Impossible position!

 

I recently watched a re-run of the television serial Downton Abbey. For those not familiar with show, it revolves around the class and hierarchy of the British life at the turn of the 20^th century. Those that own and live in the big house, and those that that work there, the servants.

                In this particular episode, Branson, the chauffer, was instructed by one of the daughters Lady Sybil, to drive her to a political rally. Branson, made protestations to Lady Sybil, pointing out that it was not a good idea for one of her class to be down with the sort of people likely to be at the rally. Whilst these two characters have an underlying romantic storyline, the position of power was used to override the objections.

At the rally a fight breaks out, and Lady Sybil receives a nasty blow to head. Branson extricates her unconscious body, and eventually returns her home to her family. Later the Lord, father of the family, confronts Branson. He chastises him, and lays the blame for the whole incident squarely at the chauffeur’s feet. Despite protestations from Branson, and an attempt to define mitigation from Lady Sybil, the chauffer is deemed to be responsible for the whole incident.

 

                This is a situation that continues to play out in the real world. Those in position of authority, make the rules and hand out the punishment. Those without the power, follow the rules. Branson protested but was over-ruled, he had no choice but to obey. But, when things go wrong, he is blamed for doing as he had been ordered to do. Assuming he had refused, he would have been dismissed from service without a reference, and therefore made virtually unemployable for that period in history.

 

                A real world example of this hypocrisy, enacted by the state, is that of gun licensing authorities. They create many, many laws, regulations, and restrictions, all in the name of public safety. Do not misunderstand, these rules, in general, are not a bad thing. But the hypocrisy when things go wrong is legion.

There have been, mercifully, few such incidents over the years. But with each atrocity there are more calls for more restrictions and regulations. And in so many of these incidents, after all the knee jerking and calls for more control, there is an underlying commonality. Those that make the rules, do not follow the rules. Yet, those that abide by the rules, have made representation to the rule makers, only for their concerns to be ignored. Are to be blamed later for the outcome.

 

                In recent times, those committing crimes with legally held firearms, have overwhelmingly had their licence revoked and their firearms removed, only for them to be returned at a later date. The reason in most cases is domestic abuse, ABH, GBH, or, other acts of violence or threatening behaviour. In all these instances, the authorities are well within their remit to prosecute and permanently deny the ownership, or, possession of firearms. But they fail to carry out their responsibilities. Choosing to pass the blame onto those that were not culpable, and had no control over the situation. Much like the Lord, in the television series.

 

                In short, rules are made for a reason. And, in general we all live by these rules. But when the creators of the rules fail to abide by them, blame those that follow them; and then endeavour to make more rules, in order to deflect from their failure, we all lose!

Arming Ukrainian civilians. Too little too late?

 The recent invasion of Ukrainian territory by Russia is a terrible event; a show of brutal strength by a superior state over a smaller state. And as such, is wholly condemned here.

It is however interesting to see how the Ukrainian state decided to bolster its armed services. After many years of state control over civilian firearms ownership, they had a change of heart.

The population of Ukrainia is about 45 million people. Civilian ownership of firearms' is permitted, but is regulated by the state. There are many regulations to ownership, of which some are listed here.

• an individual is 25 years of age for rifle ownership, 21 years of age for smoothbore weapon ownership, 18 years of age for cold or pneumatic weapon ownership;
• has no criminal record;
• has no history of domestic violence;
• has no mental illness or history of mental illness;
• has a good reason (target shooting, hunting, collection).

All responsible firearms owners are accepting of restrictions on violent, mentally unstable, or, criminal individuals ownership of firearms. And, always ensure that their firearms are kept away from minors, or, persons un-familiar with safe handling practices.

Restrictions on the type of firearms allowed to be owned are also regulated by the state. this also covers operating systems, magazine capacity, and ammunition quantities. The ownership of pistols, and self load, semi-automatic firearms of any sort are illegal. (a semi-automatic firearm only fires once with every trigger squeeze. The operating system will then cycle, placing another round in the chamber).

Ownership for personal defence, and concealed carry, are only available in a limited capacity, and only then if it can be proven that a threat to that individual can be proven.

According to the  National Police of Ukraine database, and they should know, there are 892,854 registered firearms in Ukraine as of July 31, 2018. Although, some anti-gun organisations estimate there to be in excess of 3,569,000, or, maybe more. But by their nature these firearms would be illegal, and no-one can say for sure how many, or, how much of any illegal commodity there is in any country.

Therefore, based on the official figures, rounded for ease and convenience, there are approximately 50 citizens for every firearm in the Ukraine.

That was then, 23/2/2022. Now we are one day further into the Russian invasion, and the Ukrainian government has reportedly issued 10,000+ fully automatic firearms to any civilian who will take up arms to defend the country. (fully automatic firearms work in a similar way to that described previously, with the exception that once the trigger is squeezed, the firearm will continue to fire until the trigger is released, or, the magazine is empty)

There are two issues here worth looking at. Firstly, the state has restricted their citizens ability to become proficient with the armament they are supplying. And secondly, the state thinks that civilian owners must be heavily restricted, but now are willing to hand out firearms to anyone who is willing to pick one up, in order to defend the state that restricted them in the first place.

Our prayers are with Ukrainians in their bid to defend their country. They are also with all of those who will lose a loved one because of one tyrannical individual.

Freedom is not free, and it appears that more will have to pay the ultimate price before this current situation is resolved.

UK propose even stricter controls.

 We as a community are again facing more government legislation in our sport in order to address the misuse of, and acquisition of, firearms by the criminal fraternity. From what I have been able read so far, there is little evidence to suggest a balanced approach to any of the proposals.

Please follow this link, FIREARMS SAFETY-GOV.UK to read the government, National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), the National Crime Agency (NCA) and the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NBIS) wish list.

The following link gives you access to the NRA response, along with guidelines on how to respond NRA- HOME OFFICE CONSULTATION

The multi-pronged approach is put forward as a public safety exercise. Nothing that I have read would suggest that any of the changes would make a difference to public safety.

Do not leave it to others to do your bidding! Rest assured that all the anti-shooting organisations, including most of the main stream press and media, will be out in full force to help promote these issues using the public safety mantra.

If you see, or, hear any mis-information from these sources, do the right thing, and contact the outlet to put the facts forward. As a wise man once said, "A lie left unchallenged, becomes the truth".

Thank you for your time.

Firearms Licensing & COVID-19

I have taken this from one of our friends websites. It is very important that if you are the owner of a shotgun or rifle in the UK, you get behind this as soon as you can. After all you can't go out anywhere for a couple of weeks, so spend your time helping a fellow shooter.

Bear in mind that the government have allowed an extension for vehicle MOT's of six months after expiration, and that's for the general public. So surely the nations most law abiding members should be given the same courtesy.

Please find below details of my communication sent to Priti Patel at the Home Office. In the current circumstances many licensees will find themselves falling foul of the law for reasons beyond their control. I feel that this should be addressed by all our organisations, whether you are affiliated or not.

May I respectfully request that in the current medical emergency, the Home Office should advise all firearms licensing authorities, to extend the validity of those license holders whose license is set to expire before the end of July for a period of six months from expiration date? This extension to be reviewed, should the medical emergency still be ongoing.

As you are aware, when licenses are renewed the applicant grants permission for the authorities to contact the applicants medical practitioner in order for a medical background check. At this point in time the medical services are stretched, without this added duty being asked of them.

The licensees are already in possession of firearms, and have undergone the necessary checks when their license was granted originally. A short extension, with a review when circumstances allow, would not affect the public safety aspect of the licensing system.

In line with the government guidelines of not vacating your property unless absolutely necessary, the site visits to licensee’s premises would be avoided. Additionally, this would enable the all the public services to concentrate their efforts on the medical emergency.

Richmond Virginia 2nd amendment rally.

Richmond rally.

                Mainstream media outlets across the whole of the U.S. predicted a rivers of blood scenario, as in excess of 10,000 law abiding American citizens attended a pro-second amendment march. In the aftermath of the event, that same media was desperate to put their own spin on the event.

                In reality, over 10,000 law abiding Americans marched in support of their right to keep and bear arms. These same Americans were from every race colour and creed, if you feel you must address someone by their appearance, beliefs, or, gender, I leave that to those that wish to divide society. These Americans, legally walked down the streets of Richmond, with an estimated 30,000+ firearms and ammunition. There were few police in evidence, just some outlying lines of state troopers. The marchers walked down the road, chanting their objections to the proposed legislation, and on one notable occasion, a spontaneous recital of the pledge of allegiance.

                These marchers were polite, courteous, and orderly. When questioned by supportive, and hostile media alike, they conducted themselves with dignity. In all cases they answered the questions to the best of their beliefs, in a polite manner, without the need for profanity, inflammatory language, or, an aggressive personae. All this was much to the chagrin of the mainstream, who it appears had hoped for at the very least a negligent discharge from one of the thousands of firearms on display.

                Then when it was all over, these marchers left in a peaceful and orderly manner; but not before litter picking the streets where they had been protesting. All of this is stark contrast to those who would suppress or remove the 2^nd amendment rights of Monday’s marchers. The lack of tear gas, broken shop fronts, looting, fires and damage to property, which those same individuals or groups had said would happen. Based one assumes upon their own actions when demonstrating, were all absent from this rally.

                These marchers weren’t the exception, they are the rule; a rule by which all honest, law abiding gun owners, not only in the U.S., but all around the world conduct themselves. This is contrary to what some would have you believe, especially those not involved in the shooting sports.

                In conclusion I would just like to say thank you to of those marchers from Richmond, Virginia as a whole, and to all those Americans from all over the country who came to support their fellow 2^nd amendment family members. This truly was a United States march.