his wild cows and sell the calves to the various rodeo companies that were always looking for new sources of rough stock. Pedro was big and fast, a very dangerous animal that carried with him an aura of just plain evil.
One day, Gaddy rode over to ask Dad's help in getting some of his cattle gathered up from the Mose ranch where they had strayed and bring them back towards his place. They packed some lunch, filled their canteens, and made sure they had plenty of tobacco. This would no doubt be a long day. Little did they know.
Dad selected a little buckskin mare that was really good with cattle and had lots of endurance. Best of all, when the work was done, Dad knew he could point her west and she would head for the house, allowing him to cat nap on the slow and easy ride back home.
They found Gaddy's cattle bunched up in one of the small canyons that was on the far side of Old Man Mose's property. They circled the herd of about twenty head and with the two horses working together like a good team, they soon had the escapees headed sedately back to Gaddy's place.
As they passed the Mose ranch house, Pedro became irritated at this trespass into his private territory and took umbrage. Bellowing and snorting, he crashed through the corral fence and headed straight for Gaddy's cattle. Needless to say, they scattered like leaves in the wind. Tails high in the air they ran off in all directions, especially the yearling bulls as they were the prime targets of Pedro.
Dad and Gaddy tried to get the cattle together and headed away from the mad bull. This did not work. Pedro charged the cattle, hooking those closest to him. He even took off after the two horses! Did I mention he was a mean sumbitch? I should have.
Dad and Gaddy rode off a ways and decided they would have to deal with Pedro before they could recover Gaddy's cattle. They planned to rope Pedro and drag him back to the Mose ranch and deposit him in one of the stalls in the barn. This calls for two ropes being pulled in opposite directions so the horses could control him and he would be unable to charge.
So began the great chase. Back and forth they rode, getting close enough to rope Pedro, only to see the rope slide off his back or miss his big head completely. Finally Dad made a good cast and watched the loop settle gracefully over the bull's massive head and onto his neck. The fun really began when Gaddy missed his throw. Without the leverage of two ropes pulling in opposite directions, Pedro charged the little buckskin mare and Dad had to let the rope go to save her and himself. Pedro was off like a shot, Dad's rope trailing behind. Gaddy then tried to get a rope on the bull's heels but wasn't quite up to the task.
Time goes by, it's hot, everybody's tired, Gaddy's still trying unsuccessfully to get his rope on the bull, and all the animals are getting worn out. Pedro heads for a water hole and the trailing rope gets tangled in the thick shinnery slowing him down enough for Gaddy to get his rope on the bull, neatly snagging one hind leg. The bull is tired and foaming at the mouth, little eyes red with rage as he struggles to free his leg. This gives Dad a chance to reach down and grab his rope, taking a couple of dallies around the saddle horn to complete the capture. Now Pedro is immobilized; being pulled in opposite directions and unable to move; forward or backward. The guys pull on their respective ropes while trying to figure out what to do next.
They decide to drag Pedro over to a crevice in some rocks and snub him down. They look at the horses that are near exhaustion and realize they can't drag this 2200 pound bull all the way back to the barn. Gaddy's horse weighs about 1200 pounds while Dad's little mare weighs only about 800 pounds and both of them are just about worn out. Gaddy looks in his saddle bag and comes out with a nose ring and some tools.
With Pedro's head securely restrained in the crevice and the heeler rope tied to the saddle horn of Gaddy's horse, they have a nearly helpless bull that is still madder than hell, but held virtually motionless. So...taking off his hat and handing it to Dad, Gaddy opens the nose ring, depositing the little screws in his hat for safe keeping.
Using his pocket knife, he punches through the tough, gristly cartilage of the bull's nasal septum. He then inserts the ring through this opening while Dad holds the hat under the nose to catch the screws if they are dropped. Gaddy then proceeds to "ring" this bull. Now things are coming together.
With the nose ring in place, the bull can now literally be led around by the nose. Well, normally this would be the case, but old Pedro is not some dairy bull, but a veteran of many fights and judging from his looks and attitude, he probably won most of them! This fight ain't over yet. It takes mere minutes for these seasoned cowpunchers to realize this won't work either. So, with Pedro immobilized once again, they eat a quick lunch. Dad suddenly has a great idea.
Ready to travel once more, the end of one rope is secured to the ring in Pedro's nose. The rope then passes down between his front legs, along his underbelly, and on toward his back legs where it encircles the bull's scrotum. (for politicians in Topeka, Kansas, this means his bag)
Looping the rope around this appendage, and then running it back up to the nose ring, the bull now is much easier to manage. In fact, he has a real dilemma. If he pulls his head up, he will yank his scrotum forward, causing a great deal of discomfort. His only choice is to delicately take little steps, being very careful not to pull on his sensitive nose or apply unwanted torque on his tender appendage.
After allowing the horses to water, they prepare for the long ride back to the Mose ranch. Yes, even Pedro, damned nuisance that he is, was allowed to drink and seems resigned to his fate. Almost docile. Almost, but not quite. The guys won't trust him again.
With all ropes on Pedro secured to the saddle horns, they make a strange sight crossing the open range with Pedro being in the middle with the two horses way out on either side. Slowly they proceed toward the Mose barn. Pedro is virtually walking on tiptoe, making high pitched plaintive sounds with nearly every step. He is in a bad way, totally helpless and he knows it. Makes him even madder!
It's late in the afternoon when they arrive at Mose's place. The old man dodders out and opens the gate to one of the holding stalls. Once inside and freed from the ropes, Pedro bellows and paws the dirt floor, charging into the heavy timbers that make up this stall. The old man is really sorry about all this, but the damage is done. It's been a long day and they still have to gather and drive Gaddy's cattle back to his place. Then of course Dad has the long ride ahead of him to get back home from Gaddy's.
The horses get a break here also. The saddles are taken off, their backs are wiped dry and brushed. They take this chance to have a good roll, then they get fed with a little mixed grain along with more water and then the saddles go back on.
They find Gaddy's little herd not far from where they left them. Fortunately while they were fighting with Pedro, the cattle gathered themselves up and are now ready for the trip home.
The ride home is uneventful and they arrive at Gaddy's without further problems. Dad then heads the little buckskin home and she does the rest. He gets home late that evening and is purty near worn out. I remember taking the exhausted little mare out to the barn and making her comfortable for the night.
I hurried back to the house to hear about Dad's day as he ate a late supper. In the years to come, I would hear this story frequently along with many others as well, but this one was everybody's favorite.
As I look back on this event now, I realize that there is a lesson to be taken away from how these two men dealt with a number of problems in a pragmatic and effective manner. There was no concern about political correctness or looking to a third party to solve the problems as they occurred. We get into trouble when we make other folks responsible for our well being.
They saw what was needed, responded to it, and went on about their business. This is one of freedom's cornerstone principles on which this country was founded.
Sorry I missed it.
PB
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Trijicon Gun Optics
In the news last week much discussion centered around the recently discovered practice of this fine company incorporating Bible verses within the serial numbers of scopes and night vision products used by the Marines and the Army. Detractors now want to change suppliers of these virtually perfect products and punish the company by taking away the existing contract. Trijicon is far and away the best of all the sight products out there. That is why they have the huge contract with the Military. Their products are without peers. Anything else is a poor substitute that puts our young men, the good guys, at risk and they deserve the very best.
This practice was begun many years ago by Glyn Bindon, the founder of the company. He included these verses because of his devout belief in God. When Glyn died in a plane crash in 2003, the company continued to include the verses as a tribute and an on going memorial to him.
The verses have always been there. Trijicon should just knuckle under now and discard this honor because some misguided cretins disapprove? Never! Please remember that this nation was founded on Christianity and a very strong belief in God. Look how far away we have drifted. Can we ever get back?
Now, some non-believers and a few worthless Liberals (a friend calls them bed wetters and mouth breathers) are offended. These lower life forms crawl out from under rocks when something like this comes along. They make loud noises about how terrible and offensive this is to the heathens. I now ask the time honored question; "Who cares?!!" If they don't like it, they should leave. Go live in Russia, China, or Iran and complain to those leaders.
Hmmm. Did not the Bard (for those politicians in Topeka, Kansas, this means William Shakespeare) write something about "Tis a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Yes, and it sure fits here.
Let me point out right now that I am not surprised at the response of the screamers. Likewise, the news media comes in right on cue with their Liberal bias and that too is not surprising.
What tempts me to visit evil upon the pointy headed Congressmen and Senators is their rush to get aboard the apology train while threatening to cut off the funds for this very necessary product that they will be unable to duplicate from anywhere else in the world! And for what? Merely to appease the "bedwetters and mouth breathers"? This is very bad.
But even worse are the Military leaders, the Generals, who join in this nonsense. They know that if this product is taken away from our splendid young fighting men, they, and we, will be rendered less safe. Strong Generals will stand up for the men they send in harm's way. These dishonorable officers should be cashiered out of the service and charged with giving aid and comfort to the enemy!
Do these wimps really care? Oh, yeah, they care, but not enough to prevent them from kissing the hems of the garments worn by the elected officials.
Michael "Mikey" Weinstein of the group, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, is worried. Mikey says, "The Taliban, Al Qaeda, and the Mujahedeen can now say that they are being shot with "Jesus" rifles." Do we care what they can say? If they don't want to be shot by "Jesus" rifles, get off the battlefield and get a real job. Besides, if they are shot, how can they complain?
Because the terrorist culture is 500 years behind the technological development of Christian countries of the free world, we should ignore these ridiculous rants and simply continue shooting until there are no more targets.
I would like to have seen a strong, sharply worded rebuke to this small and insignificant group of vermin along with a suggestion to go pound sand into whatever orifices they may choose. But that response requires courage and commitment; qualities that are in short supply with today's so called leaders.
A neighbor of ours, a full Bird Colonel and presently on duty in Afghanistan, is a strong leader. I asked him if he would be eligible to wear one star or more before his retirement. Sadly, he told me that only those officers who are spineless politicians and butt kissers will be promoted.
Folks, that sounds like a bad thing to me. Where are strong leaders like General Patton and General McArthur when we really need them?
Oh, I just remembered. They are being held back while the politically correct Generals are busy toadying up to the CIC who honors..."Corpse Men".
Disgusting behavior. Shame on them all!
PB
This practice was begun many years ago by Glyn Bindon, the founder of the company. He included these verses because of his devout belief in God. When Glyn died in a plane crash in 2003, the company continued to include the verses as a tribute and an on going memorial to him.
The verses have always been there. Trijicon should just knuckle under now and discard this honor because some misguided cretins disapprove? Never! Please remember that this nation was founded on Christianity and a very strong belief in God. Look how far away we have drifted. Can we ever get back?
Now, some non-believers and a few worthless Liberals (a friend calls them bed wetters and mouth breathers) are offended. These lower life forms crawl out from under rocks when something like this comes along. They make loud noises about how terrible and offensive this is to the heathens. I now ask the time honored question; "Who cares?!!" If they don't like it, they should leave. Go live in Russia, China, or Iran and complain to those leaders.
Hmmm. Did not the Bard (for those politicians in Topeka, Kansas, this means William Shakespeare) write something about "Tis a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing." Yes, and it sure fits here.
Let me point out right now that I am not surprised at the response of the screamers. Likewise, the news media comes in right on cue with their Liberal bias and that too is not surprising.
What tempts me to visit evil upon the pointy headed Congressmen and Senators is their rush to get aboard the apology train while threatening to cut off the funds for this very necessary product that they will be unable to duplicate from anywhere else in the world! And for what? Merely to appease the "bedwetters and mouth breathers"? This is very bad.
But even worse are the Military leaders, the Generals, who join in this nonsense. They know that if this product is taken away from our splendid young fighting men, they, and we, will be rendered less safe. Strong Generals will stand up for the men they send in harm's way. These dishonorable officers should be cashiered out of the service and charged with giving aid and comfort to the enemy!
Do these wimps really care? Oh, yeah, they care, but not enough to prevent them from kissing the hems of the garments worn by the elected officials.
Michael "Mikey" Weinstein of the group, Military Religious Freedom Foundation, is worried. Mikey says, "The Taliban, Al Qaeda, and the Mujahedeen can now say that they are being shot with "Jesus" rifles." Do we care what they can say? If they don't want to be shot by "Jesus" rifles, get off the battlefield and get a real job. Besides, if they are shot, how can they complain?
Because the terrorist culture is 500 years behind the technological development of Christian countries of the free world, we should ignore these ridiculous rants and simply continue shooting until there are no more targets.
I would like to have seen a strong, sharply worded rebuke to this small and insignificant group of vermin along with a suggestion to go pound sand into whatever orifices they may choose. But that response requires courage and commitment; qualities that are in short supply with today's so called leaders.
A neighbor of ours, a full Bird Colonel and presently on duty in Afghanistan, is a strong leader. I asked him if he would be eligible to wear one star or more before his retirement. Sadly, he told me that only those officers who are spineless politicians and butt kissers will be promoted.
Folks, that sounds like a bad thing to me. Where are strong leaders like General Patton and General McArthur when we really need them?
Oh, I just remembered. They are being held back while the politically correct Generals are busy toadying up to the CIC who honors..."Corpse Men".
Disgusting behavior. Shame on them all!
PB
Monday, February 1, 2010
Flying With Guns
With more and more folks carrying concealed today, a question that comes up from time to time is, "How can I take my firearm with me when I fly?"
The answer is really more simple than we are led to believe. A little time spent doing homework reveals that if one follows the proscribed procedure, there will be no problems.
There is a specific Federal Law that requires the license holder to follow a general procedure for flying with guns. In addition, the various airlines may have more specific requirements and these may vary from one to another, but not much.
I fly Southwest and I must give this carrier high marks indeed for all the times I have flown with my firearm. The check in procedure is consistent, hassle free, and done very professionally. Further, after checking my baggage containing the firearm, the response of the TSA folks has been very respectful and reassuring as well. Kudos to both for a job well done.
Here's a recipe for meeting the requirements. Purchase yourself a TSA lock; Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, and many other stores have combination locks that are TSA accessible; cost is less that $10 and many have a tattler built into the lock. Get this type lock.
What is a tattler? Well, this is a little window in the body of the lock that will have a green dot showing in the background after you close the lock and spin the combination wheels. If TSA uses their master key to open the lock, this window will then show red to indicate the lock has been opened with a key and not the combination. In other words, you will know if the bag has been opened for inspection. Hence the name; tattler.
Here's how it goes. When packing your bag, be sure you have a hardsided, lockable pistol case. Be certain your firearm is unloaded. If carrying a semi automatic, rack the slide open, and remove the magazine so the ticket agent can easily see the chamber and the magazine well to determine that the weapon is unloaded. If carrying a revolver, open the cylinder.
Tell the agent you wish to declare an unloaded firearm in your bag. The agent will take it from there. She will fill out a form documenting the firearm is indeed unloaded. You sign this card and put it in with the firearm. The agent will then tell you to close and lock the pistol case.
She will then ask if you are carrying ammunition as well. Since you have done your homework, you know that ammunition must be packaged in the original box. Please, be smart about this. Even though plastic ammo boxes are more sturdy than the original Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, this is not what they want to hear. Be certain the magazines are unloaded and include your holster and mag pouch in this bag as well.
This should get you to the point where you then are instructed to relock your bag. Following the agent's instructions you then take the bag to the TSA agent and advise them that there is an unloaded firearm in your bag. Usually they will ask you to stand by while they X-ray your bag. All this takes mere moments and then you're on you way to the boarding area. That's it. I worry about the bag getting left behind if I have to change planes, but this has not been a problem ever on Southwest.
A word of caution here; if you are flying into an unfriendly gun state, (New York, New Jersey, Washington DC) be certain you know their gun laws. If you merely retrieve your bag, you may have violated one of their restrictive state laws.
As our elected officials in Washington continue to drive our economy into the ground and with unemployment over 10% now and climbing, we'll see more violent civil disobedience in the form of home invasions, muggings, and car jackings.
We also will see an increase in the number of folks who realize that they must now accept personal responsibility for their safety and security. Along with this will be a corresponding increase in the number of citizens with concealed license holders. Likewise, more states will recognize the issuing state's licenses.
If you do decide to obtain a license, don't stop with just the training required by the issuing state. Get yourself enrolled in one of the advanced defensive pistol schools around the country. The Chapman Academy in Missouri, Gunsite in Arizona, and Thunder Ranch in Oregon, are just a few of the top of the line programs across the country. You will complete courses that put you on a par with a rookie police officer and in many cases exceed that. But again, don't stop there. Get more training every year. During the year, shoot competitively with a local organized gun club.
Then you can fly with your guns to the various schools and competitions! You'll certainly see a lot of the country and enhance your shooting skills in the bargain. Be polite to the ticket agents and tell them I said, "hi!"
I'm betting you'll have a good experience.
PB
The answer is really more simple than we are led to believe. A little time spent doing homework reveals that if one follows the proscribed procedure, there will be no problems.
There is a specific Federal Law that requires the license holder to follow a general procedure for flying with guns. In addition, the various airlines may have more specific requirements and these may vary from one to another, but not much.
I fly Southwest and I must give this carrier high marks indeed for all the times I have flown with my firearm. The check in procedure is consistent, hassle free, and done very professionally. Further, after checking my baggage containing the firearm, the response of the TSA folks has been very respectful and reassuring as well. Kudos to both for a job well done.
Here's a recipe for meeting the requirements. Purchase yourself a TSA lock; Wal-Mart, Sears, Target, and many other stores have combination locks that are TSA accessible; cost is less that $10 and many have a tattler built into the lock. Get this type lock.
What is a tattler? Well, this is a little window in the body of the lock that will have a green dot showing in the background after you close the lock and spin the combination wheels. If TSA uses their master key to open the lock, this window will then show red to indicate the lock has been opened with a key and not the combination. In other words, you will know if the bag has been opened for inspection. Hence the name; tattler.
Here's how it goes. When packing your bag, be sure you have a hardsided, lockable pistol case. Be certain your firearm is unloaded. If carrying a semi automatic, rack the slide open, and remove the magazine so the ticket agent can easily see the chamber and the magazine well to determine that the weapon is unloaded. If carrying a revolver, open the cylinder.
Tell the agent you wish to declare an unloaded firearm in your bag. The agent will take it from there. She will fill out a form documenting the firearm is indeed unloaded. You sign this card and put it in with the firearm. The agent will then tell you to close and lock the pistol case.
She will then ask if you are carrying ammunition as well. Since you have done your homework, you know that ammunition must be packaged in the original box. Please, be smart about this. Even though plastic ammo boxes are more sturdy than the original Styrofoam and cardboard boxes, this is not what they want to hear. Be certain the magazines are unloaded and include your holster and mag pouch in this bag as well.
This should get you to the point where you then are instructed to relock your bag. Following the agent's instructions you then take the bag to the TSA agent and advise them that there is an unloaded firearm in your bag. Usually they will ask you to stand by while they X-ray your bag. All this takes mere moments and then you're on you way to the boarding area. That's it. I worry about the bag getting left behind if I have to change planes, but this has not been a problem ever on Southwest.
A word of caution here; if you are flying into an unfriendly gun state, (New York, New Jersey, Washington DC) be certain you know their gun laws. If you merely retrieve your bag, you may have violated one of their restrictive state laws.
As our elected officials in Washington continue to drive our economy into the ground and with unemployment over 10% now and climbing, we'll see more violent civil disobedience in the form of home invasions, muggings, and car jackings.
We also will see an increase in the number of folks who realize that they must now accept personal responsibility for their safety and security. Along with this will be a corresponding increase in the number of citizens with concealed license holders. Likewise, more states will recognize the issuing state's licenses.
If you do decide to obtain a license, don't stop with just the training required by the issuing state. Get yourself enrolled in one of the advanced defensive pistol schools around the country. The Chapman Academy in Missouri, Gunsite in Arizona, and Thunder Ranch in Oregon, are just a few of the top of the line programs across the country. You will complete courses that put you on a par with a rookie police officer and in many cases exceed that. But again, don't stop there. Get more training every year. During the year, shoot competitively with a local organized gun club.
Then you can fly with your guns to the various schools and competitions! You'll certainly see a lot of the country and enhance your shooting skills in the bargain. Be polite to the ticket agents and tell them I said, "hi!"
I'm betting you'll have a good experience.
PB
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