An open letter to open carriers.

It is as a responsible gun owner, and as someone very enthusiastic about the unique freedoms we have in this great nation, that I feel the need to write this. The number of organized open carry "protests" has been steadily increasing, making major news every other week or so, and we as responsible gun owners need to attempt to police our own. Forgive me if I'm a little sarcastic or abrasive in my delivery, it's in my nature.

Before I start, here's who this letter is NOT addressed to:

You, guy, wandering around in the woods by yourself, holstering a large caliber pistol or revolver or a 12 gauge shotgun loaded to the gills with "Eat Shit, Grizzly Bear!" (ESGB, trademark pending) 1 oz. slugs. Chances are approaching 100% that if you see me in the mountains or on a trout stream, there'll be a Springfield 1911 hanging under my left arm in a shoulder holster - if you don't see it, it's either under the waders or my coat, or I'm elk hunting and don't want redundant weight.

You, other guy (or girl, I don't discriminate), who for whatever reason feels the need to protect yourself, yet is prohibited from carrying concealed. In places where it's legal, strap something comfortable in an outside-the-waistband holster with good retention, leave it there, and go on about your business.

Here's who this letter IS addressed to:

You, guy, slinging an AR, AK, SKS, shotgun, or whatever long gun across your chest, getting ten of your best online buddies to do the same, and going to eat at a busy family restaurant.

Stop it. Stop that shit right now. Pay attention and I'll disprove your favorite arguments until you understand why.

Open Carry Protestor (OCP) Argument 1: "Rights not exercised will be rights lost."

To an extent, you're right. If no one (or only a tiny minority) in the US owned firearms for some length of time, we probably would regulate that right out of existence, but that is simply not the case - according to recent data, there are approximately 100 million gun owners in this country; that's roughly one third of the population. Hardly that "tiny minority" mentioned above.

By and large, though, this argument is being proven wrong weekly as various affected businesses (many of which formerly had no policy on guns, meaning carry was allowed) are putting up "No Guns" signs (some of which do carry the force of law), after these types of "protests" occur on their property. It is their right as business owners, and you have no one to blame but yourselves. Now not only are you restricting your own right to carry in public places, you're restricting MY right to discretely protect myself and those I love as I go about my day. Your argument is not only misguided, it is patently wrong - and in this case, its inverse is true.

OCP Argument 2: "People who get upset about it were anti-gun anyway, I'm not hurting our cause."

Nah dude. Despite what lobbyists and "news" machines on both sides of the debate would have you believe, there is a pretty solid chunk of the population that has no experience with guns and little or no opinion on them. In fact, by being open minded, helpful, and generally not a pushy asshole, I've turned several of that demographic into lifelong gun owners and enthusiasts.

And then there's your approach. Here's Average Suburban Folk, going about their day - grocery shopping, errand running, maybe lunch with the kids or significant other. What they're NOT expecting to see (because they don't live in Afghanistan) is a squad-sized element of dudes (actually, based on the pictures I've seen, many of you are squad-sized elements even without your internet buddies, but that's beside the point) with what the news media tells them are "evil assault rifles." Right or wrong, that's one BIG fucking red flag right there. Immediately, you (more importantly, WE) are seen as antagonistic, pot-stirring, wannabe-gun-toting-badasses with no respect for the wishes of others. Thanks, asshole, you just created another member of Moms Demand Action. Way to support the right to keep and bear arms.

OCP Argument 3: "The government needs to be reminded that we are armed to prevent it from becoming tyrannical."

Again, no. The government's march towards tyranny is and will continue to be slow and calculated, not some bloody Central American banana republic military coup. "They" don't need to act radically, because idiots like you give them all the fuel they need to stoke the flames of gun control. After all, they only need public approval (or, even better, apathy). Remember when the Patriot Act had overwhelming public support? Remember when the current president renewed it, despite campaign promises to the contrary? You should be much more concerned about that than little jack-booted thugs flying in on black helicopters to take your guns away.

Finally, and most importantly, you need to stop simply to respect the rights of others. This isn't Iraq, this isn't Afghanistan, you aren't fighting anything other than your overworked heart and your unwillingness to accept that you're NOT in a combat zone, you're NOT a Ranger Delta Seal Ninja, and life is NOT a fucking Call of Duty game. I speak from experience when I say that you don't want this country to be like that.

I, for one, don't want to encounter someone like you in public. Concealed carry exists for a reason. It is pretty much impossible to sling a rifle across your chest without having to manipulate it at some point, unless you're doing nothing other than standing guard. One of these days, one of you is going to have a negligent discharge from handling your weapon, and then shit is really going to hit the metaphorical fan. If you're very, very lucky, it won't injure or kill anyone.

I won't claim to speak for any other gun owners (or even Americans) here, though I know there are many that would agree with me. So from me, at least, consider yourself disavowed from my camp - I don't want you, I don't need you, and I certainly don't like you.

Stop that shit. Right now.

That is all. Have an airborne day.

The world's going to shit...

Israel invades Gaza again. Yawn. Everyone knows they're not going to finish the job, as usual. I won't get into right vs. wrong here, mostly because it doesn't make any difference and I literally just do not care.

Relations with Russia continue to decline after they (allegedly) shot down a commercial airliner. Side note - why the fuck would anyone fly Malaysian after the first disappearance? Do people not hear about this shit? Darwinism in action, I guess.

You people have fun with all that.

I'm taking my dog and disappearing. Little backpacking, little elk scouting, little high mountain lake fishing for some Cutthroats, lots of whiskey.

Car's still for sale!

Deuces

Selling my Corvette. Or trading...?

This is a little different, but I didn't want to clog up everyone's Facebook with a massive wall of text - the hyperlink to this page is much more efficient. I'll save you from my internal struggles regarding this matter, but suffice it to say that this is the single hardest decision I've ever made.

Up for sale is my lightly modified 2006 C6 Corvette coupe, black on black. Z51 performance package, 3LT Preferred Equipment Package, 6 speed manual trans. Mileage is right at 61,000, but will increase marginally since I do drive it. I'm the third owner and have extensive receipts and original parts. Asking price is $32,000, but I'll get to that later.

The paint is a solid 7.5/10. There are some swirl marks, and a few light scratches here and there, but it looks killer. The only "major" problem (which is barely noticeable if you're not looking for it) is a spiderweb approximately 6" across on the driver's side of the front bumper, right below the headlight. That is a result of a certain intoxicated moron who shall remain nameless here backing into it at low speed. Anyway, it's been there for four years and not gotten any worse, so it is at least stable. She's always been handwashed and waxed by me or a competent detail shop.

Her interior is probably a 9/10, no issues that I've noticed. 3LT package includes power adjustable heated seats, 6 disc changer with Bose system (sucker sounds awesome) and twin 10" in-door subwoofers. I have added an iSimple which will connect to anything up to a 4th Gen iPod or iPhone (you can replace the cable for gen 5 at Car Toys for like $100, or get an aux cord). It is equipped with the Heads Up Display, which is pretty much the greatest thing ever. It also has a power auto-dimming rearview mirror and power side mirrors, driver's also auto dimming. In addition, it has the very useful memory function, which remembers seat and mirror adjustments, radio and HVAC settings, and even your own personalized greeting, depending on which numbered key fob is used (I have three, which are $150 apiece). Keyless ignition, automatic unlock, all that fancy shit (even better, it all works because it's a Chevy).

Modifications are as follows:

- Kooks long-tube headers, powdercoated matte silver
- Borla ATAK rear-section exhaust and catless X-pipe (loud, but not annoying)
- Blackwing SLP intake
- Z06 clutch and flywheel
- MGW short-throw shifter
- Corvettes of Westchester throttle response modulator ("COW booster")
- Hawk HPS+ brake pads (I think)
- Lowered on factory bolts
- Powdercoated ZR1 lookalike one-piece aluminum wheels, stock size (19s in back, 18s in front)
- Continental ContiExtreme DWS all-season tires (around 15k on them, ~50% tread left, stock size)
- 3M window tint, 20% side and rear (warrantied for life)
- All mechanical work was performed by Chuck Mosello at Corvettes of Westchester in Ossining, NY.

Now, as for the price. Yes, $32,000 is a lot of money for a C6. Yes, you can spend $10k more and get a Z06 on fleabay or wherever. But here's what you're getting if my asking price is met:

- All original parts (excluding intake and shifter), including an extra set of stock polished aluminum 5-spoke wheels and DWS tires with ~30% tread on them. One rear wheel has a big ding in the rim from where some jackwagon forced me to turn basically into the curb. Bastard.

- Extensive receipts for all work performed and all maintenance.

- Fresh fluid in the rear, trans, motor, and coolant performed by me ~300 miles ago.

- New Bosch Iridium spark plugs

- I will have it retuned for elevation (currently running a bit rich as I had it tuned at sea level in NY) by my performance mechanic on his dyno. You will also get that dyno sheet. I can also have the original cats put back on if you live in a state or one of the 9 Colorado counties that requires emissions. I have it registered in Jackson County, so it's a non-issue for me. 'Murrca.

- Full detail, bug removal, buff and wax.

- A fitted indoor car cover.

- A badass Fort Bragg registration sticker on the windshield for assistance with cops.

- A car that's been lovingly, perhaps obsessively cared for by its owner (me) for four years and over forty thousand miles (bought it from the previous owner, my dad, at 18,500).

- A land rocket that will embarrass most imports and damn near all domestics, including lesser C6 'vettes.

- The vast, vast majority of the mileage is highway. I know everyone says that, but it's true. I drove it from CO to NC, where I was stationed for several years, and used to drive from Fayetteville to NY and Knoxville quite frequently. When I got out, I drove it first to NY, then back here to Free America (CO).

Anyway, I know I'm being long-winded here (because I care), but there is more. I'd actually much rather TRADE my car than sell it, as the only reason I'm even considering selling is because I want a Viper. Here's a list of partial or full trades, with cash on either end as needed:

- 1996 or '97 Dodge Viper GTS coupe
- 1963-1969 Corvette Stingray, coupes preferred. A '65 or '66 fuelie or high horse small block car would really get my attention.
- High end street rods
- Cobra kit cars (nice ones)
- Classic European sports cars (huge soft spot for '90s Porsches and Ferraris)
- High end firearms
- Precious metals
- Ducati motorcycles
- Anything cool, really
- Low mile '01-'02 Ford Excursion with 7.3L Powerstroke diesel. Must be pristine to even consider it.
- Clean '07 STi Limited (either color is okay)

Offers considered, but don't low-ball me. I don't have to sell this thing, I'm not starving, and I don't pay rent or have kids. Serious inquiries only. Send emails to john(dot)andrew(dot)emery(at)gmail(dot)com or comment below.

Thanks for looking. Have some pictures. Sorry, I'm not a photographer, and the sun makes things difficult.

Shaky phone camera recording of the exhaust note:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNH68dbac4U

Managed to get the spiderweb on the front bumper:

A shot I took on Cameron Pass in Jackson County, Colorado, obviously before the tints.

Thank you again for looking, and my apologies for being such a windbag about it. I really do love this thing.

Rants, raves, updates.

This is the first time I've been on here in awhile, and I just noticed that my last post was almost exactly six months ago. "The fuck, Mountain Man?" I hear you ask. The fuck, indeed. So here's a shotgun blast from the attention deficit creature that is my brain.

To get the serious shit out of the way, there's something that's been gnawing at me for a few days now. That's more because of my (non)reaction to it than anything, but also because it seems to be a growing trend among our civilian populace. I was having a conversation with a guy I'd just met at a barbecue, sitting down, drinking beers, generally just shooting the shit. As it was partially a pre-deployment celebration for a friend of mine, the topic of my time in the Army and Afghanistan naturally came up. The guy casually asked me if I have PTSD "or anything like that" as a result of my service, a question which I mostly ignored. That's what's been bothering me - had I been thinking straight, my reaction would have been substantially different.

My question is this: when did it become acceptable to ask a combat vet (especially a total stranger) if they have a well-documented and very real mental disorder like Post Traumatic Stress? I don't go around to strangers asking them if they have a history of severe depression, a substance abuse problem, or any other kind of extremely personal mental illness, so why do people think it's okay to casually ask about PTSD?

My best guess is that this is a side effect of the amount of media attention veteran's issues (PTSD in particular) have received lately. We've been at war for well over a decade now, and it's no secret that a lot of veterans have come home fucked up. It's a natural result of war - and to the nation's credit, we're at least beginning to accept and attempt to deal with it (misguided and mismanaged though those attempts may be, that's a rant for another time) rather than sweep it under the rug or villainize our veterans as we have for generations. While I'm grateful for that, there's also a very ugly side to this media frenzy, which is that the public at large is constantly hearing about this or that vet that snapped - usually either via suicide or homicide. Anyway, I don't really have an argument to present here. I'm more or less just venting. Also, if you were wondering: no, it's not an acceptable question to ask someone unless you're close.

.......

On a lighter note, the girlfriend and I are living in the house I mentioned in January. Though it's certainly more of a project than we realized, we're making progress and it's slowly being transformed into a very nice home.

Most of you know that I got a Doberman puppy named Hans about two months ago. He'll be four months old on Saturday, and is already bigger than the girlfriend's year old shepherd mix, Willow. No, I'm not doing his ears, and yes, his tail is bobbed. Dad's around 95 pounds and mom 90, so he'll be a big boy for sure. He's learning very quickly and is pretty exceptionally well-behaved, given his age. I've already taken him to the mountains a few times, and he is decidedly a mountain dog - he stays close (and loves to sit on shore and watch me fish) but is adventurous, if cautious. In short, he's everything I could possibly want in a dog. Though I've already faced a fair amount of ignorance involving Dobermans being "man eaters" and other such bullshit, I remain unfazed, and Hans is a walking advertizement for how friendly and gentle they can really be.

I've been doing a damned lot of fishing this year, and it's been very productive. Our creek has been fishing superbly - dad pulled out a big male Brown that taped over 25" last week - and so has everything else, since the water subsided. (For those of you who don't know, Colorado has been having a banner year for precipitation and snow melt. Suffice it to say that the fish are happy.)

Sadly, I did not draw either the trophy elk tag or the cow moose tag I put in for this year, so I'll have to settle for two first season cow elk rifle tags, which hopefully prove productive. It's a rough life I lead.

There was a bunch of other shit that I was going to write about, but it'll have to wait, as I have errands to run. Have an Airborne day.