Category: Current Events & Politics

The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 3, by APC

Detention: THE TRAFFIC STOP (continued) What if the officer pulls you over and sees a shotgun on the seat beside you? Assuming your state of residence does not allow the transport of long guns in this manner and what you are doing is illegal, then the officer has the right to search for more loaded guns. Keep in mind that he now can only search for places that might house an object the size of a long gun. Searching for objects the size of a pistol would also be reasonable under the circumstances. What would NOT be reasonable is searching …


The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 2, by APC

DEALING WITH THE COPS (continued) Before we go into the details of most police encounters, keep one rule in mind: You never need to talk to police for any reason. There is no legal mechanism that compels you to answer questions, testify, or provide verbal evidence about yourself or any activities you may have been involved in! Therefore, Rule 1: Never talk to cops! Of course, like with any rules, there are certain provisos: “Never talk to cops” means to not offer up information or evidence. It does not mean sit there and remain a mute, or fail to respond …


The Power of Police and Rules for Encountering Them – Part 1, by APC

The overwhelming majority of Americans are law-abiding citizens, who more or less support the basic premise of police and what services they are supposed to be performing. In fact, even with the current buzz about law enforcement in general becoming too militarized (i.e. using military grade weapons and vehicles), Americans still respect the police, who are essentially there for all of our protection. What most of us do not understand, however, is how to actually deal with police on their level. The average person has very little knowledge of what powers the police possess and an even smaller knowledge of …


Two Letters Re: A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

HJL, I am sorry Lebannen had the experience he did. I applaud him for his conviction. We need more cops like him. I strongly urge him to contact his states Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency. They are ultimately responsible for the content of the academy. This will also help him determine what the true lesson plan is versus what was taught. I have seen numerous cases of instructors going off the reservation, so to speak, and not teaching current case law, et cetera. Some of the examples used directly contradict recent case law. Here’s one last appeal to …


A Story of Caution in Today’s Police State, by Lebannen

I have always supported our troops and our first responders. Down deep inside of my conscious, I honestly feel that serving is the greatest form of community involvement. As a fourth generation Army veteran, this is something that I was not only raised to believe but I lived every day. The structure, the camaraderie, and the deep-seeded need to protect others led me to my next chapter– law enforcement. I eventually found myself applying for an agency in my home state. I applied and was accepted for my military experience, high academic standards, sharp appearance, and life maturity; I entered …


Letter: The Internet

HJL/JWR: I am a former G6 (army comms) and closet geek, and a stability operations (Civil Affairs) practitioner. Suffice to say the issue of open Internet access and destabilizing influences on the ground have been the center of my world and work for over a decade. You’re not going to like this, but here it is: The only way to preserve the Internet AND reduce the spread of radical ideology is to register users’ to each IP address. Here’s why. The Internet IS like a big, wonderful library (paraphrasing yesterday’s poster). However, there’s a problem. Imagine your children in that …


The Long Good-bye, by Captnswife

Well, it has begun. Today, I closed my Paypal account. This is just the first step in the slow and admittedly painful process of disconnecting from the Internet. I’ve known it was coming for awhile, but I can’t say that made it easier. Honestly, I love this thing. The greatest joy in my life was the moment, at age six, I realized that because I could read I would never have to stop learning. The invention of the information super highway was beyond my wildest dreams. It’s the largest and most diverse library in the world, and it’s open 24 …


Letter Re: What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

Jim and Hugh, Here is an excerpt from one of the two letters I received from my Democratic Representative: Thank you for contacting me with your concern about a rumor regarding the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) proposed regulations on 5.56×45 SS109/M855 “green tip” ammunition. This is a very important issue, and I am glad for the chance to respond. This response irked me as it refers to the ATF ban as a rumor. Rumor!?! It’s new policy, it’s real, and what he said was as bad as saying, “Let me give you the facts on this “conspiracy …


Letter Re: What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

Good Sir, Mr. Bellamy: I have a quick comment reflecting your article of recent publication, if your time permits please, regarding “the law banning armor piercing handgun ammunition”. I agree with everything you have written (cited) and even the punctuation details thus far, until this closing statement (above referenced) in your sample letter. To me, it would be more effectual if you used quotation emphasis in this sentence. At first glance, it seems to affirm exactly the perception of the argument being an “armor piercing” ballistic projectile available for sale to the general population; and your statement could be misconstrued …


What’s the Story Behind ATF “Banning” 5.56mm Ammo?

(. . . and what can you do about it?) By Glenn D. Bellamy, Armorer-at-Law® There’s been no shortage of misinformation and hyperbole about an ATF memo released on February 13th reported to “ban AR15 ammo”. The memo describes a “framework” by which ATF proposes it would consider requests for “sporting purpose” exemptions under the federal statute banning the manufacture, importation, or sale (but not possession) of “armor piercing” projectiles. I’ve searched and researched the law and the facts behind it with passion over the last two weeks. I’m tempted to write a legal brief in opposition, or at least …


Letter Re: Requesting Advice for a Recent College Graduate

Hi HJL, I wanted to add something to the letter from the recent college graduate. I am a current college student with no debt. Here are some of the things I do: Community College: I started with Community College, as most universities will usually accept 60-90 transfer units from accredited community colleges. At the CC level not only is it cheaper but they also have things like fee waivers and work programs to help pay for it. My CC even offers daycare/preschool for the students who have children run by the Early Childhood Education program. Choosing a University Wisely: My …


Letter Re: I-594

Hugh, The dots to connect include the fact that almost all of this was financed by Microsoft fortunes. There’s the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s donations to the legislation. They’re also known activists for universal population control and vaccination. The past chairman of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer, and his wife gave a million or so to the anti-gun campaign. He bought the LA Clippers basketball team for a couple of billion dollars. Another heavy donor was Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft and good friend of Bill Gates. Paul Allen is also the owner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL team, which, as …


Letter Re: Heritage Foundation

Hugh, I keep forgetting how powerful the heritage foundation is when it comes to the war of ideas. This article rocked! I’ve been having the usual sorts of discussions with (I hate to say it) family, friends, and coworkers about Islam and how we should react, given the rise of jihad inside of formerly Christian nations like Denmark and France. Most of them take these as isolated incidents to be handled by cops. Some take them to mean it’s time for more social programs. One older gentleman went so far as to say we should pay them off, just like …


Letter Re: I-594

James, Your article “Learning from Washington’s Huge Background Checks Mistake” is on target. My comment is on the Founding Father’s intent of the Second Amendment– to permanently preserve the capability of the general public to be adequately armed to stand up to a tyrannical government. The only place in the Constitution that explicitly prevents “adjusting or interfering” with an Amendment, is the Second, with the admonition “SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED”. I have yet to see or hear of a definition of that statement that allows ANY of the multitude of “gun control laws” that currently infringe on the Right to …


Letter to BATF Re: Armor Piercing Ammunition Exclusion Comments

To Whom It May Concern: It appears that much has come up regarding the legislation and regulations applied as a result of legislation relating to Armor Piercing Ammunition. The definition of “Armor Piercing Ammunition” per 18 U.S. Code § 921(a)(17)(B), identifies two definitions: The first definition is: “a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium” While SS109 / M855 contains steel, it does not contain any …