Regulate This
Once again, the Second Amendment debate is front and center in the news. Whenever people violate the rules of human decency, exposing foundational flaws in our society even a turnip knows will never be fixed with some new law, people scream for action. “Just do something!”Predictably, the “do something” drumbeat points to proposed new gun laws and a challenge to the Second Amendment in principle. Then the pontificating begins (from those who’ve not read seven syllables of writings by our country’s founders) with, let’s say, creative and again predictable, hot takes.
The French Do Something Right
French military jokes tend to write themselves, and somehow, French arms haven’t always enjoyed the satisfaction of a durable martial reputation. So, let’s go ahead and get this out of the way so we can proceed to the story at hand … Do you know why French tanks are designed with one forward and five reverse gears? In case they have to retreat straight ahead. Ba-da-bing! Now I’ve gotten it out of my system; it’s time to heap some well-deserved praise on a French arms maker.
Charm School for Shooting Range Etiquette?
When I grow up, I’m going to start a charm school for shooting. You know, like cotillion. That’s where exasperated parents sent we poorly behaved children to learn about proper fork and spoon use and doing the Foxtrot safely while wearing braces. With all my cotillion penance, I don’t remember a single field trip to the shooting range. To me, that spells opportunity.
Guncranks TV: Are Lever Actions Obsolete?
With the large number of modern, modular, semi-automatic rifles chambered for intermediate cartridges in circulation, do lever-action firearms still serve a role? Today, the Cranks discuss just that,
A Day in the Life… of Big Government Mandates
The most frightening thing about this rash of mandates and “show me your papers” requirements is how it’s setting up a never-ending barrage of similar behavior. Under the logic of “for the public’s health,” we’re turning one small step into a giant leap, straight into a pile of…
The Bloodletting
A libertarian mindset and compassion aren’t, at least by definition, mutually exclusive. However, there are occasions in life where one has to plant a stake in the ground and choose one or the other.
How to Plan a Tactical Baby Shower
The big news in my Casa de Joy is the forthcoming arrival of two next-generation Guncranks. Both of my offspring have fired up the mini-me generators and are expecting pocket people — within two days of each other. The expected arrival dates are so close I have to think planning was involved, but as a dad, I really, really don’t want to know anything about that.
There’s a Social War a Comin’ – ACRU
If you put your iPhone to the ground, you’ll hear distant war drums beating. On a quiet day, you might also catch hints of Silicon Valley boardroom debates. They know trouble is on the horizon, and I’ll bet some of that crypto money tech company bigwigs are wondering how the heck they’re going to respond.
Constitutional Concepts: It’s My Right!
Listening to the nightly news and politicians’ bloviation, one might think it’s protecting its citizens from themselves. Perhaps the purpose of government is to provide for national security. Or maybe it’s providing a safe, stable, and level playing field for its citizens. Some believe government’s role is to provide for the national welfare, whatever that means.Looking at a founders’ view of government, the purpose is to protect the natural rights of those who elect to be governed.
The Psychology of Crisis Tyrants
The American Constitutional Rights Union defines a crisis tyrant as a leader who uses a crisis — like the COVID-19 pandemic — to justify and grease the skids of their tyrannical behavior. The “crisis” element adds a layer or two of “despicable” as the exercise of power comes on the backs of those enduring a crisis or tragedy.