Updates for Friday, January 13th [2006]
Conceal & Carry
Dear Friends,
Certainly things have changed since my years, I am reminded of that every-day. Just last week, I had a conversation with Daniel that wound up opening up my eyes.
Daniel: Woa, what the hell dude, is that a gun?
Me: Why, of course. Julius lent this sidearm to me, so I might be a little more safe, in light of our run-in with the stalker-agent "N". I noticed that weapons are expensive and hard to get these days.
Daniel: You can't just walk around sportin' a piece, dude.
Me: Why not?
Daniel: It's not legal.
Me: Of course it's legal. That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. Surely if it was not legal to carry firearms, the masses would have rised up and crushed this tyrant regime.
Daniel: I'm serious dude, you can't carry a concealed gun with you legally unless you get a permit.
Me: A permit?
Daniel: Yeah, didn't they have gun permits back in your day? Conceal and carry?
Me: Absolutely not! Such a thing is an abomination to human liberty!
Daniel: Hey, don't get mad at me, it wasn't my idea. But look, wouldn't it be terrible if people ran around with guns? How would we keep any order?
Me: There is no order without liberty, and what country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms.
Daniel: I didn't realize you were a gun nut dude, you should consider joining the NRA. Anyways, I thought the Second Amendment says that only militias get to own guns.
Me: The governor is Constitutionally the commander of the militia of the State, that is to say, of every man in it able to bear arms.
Daniel: Never thought of it like that. Anyways, it's no real bother. All you have to do is pay the state...
Me: I have to pay them to carry a gun?
Daniel: Well, yeah, but not before you take a test...
Me: A test too? This is madness.
Daniel: It's just to show that you know gun safety.
Me: This is fool's work. The people will be mostly unarmed with all this regulation. Unarmed, how can the citizenry be expected to fight crime, or to be secure in their persons and effects?
Daniel: Sure most people are unarmed, probably because it is such a pain in the ass to get a gun, but isn't it the police's job to protect us?
Me: It is the job of domestic security to provide defense first for those victims who cannot provide for their own defense, whereas it is impossible for any police to always be defending everyone at all times whether they be able-bodied and ready to defend themselves or not, as it is likewise impossible to expect the free man to ever be in disuse of his own means to self-defense, which causes the denial and disarming of our fundamental rights. The laws that forbid the carrying of arms are laws of a similar nature. They disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man.
Daniel: Well things might've been that way in 1764 or some shit, but in 2006 you gotta go to the county sheriff's office and register yourself before you can legally carry a gun. We should be on the up and up with this, just in case, y'know? I wouldn't want an important historical figure getting put in jail. I mean, I kinda want you around, somewhere safe.
Me: Daniel, this utterly disgusts me and I protest on every level, and if this were a different time, I would completely refuse to let someone else tell me what I can or cannot do with my own property like this... but this not being that time, what must I do?
So Daniel explained to me many of the procedures and duties involved in registering my firearm with the government, not that I felt I should have to. I decided to go ahead and take a test to provide for my proficiency in firearm safety. I felt it should be simple, I have been handling a pistol since I was a boy. In fact, it seems alien to me, a world where men have not fostered the ambition of being safely guarded by a pistol or rifle, as a matter of their education and instruction. So I contacted this National Rifleman's Association and enrolled in a basic pistol training course. It was taxing on what little savings I had, the fee for the course being $100. Fortunately though, I was able to attend the next day.
Me: Here it is.
Bullet Bill: A Jericho 941, nice. 9 millimeter barrel, ammo of choice is some Luger parabellum... JHP's? Well, at least you won't have to worry about that pesky overpenetration. All in all a handy pistol to fire what is the most widespread pistol cartridge in the world. Personally I would go find a .40 S&W version, or just straight up go get a Desert Eagle. Where did you pick this up?
Me: It was given to me by a friend.
Bullet Bill: Well, nice pick. We'll show you today how to keep it clean, how to responsibly use it, activate and deactivate its safety, and then let you shoot it a bit.
Me: I have a question. Your organization, the National Rifleman's Association, why does it require this test for me to legally own a gun?
Bullet Bill: Oh, we don't require you to. It's the government that requires you to.
Me: So you administer the classes for them then? And you are not the government?
Bullet Bill: Yeah, we just promote safety and understanding of guns, although since we are the only real group out there interested in gun safety, we wind up doing a lot of training, in fact we quite often train firearms instructors for the police and military. We are all gun rights advocates. We believe everyone has a right to bear arms.
Me: Fair enough. I had another question, if I were to get another weapon with a little more "kick", some of these new-fangled "auto-matic" puckle-style firing guns I hear so much about, would you know where to get some of those?
Bullet Bill: If you want a good automatic assault rifle, you're in luck, the Clinton Gun Ban just expired. Better go stock up now while you can, before some idiot politician manages to renew it. Fully automatic weapons are still banned but a much wider range is now legal to own, might have to go through some lengthy criminal background checks and other hoops to get your hands on something decent, but it is better to do it now than lose that chance when the industry becomes only further regulated.
Me: A gun ban? Amazing. How could the people of the United States ever tolerate a gun ban?
Bullet Bill: They're Democrats, they hate guns, you know how Liberals are.
Me: Indeed. Let's just get this testing underway.
Some of the central principles of marksmanship remain the same after all these years, although many of the facets and points I learned about guns are much more technically detailed. There was an unusual amount of time spent discussing household safety with firearms, how to keep them away from children, and how to use devices such as a "safety". I couldn't imagine the horror on a man's face, running to face an intruder, going to pull the trigger on a gun that will not fire, because the safety switch had not been properly released. I researched these issues before the class, and it seems there is a great fear of children hurting themselves with guns, however uncommon an occurrence it actually is. My children, properly disciplined, certainly knew not to play with the guns in my home, however accessible they were.
After several hours covering basics of cleaning, disassembly, laws, we went into the range, where my skills were certainly a little rusty,
Bullet Bill: I don't see why you are complaining, you are a good shot. Most of the people taking my class have never handled a gun in their life, you are at least hitting the target.
Me: What? I can't hear you!
Bullet Bill: Take off the earmuffs!
Me: Let me just take off these earmuffs!... What were you saying?
Bullet Bill: I was just saying you should stop cursing your own luck, you're not a half bad shot.
Me: Perhaps, but just as that target is in the shape of a man and has no bulletholes in his vital regions, so too would my attacker be standing.
Bullet Bill: You just don't care for this whole testing thing, do you?
Me: If the average American is a fool who does not know how to be responsible with something as simple as a gun, then they need a test in more than mere firearm safety. I am no average American.
Bullet Bill: Well, you've passed all the parts of the course, so as soon as I examine your results here in the firing range, you should get a certificate of completion. Then you can get this over with.
Me:Thank goodness. And you can keep these damn earmuffs, shooting with them just seems unnatural.
That done, I saw Natalie the next day,
Me: For my personal protection, and for exercise. You should try it yourself.
Natalie: Exercise? Who gets exercise with a gun?
Me: Well, I go on regular walks, as you well know, a strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks. Never think of taking a book with you. The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk; but divert your attention by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise.
Natalie: One thing I really love about you is that you are so full of unconventional wisdom. I've considered getting a gun for myself, I don't know though if I should.
Me: Well, it would certainly stay the hand of a potential rapist, or mugger.
Natalie: That's true. Hey, do you want a ride to the sheriff's office to get this all confirmed?
Me: Why yes, that would be great.
So I got there to the sheriff's office, complete with my test results, and two pieces of identification, just like Daniel said. Thankfully my identification is now an official Oregon state ID, and I have several bills of my own to serve as my secondary ID. I also hear that the Social Security number is optional, I hope it is.
Me: Hello, I am here for a conceal and carry permit.
Receptionist: Here, take one of these forms and fill it out.
Me: A form? I thought I was done.
Receptionist: NEXT!
So I sat down, and filled out a simple form. It didn't seem so troubling, although we had to skirt some questions. Natalie helped me fill it out as quickly as possible, and I was back in line.
Me: Why yes, now, here is my identification, and here is my training certificate...
Receptionist: Looks like everything is in order. $65 bucks.
Me: Excuse me?
Receptionist: $65. Did I stutter? Filing fee for new applicants.
Me: But... I did everything asked of me. I don't HAVE $65. I spent all my money taking the test.
Receptionist: No cash, no license.
Me: But, but, I need this...
Receptionist: NEXT!
Natalie: Wait, wait, wait. This is bullshit. Here, put the $65 on my debit card.
Receptionist: Okay, thank you. And this is just me, but tell your cheapass boyfriend here that maybe he should consider checking out the fees before coming to do his paperwork. Your license will be ready shortly. NEXT!
Me: Cheap-ass? Natalie, thank you.
Natalie: It's okay. I know it is important to you. Let's just move to the side here and wait.
Indeed, we left, and I was a fully licensed Oregon holder of a carry & concealed weapon. I found out it is against the law to reveal the weapon for almost any reason, although I do not care so long as I get safe passage with it... it will certainly make my walks a bit more relaxing.
Your affectionate friend and humble servnt.,
- TH. Jefferson
Editor's Notes:
Some Thomas Jefferson quotes used in this article...
There is no order without liberty, and what country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. - Thomas Jefferson to William Stephen Smith, Nov. 13th 1787
"... and for action by their governor, constitutionally the commander of the militia of the State, that is to say, of every man in it able to bear arms." - Thomas Jefferson to A.L.C. Destutt de Tracy, Jan. 26th 1811
"Laws that forbid the carrying of arms... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes... Such laws make things worse for the assaulted and better for the assailants; they serve rather to encourage than to prevent homicides, for an unarmed man may be attacked with greater confidence than an armed man." - Thomas Jefferson's "Commonplace Book" (1774), directly quoting from "On Crimes and Punishment" (1764)
The last quote was taken from a letter to Peter Carr, in 1785, which I thought was good enough to read that I included it. Jefferson was giving Carr advice on how to make the best use of his life, saying that an honest heart is the first blessing, while a knowing mind is the second. He mentions the gun as a means to contribute to a person's virtue. I have bolded the part I used in the update.
I received, by Mr. Mazzei, your letter of April the 20th. I am much mortified to hear that you have lost so much time; and that when you arrived in Williamsburg, you were not at all advanced from what you were when you left Monticello. Time now begins to be precious to you. Every day you lose, will retard a day your entrance on that public stage whereon you may begin to be useful to yourself. However, the way to repair the loss is to improve the future time. I trust, that with your dispositions, even the acquisition of science is a pleasing employment. I can assure you, that the possession of it is, what (next to an honest heart) will above all things render you dear to your friends, and give you fame and promotion in your own country. When your mind shall be well improved with science, nothing will be necessary to place you in the highest points of view, but to pursue the interests of your country, the interests of your friends, and your own interests also, with the purest integrity, the most chaste honor. The defect of these virtues can never be made up by all the other acquirements of body and mind. Make these then your first object. Give up money, give up fame, give up science, give the earth itself and all it contains, rather than do an immoral act. And never suppose, that in any possible situation, or under any circumstances, it is best for you to do a dishonorable thing, however slightly so it may appear to you. Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly. Encourage all your virtuous dispositions, and exercise them whenever an opportunity arises; being assured that they will gain strength by exercise, as a limb of the body does, and that exercise will make them habitual. From the practice of the purest virtue, you may be assured you will derive the most sublime comforts in every moment of life, and in the moment of death. If ever you find yourself environed with difficulties and perplexing circumstances, out of which you are at a loss how to extricate yourself, do what is right, and be assured that that will extricate you the best out of the worst situations. Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of the labyrinth, in the easiest manner possible. The knot which you thought a Gordian one, will untie itself before you. Nothing is so mistaken as the supposition, that a person is to extricate himself from a difficulty, by intrigue, by chicanery, by dissimulation, by trimming, by an untruth, by an injustice. This increases the difficulties ten fold; and those who pursue these methods, get themselves so involved at length, that they can turn no way but their infamy becomes more exposed. It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good dispositions.
An honest heart being the first blessing, a knowing head is the second. It is time for you now to begin to be choice in your reading; to begin to pursue a regular course in it; and not to suffer yourself to be turned to the right or left by reading any thing out of that course. I have long ago digested a plan for you, suited to the circumstances in which you will be placed. This I will detail to you, from time to time, as you advance. For the present, I advise you to begin a course of antient history, reading every thing in the original and not in translations. First read Goldsmith's history of Greece. This will give you a digested view of that field. Then take up antient history in the detail, reading the following books, in the following order: Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophontis Hellenica, Xenophontis Anabasis, Arrian, Quintus Curtius, Diodorus Siculus, Justin. This shall form the first stage of your historical reading, and is all I need mention to you now. The next, will be of Roman history (*). From that, we will come down to modern history. In Greek and Latin poetry, you have read or will read at school, Virgil, Terence, Horace, Anacreon, Theocritus, Homer, Euripides, Sophocles. Read also Milton's Paradise Lost, Shakspeare, Ossian, Pope's and Swift's works, in order to form your style in your own language. In morality, read Epictetus, Xenophontis Memorabilia, Plato's Socratic dialogues, Cicero's philosophies, Antoninus, and Seneca. In order to assure a certain progress in this reading, consider what hours you have free from the school and the exercises of the school. Give about two of them, every day, to exercise; for health must not be sacrificed to learning. A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise, I advise the gun. While this gives a moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body, and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks. Never think of taking a book with you. The object of walking is to relax the mind. You should therefore not permit yourself even to think while you walk; but divert your attention by the objects surrounding you. Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far. The Europeans value themselves on having subdued the horse to the uses of man; but I doubt whether we have not lost more than we have gained, by the use of this animal. No one has occasioned so much, the degeneracy of the human body. An Indian goes on foot nearly as far in a day, for a long journey, as an enfeebled white does on his horse; and he will tire the best horses. There is no habit you will value so much as that of walking far without fatigue. I would advise you to take your exercise in the afternoon: not because it is the best time for exercise, for certainly it is not; but because it is the best time to spare from your studies; and habit will soon reconcile it to health, and render it nearly as useful as if you gave to that the more precious hours of the day. A little walk of half an hour, in the morning, when you first rise, is advisable also. It shakes off sleep, and produces other good effects in the animal economy. Rise at a fixed and an early hour, and go to bed at a fixed and early hour also. Sitting up late at night is injurious to the health, and not useful to the mind. Having ascribed proper hours to exercise, divide what remain, (I mean of your vacant hours) into three portions. Give the principal to History, the other two, which should be shorter, to Philosophy and Poetry. Write to me once every month or two, and let me know the progress you make. Tell me in what manner you employ every hour in the day. The plan I have proposed for you is adapted to your present situation only. When that is changed, I shall propose a corresponding change of plan. I have ordered the following books to be sent to you from London, to the care of Mr. Madison. Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon's Hellenics, Anabasis and Memorabilia, Cicero's works, Baretti's Spanish and English Dictionary, Martin's Philosophical Grammar, and Martin's Philosophia Britannica. I will send you the following from hence. Bezout's Mathematics, De la Lande's Astronomy, Muschenbrock's Physics, Quintus Curtius, Justin, a Spanish Grammar, and some Spanish books. You will observe that Martin, Bezout, De la Lande, and Muschenbrock are not in the preceding plan. They are not to be opened till you go to the University. You are now, I expect, learning French. You must push this; because the books which will be put into your hands when you advance into Mathematics, Natural philosophy, Natural history, &c. will be mostly French, these sciences being better treated by the French than the English writers. Our future connection with Spain renders that the most necessary of the modern languages, after the French. When you become a public man, you may have occasion for it, and the circumstance of your possessing that language, may give you a preference over other candidates. I have nothing further to add for the present, but husband well your time, cherish your instructors, strive to make every body your friend; and be assured that nothing will be so pleasing, as your success, to, Dear Peter,
Your's affectionately,
- TH. Jefferson
As for my thoughts on gun control, I think gun control advocates dismiss several ideas about guns in lieu of a misplaced common sense. For instance, proliferation of guns does not make people crazy like Ted Nugent, or spike crime rates. Gun-related crimes increase with the availability of guns, yes, but overall crimes sharply decrease… homicide rates tend to go down in a society increasingly saturated with guns. Use of guns in self-defense today prevents nearly five times as much crime as is caused by guns, according to Florida criminologist Gary Kleck. Even if he was grossly exaggerating, if guns prevent even twice as much crime as they are involved in, people should take another look at just how bad they really are. It has been demonstrated that using a gun in a violent situation is far safer than attacking with another type of weapon, and infinitely safer than abiding by criminal demands most of the time… you by no means make a situation worse by pulling a gun. You are more likely to be disarmed with a blunt weapon than a gun, and more likely to be attacked if you don't have a gun. There is something about guns which instill sanity in people… maybe the part where they can kill most anyone even when used by our most timid and meek members of society.
Our government increasingly looks like a police-state because people are not able to defend themselves, thus we rely on strong central authorities to defend us. The more we defend ourselves, the less we rely on a police-state authority, and the less crime is a serious issue. Even the exaggerated gun violence statistics are counterweighted by both reductions in overall crime and increases in reported successful interventions of criminal activities by private citizens (to defend themselves or others). Simply put, a society armed, is a society that is hard to victimize.
I could continue into a full-blown rant, but I'll simply leave the gun issue on the point that pro-gun control advocates should be more open minded. Not only are there compelling reasons to view gun rights the same way as other human rights, there are serious statistics and reasonable challenges to the typical dogma that "guns = bad". Certainly, our Founders saw virtue in gun ownership, and many Americans should too.
