I’m Not Dead Yet…

On By JohnIn uncategorized2 Comments

I’ve been away for awhile pondering a great many things. But, this seems as good a time as any to come up for air.

I’ve been trying to keep my mouth shut about this [shooting in Aurora, CO] as all of my favorite gun blogs have posts about this. Here’s a bit of perspective as this has hit a bit close to home for me — very, very close:

My son works at the Century 16 cinema where this occurred.

He was on the schedule last night.

He called and woke me at 330 this morning and the first thing he said was, “So, I need to find a new job.”

My response, being that I was just woken up, was something to the effect of, “Are you drunk?”

Then he told me there was a shooting a work and then after a painful silence, he started providing some details.

Later in the day, I would also find out that a former employee with my company was shot and that another engineer with whom I work directly was also in the theater.

The perp had no motive other than destruction. There was no negotiating. No cooperating. No, “giving him what he wants”. He was going to take it by force. And with or without firearms, he was going to get what he wanted: destruction.

All I can say is this: carry your damned guns, people. If you’re licensed to carry concealed, then do so. Do it every single day. Like your fire extinguisher or your health insurance or your spare tire in your car, you never know when you’re going to need it.

Gun Technique

On By JohnIn firearms, human conditionLeave a comment

I’m skimming shooting videos on YouTube and I’m seeing a somewhat peculiar trend. I mean, other than the astoundingly dangerous stuff like fingers on triggers, no muzzle control, etc.

Why do so many people pick up a firearm — pistol, rifle, shotgun, whatever — and lean away from it?
You’ve all seen it so frequently that I believe many people think it’s perfectly normal.
Is it because the firearm is too heavy to heft onto target?
Are you afraid of the recoil, so you figure leaning backward will help you absorb it?
Grab onto the damned thing, get it on target, and lean into it while pressing the trigger.
If it’s a rifle or shotgun, then mount it. Get a firm grip, get the butt into the pit of your shoulder and pull it in tight. You are not working for the gun, it’s working for you. Control it.
Another somewhat concerning thing is the lack of appropriate shooting attire while shooting anything other than a revolver.
Ladies: That cute little top that makes you look so adorable with your cute little cleavage out there? Seriously — don’t do that. You will eventually get hot brass down your shirt — and hot brass will cause at least second-degree burns pretty much instantly.
Guys: Similar thing here. If you’re wearing anything with a loose or unbuttoned collar, either tighten it up, button it up, or untuck it so anything that drops in there will fall out the bottom.
Okay, rant done. Going to range. Back later.

Veterans Day, 2011

On By JohnIn independence, patriotismLeave a comment

My Brothers and Sisters:

Today, we remember and recognize our fallen comrades. However, we must also take a few moments to consider ourselves.

This one is for those who fought, sacrificed, and gave their all for a shared idea that is America. This is for survivors, all: those who faired well, others didn’t; those with scars and wounds to share with children and grandchildren; and those with the invisible scars nobody will know.

We did it for our nation and what it stood for: freedom and independence.

We did it because others couldn’t or wouldn’t.

Today, I watch the citizenry around me to see what they’re doing with their freedom and independence that people like us gave them. Do you know what I see when I look?

Terribly misguided people who readily give up those things that we believed in and fought for.

Angry, confused, disorganized mobs of people demanding “equality” but who are incapable of understanding what it means nor how to achieve it.

A government machine driven by figureheads who are more than happy to keep us all in harm’s way both figuratively and literally.

The same government gutting the very documents that we all swore to uphold and defend; the very documents that authorize them the power to direct and command us.

I see that today, for the first time in my years of knowing Veteran’s Day, I feel that our efforts may have been wasted because so many are so willing to give up that which we were so devoted to.

But then I look a bit closer:

I see soldiers and sailors and servicemen who are still unconditionally, unreservedly, absolutely committed to the cause of freedom in America.

I also see the steadfast veterans and retirees who, while they may have been away from active service for years or even decades, who still carry that spark in their hearts.

I see us.

As long as we have breath in our lungs to share our commitment, to fight for what we believe in, there is hope for the future.