Gun dealer charged with illegal sale
No link to N.Y. City suit, authorities say
By Schuyler Kropf
No link to N.Y. City suit, authorities say
The Post and Courier
Mickalis Pawn on North Main in Summerville.
Map
Mickalis Pawn Shop
Timeline of events
May 2006
New York City sues 15 out-of-state gun sellers, including Larry Mickalis' pawnshop in Summerville, saying illegal firearm sales have fueled violence on its streets. The federal civil complaint accuses dealers of negligently selling guns to people who legally shouldn't have them. Some dealers later settle with the city.
August 2006
Mickalis sues New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for slander, fraud and emotional distress. Contrary to Bloomberg's and the City of New York's allegations, Mickalis sells firearms "in strict compliance with all federal and state laws," the suit states. It seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages.
January 2008
The Bloomberg-Mickalis legal battle has taken several twists. Bloomberg is deposed in Mickalis' civil suit during a session with lawyers in New York. It is the first time the mayor has sat for a civil deposition since being elected, according to New York media.
February 2008
Mickalis is indicted on a single charge of selling a rifle and ammo to a convicted felon in January 2006. Federal officials say the charge is not connected to the New York lawsuits.
SUMMERVILLE — A Summerville pawnshop owner suing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for slander over the mayor's "rogue" gun dealer barb has been charged with making an illegal gun sale more than two years ago.
Larry Mickalis was named in a one-count federal indictment accusing him of selling a rifle and ammunition to a convicted felon in January 2006.
Mickalis had reason to know the buyer had a criminal record and could not legally obtain a gun, the indictment contends.
Mickalis declined comment Thursday. His lawyer, Justin Kahn of Charleston, did not return calls for comment.
The charge is not connected to the highly publicized sting Bloomberg unilaterally launched during the spring of 2006 targeting Mickalis and gun sellers in 14 other states, federal officials said Thursday.
In the sting, Bloomberg used private investigators in an attempt to prove out-of-state retailers were habitually allowing illegal sales, and that those weapons were ending up in New York street crimes. The city eventually sued several of the shops it claimed were negligent.
Even if the cases are not connected, the new criminal allegation is likely to fuel an already heated civil fight playing out between Mickalis and the mayor.
Mickalis contends he was disparaged by Bloomberg's comment that he was part of a class of "rogue gun dealers" and is seeking civil damages.
Bloomberg issued a statement praising South Carolina authorities for their efforts.
"Our complaint said that we found this dealer broke the law, now the federal government has reached the same conclusion," he said.
Federal agents served a search warrant on Mickalis' Main Street store early Thursday, authorities confirmed. They would not discuss whether anything was recovered.
Mickalis sold a PWA Commando .223-caliber rifle and ammunition to an individual identified in court papers as Jesse O'Conner, according to the indictment. O'Conner reportedly had a felony criminal conviction which would make him ineligible to legally purchase a gun or ammunition.
Government officials confirmed Thursday that O'Conner is a cooperating witness for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He entered Mickalis' store on or about Jan. 11, 2006.
Beyond publishing his name in court papers, officials from the ATF and the U.S. Attorney's Office refused to release further details about O'Conner, including the crime he was convicted of, his age or where he currently lives.
Officials also refused to disclose what prompted them to target Mickalis' store.
If convicted, Mickalis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His federal license also could be in jeopardy.
Nothing in particular triggered the timing of this week's filing, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Alston Badger.
"Whatever Bloomberg did, it is totally unrelated to what is alleged in the indictment," Badger also said.
Mickalis Pawn Shop has been a long-time fixture on Main Street. He also has been a critic of Bloomberg's gun sting, saying it was misguided and poorly executed.
During the sting, private investigators went into shops and attempted to arrange "straw purchases" in which someone who legally can buy a gun attempts to get it into the hands of someone who cannot.
After the multistate visits were concluded, New York sued some of the dealers civilly for allowing weapons to be sold illegally. No fewer than 49 of Mickalis' guns were used in crimes in New York between 1994 and 2001, Bloomberg's lawsuit contends. The case could be heard as soon as May in federal court in New York.
Also in the wake of the sting, Mickalis sued Bloomberg and New York for slander, fraud and emotional distress. He denied he broke any laws associated with gun sales.
ATF spokesman Earl Woodham said this week's indictment deals with events that occurred long before New York City filed its lawsuit. It would be inaccurate for people to connect the two cases, he said.
"There is no targeting this guy because he is fighting back. We will not be a partner to vindictiveness."
ATF audits gun dealers' records about once a year, Woodham said. The inspections are preplanned. If inspectors come across any anomalies or other concerns, a lead is forwarded to law enforcement, he said.
The audits are one of the ways the agency learns of possible illegal activity at gun dealerships, he added.
Dealers are required to keep sales records on file but they are not required to report sales volumes to the ATF.
The agency does not maintain a database of gun sales, he said.
Post and Courier reporter Ron Menchaca contributed to this report. Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@postandcourier.com or 937-5551.
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Cid95 (anonymous) says...
When he sells a gun, like all dealers, he has to run the buyer through the FBI phone background check. Did he not do that? More details needed. I realize the ATF may not be providing much though.
February 15, 2008 at 1:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
I think Mickalis is also at the mercy of his employees, as some of them seem rather young. Why also is a convicted felon "cooperating" with the ATF? I'd be willing to bet this fella has something he wants expunged, and he went to the ATF, possibly through Bloomberg's office, to get it done. I agree that Mr. O'Conner should NEVER have been able to purchase any type of firearm from Mr. Mickalis, but the timing of these charges is very interesting, indeed. They assert that one has nothing to do with the other, but I'll be in the scheme of things, they are very, very closely related.
February 15, 2008 at 7:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BillytheKid (anonymous) says...
"No fewer than 49 of Mickalis' guns were used in crimes in New York between 1994 and 2001, Bloomberg's lawsuit contends. The case could be heard as soon as May in federal court in New York."
We sure make it easy for anyone to get a gun. And then we wonder why we have so many killings. I am for gun control, I have nothing to hide and if I want to get a gun it should not be as easy as showing an ID and paying.
February 15, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Make sure that you cross your t's and dot your i's when you take on the powers that be. You must be right 100% of the time; not only can they afford to lose a thousand times but also only need one win to take you out.
February 15, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
datadiva (anonymous) says...
I can't believe people are defending Mikalis...
Does someone have to kill YOUR family member before you GET IT???? If he's going to hire employees, make sure they're competent; your argument doesn't fly, SomeTruth.
February 15, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sgtwitherspoon (anonymous) says...
Mr. Mikalis should be punished as a first offender for selling a convicted fellon a weapon. However, this witch hunt for gun dealers is just another way for federal law enforcement agencies to point blame for their own failures. The real blame should go to the liberal judges and the overly complicated volumes of criminal laws enacted by lawmakers. This witch hunt is tactic to sway public opinion on the rights and responsibilities of gun ownership for the law abiding citizenry. Don't be fooled. The feds would rather we all trade in our guns for hammers and scythes. Sound familiar?
February 15, 2008 at 8:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
Wow. A guy named Jesse O'Conner stole 3 guns from my house once. And that's just the tip of the iceburg of what he stole. Hmm.... interesting.
February 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
DataDiva...it wasn't an argument...I believe that if anyone is able to sell a gun...whether it's the owner of the business or his employees, they should follow the letter of the law. I know him, and I don't believe he would ever knowingly jeopardize his business or his livelihood to make sure he made a few bucks off of a felon...but I do believe he should maintain tighter control of the employees, if that's who allowed that transaction. The truth will come out, and I'm sure Mr. Mickalis will pay with his license, and that will be one less avenue anyone can use to purchase his/her weapon of choice. I will say this, though...it does smell of revenge, though, that the one fraudulent purchase they say they can prove and prosecute goes back to 2006, and involves a rifle, not the handguns that they're saying Larry is putting on the streets. If found guilty, it will be all Bloomberg needs to have the case against him dismissed. Do I believe straw purchases occur? Certainly. Do I believe Larry would knowingly put a weapon in the hands of one person that he knew was not meant to be the owner? I don't, and that's because I've known him for years. I've seen this whole thing take a toll on him...you can see it in his face. He is the victim of a violent crime, and that's why he is such a believer in the Right to Bear Arms. I firmly agree. If I lived in North Charleston, darn right I'd own a gun. I'm hoping and praying that the transaction was another "straw purchase" that can be debunked, but if not, Mr. Mickalis is going to face the music on this.
February 15, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
I've looked up the .23 caliber that they're referring to, and that appears to be an assault rifle. They are also stating that O'Connor entered the Mickalis Pawn Shop "on or about" Jan. 11 2006. "On or About"? That's not sounding too concrete to me...if they don't know specifically what date, how do they know he sold directly to O'Connor, specifically? If they couldn't find where Mickalis had done the necessary paperwork, I'm wondering if there's any documentation whatsoever that links that gun to Mickalis, directly through O'Connor, in the first place. O'Connor was probably caught with that gun, and they found that the last place it was registered was at Mickalis...not a shock there. Bloomberg has been saying that many, many guns used in crimes in New York City have been traced back to Mickalis. Where's the documentation that many of the guns used HERE are traced directly to him? Not ones that have been reported stolen, not ones obtained by people legitimately, only to hand them off to someone else, but direct purchases made by people not legally able to possess a gun? It looks like they THINK they've found one. I can tell you this...I do not believe Larry would sell what literally looks like a machine gun to anyone without the necessary paperwork/background checks. His grandmother was murdered, and Larry has been shot, and that's why he is so adamant that the average, law-abiding citizen should be able to purchase a weapon. This whole thing sounds very, very vague, and I'm anxious to hear the details.
February 15, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
camigreen (anonymous) says...
I totally agree with BillytheKid. The only thing that gun control will do is control the way that honest people can get a gun. When is the last time that a criminal went to the gun store to buy a gun. Never, they either steal it or buy it off of the street. Which if it is off of the street it is more often than not stolen. Then once they are caught with it, the judges slap them on the wrist with probation, or if they are already on probation they get double secret probation. The judges are not totally to blame. The prosecutors are pushing so many cases through just to clear the docket that so many of these are just looked over.
February 15, 2008 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mosinfan (anonymous) says...
Yep, this has witchhunt smell all over it. I dont know Mr. Mikalis but I higly doubt he would take the chance of losing his liscense and livlihood and going to jail just to make one sale to a felon.
All the anti-gun handwringers will be jumping all over this one for sure.
As was said already, yesterdays events in Illinois will again bring to the forefront the plain truth that these colleges and universities that forbid their student body from legally carrying a firearm on campus contribute to the fact that they are defenseless sheep.
Oh, I know someone is going to come back now and say "what? you want to arm the students after what happened". Please...before you make such a statememt please stop and THINK! The nutcase that killed all those people was not stopped by the over 17,000 gun laws already on the books.
February 15, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
camigreen (anonymous) says...
Sometruth,
Dont look to much into that statement "on or about". That is standard jargon that is used in most affidavits. It in no way says that they do not have the exact date and time that it occured.
February 15, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
riddiksgirl (anonymous) says...
Jesse O'Conner was in prison on Jan 11, 2006.
February 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mosinfan (anonymous) says...
tripsa, you nailed it.
I wonder how many people were shot after he reloaded, remember so far 6 dead and 15 wounded.
I think its time that the schools and universities were put on notice: "You want to make this a gun free zone">? Ok, then you are liable when a student can not defend him/herself.
February 15, 2008 at 10:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hairy1663 (anonymous) says...
BillytheKid, It's not as easy as showing an ID and paying. If you have no knowledge of the subject you shouldn't be misleading people with your comments.
February 15, 2008 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
I am not in favor of gun control, but it would be a huge mistake to have college campuses loaded with gun totin' teens. Think about this-N Illinois college has an enrollment of 25,000 students, most in their early 20's or younger. Let's say 10 percent carry weapons. You think it's a good idea to have 2,500 youths carrying guns on a college campus where partying is the norm? Not a smart idea at all-there would be shootings daily. To me, Universities need to carry the burden of protecting the students. They have the means and the money to do this. And yes, they should be held accountable when tragedies like this happen. Back to the subject at hand, this damn sure smells like retribution and revenge against Mickalis.
February 15, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
SCHoser - to own a pistol legally you must be 21. So, your teens comment isn't accurate. Also, to get a CCW (concealed carry weapon) license you have to pass background courses and training courses. The rules of when you can carry are made clear. At a party where you are drinking isn't one of them.
If at that school in IL or in WV there had been just one or two students who weren't disarmed due to the stupid "criminal safety zone" laws (which prevent only law abiding people from exercising their rights) then there would likely have been fewer casualties. Maybe the deterrence factor would have prevented them altogether. These cowards only want to go where they know they will face no opposition.
February 15, 2008 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
Cid95, thats a faulty argument...I hope you aren't basing that on the silly belief that somehow having "more" guns makes us safer. Just because the rules are "clear" doesn't make them fool proof.
People always try to seek a means to explaining away an unexplainable tragedy and somehow try to make it preventable. Who is to say that these "armed civilians" would have actually been in the right place at the right time. Let's leave policing and protecting the populace to those are trained and moved by the law to do so. I for one, would NOT feel any safer if there were at my college random kids carrying around guns, I don't care what courses or training they had!!
February 15, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
These crazy kids are also not afraid of death ...if that's what you mean. I don't think you can "deter" crazy. I think in the one case I had heard of where this whole theory of someone saving people because they had a gun on them (I think it was in Kentucky...correct me if I was wrong), the guy that did, was not too pleased that people hailed him of an example of what everyone should do. In the end, is just way too simple of a solution for a complex problem in our society (mass murder/suicides)that we need address as a nation.
February 15, 2008 at 12:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
I am sorry. I always say crazy is as crazy does. If you think having students carrying guns is going to stop this kind of tragedy then you are seriously mistaken. This is not the wild west. You have lunatics in this world that will wave their guns at armed police officers. You think they care if someone has a gun??? Most of them go in knowing that they'll either kill themselves after or the police will. Sorry, but crazy isn't scared of guns.
February 15, 2008 at 12:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mosinfan (anonymous) says...
Cid95, you responded exactly as I was about to write same. You are exactly right.
Everytime the subject comes up about "carrying" on college campuses people bring up the same old "wild, wild, west" argument.
The facts are clear, as you said...not every student would be able to carry, only those 21 or older and those with CCW which at least in SC requires you to have training and SLED background check.
Less than 1 percent of CCW holders ever commit any offense that requires revocation of the permit.
I would rather take my chances with a few law abiding students carrying than have the whole lot be a bunch of unarmed sheeple waiting on one nutcase to slaughter them because he knows it will be so easy.
Poor argument SCHoser. Tell that to the loved ones of the 35 Va Tech victims and now the 6 at Northern Illinois. It wont hold water with them. I bet they wish someone had the capability to put this "wild animal" down after the first shot or at worst case while he was reloading for the rest of his slaughter.
February 15, 2008 at 12:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mosinfan (anonymous) says...
SCdeacinNYC, I assume from your login name that you are in New York City. Your comments make sense to me since you all are well trained to be defenseless sheeple.
As for your comments about "Let's leave policing and protecting the populace to those are trained and moved by the law to do so" rings hollow. Law enforcement does all they can, but do you have any idea when they get there? 99.99% of the time they arrive on the scene after the carnage has been done.
Armed citizens defend themselves and others across this country every day but the liberal media doesnt want you to know that.
It is sad that so many citizens in this country have bought into the hogwash that they just cant prepare to defend themselves and others.
I prefer to be trained and ready to defend my family, myself, and others from the vermin that prey on the defenseless in our society.
February 15, 2008 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
I know Larry,have known him for years,bought my first rifle from him when I was 18 i am now 42,the rifle was a .22 rifle that looked like a M16,it was made in the Philippines. When my 78 year old mother house was broken into,the first thing Larry asked was she Ok,and could he help in anyway..I told him I needed a box of ammo for my mothers pistol,he took the time to show me what he had,not as a salesmen as a friend.This is a witch hunt targeting a firearm dealer by a anti gun mayor who cannot control his city and who has the power and money to make things happen,Don't by the line:ATF spokesman Earl Woodham said this week's indictment deals with events that occurred long before New York City filed its lawsuit. It would be inaccurate for people to connect the two cases, he said.
"There is no targeting this guy because he is fighting back. We will not be a partner to vindictiveness."...PLEASE... Be strong Larry,Don't give up the fight,I am praying for you...
February 15, 2008 at 1:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dustym59 (anonymous) says...
Hey MAYOR...if u scared u can climb in my pocket and I'll pat it every once in a while to let ya know ya aint alone.
February 15, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lilpenny0 (anonymous) says...
Why don't they just inject metal detectors at colleges? I know that there would be a lot of opposition to that, but it would still make for safer campuses. At least, I would like to think so. They should run a trial period at one school and see if that helps at all. I mean, it seems we have at least one mas school killing a year. And not matter what happens after, there aren't any new policies, rules, regulations, etc. put in place to help keep the college kids safe.
At some point you just have to make a change.
"If you keep doing what you've always done, you will get what you've always gotten."
Just my opinion.
February 15, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
You can see what various government entities are doing to a decent man. Now tell me again that I want only my government to be armed. Tell me again that my government will obey their first obligation and protect my borders. If you do not believe that you are your last line of defense and prepared to defend yourself and yours, well...there's no point in talking to a fool.
February 15, 2008 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
IF, and that's a big IF, he knowingly sold a gun to a convicted felon, he should go to jail. But even if that is the case, there are some scary aspects to this. We are talking ONE sale of ONE gun to ONE convicted felon. Oh, that's the reason for crime in New York City?? Gimme a break. Also, who cares how many guns bought at this store were used in crimes in NYC? There is no way to track how many hands they passed thru on the way. It is absolutely ridiculous to even bring the issue up. Stick to real facts.
February 15, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
How many Guns were used in SC violent crimes sold from that store?The state with the #1 most violent crime rate in the United States. It has really deterred crime here(sarcasm).
And before You jump down my throat,I believe every Law abididing citizen should be able to carry a firearm if they chose to...When a person carries ILLEGALLY they should be Sentenced to a sentence higher than carrying drugs...Stiffen up the Illegal Gun Laws!
February 15, 2008 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
On the Mickalis case, we don't have the facts yet, so speculation here is just that.
With that said, I'm speculating that the ATF is not here as a government agency to serve the citizens. Like any bureaucracy, it eventually exists to serve itself and control & dominate the citizenry.
Asking a gun owner how they feel about the BATFE is like asking a fire hydrant how it feels about dogs.
In selling a firearm, the business processes a form 4473. On this form the buyer fills in information about their background, whether there is a criminal history, etc. The dealer then takes the information on the form and calls in for a background check. If the check comes back clean, the transaction is completed.
One possibility (yes, more speculation to illustrate a point) is if the alleged felon gave the wrong social security number, the check would come back clean (as long as he didn't use another criminal's). At that point the dealer would have met the requirements of the law in good faith, and the onus would be on the criminal for falsifying an official document.
Just saying there is a lot we don't know yet, so let's not rush to judgment.
February 15, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
ChrisPia,
The violent crime stats in SC dropped after the current Concealed Weapons law went into effect.
The thing criminals fear most is a potential victim who is armed and determined to fight back.
The only people endangered by my "few" ;) firearms are those who would harm me or my family.
February 15, 2008 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Hmmm , news update - Illionis shooter had stopped taking his meds.
hmmmmm
February 15, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
Test2007-
If you start researching violent acts/crimes committed by people on psychoactive drugs like Zoloft and Ritalin, among others, it gets scary.
We're pumping these chemicals with a myriad of negative side effects into people and then the clock starts ticking.
Seriously, you folks ought to look into the side effects of the drugs we've come to take for granted.
February 15, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
So what you are saying mosinfan is that law enforcement is obsolete and we should all take up arms and be the sole responsibility for catching criminals and regulating and preventing crime. Did I catch that correctly?
Give me a break. Hehe..people in NYC are defenseless sheep? Ha, have you been here lately...the last thing you need to be in a city this large with so many people and so much going on at once is defenseless. If New Yorkers are anything they are TOO on the DEFENSIVE. You obviously have no idea....and Yes, I live in NYC but was born and raised in SC in a house with a few guns, all of which my family owned legally none of which they ever had to use to defend ourselves. Don't take my comments to an extreme, I do think people have the constitutional right to "bear arms" but that is separate from what I was referring to. I for one will not depend on the average Tom, Dick and Harry that is legally licensed to own a weapon to defend me if someone starts shooting. And thats with a broad assumption that that act can even be defended against. We aren't talking about someone breaking into your house to rob or assault you. We are talking about someone going on an indiscriminate violent and insane rampage in a public area. What can you do in that situation? Oh, let me pull out my gun so I can take that guy out. Now that is a wild wild west fantasy if I've ever heard one.
And what the heck is the liberal media? You sound like some crazy guy sitting in a rocking chair on a porch complaining and propagandizing about how the liberal media has kept us down. Get real. The media is owned by big money and is most interested in whatever profits itself the most. That's why the quality of news and quantity of international news is watered down tabloid fare. I don't think the media could care less about particpating is the sort of conspiracy you seem to be suggesting.
February 15, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Waterboard - It is funny that you think the drugs are making the people crazy. People have been crazy since the dawn of time before those drugs even came into existence. While I admit we are an OVERLY medicated society and I firmly believe that prescription drug abuse to be more rampant and acceptable than that of illegal drugs (why you ask? Ask how many parents have their kids on anti-anxiety meds). I can't see that as the reason why he shot a random group of people. Diarrhea yes? Randomly killing folks? nah. Like you said, a lot of people are on these drugs. What is stopping them from unleashing on all of us?
February 15, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
NYC,
It's easy to have an opinion, but it takes some work to know what you're talking about. I recommend some homework. ;)
Your cooment insinuating that mosinfan thinks LE is obsolete and we should take the law into our own hands is ridiculous hyperbole. Let's try to keep the discussion on a rational, mature level.
The courts have ruled that the police are not obligated to protect individual; citizens. I have great respect for the police, but the fact is they cannot be everywhere at once. That's just the way it is.
I grew up in the PA/NY region. People are indoctrinated that the government will take care of you.
BTW, I had no idea NYC was crime-free. Thatnks for that tidbit. Too much going on for anybody to be robbed/assaulted/murdered? I guess it's true what they say about keeping idle hands busy.
Like you, I will not depend on "the average Tom, Dick, and Harry" to defend me. Unlike you, I am prepared to use deadly force in defense of my family.
With that said, I will be perfectly happy to never have to do it. However, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
There have been documented cases in which a shooter on school grounds was confronted by armed citizens and immediately surrendered. It HAS happened. The info is easy to find if you'll look. I'm not going to do your research for you if you are unwilling to do it yourself.
As mosinfan was pointing out, when there is a criminal with a gun, it is thrown in our faces by the media. If a citizen with a gun prevents a crime from being completed, it's buried.
According to the FBI's statistics, armed American citizens use firearms to prevent crimes/defend themselves over a million times a year. How many instances have you heard of on the evening news?
The fact is there are predators out there. I don't cower in fear, nor do I hunt them. But I am prepared to defend myself. If you have 5 or 10 minutes, call 911. If you need a more immediate response, it's on your shoulders...
February 15, 2008 at 3:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Waterboard, Violent Crime has Dropped when the concealed weapons went into affect? Where? Not in SC.
Certaintly not in this area...
February 15, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
You Must stop Reading Ray Nash's Re-Election pages and find out the real stats.
February 15, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
Test2007-
Funny?
You think side-effects resulting in psychotic behavior are funny???
You really need to do some research before you try to discuss this.
February 15, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterboard (anonymous) says...
Waterboard tires of trying to have a rational discussion with people who refuse to let facts interfere with their opinions.
Go do your homework.
February 15, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Test2007 (anonymous) says...
Waterboard, I think maybe you are the one who needs to do some research and homework. I do think it is laughable that now when people commit crimes it is the medicine's fault. Wonder whose fault it was way back when there was no such thing as anti-anxiety medicine?
PS - you are discussing nothing. You are throwing out your opinions and lambasting anyone who disagrees.
February 15, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mosinfan (anonymous) says...
I knew if we had this discussion long enough ChrisPia would get to Ray Nash.
News Flash Chris...Ray Nash is not running for re-election.
Mosinfan is tired of ChrisPias Ray Nash rants...
February 15, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
After reading some of the above posts, I will definitely assert that way too many people are on meds. It's proven that many people that don't have the willpower quit the medications cold turkey after feeling better. The withdrawal from many medications is many times far worse than the condition the med was prescribed for in the first place...Doctors need to quit writing so many prescriptions for so many things and just promote counseling, behavior modification, or some other avenue. Too many people are drugged. The best therapy is just finding a good way to "vent". Tennis used to be that form of therapy for me, but since my butt got too big for that sport, I now shoot pool. It's better than any medication I've ever taken.
February 15, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCJOP (anonymous) says...
I personally know Mr.Mikalis and his brother. This is a bunch of garbage! This is a trumped up way for Bloomberg to get some publicity. I cannot stand Yankees!!!
February 16, 2008 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
Since we're now speaking in the third person, walleyedwoman hates English peas! No, seriously, I've known too many people on antidepressants/anti-anxiety meds who walk around in tears, pack on major pounds, become paranoid and exhibit inappropriate behavior. I'm no Tom Cruise, but I do think proper diet, regular exercise (run, baby, run) and a commitment to be held accountable by friends, clergy, loved ones, whatever, can help those who are unhappy, panicked, confused, etc. But when you start talking about paranoid schizophrenics who hear Hitler asking them to a tea party, all bets are off. Since the beginning of time, some people are just crazy.
February 16, 2008 at 12:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Cid95 (anonymous) says...
Yeah, this guy should have just called 911 and waited for the police...to come pick up his body.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=6c0_12...
YOU bear the primary responsibility for defending YOUR own life and that of your loved ones. The police are a great and very necessary tool to assist in that and the first people to call if you have the time. But it's likely you won't have the time in a life-threatening situation. Hopefully that never happens, but if it does it's best to be prepared. You have a fire extinguisher at home, right? Even though there's a fire department. Same with guns and the police.
February 16, 2008 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
This character, Jesse O'Conner is a true piece of work...crack conviction 1999, conspiracy and breach of trust (both charges x2) 2002, Burglary 1st 12/04...Served in SCDC from 8/06 to 2/08...what I'm understanding is that he SAYS someone purchased a gun for him and Larry KNEW that it wasn't for the person filling out the application...come on, now...Bloomberg, you're a j*ckass, and grasping at straws...the best you could do was come up with a long-time crackhead to push Mr. Mickalis's buttons? Guess you're aware of who Mr. Mickalis's legal team is...quite a good one, and quite frankly, their reach goes all the way to NYC. That piece of garbage didn't have two nickels to rub together...where are you going to claim he got the money to buy a nearly-$1000. gun, when he was having to climb through windows to steal television sets and video games to earn his crack fund? This case is simply hysterical, and I hope the "powers that be" are reading what others think of this case. All you accomplished was bailing that toothless, lanky, nasty human being out of SCDC early for his testimony...to make your case, we are now cursed with this wretched individual...do you think his family took him in? Fat chance...so the rest of us in this area are at risk from this individual, who should have been locked up until at least October, because he has a penchant for taking things that aren't his. I hope the FEDS buy him some teeth, because when he flashes those gums at the jurors, they're bound to think he has problems. Anyone that knows Mr. O'Conner, please write Mr. Mickalis and let him know what a piece of work O'Conner is, and he has nothing to worry about. The Mayor of New York is sweating bullets because his big mouth landed him in the hot seat, and he's resorted to asking favors of SC inmates.
February 16, 2008 at 10:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
Oh...and for the record...all the charges mentioned in the above post were for Berkeley County, ALONE...what a fine, upstanding citizen the feds have chosen for a buddy. When all this is said and done, Mr. Mickalis will have been vindicated, Bloomberg and the Feds will look like jackasses, and the teensie town of Bonneau will still be plagued with the likes of Jesse O'Conner...remember, Bonneau'ians..lock your doors and windows, and make sure you are armed...the FEDS have sent Mr. O'Conner back to you...glad I live in Goose Creek!
February 16, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knuckledragger (anonymous) says...
"Posted by tripsa (anonymous) on February 15, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Right Mayor, Mickalis, should cower and hide because some rich guy with an axe to grind is after him. Sounds like the Amercian way.
I agree Sometruth and Cid95, something smells of RAT here."
Yes and that RAT has friends in high places. Some may feel Mr. Mickalis a fool for standing up to the thugs. Some of us feel that is being a citizen and not a subject of the King. This sounds like, I say it IS, a faked set up to force Mr. Mickalis to spend his money on defense lawyers. The BATF is famous for that. There are no honorable people there.
So Mayor Bloomberg says X number of illegal guns came from this pawnshop. Mr. Bloomberg lies about other thing too.
February 19, 2008 at 11:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
Please note the day of the raid...Feb. 14. Please also see the Date of Mayor Bloomberg's birthday...Feb. 14. I wonder who gave him that gift? An ATF agent, who lives in a half-million dollar home in Summerville...The GS pay scale is obviously NOT what it used to be. This is bound to get very, very interesting.
February 20, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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