Why Is The BATFE Still Denying NFA Transfers?

Just back from my local friendly merchant of death (and the only local NFA Class III dealer) who informs me my two suppressors are still being held hostage because the BATFE refuses to issue transfer authorizations - between manufacturers-to-dealers as well as dealers-to-private-parties.

The "government shutdown" is over, what's the justification now (other than because we can)?

Cheated Death Again

Flew back home from my vacation to Oregon this evening - right in front of the thunderstorms and inches of rain.

No problems from TSA or the airlines, despite my carrying several firearms along with my other baggage. It is important to allow sufficient time for the system that has grown into place at airports to function. If you do then you'll spend an hour or so cooling your heels 'till your flight departure more than likely, but have the time to deal with unexpected delays should they occur. Having the capability to research airline and regulatory requirements beforehand in such an easy and extensive fashion sure does make traveling a less stressful and more enjoyable experience, even on an economy (well, sort of ...) budget.

Had a great visit with my son and his family and am already beginning thinking about a more elaborate visit next year - perhaps I can convince my daughter and S-i-L to take part too, even if only for a few days. I'd like to see the cousins together, not to mention my children.

Laundry tomorrow, then back to work on Monday. Such is life here in "the future".

In Commemoration - Again

Upon the occasion of my 60th birthday - This.

Horizons are just the boundaries of your existential context; stretch them or pursue the alternative.

Connect The Dots

Dot

Dot

American all the way, baby!

Despicable He

Via R. S. McMain I learn the basic details of how President Obama has decided to treat American armed service personnel.

In a word: despicably.

First off, Pentagon ordered to freeze death benefits:

"Unfortunately, as a result of the shutdown, we do not have the legal authority to make death gratuity payments at this time," said Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, a Defense Department spokesman. "However, we are keeping a close eye on those survivors who have lost loved ones serving in the Department of Defense."

House lawmakers, though, are planning to vote Wednesday on a bill to restore funding for the payments. And Speaker John Boehner on Tuesday accused the Obama administration of needlessly withholding the money.

Boehner claimed a bill passed by Congress and signed by the president last week to pay America's troops should have given the Pentagon the latitude "to pay all kinds of bills, including this."

 Followed by this:

Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki is spelling out some of the dire consequences for veterans of a long-term government shutdown, with about 3.8 million veterans not getting a disability check next month if the shutdown continues into late October.

Shinseki says some 315,000 veterans and 202,000 surviving spouses and dependents would also see pension payments stopped ...

In some areas, like health care delivery, there are fewer adverse effects. Congress provided funding for VA's health services a year in advance, so veterans can continue getting care at hospitals and clinics.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Obama has direct and undeniable responsibility for these decisions being taken and implemented in this manner.

I remember some of my colleagues declaring "We won!" last November; I ask them now, is this what you thought we won?  And, we have over three more years in which to look forward to celebrating the further antics of Despicable He.

Would they were only coming to an actual theater rather than played out in the streets near us instead.