Joe’s Crabby Shack is closing up shop:

After years of badgering, watchdogging, and challenging the state’s political leaders, they have called my bluff.

I can’t get into the details, but I have accepted a position that will allow me to carry on the effort to protect Nebraskan’s legal ability to own and carry firearms on the insider level. I’m going to work for the G (state-level G, anyway).

Good luck, Joe.

Via the NRA-ILA:

On June 11, the top law enforcement officials of nearly half the states signed a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, expressing their opposition to reinstatement of the federal ban on semi-automatic firearms.

“We share the Obama Administration’s commitment to reducing illegal drugs and violent crime within the United States. We also share your deep concern about drug cartel violence in Mexico. However, we do not believe that restricting law-abiding Americans’ access to certain semi-automatic firearms will resolve any of these problems,” the letter said.

The letter notes congressional opposition to bringing back the ban, and calls for increasing enforcement of existing laws.

We encourage NRA members to let these state officials know we appreciate them standing up to the incessant clamor for gun control that is currently coming from anti-gun groups and their media allies.

The 23 state Attorneys General, in alphabetical order, by state, are:
(more…)

Nebraska:

Acknowledging state law trumps a local ordinance, the Kearney City Council has repealed the city’s 51-year-old total ban on carrying concealed firearms.

The council’s 4-1 vote came in the wake of an opinion issued by Attorney General Jon Bruning which said cities and towns cannot effectively override a 2007 statute which allows qualified Nebraskans to carry concealed handguns.

Excellent news! (via Uncle)

Joe’s Crabby Shack on a string of armed robberies in a local strip mall:

Now, can anyone tell me why armed thugs pick these properties to rob?

Here’s a hint: When I’m hungry, I go to where the food is.

Really, next to the “no guns allowed” signage, they strip mall owners should just put up some “no crime allowed” signage.

Those watching things closely may have noticed a trend:

• Gun sales jump (Utah)
• Area gun sales spike (Alabama)
• Gun sales rise in Ohio, stay flat in Ross County (Ohio)
• Gun sales shoot up after Election Day (Colorado)
• Gun sales up, supplies down (Texas)
• S.D. gun shops see rise in sales (South Dakota)
• Gun, ammo sales increase in Churchill, Lyon counties (Nevada)
• Local gun sales increase since election (Arkansas)
• Gun sales shoot way up (Maine)
• Hawaii gun sales shooting up
• Fear Fuels Gun Sales Locally (West Virginia)
• Gun Sales Are Up Since Obama Election (Kentucky)
• Fear of ban increases gun sales (Mississippi)
• Finger on safety as gun sales shoot upward (Idaho)
• Gun sales rise as owners fear stricter controls (North Carolina)
• Gun Sales Boom Ahead of Obama Presidency (Tennessee)
• Gun Sales Booming Since Presidential Election (Nebraska)
• Gun sales, permits climb following election (North Dakota)
• Gun Sales Rise As Buyers Anticipate Political Change (Washington)
• Gun Sales Shoot Upward in Springfield (Missouri)
• Madison gun sales soar (Virginia)
• Some stores see surge in gun sales (Pennsylvania)
• Firearm sales surge following election (Wisconsin)

These are all from the past two or three days and aren’t simply re-runs of AP items in different papers. All of these have considerable, if not exclusively, local content. I could easily have included many, many more.

No doubt, the media coverage is feeding the flames a bit. As is the fact that hunting seasons are kicking off or underway in most states right now. But the trend is unmistakable.

It doesn’t seem to be localized to the bitter, clingy parts of the nation. Or to the red states.

Joe’s Crabby Shack points out Another Unpossible.

Why is it that criminals keep bringing weapons into gun-free zones? Aren’t the signs large enough?

Suspect held after 3 swimmers killed in Wisc.

Sheriff’s authorities said a man armed with a military-style assault rifle shot and killed the three Michigan teenagers and wounded a 20-year-old Michigan man Thursday evening. The group had gathered to go swimming near the Wisconsin-Michigan border near Niagara, Wisconsin…

The victims had gathered near a railroad bridge on the Menominee River when the gunman came out of the woods and opened fire about 5:30 p.m. Thursday, according to Sheriff Mike Kanikula.

Other reports I’ve seen indicate that the shooter was within ten feet of one of his targets when he fired and that there was no communication between the shooter and the victims. There were 9 kids gathered at the time.

I’ve been unable to find out what sort of “military-style assault rifle” was used in the crime.

Another reason to carry at home

An Omaha toddler underwent surgery Wednesday night to reattach her scalp after a pit bull attacked her and three other people.

Seen at Joe’s Crabby Shack:

As seen on the windows of UNO’s office of fuzzy-wuzzy involvement… (or some such organization):

“School shootings are no game. Shooting games teach violence.”

Then, 5 feet to the left also on the window:

“Student HALO 3 Tournament!!!”

I believe that UNO is University of Nebraska (Omaha).

Joe’s Crabby Shack: Never Open the Bloody Door

I’m sorry if you remember leaving your doors unlocked or good Samaritans helping out strangers or hitching a ride home.

That was then. This is now.