STAND FAST on Our 2nd Amendment Rights!

Concealed Carry Reciprocity – What’s a Federalist to Do?

By Gregory K. Taggart · Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Passed by the House as H.R. 822 and pending in the Senate as S. 2188 “The National Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act”, is legislation which would require each state that issues pistol carry licenses to recognize those issued by other states. The debate over this issue has created a strange situation — committed leftists who believe that Congress can mandate that the several states serve broccoli in school lunches, and who have no problem with federal bureaucrats controlling intrastate toilet design are suddenly “state’s rights” purists. They now utter sound bite phrases such as “… you can’t make the states recognize gun rights if they don’t want to…” Allied with these folks are some real defenders of liberty, who believe that Federal compulsion of the states for any purpose is wrong.

Whether raised by cynical leftist or ardent libertarian, the Constitutional case against the legislation is weak. As an example, if a State should elect to allow slavery or indentured servitude, even the most ardent Federalist should admit that here is an instance where Federal intervention is constitutionally permitted. No State can violate rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights or the 14th Amendment.

To the heart of the matter, then, is a Federal Concealed Carry Reciprocity law acceptable to upholders of the Founding Principles?

The answer, in a short phrase is a resounding “Yes.”

It is not an assault on state sovereignty.

The proposed law does not empower the Federal Government in any way. It merely requires that any state which issues a concealed carry license, concealed handgun license, whatever your state calls it — must honor a similar license issued by another state. No state is compelled to have a concealed handgun license, and any state that does not, will not be required to recognize one. The only state in this category is Illinois, anyway, so once again we have a “Chicago Exception”. To make this abundantly clear, barring court action forcing Illinois to actually recognize the Second Amendment, Illinois will continue to be someplace that does not have any form of concealed carry law, until the voters of Illinois and its Legislature determine otherwise.

This legislation is indeed constitutional.

The Constitution, Article 4, Section 1, “The Full Faith and Credit” clause, reads:

Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings shall be proved, and the Effect thereof.

States are constitutionally required to recognize magisterial acts (the mundane legal administrative activities) of other states, i.e. a New Mexico driver license is good in Massachusetts and Minnesota, Alabama and Alaska. A court judgment from Oklahoma can be enforced in New Hampshire. A County Clerk’s certificate from Texas is acceptable in Utah.

To dodge the “Full Faith and Credit” bullet, opponents argue that concealed carry licenses are not mundane administrative acts of a state. These folks contend that a carry permit is instead the conferral of a strange and special privilege upon certain rare and deserving people after long and arduous process and deliberation. They will be unlikely to admit it, but it may also be one of the hidden benefits of being friends with people in power, which is why Senator Dianne Feinstein had a permit to carry available to few average Californians.

The “special privilege” stance is not unknown; it is the way states view professional licenses. As an example, a person licensed in Texas to practice professional land surveying cannot do so in North Dakota, without receiving a North Dakota license. If they wish to practice in that state, they must apply, pay an application fee, prove again their character and fitness to the satisfaction of the State of North Dakota, and then must take and pass the North Dakota professional land surveyors exam. The same goes for engineers, doctors, dentists, architects, lawyers, geologists and a host of others. Professional licensing is not a magisterial act; being able to practice a profession is a privilege carefully controlled by each state in the interest of protecting the public health, safety and welfare. The state strictly limits practitioners to those who have acquired long years of education and experience, usually coupled with the passing of rigorous and lengthy qualification examinations.

It is upon the rock of the Second Amendment where the “privilege” argument in reference to “concealed carry of a firearm”, founders and sinks.

No person has a constitutional right to practice a profession; every citizen, on the other hand, as confirmed by the Supreme Court in the Heller and MacDonald cases, has the fundamental Second Amendment right to self-defense. How can a fundamental liberty stop at a state boundary line? How can the exercise of a right be dependent on the mere whim of a legislature or the personal judgment of administrative bureaucrat? … READ MORE

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Games find Navy ability lacking in Arctic

KODIAK, Alaska (AP) — In six oceans, the U.S. Navy is considered the master. In the seventh, the Arctic Ocean, it will rely on others.

As global warming opens the Arctic Ocean to commercial and industrial traffic, the U.S. Navy is pushing to catch up with Russia, Canada and even Denmark in its Arctic ability. If a crisis were to happen now, the Navy lacks the ability to act in the Arctic without the help of one of those countries or the Coast Guard.

Last year, the Navy asked the War Gaming Department of the U.S. Naval War College to find out what the Navy needs for sustained operations in the Arctic.

In the resulting 2011 Fleet Arctic Operations Game, the Navy learned how big its Arctic shortcomings are. As a force, the Navy lacks everything from bases and Arctic-capable ships to reliable communications and cold-weather clothing.

While the Hollywood image of a war game involves commanders pushing ships around a table in response to threats from another country, an operations game looks at smaller threats. A group of 88 people, including industry experts, government officials and senior level naval officers, participated in the game last September.

“We looked at search and rescue, oil spill response, maritime domain and maritime safety and security issues,” said Walter Berbrick, assistant research professor in the War Gaming Department at the Center for Naval Warfare Studies. “They were all fictional scenarios.”

The game’s conclusions: the Navy is not adequately prepared to conduct long-term maritime Arctic operations; Arctic weather conditions increase the risk of failure; and most critically, to operate in the Arctic, the Navy will need to lean on the U.S. Coast Guard, countries like Russia or Canada, or tribal and industrial partners.

To sustain operations in the Arctic, the Navy needs ice-capable equipment, accurate and timely environmental data, personnel trained to operate in extreme weather, and better communications systems. Much of the environmental data will come from other Arctic nations.

“We have limited capability to sustain long-term operations in the Arctic due to inadequate icebreaking capability,” Berbrick said. “The Navy finds itself entering a new realm as it relates to having to rely on other nations.”

In the past 30 years, the Coast Guard has been on point leading maritime Arctic operations, but as the Department of Defense develops more of an interest in what is going on in the Arctic, the Coast Guard – a part of the Department of Homeland Security – will work closely with the Navy to share information.

“It’s very likely that whatever operation goes on up there would be a joint operation,” said Coast Guard Capt. Craig Lloyd, chief of response for the 17th Coast Guard District. “All of the Department of Defense and U.S. Northern Command is interested in what is happening in the Arctic.” … READ MORE

Fleet of hybrid airships to conquer Arctic

Travelling through the Arctic is notoriously difficult and climate change is making it even harder. But there is a way to rise above the problem: the latest generation of lighter-than-air vehicles. Canadian company Discovery Air has signed a contract with the UK’s Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) to buy around 45 new hybrid air vehicles. These aircraft will be used across Canada’s Northwest Territories.

Battle Buddy

The War for the Soul of AFRICA

There is a war raging throughout the continent of Africa, a war between Islam and Christianity. It is fueled by both American and former Soviet weapons and funding, but now also includes the Chinese. Each “Super” power has a stake in the wealth of Africa. Staggeringly absent? The American press! Below are three articles among many online – NONE by American journalists – NONE printed by American papers! Curious?

East Africa summit appeals for peace as Sudan rejects UN

Thousands flee ... families seek shelter in caves in the Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan, after fleeing bombardment by the Sudanese air force. Photo: Reuters/Goran Tomasevic

DAR ES SALAAM: Sudan and South Sudan must not return to war, Kenya’s President, Mwai Kibaki, said. Mr Kibaki was speaking at the five-member East Africa summit in Arusha, Tanzania, where delegates appealed to Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their conflict, amid applications to join the trading bloc.

The appeal from Mr Kibaki came after Sudan rejected any United Nations Security Council involvement in efforts to end weeks of border clashes with South Sudan that have raised fears of a wider war.

”Sudan confirms that it rejects any efforts to disturb the African Union role and take the situation between Sudan and South Sudan to the UN Security Council,” the Foreign Minister, Ali Karti, said … READ MORE

Nigerian university hit by explosions

Several explosions have struck a university campus in northern Nigeria near a theatre hall where Catholics were holding a service, witnesses and officials say.

Witnesses said the attack hit an old section of the campus of Bayero University in Kano. Abubakar Jibril, a spokesman for Nigeria’s national emergency management agency, said at least three explosions had struck on and around the campus, and that sporadic gunfire was continuing on Sunday morning.

Jibril said rescue officials could not reach the site as an attack appeared to be still under way.

A police spokesman referred calls for comment to Nigeria’s military. Military spokesman Lieutenant Iweha Ikedichi said soldiers and police had surrounded the university and were searching for the gunmen.

“There were casualties, but I don’t have exact figures,” Ikedichi said. “Some are injured and have been rushed to local hospitals.”

No group immediately claimed responsibility. The attack comes as Nigeria faces a growing sectarian battle between its weak central government and radical Islamist sect Boko Haram … READ MORE

Kenyan church hit by grenade

A Kenyan police officer at the crime scene after a grenade attack at the God's House of Miracles International Church in Nairobi. Photograph: Thomas Mukoya/Reuters

At least one person has been killed and a dozen wounded in a grenade attack at a church in the Kenyan capital, the latest in a series of attacks in the east African country since it sent troops into neighbouring Somalia.

The blast on Sunday was in a working-class area of the city, police and Kenya Red Cross officials said.

“I can confirm that one person is believed to be dead,” a police spokesman, Eric Kiraithe, said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The government has blamed previous attacks on the Somali-based al-Shabaab, which formally merged with al-Qaida this year, but police said it was too early to say who was behind the blast at the church.

“Chairs are thrown about and there is blood on the floor,” said Daniel Mutinda, a Kenya Red Cross official at the church, which is made of iron sheeting … READ MORE

What about the Church?

Tags

abortion, acceptance, AIDS, Catholic Church, Christ, Christianity, church, God's hands and feet, government or individual, homosexuaity, Jesus said GO (not government), judgement, life issues, poverty, promiscuity, WWJD

The Church at prayer

For years, there was a saying – “Don’t be so heavenly minded that you’re no earthly good!” In the 70’s, I wondered if that was possible, but I was young. There is much to be said about maturity!

Not long ago, I was browsing favorite reading sites online, and tucked between articles about the Trayvon murder, the disastrous US economy, and the horrors of Islam both here and abroad, was an obscure article with a headline that caught my eye, but for the wrong reason. It’s been sticking in my claw since then. I wish I could describe the response of my heart … The headline was “Should the Church only Use the King James version of the Bible?” It could just as easily read any of the dozens of incidental issues that bog down believers from the real issues:

• Is baptism for today? Should one be dipped or sprinkled?
• What about “tongues,” and the “gifts of the Holy Spirit” – for today? for what purpose?
• The “Rapture” – pre-trib, mid-trib, or post-trib?
• Which denomination is more Biblical?

*NOTE: For the purpose of this article, my use of the word Church, includes all denominations, all those who have called on the name of Jesus for salvation. The use of the word church, will be replaced with local assembly or local congregation.

Back to my response at seeing that headline: I was incensed! I was angry not at the writer of the article, but at the religious spirit that so overshadows the American Church…that religious spirit that makes people too heavenly minded to be any earthly good! I used to live there.

The truth of the matter is that many local congregations of both Christian (incl. Catholic) and Jewish designation have lost themselves somewhere between the issues of this life and those of the next. While many congregations have established some sort of help for those less fortunate, a soup kitchen or clothing closet, the majority of congregants either do not participate or do so legalistically – it’s the thing to do! For such a huge “organization,” it remains virtually ineffective in re-directing society. Have you noticed?

A recent Poll finds 77 percent of Americans believe Christ rose from the dead! If 77% of our nation’s population actually LIVED as close to the way Jesus lived as humanly possible, and worked at self-improvement to grow more into His likeness everyday, perhaps those who call themselves atheists or agnostics would see the reality of Jesus. If the Church actually poured out the love of God stringlessly into the hurting, confused, and lonely people around us one by one, perhaps we’d see a reduction in the violence, a reduction in unwanted pregnancies, a reduction in the number of children and families going to bed hungry or cold, a reduction in the number of homeless huddled together under bridges and behind strip malls. We’re NOT doing our JOB, CHURCH!

As our religious freedoms come under political attack, it is clear that decades of “reprogramming” has been successfully accomplished right under our heaven-pointed noses. We’ve been silent in the face of violence. We’ve been silent in the face of compromise. We’ve been silent in the face of the slaughter of millions of unborn babies. We’ve been silent too long, my friends. Why? Because we were told our religion was meant to stay within the walls of our local assemblies – within the building. Now, the salt as lost is savor. There is little difference between those of us who call ourselves believers and those who do not.

I believe whole-heartedly, if we come out from behind those walls, we’d find out the positive influence we can have in society, if we aspire to live and love like Christ. We’d find out where we stand on the vital issues of today:

• Should Christians be Pro-Choice or Pro-Life?
• Whose responsibility is it to tend the poor? Government or the Church?
• Is it possible for our young people to remain chaste in a culture that preaches sex from every media orifice?
• How can we hope for improvement in social mores if we don’t aspire to civility and virtue ourselves?
• What about the “War on Women”?
• Should the Church allow openly gay and lesbian believers into their congregations?

The Catholic Church has taken a stand on many of these issues, but what about the rest of us? Count the cost, and take a stand! As believers, our lives should be defined, not by our words, but by the love – God’s love – flowing freely and unchecked from our lives. We talk the talk, but we must do better at walking the walk! We are Jesus’ hands and feet – but we are also His Heart to this generation! Look OUTWARD, and let grace and mercy lead us!

Unity Will Defeat the Attack on Religion in This Country

Unity Will Defeat the Attack on Religion in This Country

People of faith across the globe have been under attack for many years. The Obama Administration has ramped up the attack in this country over the past three years.

In the face of this increased attack on religion, the United States Catholic Bishops have released a Statement calling for “A Fortnight of Freedom.” From June 21 to July 4 of this year, events will be held across the country to highlight the need for all Americans to defend our religious liberty.

The obvious impetus for the Bishops’ action is the recent mandate by the Obama Administration that requires employers to facilitate and fund abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization for their employees. The American Center for Law & Justice is challenging this mandate in court on behalf of a St. Louis business owner.

Americans sometimes take for granted the rights we have. We remember them when we see that many people across the world do not have the basic civil rights we enjoy. And, we remember them when our government tries to take them away … READ MORE

Occidental College Transcripts Reveals Obama Claimed Foreign Citizenship to get Scholarship

How did this man ever get to the White House?

In 2008, candidate Obama called Bill Ayers an “English Professor” who he knows and runs into in his neighborhood. He condemned “despicable acts” Ayers committed when Obama was “eight years old.”

Obama’s buddy: I get up every morning and think…today I’m going to end capitalism

In a move certain to fuel the debate over Obama’s qualifications for the presidency, the group “Americans for Freedom of Information” has Released copies of President Obama’s college transcripts from Occidental College …

Released today, the transcript school indicates that Obama, under the name Barry Soetoro, received financial aid as a foreign student from Indonesia as an undergraduate.

The transcript was released by Occidental College in compliance with a court order in a suit brought by the group in the Superior Court of California.

The transcript shows that Obama (Soetoro) applied for financial aid and was awarded a fellowship for foreign students from the Fulbright Foundation Scholarship program.

To qualify, for the scholarship, a student must claim foreign citizenship.

This document would seem to provide the smoking gun that many of Obama’s detractors have been seeking. Along with the evidence that he was first born in Kenya and there is no record of him ever applying for US citizenship, this is looking pretty grim. The news has created a firestorm at the White House as the release casts increasing doubt about Obama’s legitimacy and qualification to serve as President article titled, “Obama Eligibility Questioned,” leading some to speculate that the story may overshadow economic issues on Obama’s first official visit to the U.K. In a related matter, under growing pressure from several groups, Justice Antonin Scalia announced that the Supreme Court agreed on Tuesday to hear arguments concerning Obama’s legal eligibility to serve as President in a case brought by Leo Donofrio of New Jersey . This lawsuit claims Obama’s dual citizenship disqualified him from serving as president.. Donofrio’s case is just one of 18 suits brought by citizens demanding proof of Obama’s citizenship or qualification to serve as president.

Gary Kreep of the United States Justice Foundation has released the results of their investigation of Obama’s campaign spending. This study estimates that Obama has spent upwards of $950,000 in campaign funds in the past year with eleven law firms in 12 states for legal resources to block disclosure of any of his personal records. Mr. Kreep indicated that the investigation is still ongoing but that the final report will be provided to the U.S. Attorney general, Eric Holder. Mr. Holder has refused to comment on the matter…

LET OTHER FOLKS KNOW THIS NEWS, THE MEDIA WON’T!

Subject: RE: Issue of Passport?

While I’ve little interest in getting in the middle of the Obama birth issue, Paul Hollrah over at FSM did so yesterday and believes the issue can be resolved by Obama answering one simple question: What passport did he use when he was shuttling between New York , Jakarta , and Karachi ?

So how did a young man who arrived in New York in early June 1981, without the price of a hotel room in his pocket, suddenly come up with the price of a round-the-world trip just a month later?

And once he was on a plane, shuttling between New York , Jakarta , and Karachi , what passport was he offering when he passed through Customs and Immigration?

The American people not only deserve to have answers to these questions, they must have answers. It makes the debate over Obama’s citizenship a rather short and simple one.

Q: Did he travel to Pakistan in 1981, at age 20?
A : Yes, by his own admission.

Q: What passport did he travel under?
A: There are only three possibilities.

1) He traveled with a U.S. … Passport,
2) He traveled with a British passport, or
3) He traveled with an Indonesia passport.

Q: Is it possible that Obama traveled with a U.S. Passport in 1981?
A: No. It is not possible. Pakistan was on the U.S. .. State Department’s “no travel” list in 1981.

Conclusion: When Obama went to Pakistan in 1981 he was traveling either with a British passport or an Indonesian passport.

If he were traveling with a British passport that would provide proof that he was born in Kenya on August 4, 1961, not in Hawaii as he claims.. And if he were traveling with an Indonesian passport that would tend to prove that he relinquished whatever previous citizenship he held, British or American, prior to being adopted by his Indonesian step-father in 1967 … MORE HERE

Once a Soldier …

HELP WANTED!

I keep finding images that say what is on my heart. This past Tuesday, I worked the polls in PA. I have never been a “party” girl, and that is more true today than ever. It is NOT about party, it is about ideology, principles, and if I can find it, INTEGRITY! It’s about LIFE, a positive message, TRUE hope and change that benefits ALL Americans. I can think of nothing that would benefit ALL AMERICANS more than a resurgence of CHARACTER! A putting away of corruption and compromise, and a rebirth of virtue!

America used to STAND for something. She used to STAND for FREEDOM, for opportunity for all, for the “melting pot” attitude where all are welcomed, but some adaptation is required. Immigrants from every nation still struggle and dream of coming to America in the hope of a chance to MAKE a better life – not have it given to them! Citizenship is a valuable and precious thing … if only we appreciated it the way many in other lands dream and pray for it. Clearly, many of our leaders and elected officials no longer appreciate the FREEDOMS and RIGHTS millions have lived and died to protect.

So, on election day, my advice to any and all askers was very simple:

If they’re IN office, vote ’em out!
OR
When in Doubt, Vote ’em out!

Rumors of War 1 & 2 [videos]

Serious or conspiracy junk?