A Diversion on this First Day of Spring

I received this in an email today. #3 is my favorite -- I live with a guy who subscribes to that philosophy!

Things that I found helpful by living this long:

1. The purpose of fighting is to win.

2. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.... The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

3. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

4. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.

5. I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.

6. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

7. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

8. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No Ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my shotgun.'

9. Beware the man who only carries one gun. HE PROBABLY KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!!

But wait, there's more!

I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said "Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!" To which I said, "Of course it's loaded, it can't work without bullets!" She then asked, "Are you really that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?" My reply was, “No not at all. I'm not really afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all loaded too."


Since Congress seems to be ignoring all the rest of them, especially the Ninth and Tenth, I thought I'd remind us that, so far, we still seem to have the Second Amendment.

Hang in there, mes amis, it ain't over 'til it's over. And Happy First Day of Spring!

A Constitutional Convention? A Federalism Amendment?

Randy Barnett, a Constitutional Law prof at Georgetown, published an op-ed piece in the April 23, 2009, edition of the Wall Street Journal entitled, "The Case for a Federalism Amendment."

I need to chew on and digest these ideas before formulating an opinion, but it's a very interesting article.

I definitely like the idea of repealing the 16th Amendment and eliminating income taxes, but a constitutional convention might open the door to every nutjob special interest group in the world. I also like the idea of restricting the federal courts' torturous interpretation of the Commerce Clause to get Congress's hooks into anything it chooses. Taxes other than the income tax should be examined and eliminated, i.e., capital gains and estate taxes. Legitimate study and debate should be engaged concerning a Flat Tax or a Fair Tax. These "income-based" taxes could be considered in addition to, or in lieu of, a federal excise tax.

I like a re-affirmation of states' rights and home rule for non-enumerated powers, as the Founders intended. Hello, 9th and 10th Amendments, and the Republic! We've missed you!

All in all, this is an intriguing prospect, and worthy of serious and legitimate discussion.

Crossposted here.