Readers; Lots of positive support for having a theme for each week's BTW. This week we'll look at the 2nd Amendment and our right to bear arms. This is timely as the Supreme court finally takes a case, District of Columbia vs. Heller, where the court can definitely rule on the 2nd Amendment - and an individual's right to bear arms, not only as a member of a militia, which is what anti-gun advocates preach.

The Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution, guarantees individual rights. The question then arises as why should 2nd Amendment be different and only guarantee "militia" rights? Here is a link to the entire Bill of Rights, including the preamble which is frequently left out: http://www.billofrights.org/

When reading about the development of the Bill of Rights and specifically the 2nd Amendment, it's interesting to read about the discussions our founding fathers had about the rights they perceived as inviolate. There is a lot of writing that details their thoughts. I have provided a quote from James Madison that was used to write the 2nd Amendment. You will recognize the wording. How much clearer it would be if we used James Madison original wording?

Anyway, this issue demonstrates why it's important to exercise your right to vote as one of the President's primary responsibilities is to nominate cabinet members, diplomats and judges. Judges who can exert significant influence on our lives and jobs. This issue is important to us, as guns are a vital part of our business, and necessary tools of the trade. It is important to insure the continued survival of our right to own guns, necessary for both self-defense and our business.

As always, thanks for the comments and please suggest more themes you'd like to see. Remember, this is your newsletter.

John Wrenn
Managing Editor, Blackwater Tactical Weekly
Director, Corporate Communications

James Madison, (I Annals of Congress 434 [June 8, 1789])

A move in the right direction to allow citizens to carry weapons for self protection as crime rises in national parks where there in no 911 to call for help.

WASHINGTON -- In a victory for gun-rights advocates, the federal government is preparing to relax a decades-old ban on bringing loaded firearms into national parks.

Here is a story how an opponent of the right to bear arms uses his position as a committee chair to control legislation through the power of the purse. Again, it's important to be an educated voter and know who is running for office and what they stand for.

WASHINGTON -- With a showdown looming, Rep. Norm Dicks says he's prepared to block any effort by the administration to lift the ban on carrying loaded weapons in national parks.

It's not an idle threat...

Full Story

A good news story from Florida in the ever present fight to allow law abiding citizens to carry firearms in their cars.

The Florida House Wednesday passed the so-called guns-at-work bill by a 72-42 vote and sent it to the Senate. Approval came after three years of debate and discussion, over the strong opposition of much of the state's business community...

Full Story

The Backup Training Corporation has introduced a free new Law Enforcement Newsletter. Delivered in electronic format, the newsletter contains a variety of brief training articles in each issue. These articles have been based on portions of the company's extensive library of law enforcement courses and provide practical tips that you can use in your everyday police work. Read these articles and you will want to see the full courses. The Backup is the premier digital training provider for law enforcement. Click here to subscribe or learn more!

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Good news from Iraq as the security forces learn proper weapons handling procedures to help protect their country.

The Iraqi security forces are days away from publishing their first uniform weapons-qualification standards, a senior U.S. official charged with helping the Iraqis build and train their troops said today.

Iraqi forces, until now, have managed weapons qualification at the unit level with local commanders deeming how and when their troops are trained, said Navy Capt. John Andrews, chief of staff for the Joint Headquarters Advisory Team from Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq.

Full Story

Palo Alto, CA, United States, 03/24/2008 - The North American fire and smoke detection devices market continues to witness steady growth, thanks largely to new innovations in both technologies and products.

Full Story

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 18 (UPI) -- General Dynamics says it has won U.S. National Security Agency certification for its new smart phone.

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Nice overview of sophisticated phishing site that mimics legitimate advertising.

A couple of weekends ago, I was doing exactly what most computer users do in their free time. I was sitting front of the computer, visiting sites that I have no business with. One site led to another and I eventually started looking for some old friends I had lost contact with over the years...

Full Story

Tactical Equipment Evaluation

Okay... how many different ways can we make a pair of pants? I mean, let's be real: you need to have two legs, the ability to take them on and off conveniently and a comfortable fit. Everything else is icing on the cake, right? Wrong. As anyone who has watched uniform evolution knows, clothing takes on a whole new meaning and functionality when it comes down to design features. This week I've got the pleasure of reviewing a pair of Range Pants made by Tru-Spec and marketed through Brigade Quartermasters. I say "pleasure" because - on the range which is what they were designed for - they've proven quite handy and comfortable. Here's why...

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

Recreational Equipment Review

Observation one: just because an item is written up on the recreational side of the reviews doesn't mean that it has no duty application. This product certainly does. Observation two: versatility is king unless it compromises practicality. Both observations made, Universal Outfitters has come up with a pretty cool idea for integrating necessary tools for pistol maintenance into the grips they make for 1911 style pistols. I received my set while at SHOT Show and have been checking them out ever since. For field carry when I'm going to be away from my range kit, these are darn handy to have.

Full Story Can Be Viewed At:

http://www.borelliconsulting.com/recevals/huntfish/uo1911grips.htm

I have intentionally had a slow day today (Saturday). Last night I slept over nine hours after working an exhausting week. Yesterday, my actual Friday, was bright sun and 80 degrees. My last duty for the day was a serious motor vehicle crash involving a vehicle turning left across the path of a vehicle that was running the opposite direction in a 45 MPH zone. I saw no skid marks. The turning vehicle was spun around and turned on it's top pinning two people in the vehicle. I worked the very heavily trafficked roadway for about 1 1/2 hours directing traffic. Thank God for Under Armor undershirts. My body was dry but my collar was soaked. I dragged my body home to a cool drink, a cool recliner and a nap to help restore my energy. Then dinner, another nap and bed by 1900 hours.

A healthy back is vital to a strong core. Good overview by Mayfield Clinic article on importance of healthy back, with some exercises to improve both strength and flexibility.

Overview: Exercise is a vital part of improving and maintaining normal, comfortable back function. It is important to exercise regularly so you can maintain your fitness level.

Full Story

Last week we had an article on nutrients. Here is a great overview on vitamins and what each vitamin does, and the advantage of taking a daily multi-vitamin.

If you eat a healthy diet, do you need to take vitamins? Not long ago, the answer from most experts would have been a resounding "no". Today, though, there's good evidence that taking a daily multivitamin makes sense for most adults.

Full Story

Black Five (http://www.blackfive.net/)
Blackwater Facts (http://www.blackwaterfacts.com/
Blogs of War (http://www.blogsofwar.com/)
Fifteen Months (http://www.fifteenmonths.blogspot.com/)
Iraq Slogger (http://www.iraqslogger.com/)
The Long War Journal (http://www.longwarjournal.org/)
Small Wars Journal (http://www.smallwarsjournal.com/)
The Spy Who Billed Me (http://www.thespywhobilledme.com/)

Blackwater is a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment rights. We also have a training facility, Blackwater North in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, where like our main training facility, we offer open-enrollment shooting course to the public.

http://www.blackwaterusa.com/advanced_training/AT_North_Overview.html

We have received a request from an Illinois group that is trying to protect gun rights in Illinois. They are based in Lake County, Illinois and are trying to get the word out. Anyway for our Illinois subscribers the main web site is http://www.pro2aresolution.com. There are now 71 out of 102 counties and Oswego Township and the 20 district of The American Legion that have signed on.

If anyone is interested in assisting with the "Pro-2A Resolution" in Lake County please contact Jim Stewart directly at: jsei@att.net