Journalism in Iraq

22 June 09 Politicians never change! This from a friend currently in Iraq: "Journalists over here are a heroic bunch! Many are fearlessly reporting on official corruption in the new government as well as on a host of other unhappy topics. Not surprisingly, most have been the subject of drive-by shootings and bombings. The best are getting out of the business! Nearly all have, understandably, applied to the government for licenses to own and carry guns. Most said applications have been put on indefinite hold. Some have been denied, with no specific explanation. Precious few have been granted. Typically arrogant 'official advice' is that people who want to carry concealed are 'only increasing risk to themselves.' Sound familiar?" Comment: When warned by politicians never to do anything to improve my own lot, but instead to depend upon them for my every need, I, for one, will take my chances depending upon myself! As Thomas Jefferson warned us, any government powerful enough to provide you with everything you need is also powerful enough to take everything you have! /John

Report from Israel

22 June 09 News from Israel, from an American Soldier who just returned from R&R there: "The fact that Israel is a country surrounded by terrorism-supporting states was immediately evident upon my arrival! Israeli citizens are openly armed, routinely, carrying handguns and military rifles, in public. No one cares about being 'low-profile' in Israel! I saw lots of Czech CZs and G19s. The rifle I saw carried most by civilians was the M1 Carbine! Military and Police all carry American-made M4s. Most manual safeties I saw were in the 'off' position. I don't know if rounds were chambered or not, but I suspect not. In Israel, they like carrying with chambers empty. Finger/trigger discipline was poor! Security personnel are everywhere, even at entrances to restaurants and hotels. Photographing police officers and military personnel, and installations, is strictly prohibited. Service in the IDF is mandatory for all young Israelis, starting at the age of seventeen. I observed many extremely young-looking IDF personnel, men and women, all carrying M4s in public. Locals I talked with were extremely concerned about what they perceive as abject abandonment by the USA and its current Administration." Comment: Free men bear arms. Let it always be so in Israel, and here! /John