Western Journal Independent Journal Review, March 2, 2023
Anyone using a Discover card to make a purchase in a gun store will have that purchase tracked, beginning in April.
“We remain focused on continuing to protect and support lawful purchases on our network while protecting the privacy of cardholders,” Discover said in a statement, according to Reuters. Last year, the International Organization for Standardization, an international body, announced that it was creating a new merchant category code for gun shop sales. Such stores had formerly been classified as dealers in “general merchandise,” according to Fox Business. As noted by CNBC, the code will show where a purchase was made and the amount, but not what was bought. As noted by the website UpgradedPoints, there are 57 million Discover credit cards in existence
Beginning in April 2023, Discover will become the first credit card issuer to track gun purchases made by their cardholders.
On September 11, 2022, Breitbart News noted that Visa caved to pressure from gun control groups and New York Democrats, agreeing to flag gun and ammo purchases via a new sales categorization.
The Associated Press observed that Mastercard and other major credit cards also agreed to flag gun sales.
On March 2, 2023, the Independent Journal Review (IJR) reported that Discover will be first among credit card companies to track gun sales, inasmuch as the company will begin doing so in April. IJR explained, “Anyone using a Discover card to make a purchase in a gun store will have that purchase tracked, beginning in April.”
There are over 55 million Discover cards in usage, so a lot of information on gun purchases can be gathered via that one company.
The 2nd Amendment protects one’s right to feed one’s family the same as it does to defend one’s family. No licensing or fee should be required.
If the 2nd Amendment protects our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms and carrying a firearm in public, without asking the State for permission through applying for a State issued license,it should not be necessary for sportsmen to request permission from the State to harvest game to feed their families.
If under the proposed bill (HB-543) no training, license or fee paid to the State will be required to carry a firearm in public for self-defense, why should it be necessary to receiving training, pay a fee and request permission from the State to carry a firearm in the field or the woods to harvest game to feed one’s family?
If our 2nd Amendment applies to carrying a firearm in public, for defensive purposes, without asking permission from the State through a license, our 2nd Amendment should also apply to harvesting game to feed one’s family, without asking the State for permission through a hunting license.
It should be understood that to obtain a hunting license in Florida, anyone born after June 1, 1975 must successful complete an approved hunter safety education course.
In other words, a person must attend and successfully complete a training course to be eligible to apply for permission and pay a fee to be able to exercise one’s Constitutional right to use one’s gun or other weapon to feed one’s family.
If a person has the Constitutional right to carry a deadly weapon while grocery shopping, clothes shopping, having one’s nail’s done or getting a haircut, without demonstrating proficiency with a firearm and applying for a license through the State,
then a person has the same Constitutional right to harvest game to feed one’s family, without having had required training or having to request permission to do so from the State.
Contact you state representative immediately and tell him or her that any “Constitutional Carry” law in Florida should include the abolishing of State issued hunting licenses and the training required to obtain one.
January 10, 2023 : Renzo Downey – FLORIDA POLITICS
Florida could be the first state to protect gun sale data with the Arms and Ammo Act.
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is unveiling his first legislative proposal since taking office, a first-in-the-nation measure to prevent businesses from tracking Floridians’ firearm and ammo purchases.
Simpson, the former Senate President who was sworn in as Agriculture Commissioner last week, announced his proposal for the “Florida Arms and Ammo Act” Tuesday.
The measure comes in response to new international standards for recording payment transactions last year that established a separate identification code for firearm and ammunition sales. With the new merchant category code, it is potentially easier to track people who have purchased guns or ammo.
“We are all blessed to live in the free state of Florida where our Second Amendment rights are valued and protected, but Democrats in Washington continue to try to chip away at these rights — and we must stay vigilant,” Simpson said.
“The ‘Florida Arms and Ammo Act’ draws a line in the sand and tells multi-national progressive financial institutions, and their allies in Washington, that they cannot covertly create a backdoor firearm registry of Floridians — or else.”
A Florida man has been arrested by deputies after twoconcealed carry permit holders stopped him from escaping by holding him at gunpoint after he allegedly shot two women.
Florida police say Lee David Wilkerson, 38, was standing outside the Bingo Paradise bingo hall in Pensacola, Fla., on Wednesday when two women tried to enter and an argument ensued, according to a Facebook post from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
When Wilkerson tried to go back into the building, two citizens with concealed guns drew those guns and held him at the scene until police arrived.
Wilkerson allegedly pulled a gun from his side and hit one of the women in the head with it before firing in their direction as they tried to run away.
Wilkerson, who police say was carrying methamphetamine at the time, then allegedly threw his gun into a nearby dumpster.
Lee David Wilkerson, 38, was arrested after shooting two women outside a Florida bingo hall.
Authorities were able to locate Wilkerson’s gun in a nearby dumpster..
On September 1, 2021, Texas’ “permitless carry” law took effect. Since then, there have been a 550%increase in unlawful carrying of a weapon convictions. That is “convictions” not arrests.
AUSTIN, Texas ― Few people are more enthusiastic about carrying handguns than Mike Cargill. The owner of Central Texas Gun Works often carries three ― two concealed, plus one holstered outside his belt.
He’s also enthusiastic about handgun education. Even after the Republican-dominated state legislature passed a “constitutional carry” law, which allows Texans to carry handguns both openly and concealed without getting a license, Cargill kept teaching classes and range qualifications for the now-optional License to Carry Program (LTC). Cargill says a license offers a lot of benefits, not least of which is helping people navigate the state’s complicated gun laws.
And since Texas became one of about half of the states in the country that view carrying a gun as a constitutional right, it looks like people are getting confused by those complicated laws. Several of Cargill’s students over the last year and a half signed up for an LTC class hoping to avoid conviction for unlawfully carrying a weapon ― usually after taking a gun somewhere they shouldn’t have.
When Cargill checked the Texas Department of Public Safety’s website, he found that his experience wasn’t an anomaly. Convictions for unlawfully carrying weapons skyrocketed in the state, from 1,049 in 2020 to nearly 7,000 last year — a spike of 550% and the highest number by far since 2016, the last year of complete data. The state adopted the constitutional carry law in September 2021.
“Yes, it’s your right to carry a gun,” Cargill said. “But you have to know how to carry that gun. If not, that’s a problem.”
No Obvious Explanation
It’s not clear why convictions for unlawfully carrying a weapon have risen so sharply. HuffPost reached out to several local law enforcement agencies asking for an answer. Few responded. Those that did hadn’t noticed the trend, though some agreed with Cargill that confusion might help account for it.
The “apparent rise in unlawful carrying cases across the state is alarming,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg wrote in an email to HuffPost.
“In Harris County, we seem to have filed more than one charge against some suspects which indicates that defendants freed on bond have been charged with the same crime more than once,” Ogg wrote. “Around the rest of the state, they may have the same problem or it could be something else, such as a lack of education about the constitutional carry laws or other laws regarding the possession of firearms.”
Although permitless carry sounds simple, gun laws are complicated. Even under the new law, places like airports, courthouses, hospitals and schools generally don’t allow weapons. Private businesses can also prohibit people from bringing in guns, either by displaying a sign or warning people verbally.
In theory, you can’t bring a gun into a place that earns more than 51% of its revenue from alcohol. But in practice, you can take a gun into a bar if the bar’s liquor license classifies it as a restaurant, which requires checking the Texas Alcohol Beverage Control’s website.
Permitless carry added a new layer of complexity by creating two classes of people allowed to carry handguns ― those with licenses and those relying on the constitution.
The most commonly cited perks of getting a license are that it allows the holder to concealed carry in most other states, and license holders only have to submit federal background checks for application and renewal, instead of every time they buy a gun.
But the law favors LTC holders in many other ways. Carrying a gun with a blood alcohol content of up to 0.08 is legal for license holders. Without one, drinking any alcohol at all while carrying a gun is illegal. An LTC exempts the license holder from the restriction on carrying a gun within 1,000 feet of a school under federal law (though bringing one inside a school building generally remains illegal).
The once-required classes explain all these details. Those carrying a gun because they read a news article saying they can, might not know, for example, unholstering a handgun while inside a car and leaving it in plain view is a crime.
Still, it’s not clear how confusion alone would translate into more gun charges. If someone’s doing a decent job concealing the handgun, they’re not likely to get caught with it.
Instead, many people are charged with unlawfully carrying a weapon only after police arrest them for something else, according to attorney Shane Phelps ― usually drinking and driving, or possession of marijuana.
The only people Phelps regularly sees with unlawfully carrying a weapon as their only charge are felons caught with guns. But Texas tallies the crime of possessing a gun despite a felony conviction separately from unlawfully carrying a weapon.
“That’s kind of a shocking statistic to me ― I don’t have an explanation for it,” Phelps said, referring to the increase in charges. “It’s really hard right now in Texas to get arrested for just carrying a weapon.”
The introduction of permitless carry may not account for the shift, given that it can take several months to cycle defendants from charging to conviction. The data increase could also be due to a historic and sustained spike in gun sales that started during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harris County, for example, showed a clear rise in unlawfully carrying a weapon dating back to 2019, with the number of people charged more than doubling in two years to 4,454. Incomplete numbers for this year were on track to slightly exceed last year.
In an open letter to firearms dealers dated Dec. 27, the ATF told firearm vendors that nearly-complete handgun frames or receivers will be treated the same as fully completed firearms.
The Biden administration has dialed up its crackdown on so-called “ghost guns” by issuing guidance that basically expands the definition of what “readily converted” means in a new federal rule and making more do-it-yourself pistol parts subject to restrictions.
In an open letter to firearms dealers (pdf) dated Dec. 27, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) told firearm vendors that nearly-complete handgun frames or receivers—basically the pistol grip and firing mechanism—will be treated the same as fully completed firearms
It’s happen again. Mass shooting averted. A good guy with a gun stops a bad guy with a gun.
December 14, 2022
Amazon contracted employee returned fire at shooter outside warehouse.
The suspected shooter was killed when an Amazon contracted employee returned fire, Chandler police said. One other person was hospitalized.
CHANDLER, Ariz. — A contracted Amazon worker returned fire on a suspected shooter at the Amazon Flex warehouse in Chandler, police said.
Investigators believe the deceased man shot an Amazon contracted worker before another employee fatally shot him. The deceased man did not work for Amazon, according to the Chandler Police Department.
The worker who shot the original shooter is cooperating with the police, and authorities said that his actions may have prevented a larger shooting.
“He did come to the aid of an individual who was being shot by our suspect. So and so in that case, I would say he is a Good Samaritan,” said Sgt. Jason McClimans.
Chandler police said the incident did not involve an “active shooter” investigators are working to determine the circumstances leading up to Wednesday’s shooting.
Authorities said they don’t know if it was a targeted attack.
“We’re deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence in our parking lot. We’re working closely with law enforcement as they investigate and are focused on supporting our team during this difficult time,” said Amazon spokesman Richard Rocha.
Bryton Bobbitt was in his delivery van in the Amazon warehouse parking lot near McQueen and Queen Creek roads when the shooting started.
After hearing a “pop, pop, pop” sound, the driver quickly looked for a safe place.
“As soon as I saw employees running, I just put my van in drive and got out of here as quickly as I could,” Bobbitt said.
The FBI reported 61 mass shooting incidents in 2021 resulting in 103 deaths. In comparison, the Centers for Disease Control has reported there were greater than 30,000 fentanyl overdose deaths in 2021.
That is approximately 29,897 more deaths due to fentanyl overdose than deaths due to mass shootings. Yet the illegal flow of fentanyl, across the southern boarder, goes on unabated by the Biden Administration.
The question begs: What is the Biden Administration’s true agenda?
Regardless, there are obviously misdirectd priorities in the Biden Administration.
Keep in mind, it is constitutional ‘carry’ not constitutional ownership.
It is all well and good until it is your 9-year-old son, daughter, neice, nephew, grandson or granddaughter.Maybe not everyone should carry a gun in public.
Winter Haven Woman Arrested After Pulling Gun During Road Rage Incident
Winter Haven, FL – November 17, 2022
A Winter Haven woman’s response to an alledged traffic incident has her behind bars facing two felonies.
25 year-old Bonita Adams of Winter Haven) believed another driver cut her off after turning onto 6th St. from Ave. O SE.
As both vehicles stopped for a traffic light at the intersection of Ave. K SE and 6th St SE, Adams exited her vehicle with a handgun and walked to the driver’s side door of the victim’s vehicle. Adams pointed her .380 handgun at the victim’s face and stated that if the driver ever cut her off again, she (Adams) would find her and kill her. The victim’s 12 year-old child was also in the vehicle and witnessed the incident.
Officers located the vehicles in the area of 6th St. SE and Ave. C SE and made contact with Adams. Adams continued to state that the victim cut her off and told officers that she did in fact walk up to the victim while stopped at the traffic light and pointed her handgun at the victim’s face.
Adams was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault With A Deadly Weapon (F.S.S. 784.021(1)(A) F3 and Exhibiting a Weapon Within 1,000 Ft of a School (F.S.S. 790.115(1) F3.
Doral Florida Road rage incident leads to police chase
Doral, Florida – November 17, 2022
FLORIDA CITY, Fla. — A driver was arrested Thursday morning after he shot someone during a traffic accident in Doral and then led police in pursuit, authorities said.
Doral Police later released images showing the incident taking place.
Lawrence Collier is facing numerous charges, including fleeing and evading police, publicly firing a firearm, attempted second-degree murder, and two counts of attempted second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer
Florida – Two children shot during Nassau County road rage incident, fathers are charged with attempted murder
Two children were rushed to the hospital after being shot Saturday on U.S. 1 after their fathers were shooting at each other during a road rage incident.
October 10, 2022
NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. — A 5-year-old girl was shot in the leg and a 14-year-old girl was shot in the back Saturday while riding in separate vehicles on U.S. 1 in Callahan just after 6 p.m. Their injuries were the result of their fathers shooting at each other during a road rage incident, Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper said Monday during a news conference.
“What is scarier than one crazy driver with a gun? Two crazy drivers with a gun,” Leeper said.
The drivers the sheriff was referring to are William Hale, 36, and Frank Allison, 43.Both men are charged with attempted murder. They didn’t know each other before the incident that a witness described as a “cat and mouse game,” Leeper said. The witness told a 911 operator that the men were driving erratically and “brake-checking” each other. That’s when a driver gets in front of another vehicle and applies the brakes.
The sheriff said a black Dodge Ram with five occupants driven by Hale of Douglas, Ga. pulled up along side the grey Nissan Murano driven by Allison of Callahan and began shouting at him to pull over.
The right front passenger in the Nissan put her hand out of the window and “flipped off” the Dodge Ram with her middle finger, Leeper said. A plastic water bottle was then tossed from the Dodge Ram into the Nissan.
Allison then grabbed his Sig Saur 45mm handgun and fired one shot at Hale’s truck before speeding away, Leeper said. The bullet went through the right rear door hitting the 5 year old in the leg.
Hale told authorities he realized his daughter was shot after Allison sped off. Hale pursued the Nissan and began firing several shots from his Glock 43 9mm handgun out of the driver’s window with his left hand, Leeper said adding that the shooter emptied the clip.
Three rounds hit the Nissan with one of the bullets going through the rear of the car striking a 14-year-old girl in the back causing her lung to collapse.
SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 – The woman’s vehicle was struck seven times, according to the sheriff’s office, but she was not injured.He said he fired several rounds into the vehicle trying to hit its tires and disable it.The man faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm from a vehicle and shooting into an occupied vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office. Deputies brought him to the Volusia County Branch Jail and he was given a bond of $40,000.
In September 2021, Texas enacted its ‘Constitutional Carry’ law. Below is a example of what has occured since then.
It is all well and good until it is your 9-year-old son, daughter, neice, nephew, grandson or granddaughter.Maybe not everyone should carry a gun in public.
Angry Drivers, Lots of Guns: An Explosion in Road Rage Shootings
Mother, 2 children injured in Marshall shooting Apr 11, 2022 – MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) — A mother and her two children were injured in a shooting that occurred Sunday evening in Marshall.
3-year-old dies after shooting, Dallas police say March 28, 2022 – Monday night, police said the child’s mother reported that the shooting was related to a road rage incident involving another sedan near a park at Whitehurst and Arbor Park.
Feb. 18, 2022 – A 4-year-old child was shot in the leg in the courtyard in front of his apartment around 4:30 p.m., according to Houston police. The shooting happened in the 600 block of Nottingham Oaks Trail.
Jan. 30, 2022 – HPD: 7-year-old boy shot inside SW Houston apartment: A 7-year-old boy is in stable condition after being shot in the leg inside a southwest Houston apartment, Houston police said. Officers were called to assist firefighters in the 10500 block of Fondren Road near Willowbend Boulevard at around 12:10 a.m
Jan. 17, 2022 – 3 injured, including brothers ages 1 and 6, in shooting in SE Houston, HPD says: Two children and a man were injured during a shooting in southeast Houston in the 5900 block of Selinsky Road around 7 p.m. Police said they were flagged down by a vehicle with several people inside. Police said they found three people shot, one man and two siblings – a 1-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy. The 1-year-old was shot in the arm and the 6-year-old was shot in the stomach. The man was shot in the hand at a separate location that police described as being “chaotic.”.
Nov. 21, 2021 – 1-year-old expected to survive after drive-by shooting in southwest Houston, police say: An investigation is underway after a 1-year-old boy was shot during a drive-by in southwest Houston, police said. Officers said it happened in the 5400 block of Renwick at 10:20 a.m. when a woman was walking home from the store with her 1-year-old son.
Nov. 20, 2021 – 4-year-old girl, woman shot after southeast Houston drive-by, HPD says: A 4-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman were shot in southeast Houston, Houston police said. Initial details from Houston police confirmed the shooting took place in the 6900 block of Moss Rose Street. Authorities were called to the scene around 8:18 p.m.
Oct. 31, 2021 – Father, young child injured in road rage shooting in north Houston, police say: A man and his 1-year-old child were injured in a road rage shooting in north Houston, Houston police said. The man was driving south on I-45 near Loop 610 around 7:30 p.m. when he got into “some type of road rage altercation” with another driver, police said. At some point during the incident, the driver pulled up next to the victim and fired multiple rounds into his vehicle.
Oct. 28, 2021 – 10-year-old boy killed in accidental shooting inside vehicle in north Houston, police say: A 10-year-old boy is dead after an accidental shooting in north Houston, police say. The shooting occurred at the 8300 block of Willow Place Drive at around 12:30 p.m. Police said the 10-year-old boy’s mother sent him and his 11-year-old cousin to get something from her vehicle when the boys found a gun inside of the car.
Oct. 11, 2021 – 7-year-old shot in head at apartment complex in southeast Houston, HPD says: Houston police are investigating after a 7-year-old boy was found shot in the head at an apartment complex in southeast Houston. Houston police responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex located at 11810 Algonquin Drive. Police said they found the 7-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
