Brian Puckett responds to L. A. Times Article on .50 BMG Rifles

April 22, 2002

TO: L.A. Times

In an April 18 column, George Skelton quotes from an article I wrote for KeepAndBearArms.com. In it, I reported what is commonly known among the informed - that millions of good Americans, after enduring years of oppression, vilification, and terrorism directed against them as gun owners, have reached the sad but logical conclusion that only violence will restore the full, free exercise of their right to own and use firearms. For reporting this fact, Mr. Skelton says I should be denied a proposed California rifle "permit".

I'm not surprised that Mr. Skelton's automatic, un-American response to hearing unpleasant facts is to recommend punishing the messenger. That's the socialist way - total control over people and information.

Nor am I surprised that Mr. Skelton used absurd terms like "superguns", "small cannons", and "monsters" to describe common .50 caliber rifles - even though many models can be shoulder-fired - nor that he lied and used Clintonian distortions of truth in saying the guns were "capable of taking out" concrete bunkers, armored personnel carriers, hovering helicopters, or destroying tanker trucks at 2,000 yards. Such propaganda is normal for liberal elitists, who think the masses will swallow anything.

And I'm not surprised that Mr. Skelton didn't tell readers that my article was about avoiding future violence. I'm a gun owner, so Mr. Skelton must demonize me.

In any case, Mr. Skelton need not worry about my getting a gun "permit". I would never apply for a permit to own any gun, any more than I would apply for a permit to own a Bible, or Torah, or printing press, or to obtain legal counsel, or to assemble with other citizens. Of course, those will all require permits if people like Mr. Skelton ever run things. Their contempt for the Constitution isn't limited to the Second Amendment.

-- Brian Puckett, Los Angeles


FURTHER NOTES ON THIS MATTER

The article I wrote titled "Terrorism Against Gun Owners, Civil Disobedience, and Killing" 
(http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3271) has stirred up a hornet's nest. Maybe the following items will put things in perspective.

1. John Ross wrote an entire novel ("Unintended Consequences") on the very same subject of my article, and seems not to have gotten half the flak for it. By the way, I'm happy for John about that, and urge you to read his fascinating book.

2. Many people have written to me wanting further information on my views. Here's a pretty direct email and my response: 

Brian:

Do you want to violently overthrow any government or harm any official? I do not think you do want this. Please let me know. Some say you do desire this from reading your writings. As for me I want non violence, but if someone is attacking me with violence I will respond with force if need be, and only if need be.

Thanks,
XXX 

Puckett responds:

Dear XXX:

Instead of listening to what "some say", perhaps it would be best to read what I wrote:

"Every new illegal gun control edict issued, and every day that existing illegal gun control edicts continue to be enforced, brings inexorably closer the time when firearms owners will train their guns on the politicians, judges, and other officials who have misled the rest of the public into
giving up their sacred and ancient rights. A desire to avoid this terrible tragedy motivates my own actions regarding the Second Amendment and the rights it protects." --- from "Why I Will Not Obey California's Gun Registration Edict" - B Puckett 
(See http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=126.)


"Furthermore, if we don't stand up and say NO right now, it is likely that those who refuse to become de facto slaves or victims of the police state will begin in earnest the calculated killing of anti-gun, anti-Constitution politicians and activists. While this may indeed ultimately lead to a repeal of gun laws and of other unconstitutional laws, it will likely force the American people to endure even more oppression and severe civil turmoil - even civil war - in the meantime.

"Some will say that is exactly what this country needs, and perhaps they are correct. But we should try the peaceful alternative first. This requires that we overcome this pervasive fear of our own government, that we stand up together, and that we speak out publicly. We must continue disobeying unconstitutional edicts - even if we do so privately - and continue informing our "representatives" that we are doing so - even if we do so via an anonymous letter - for as long as it takes." -- from "Terrorism Against Gun Owners, Civil Disobedience, and Killing" - B Puckett
http://www.keepandbeararms.com/information/XcIBViewItem.asp?ID=3271 

I don't think I can be any clearer on this subject.

Best regards,
Brian

Related Links

Brian Puckett's Archives:  http://KeepAndBearArms.com/Brian

Citizens of America (Puckett's organization): http://www.CitizenOfAmerica.org 

Brian Puckett's email address: BPuckett@CitizensOfAmerica.org 

On AB2222 & Resistance

An Open Letter to John Burtt, Chairman, Fifty Caliber Shooters Policy Institute

RIFLE BAN A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT...SO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Terrorism Against Gun Owners, Civil Disobedience, and Killing

Letter to California Safety Committee Regarding .50 Caliber Rifle Ban

Letter Faxed to California Public Safety Committee

Why I Will Not Obey California's Gun Registration Edict

.50 Caliber "Come And Take It" Flag

Warning to California Public Safety Committee