The AK Rifle: Now A Good Guys Gun?

The AK-107. The sanctions on Russian firearms must end
so this beautiful rifle can find its way into the United States.

According to ViceNews, due to the recent sanctions on Russian manufactured products, such as Kalashnikov firearms, the company has created plans to change the way the Avtomat Kalashnikov 47 (AK-47) is viewed. While the original design for the AK-47 was created in the year 1947 by a Russian peasant inventor named Mikhail Kalashnikov, the AK-47 has seen thousands of variants from dozens of countries. The image of the AK-47 can even be seen on various flags. The original AK-47 had seen combat in the Vietnam War and still finds its way to war-torn lands, such as Iraq and Afghanistan. However, a truly original milled receiver AK-47 from Russia is quite rare; most often, the stamped receiver AKMs (the "M" stands for "modern" or "modernized") from numerous countries around the world are used. Of course, third-world countries are not the only ones to use such a prominent firearm. Soviet and Russian forces obviously adopted it as their service rifle, as it was a Soviet creation. Surprisingly, the United States is another country that contains a wide array of Russian AK rifles, both milled and stamped. Russia actually exported approximately 80 percent of their Kalashnikov rifles to civilians. Around 90 percent of those exports went directly to the United States. However, due to the sanctions on such firearms, the company has stated its need to turn back to selling to militaries. Just recently, the Kalashnikov Group began manufacturing the AK-107. A semi-automatic, civilian version was produced, but the sanctions put a halt on shipping that beautiful rifle to the United States. Also, in an attempt to clear the name of the AK rifle, the company created an advertisement that transformed the firearm to look as if it was a "weapon of peace." When the ViceNews reporter for this story was brought to a shooting range in Moscow, he saw the concept of "weapon of peace" quite clearly. The Russian competition shooter that was with him brought an AK that was used by a member of a special forces team. This member used this rifle to fight terrorists and other individuals that would threaten the well-being of innocents. However, most Americans, besides those that own AKs, still seem to feel as if the AK rifle is the "bad guys gun." While I personally admire the design of the AK and wish to own a few, I can understand why many people feel that the AK is evil. The firearm is used in approximately 250,000 killings every year and every time a terrorist is seen in the media, they are usually holding an AK pattern rifle. However, the AK platform of firearm is continuing to become more and more popular in the shooting world. Personally, I cannot wait to be over 18 years old and purchase my first AK rifle. That will be a great day.

Finally, A Celebrity That Supports Firearms

According to FoxNews, the actor Vince Vaughn was in an interview when he was quoted saying, "I support people having a gun in public full stop, not just in your home. We don't have the right to bear arms because of burglars. We have the right to bear arms to resist the supreme power of a corrupt and abusive government. It's not about duck hunting, it's about the ability of the individual." He also stated that, "It's the same reason we have freedom of speech." Clearly, Mr. Vaughn is a man who knows what he is talking about. The actor had told the interviewer that, "It's well known that the greatest defense against an intruder is the sound of a gun hammer being pulled back." Vaughn explained that he also supported the idea of firearms protecting students in schools. He had clearly done his homework, as he explained all mass shootings occur in places that ban the legal carry of handguns. He also states, "Taking away guns, taking away drugs, the booze, it won't rid the world of criminality." Vaughn understands that banning something does not cause it to go away. Just look at the speakeasies and gang activities of the Prohibition Era in the 1930s. This "Taking away guns" as Vaughn had stated is exactly what was attempted after the Sandy Hook tragedy and other school shootings. There was even a lawsuit filed against Bushmaster, the company that produced the firearm that was used. However, what these plaintiffs fail to realize is that Bushmaster did not use the firearm, a madman did. Also, they do not understand that the tragedy would not have happened had there been an individual carrying a firearm to defend the children, whether it be private security or the teachers. If firearms are shown more often in the media when used to save the lives of innocents, maybe more individuals would share Vince Vaughn's and my beliefs.

The Civil War in Syria Rages On

According to ViceNews, a rebel force, now run by Al Qaeda leadership, continues to defend the country of Syria against corrupted government forces. This civil conflict has lasted approximately four years, but shows no signs of ending any time soon. Originally, the government regime appeared to have won the war against the rebels. However, in recent days, a new coalition has been able to take back much of the territory lost to the regime. Many of the rebels have been supplied and trained by the United States and Gulf Kingdoms. FSA mortar teams to bomb government run cities and roadways in an attempt to cut off their supply routes. While the rebel forces may have been able to take back much of the land they had lost, this does not mean they had not faced many casualties along the way. One of the city centers had been taken by the rebels entirely intact, but after countless aerial assaults from the government regime, the city has been left to ruin. The rebels have still managed to survive and call the city home, even with all the damage. With all their strength to push through the punishment the government continually throws at the rebels, the rebels managed to defeat the government regime in numerous occasions, resulting in the confiscation of government equipment. However, government snipers cover many of the routes used by the rebel forces. Also, the government forces barrel bomb cities, as many of their ground troops have been defeated. This barrel bombing has forced many families to run to safer locations, such as refugee camps and Turkey. However, many refugees find that they cannot flee to these locations, so they hide out in the mountains. This technique of barrel bombing was recently used in Aleppo, killing 75 individuals. Dozens of other people were injured by this barrel bombing in Aleppo. Personally, while I originally supported the rebel forces in Syria, due to the new Al Qaeda backing, I no longer support them. I most certainly do not support the government's agenda, though. The government over their is extremely corrupt and must be put to an end. However, the new government should not be Al Qaeda based, as we have all seen how that has turned out in the past. I understand that the Syrian rebels needed support, but Al Qaeda was most certainly a bad choice on their part. The world can only hope that the present Syrian government is brought down and the new government that takes its place is not backed by Al Qaeda.

Contains graphic content. Viewer discretion advised.

Iraq Joins the Fun of an Arms Race

Kalashnikov's booth at IDEX 2015

According to ViceNews, companies from all around the world have increased sales to the warring country of Iraq. At IDEX, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, corporations such as Kalashnikov, Colt, Sig Sauer, and Boeing all attempt to increase their exports, mostly to Iraq. While not all of the companies present, such as Kalashnikov of Russia and Sig Sauer of Germany/Switzerland, are American, the United States does send more exhibitors than any other country across the globe. Boeing admits to selling product to the Middle East for a total of 10 billion dollars annually. The ViceNews reporter present for this story stated, "I kind of couldn't help but think the instability is good for business," to the Vice President of Oshkosh Defense, a company that provides armored vehicles to those in warring countries. The reporter clearly understands the concept of the "war economy," but does not understand that no one wants war, even if it is "good for business." The sale of arms to the Middle East and Iraq is nothing new. The United States alone has been providing arms to the Middle East since the 1970s. However, as of recent days, the sale of armament in the region has increase exponentially. In 2013 alone, just the United States exported approximately six billion dollars worth of arms to the Middle East. In 2014, that amount increased to around eight billion dollars, due to Saudi Arabia's new found strength in the importation of arms. The United States is not the only world power taking a slice of the arms export pie, however. Russia has also increased its own arms exports by great amounts. One company that can have its products found in almost every conflict zone across the world is Russia's Kalashnikov Groups. America still remains at the top of the exportation world, though. Many fear that, due to the increase of arms to Iraq, militiamen will continue to commit human rights violations. However, many of the arms sold have been used against ISIS. The militiamen really are a problem and must be dealt with in a reasonable manner, while still being allowed to fight the terrorists in the region. While there are laws and regulations in place to prohibit the sale of arms to those who commit human rights violation, the violations continue with the arms provided by American companies. However, arms are not the only things being bought and sent to Iraq. In 2014, the United States hired numerous security contractors to fight members of ISIS. Due to political issues of taking U.S. soldiers out of Iraq, Obama will not send them right back in, so he sends contractors that have no real value to our government. If a contractor is killed, there is no 21 gun salute; there is not even a proper military burial for them. Most just lay dead in the streets of Iraq or whatever country they happen to be in. Also, if a contractor does something wrong while overseas, the American government can deny any involvement. These things simply cannot happen with the regular U.S. military. I personally hope that our government not only sees the necessity for contractors to fill the void of soldiers, but also takes responsibility for sending them and treats them as true soldiers. The Middle East is proving to be quite the hot spot for the "war economy." Maybe we will see almost all the world's focus turn to the Middle East soon. Only time will tell.

Minor language used and explicit violence.

Viewer discretion advised.

What Is Wrong With Jesus In School?

According to FoxNews, a student at Nevada's Somerset Academy was banned from using Biblical quotes in her assignment. Mackenzie Frazier used Biblical passages in her school projects, which the school stated was against the rules. Her project was titled "All About Me" and, as Miss Frazier is a Christian, she decided she would included John 3:16. Later, after her first project had been rejected, the class was given another project on the concept of self esteem. Frazier wrote that her self esteem originated from being "created in the likeness of God." Once again, her project was rejected. The school then sent an email to Miss Frazier's father. The email read that the "...[Teacher] appropriately followed school law expectations by asking Mackenzie to choose an alternate quote for the presentation." Then, Frazier's parents took action. They went to a law firm that specialized in Christian-based lawsuits. The lawyer in the case stated that students must be allowed to express their religious beliefs in schools and their classes. Not only does Somerset Academy's actions violate the first amendment, but they also acted in a morally incorrect manner. I do not understand how a school can teach the theory of evolution as absolute fact, but treat Christianity as taboo. I blame the drop in younger individuals believing in Christianity on school's actions against Christianity. If a child or teenager does not receive Christian teachings at home, then a school is the next best option, but that cannot happen, as schools seem to ban any mention of Christianity. I personally believe that both the theory of evolution can be taught alongside Christianity's belief of creationism. I am not alone either. More than half of Americans share this belief. Also, three-quarters of Americans state that they would approve of voluntary prayer in public school classes. Greater than four-fifths of United States citizens claim that they turn to God to aid in making their decisions, as well. Christianity is clearly still a powerful force in America, as it should be. Unfortunately, Christianity is still restricted, if not entirely banned in public schools. Hopefully Christianity will be acceptable in schools and various other public forums soon.

At Least Some People Understand the World

Hopefully this will become a common sight in every state.

According to Al Jazeera, due to the recent shooting between biker gangs in Waco, Texas, the state has moved closer to actually allowing civilians to open carry handguns. There are numerous opponents to the bill, but Texas was already headed toward allowing open carry anyway (Just look up "Open Carry Texas" if you want to know more), so this shooting was just the push the state needed to finalize steps toward open carry. Many of the opponents claim that this shooting just proves that firearms are too easy for criminals to acquire and that stricter gun laws must be enacted. Despite the gun-friendly reputation of Texas, the state actually does not have the loosest of firearm laws. It is one of six states that bans the open carry of handguns (So much for the "Wild-west" state). However, that number will most likely go from six states to five. Of course, as with all controversial firearm issues, Moms Demand Gun Sense In America was there to comment. They claim that by allowing more law-abiding citizens to open carry, the new situation in Waco would have been no different, if not created more confusion for officers. However, this is not true, as bikers are quite easy to tell apart from other civilians. But, for sake of argument, let us pretend that there was confusion. An officer knows not to fire at someone who is not firing at them, so therefore they would not be shooting at the law-abiding citizens shooting in the opposite direction on the officers. Also, the civilians may possibly have been in a line with the officers, mitigating the confusion a great amount. Another way to mitigate confusion is the fact that, as Jonathan Pranzer stated, "I don’t think lax gun laws created this vigilante system." This statement is very true. Just because one is carrying does not mean they will risk their lives in a situation that does not involve them, unless there is an innocent involved. While open carrying may not deter all crime, such as the Waco shootout, most criminal activity would be deterred and/or halted altogether. The gang members may have been shooting each other right in front of officers and then shot at officers, but the officers were able to respond are take control of the situation, resulting in over 170 arrests. While the introduction of more firearms (The officers) did not deter the gangs, most criminals are deterred from committing a crime when there is a legal firearm present. Just think about it, which would you rather rob, a citizen open carrying a firearm, who has the ability to defend him or herself, or someone without a firearm, who has very little chance to protect themselves. Also, how can a 130 pound woman defend herself from a 200 pound criminal; a firearm evens the playing field. Firearms can be used for evil, just as in both Waco shootings (The biker one and the massacre in 1993), but they can also be used for good by defending people; it all depends on what the person intends for the use of the firearm.



All this is causing such a big controversy in the firearms community.

Military Equipment; Really? Everyone Can Buy That Stuff.

Anyone can purchase all of this equipment. Even I have to own
more than half of the things they are wearing.

According to Al Jazeera, due to the increase in "military equipment" used by police officers, President Obama has announced his plans to decrease the funding of such equipment. An interagency group claims that there is a "substantial risk of misusing or overusing" armored vehicles, "high-powered" firearms, and camouflage in policing situations. Obama originally supported the use of "military equipment" for police officers, but due to increasing anger and scrutiny of officers, Obama has reversed his position and decided to limit the amount of the "military equipment" that has become hated for some reason. The list of proposed bans includes vehicles that operate on tracks, aircraft and other vehicles that have weapons on them, firearms that operate with .50 caliber ammunition or greater, grenade launchers, bayonets, and uniforms of camouflage. However, most of these have no reason to be banned or limited, as almost all can be purchased by a regular civilian. Don't believe me? Police officers generally use AR-15 rifles, Glock handguns, Sig Sauer handguns, .308 rifles, etc. All of these firearms can be purchased from atlanticfirearms.com and bigskyguns.com, among other sites online or local firearms stores. Also, the body armor used can be purchased by civilians, as well. Actually, civilians can buy body armor that is much greater in protection than that used by police. The company AR500 and USPALM both sell plate carriers that can accept Level IIIA armor plates, while most officers use Level IIA plates. AR500 even creates and sells the plates for the carriers. Bayonets are legal as well. Any firearm with a bayonet lug is allowed to have a bayonet in the civilian market, in most states. The thought of even banning or limiting camouflage uniforms is absolutely ridiculous. Anyone can own camouflage. Even I own camouflage uniforms. Camouflage can be purchased from any number of places, including Airsoft GI and eHobbyAsia (these are where cheaper versions of camouflage can be purchased), among other websites and stores, such as Kryptek for more expensive, yet durable camouflage. If you do not believe that civilians can purchase such "military equipment," just watch Cory from RangeTimeTS operate an AR-15 with a battle belt and a chest rig (tactical vest without plates) at his tactical shooting range. Others at the Haley Strategic course were wearing plate carriers. All those present at the course demonstrate that civilians have the ability to purchase the same equipment law enforcement uses. Not only should officers use the equipment, but they should have more, as crimes just seem to be getting worse and worse and hatred of police seems to be getting greater and greater.

A civilian wearing a US PALM plate carrier. Proof that military
and police are not the only ones who can purchase "military equipment."