Dead Samaritan

A 72 year old man (Why is his age important?) was shot and killed around 11pm June 30on Indianapolis' West side. His name was Mario Gonzalez-Tello. He was trying to stop the armed robbery of a woman.

He was a regular customer at Mr. Gyros which had just closed. Apparently the woman was a waitress at the restaurant. Someone was waiting for the 'right' moment to strike.

From here, the accounts vary, though there is the 'official' story. I first heard Mr. Tello had reached for his pistol and was shot by a 16 year old (Again the age. Hmm, are we to feel sorry for him since he's so young?) who has since been apprehended and identified. The official version says Mr. Tello had his gun withdrawn. It is uncertain whether he had it pointed in the suspect's direction. The suspect apparently saw Mr. Tello out of the corner of his eye and proceeded to shoot Mr. Tello four times, killing him. He then ran away, shooting through the window of a nearby business.

I'm sorry Mr. Tello died. It's too bad he didn't nail the perp. What follows is supposition and can be a lesson for all of us.

No doubt Mr. Tello's intentions were good. He even knew the victim from the restaurant. It's not clear, but it could well be that he thought if he indicated he had a gun the perp would simply flee. It's common enough to believe that. Big mistake. One should follow through and stop the threat, whatever it takes. It could be he didn't clear in time. Perhaps he miscalculated or as suggested hoped the perp would give up. Hind sight is 20-20.

Never ever think a perp will fold. Be ready to stop the threat aka using deadly force if necessary. The kid followed through and killed Mr. Tello. The reverse of what should have happened perversely. It's not unusual for criminals to train with their guns. Be ready.

Sometimes the bad guys do run. But life is too precious to hope for that. Be prepared to fight. With the right to carry comes responsibility, to oneself and all others potentially. Be in condition 'yellow', ready to fight and aware of your surroundings. Then, follow through with condition orange and red each with increased awareness, follow through and results. I'm referring to Col. Jeff Cooper's combat mindset color code. Never be in condition white aka unaware. Follow this practice to get over that resistance or reluctance to shoot someine in self defense.

The more training the better. It should never be legislated. To me that's infringement. It should be stressed in the firesrms community that the more practice the better.

Seek out a good trainer or program. Examples: F.R.&I. has good training. Gunsite, Col. Cooper's original place is still recommended. Scott Reitz in California also has worthwhile instruction. Find someone who at least gives basic technique at first. I suggest continuing. As a friend says. "More tools for the toolbox".

The other thing re this situation. The cops of course do NOT sanction resisting robbers. They said in the original newsclip to 'give up what the perp wants and then be a good witness'. I guarantee that will most likely get you killed rather than resisting. But resist by learning how. Practice, practice, practice. (I suspect that the intention is as David Codrea at waronguns.blogspot.com says, cops think they are the 'only ones' trained to respond etc.)

Not so. We must take care of ourselves. No one else can. As they say at F.R.&I., 'I'm NOT going to @#@#ing die!!!'

The 'N' Word

If I say the word 'nigger', am I a racist? No. People have become so cowed that we cannot discuss even a word without being scorned. I suppose since I am opposed to Obama becoming President, I'm a racist? No. There are Blacks who could be President IMHO (Though 'black' is a color and those so labeled are short changed. More later). Yet there will be those who see this and immediately label me. I hate labels. They do not explore the depth and texture of viewpoints, of being.

Words are just words, in spite of those who manipulate them. Of course, it is the intent that gives the word meaning, as well illustrated by race baiters of many colors and persuasions. For study, again (as I usually advise), type the word into a search engine. Wikipedia has a fairly good study.

There was a time nigger was simply another noun for black or colored or negro etc. Naturally, the law of least resistance prevailed and it became a term of derision for some. Though stereotypes of southern whites contributed to the negativity (I might add that a lot of people outside of that 'cracker' stereotype have used nigger condescendingly, hypocritically so by some of those claiming to be 'helping' blacks), I suggest that it became a powerful tool in the employ of marxists who sought to manipulate language as well as all the other ways of revising history and thus our social mores. It limits rather than liberates in that cute leftist twist of behavior we have all witnessed. If language can be controlled, especially in speech, then new definitions can replace the old matrix.

I've been known to have a salty tongue, cuss like a sailor etc. at times. These days, it's hard not to do so. I have occasionally used several words to describe certain members of society who exhibit pathological, criminal behavior regardless of social standing. Presidents can be disgraceful just as well as common street thugs. I'm given to remember Dr. King's 'content of character' remark. A local school official and old friend of my wife's family once told her, 'You have your white trash, we have our niggers'. People can reach the heights or plumb the depths.

Let's not be afraid of words. Let us be open and ask questions. Don't let words keep you down. Don't let 'newspeak' silence you. Speak out. Speak up. Learn to use words well. Then words become more than words. They can lead to deeds. As always, it's our choice whether those words and deeds build or destroy.

Heller of a Note

Heller of a note. Haha. Some humor (?) after the storm.

Thought I'd wait a bit since I knew there would be a lot of opinions. Everytime I hear that word I think what my Psych prof (advisor, Head of Dept.) said. 'Opinions are like a@@holes, everybody has one.' Everyone is entitled to one. He of course referred to those who blab and have nothing to back it up. I've seen notes and dissertations ranging from 'oh boy we won' to 'man the parapets' some more well reasoned than others. Here's mine, in brief.

Nice of them to see that 2A is an individual right. I could have told em that -s-. However, it is important for the near future particularly with the flurry of lawsuits in places such as Chicago. Also, Scalia mentions '2A extends prima faciae to all instruments that constitute bearable arms'. He speaks of the prefatory clause 'A well regulated Militia,being necessary to the security of a free state' and the operative clause, namely 'the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed'. He states that the former does not limit the latter. There is even mention the Founders believed that an armed populace helps maintain and bolster security for the country.

Two things were established. One is that there is indeed an individual right to keep and bear arms. Second, the people have a right to defend themselves with guns.

With momentum on our side, we must continue to take the high ground in arguments and with the lawsuits. No more must we let the antis haul out the same lame objections. Let us be thoughtfully aggressive. Those who would disarm us and place us and the future of the Republic in grave danger are already busy trying to minimalize the Heller decision. Indeed, there are limitations but we can and will rise above them.

For one, and chiefly remember, that the decision deals specifically with Heller and the situation in DC. Thus the powers that be in the District will put up hurdles. Heller is only entitiled to register and keep a firearm in his home. He can't carry it anywhere outside. The boys in blue and the politicos are planning some kind of 'test' to establish worthiness for owning a gun, in spite of the decision being clear about individual ownership and right to defense. There is even proposed limitation on the type of handgun particulary. Apparently they think most semiauto handguns are still forbidden. Sheesh. There is wiggle room unfortunately regarding some types of guns.

As for the rest of us, we still could have our guns taken 'by edict'. That's not in the decision per se, it's my observation. I'm afraid there are some who think this is the beginning of the end of gun control. Nothing could be further from the truth. There will be continued debate and attempts to endrun the thin pro stance in the decision. That old bugaboo, 'reasonable restrictions' will ad nauseum raise its ugly, stupid pinhead.

Though there is mention of enumeration, the holes are big enough for Mack trucks to roar through. There are hints that the 2A was meant primarily to stop tyrannical government, it seems conditional and swept under the rug in reference to specifics for the decision. Indeed, that is not surprising. We could hardly have hoped for a complete return to no infringement. What we must do is as said before, take the initiative and go after our Freedom locally and statewide.

Lest you think that we should, if or when it comes to comply and surrender our guns, my answer is never. The boys and girls in black robes can minimalize the true reason for the 2A. They could even 'say' they are taking them away. So be it. We must remind them they have no business doing so. BTW, I won't say what I think of the dissenting opinion vis a vis Stevens. It is un-American, imperious and dangerous. Scalia IMHO is little better, but does nod in the right direction, barely.

We must remind them we are the bosses. We must remind them there are grave consequences for ignoring the magnificent simplicity of the BOR. Let us go forth and as said , 'take the high ground'. Do not miss an opportunity to speak out. Vote for those who will bring back the Republic.

Our Republic has not been compromised overnight. Let us take it back bit by bit. We could be 'Fabian Constitutionalists'. Tongue in cheek, but point made.

And prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Postscript: Study the decision for youself. Go to a search engine and type it in. Look for everything you can. Spare nothing to convince others we must take back the night!

Canadian Border Gun Questions

A guy on a list that I frequent mentioned a trip to Canada recently. He had business to finish, contracts to conclude. Of course, he had to pass through the checkpoint. No problem. I wish we had this along the southwestern border. It's the nature of some of the questions that has me wondering.

First, the questions were routine. He was asked if he were a citizen of the US or Canada. US. Why was he entering Canada? His unfinished business, which he explained. What kind of work? He further elucidated. After several questions re his particular work, it 'got interesting' as this guy said.

'Do you have any guns?' No. 'I mean do you own any guns?' He stated he had none with him. More insistently, 'But do you own any guns?' He was incredulous. The govdrone persisted. 'Do you have any guns at home? How many?' (????) He gave an estimate as to how many. Remember this guy was on his way back to complete work and he was tired to boot. 'How many handguns?' (WTF?) He mentioned a couple. 'What kind?' He mentioned Glock 23 and 26. 'You like the Glocks so much?' He mentioned the grip suited him. 'OK. And you have no guns in the van?' He stated he wouldn't bring them 'up here'. 'OK. Go on.'

WTF does a sovereign country's rep have asking these questions? Sure, ask what is the reason for entry. I've been asked that. Even the type of business etc. Like I said, we should have that on the southern border. But the Canadian Government has NO business asking a citizen of another sovereign country what he owns , and what kind. I'm surprised the drone didn't ask why. Then again, that wouldn't be germane to the situation.

I suspect it was a fishing expedition. The Canadian gun grabbers are very detail oriented, just like our own antis who ask similar unconstituional questions (Of course, there is no Bill of Rights in Canada). Could info be shared? I bet it will be eventually.

I would politely decline to answer. If searched, fine-not fine. If further harassed, I would further protest. If barred, I would create as much of a stink as I could.

The net is tightening, friends. This coming week, we have Marines doing 'realistic urban traing exercise' in Indianapolis. This will include 'checkpoints'.

I hope they stop my wife and/or I. They will get a lecture on Freedom they will never forget.

BurlyRose

The name of my production company. Burly was my Dad's nickname and Rose was my Great Grandmother's name. Not only a unique name, but a way to honor two of the most important people in my life.

It also exemplifies what they stood for and what I am aiming to do in 'showbiz'. My Dad and Great Grandmother taught me to be honest with myself and to deal that way with the world. In spite of our faults, that is the way to live. I intend to tell stories that bring light. By 'light', I mean to get people to think for themselves. This will be done in several venues. I want my work in BurlyRose to reflect my commitment to Freedom and to showcase my storytelling. Below, a little bit more about myself.

After a lifelong interest in the arts,
I began acting full time in 1987, doing local community theater. I progressed to commercials including regional and worked on Eight Men Out directed by John Sayles. I continued stage and commercials locally til we moved to NYC in 91. I studied at HB Studio then made the acquaintance of Mark Lenard (best known as Spock's father in ST). He really opened me up to try a gamut of ideas. My voice work improved and I made some headway in v/o work. I met Robert Wise and he became something of a mentor for my film ambitions. I gained a great deal of common sense about how to write, produce and film movies. Jeff Corey kept my acting instruction going. Also, I have made other contacts and studied with several directors and writers. In between NYC and beginning writing, I stayed in Indy to help my wife with her Mom, who developed Alzheimer's. Since her death, we have been homeschooling our kids and I have maintained contacts in Hollywood. I am currently preparing a stage version of Antony and Cleopatra. I'm trying to convince certain people to costar and direct. That will be a 'calling card' to renew my acting. I'm going to reconnect with some of the crewmembers and casts of several shows and network with them and other folks so that I can come back to Indy and do a series of three movies concerning police work. With all the delays, I still remember what Bob W. taught me: Passion, Persistance and Practice, the Three Ps.

That is only the beginning. My plans encompass movies tv and stage and I will be acting in each medium as well as producing and writing.

I'm grateful to those folks in the 'Industry' and elsewhere who have encouraged me and supported me. I don't plan to be a big deal, I'm just a storyteller who wants my work to reflect my hopes and commitment to bringing us back to the Constitutional Republic we were and can be again.

I trust this adventure in storytelling is fruitful. It may take surprising turns and certainly will take a while. John Wayne took 14 years to make the Alamo. I am on my way to making my dreams come true and am closer than ever to achieving my initial goals.

Thanks to my wife, son and daughter, who have always been the main pillar of my support base. Thanks to all who have and continue to have faith.

The Invasion

There are a lot of invasions. Illegals across our borders, communist/socialist/one world ideology aka cultural shifts, and certainly business incursions by other countries. These have been debated and 'proed and coned' ad infinitum. I am, as is my wont, talking of a movie.

I watched 'The Invasion' with my daughter the other day. It stars Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig with a good cast. It is a new take on 'The Invasion of the Body Snatchers',two versions and 'Body Snatchers'a third take on the theme. The first three and this current one are based on a novel by Jack Finney. Check it out. The first three deal with extraterrestrial 'pods' taking over and/or destroying the original human and leaving an unemotional 'shell' or 'vegetable' being. This latest one is much more interesting though I still love the original with Kevin McCarthy.

There is a plethora of analyses, ideas re the versions. Everything from creeping communism to creeping McCarthyism to cultism has been sliced and diced. The latest deals with a 'virus' like substance. Pandemics etc come to mind.

Here is my take on the flick. Granted, we have some liberal statements re war and conflict in general. Neocon fearmongering about disease and how easy it is for a substance to permeate the world health grid (Notice we are not dead from avian flu yet -s-). Fortunately, thanks to my inductive and deductive reasoning, my ability to analyze aka think for myself, I will give you my impression of this story, shortly.

Briefly, a virus like spore is brought back on the outside of a shuttle that crashes, strewing debris. The spore spreads by direct contact with one infected. Some of the methods are gross (My daughter's comments re the 'puking' into coffeepots and directly onto people included 'ewwww, gross, ugh, disgusting etc. Mine too lol). It becomes more surreptitious with injections, supposedly for a 'flu' brought back by the shuttle, distributed at 'innoculation centers'. How's that for a fear factor re our current talk of vaccines for various maladies?

My core reaction and interpretation is simple. It is the increasing lack of humanity that merits concern. This is true in real life as well as the metaphor 'virus'.

The infected experience a core personality change. This excludes emotion. The 'pitch' for this kind of existence is equally simple. No more war, conflict, arguments. Everyone is 'better', all is well. Humanity progresses in lockstep toward some utopia that is never made clear, just that the result is 'better'. In reality all is stagnating.

Sounds like a socialist world? If we all were commies then communism would work? Control is endemic. The ultimate in life is feeling that is not feeling. It is directed to the central matrix of unity? Then we all can have a 'better' world? Better, with no explanation save for the end goal. If we all 'felt' (unfeeling) the same way, then we would 'progress' (regress).

On the inter and intrapersonal level, there would be only directed logic. No more pesky emotions, which would create individual thought. A new day is dawning.

Per our discussion of the film, my daughter and I came to an elemental conclusion. We must balance our 'head and heart'. Neither emotion alone which would lead to cataclysmic destruction, nor logic, which would lead to stagnancy, cut the mustard. It takes that yin and yang constantly churning to produce a productive life.

I don't scare easily. Loss of humanity is a gut wrenching proposition. Reminds me of the Borg from Star Trek TNG. Particularly Star Trek First Contact. That unswerving onslaught on all that is cultural, human and in the Trek world other cultures replaced by machinelike exclusion. The anguish supplied by the music added to the dread.

Liberals often resort to emotion to win a point, vis a vis gun control (with 'facts' that are skewed or outright lies). We must counter with a balance of emotion and reason, with facts that are imbued with both. That is an unbeatable combination that will ensure a renewal of our Republic and at the core, our humanity. Without humanity how could we have a Constitutional Republic?

Staying Sick

I've talked of slavery. I've mentioned how my German Prof, who was a translator at Nuremberg, stated that many in East Germany were comfortable being controlled. They got used to their leashes. Some people simply 'like' being told what to do. Or they are afraid to speak out, to resist.

I've talked of being sick. I've stated that a sick society is more easily controlled. Disease can be used as a tool to manipulate society. Both mental and physical illness, often together, are used as excuses rather than alarms that lead to treatment and healing. It can be that illnesses are contrived in order to accomplish compliance or silence.

Working with this, from the patient/client side, some are as comfortable with sickness as there are those 'at home' with government restraint.

Some people simply prefer to suffer. They are used to it. Any remedy is viewed with fear. I'm not talking hypochondria. I mean real illness, beyond delusion, with symptoms and actual bodily/mental disorder.

Not only can this evidence control from gov or other institutions, it can be a perverse control on the part of patients/clients. If said people can just stay sick, they can be assured they will not only get attention, but that there need not be any 'striving'. They stay 'safe', 'under the radar'. Can they be treated? Sure, but they must be convinced they need help and further, to help themselves at the same time.

As for the Republic, woe are we if this continues. We are sick with the disease of democracy. The cure as told before is to realize this and bring us back to health aka Constitutional Republic.

Of course, it's not as easy as it sounds. Being cured is frequently painful. There will be plenty of pain. But then this is always so, especially for that which is most precious.

If we have our health, we have everything.