Occasionally injustice  hits you right in the face and you  can stay quiet no longer. Such is the case of  Fast and Furious: Barack Obama’s Bloodiest Scandal and the Shameless Cover-Up author Katie Pavlich.

If you have followed even a minute of this case, it is obvious that something terribly wrong  happened from some of the lowest  ranking ATF agents straight up the ladder of the current administration. No one is quite sure where it will end but for ATF agent Brian Terry and ICE agent Jaime Zapata and many Mexican citizens it ended with the ultimate cost; their lives.

Slain Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry

Slain ICE Agent Jaime Japata

Fast and Furious is not just about a few misplaced guns, it is a mega-scandal that involves our Justice Department under the Obama Administration. The secretive and alarming  way they have conducted business during the ensuing investigation and hearings is appalling. This is NOT how a “transparent” administration behaves. The Obama Administration and the D.O.J. have much to come clean about.  Blatant  stonewalling is taking place and the frustrating part is that it is obvious to many but not enough is being done to hold them accountable.

When I asked why she wrote Fast and Furious; Pavlich told me “There are a lot of reasons why I wanted to write this book, but the main reason I wrote it is simply because this is a scandal that involves the murders of two of our federal agents, Brian Terry and Jaime Zapata at the hands of the federal government, not to mention the murders of hundreds of Mexican citizens. The way this Justice Department under the Obama Administration has conducted themselves in response to this scandal is absolutely appalling and disgusting.” Anyone who believes the President of the United States and the Attorney General are not above the law, need to know about this scandal and help hold federal officials accountable for their actions.” She went on, “Members of the “mainstream” press aren’t covering it like they should, despite the scandal being worse than Iran-Contra and Watergate.”

This book is  an in-depth look into brazen misuse of power,  and the intent to destroy our Second Amendment Rights which is  at the center of this scandal and is just the tip of the iceberg. Fast and Furious encompasses so many issues that we find ourselves questioning and fighting for and takes a stand against  illegal aliens, drug cartels and corrupt politicians.

Fast and Furious is also a detailed look into the cover up and deceit used by those in the Department of Justice and the ATF beginning with Attorney General Eric Holder and continuing through the ranks of the Obama Administration and through the ATF tarnishing the good name of the agency and many upstanding agents.

Does this case affect more than just those people within the sphere of influence? Does this case have any far reaching consequences to our American way of life? Ms. Pavlich believes so and describes it well.

“I do not fear death, for I have been close enough to it on enough occasions that it no longer concerns me. What I do fear is the  loss of my honor, and would rather die fighting than to have it said that I was without courage.”  This poem by Colonel Watt was found on the desk of Border Patrol Agent  Brian Terry. This was an honest  man of honor and courage who died at the hand of a fouled up system as much as the hand of the man who pulled the trigger and so was ICE agent Jaime Zapata.

“The small towns along southern Arizona’s Interstate 10 and 8 between Yuma and Phoenix-Casa Grande, Arizona City, Maricopa, Hidden Valley, Eloy and Stanfield- used to be ranching and farming communities. Now they are the stash houses and their small access roads are the smuggling routes, for the Mexican drug cartels. The cartels operate with something close to impunity, and the Arizona farmers who remain in the area must carry weapons and some wear bulletproof vests to protect themselves.“ 

THIS is an America we don’t know anymore! It is the primary responsibility of the government to protect it’s citizens, or at the VERY LEAST allow and enable them to protect themselves.

“In June 2010, Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu declared flatly that parts of Arizona were under the cartels’ control.The Department of Homeland Security responded by posting signs along desert routes that stated. ” Travel Caution: Smuggling and Illegal Immigration May Be Encountered in  This Area.”  These signs were on the US side of the border!

There is so much more  documented by Pavlich who describes the life and then tragically the death of Brian Terry and how it came to be.
” What Brian Terry’s family did not know, as they tried to cope with the loss of their son during Christmas 2010, was that the AK-47 that had fired the round that killed Brian had been sold to the Mexican drug cartels under the supervision of the United States government,  and that the weapon sale was only one deadly part of a terrible scandal overseen by the Obama administration itself, which had intentionally funneled arms to the drug cartels’ borderland killers. Joesphine Terry and millions of bewildered Americans who followed the story in the news were left with one haunting question: Why?”

Yes we want to know why…unfortunately it doesn’t take a long dig to figure  it out.

“Even before he sought public office, Barack Obama was on a mission to subvert the Second Amendment and deprive gun owners of their constitutional rights. In law school he was mentored by liberal legal scholar Laurence H. Tribe, who at the time was a fervent opponent of gun rights. Obama, Tribe recalled was “the best student I ever had.”

Pavlich goes on to give example after well documented example of  Barack Obama and his administration’s anti gun views and deliberate assault on the Second Amendment.

Pavlich outlines Attorney General Eric Holder’s anti gun stance  and twisted view of the Second Amendment: “In a 1999 interview, ABC News asked Mr. Holder whether the Second Amendment recognizes that”that citizens have a right to bear arms.” including the right to buy a firearm?”Holder responded, “No court has ever said that the Second Amendment actually says that. I think , if you look at it, it talks about bearing guns in a well regulated militia. And I don’t think anywhere it talks about an individual.”

“Attorney General Eric Holder’s views on the Second Amendment were troubling enough that twenty-one Republican senators voted against his confirmation.”

Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano also made her views public when she issued a nine-page report on the dangers of “right-wing extremism.” Targeting veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, abortion opponents and gun owners.”

It is soon after Holder and his gang are sworn in that things take a drastic and nasty turn.

 In February 2009, days after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Holder appeared at a press conference to claim credit for a crackdown on Mexican drug cartels through an operation overseen by  the Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency. “The Department of Justice under my leadership will continue to work with our counterparts in Mexico through information sharing, training and mutual cooperation to jointly fight these cartels, both in Mexico and the United States,”Holder said. 

The new attorney general also announced plans to re-instate the assault weapons ban. Holder claimed the re-instatement of the ban would, at a minimum, have a positive impact in Mexico.  “As President Obama indicated during the campaign, there are just a few gun-related changes that we would like to make,” Holder said. Unbeknownst to the country, a plot to implement these ‘few changes” was already in it’s early stages.

Pavlich goes on to outline the Fast and Furious scandal in detail and the attitude of the Obama Administration toward it.

Obama reiterated that he had personally ordered an overhaul of all operations targeting Mexican cartel weapons and drug trafficking “In fact, I’ve asked Eric Holder to do a complete review of how our current enforcement operations are working and make sure we are working and make sure we are cutting down on the loopholes that are  causing some of these drug trafficking problems, ” the president said.

“The Department of Justice under the Obama Administration decided that the scapegoats for gun trafficking would be American gun shop owners and “If in the process the bureau could prove that U.S. guns were fueling the violence, and that the vast majority of guns found at the grisly cartel-related crime scenes could be traced to American gun shops all the better.”

With careful research and interviews of whistle-blowers and many of th0se involved, Pavlich has done a remarkable job covering this scandal, the strong-arming and the coverup by those in the Department of Justice and other departments.

Several Phoenix gun shop owners and Arizona ATF agents voiced concern and were told things would turn out right and not to worry. Some were also threatened if they said anything 0r discontinued the program.

The facts presented in Fast and Furious by Ms.Pavlich are astonishing, unconscionable  and the far-reaching consequences to our freedom are incredibly important. The American public needs to know just what they are dealing with and the measures to which the anti-gun left is wiling to go to to take that freedom away. Katie Pavlich does a remarkable job of laying out the entire sordid mess beginning with the background  and mentality of those working hard to remove our Second Amendment rights as underlined in the U.S. Constitution.

"Fast and Furious" author Katie Pavlich

I was fortunate to interview Katie Pavlich and wanted to understand the writer of such an important book and the lady behind the pen.

Q.  Can you give a brief background about yourself, who is Katie?

A. “I grew up in the mountains in Northern Arizona on a dirt road. I spent my summers rafting the Colorado River, the falls and springs hunting with my dad all over the state and enjoyed the great outdoors as much as possible. I used to drive a blue Jeep Wrangler, stick shift of course, and plan to buy another one someday. I’m a Daughter of the American Revolution and strongly believe my attitude and love for freedom is embedded deep in my roots. My background is Croatian, German, Irish and Australian, but above all, I’m proud to be an American.”

Q.  How did you get your start in journalism? Why politics? What stirs you about the state of our land?

A. “I actually started out in journalism wanting to be a sports reporter (I love college basketball), but quickly realized politics was my passion and had been since a very young age. I wrote a letter to Bill Clinton at the age of 6 complaining about him raising taxes. I’m not sure I can give just one example of what stirs me the most about the state of America today, but big government seems to be the root of all our big problems. That being said, I still believe America is an amazing place and thank God everyday for the blessing of living here.”

Q. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

A. “In the media world you don’t have much time for hobbies, however, I’m a hardcore country music fan, I love cowboy boots, I’m trying to learn how to play guitar, I really enjoy putting outfits together (not in a high fashion kind of way, though), being outdoors, rollerblading, spending time with close friends, visiting family and making jewelry.”

A. “I grew up hunting with my dad. He bought me my first rifle when I turned 11 years old, he put my name on it and everything. I’ve taken four deer, three elk and two javalina in my day. My dream hunt is brown bear up in Alaska. “

A.”There are a lot of reasons why I wanted to write this book, but the main reason I wrote it is simply because this is a scandal that involves the murders of two of our federal agents Brian Terry and Jaime Zapata at the hands of the federal government, not to mention the murders of hundreds of Mexican citizens. The way this Justice Department under the Obama Administration has conducted themselves in response to this scandal is absolutely appalling and disgusting. Anyone who believes the President of the United States and the Attorney General are not above the law, need to know about this scandal and help hold federal officials accountable for their actions. Members of the “mainstream” press aren’t covering it like they should, despite the scandal being worse than Iran-Contra and Watergate.”

A. “Well of course Media Matters, the anti-Semitic, George Soros funded, far Left “media” outlet has been attacking me, but that just means I must be doing something right. Overall the support has been amazing and just goes to show people are very interested in knowing more about this topic.”

A. “Well I’ve been covering the Fast and Furious story for more than a year now, but really just digging into the scandal with both hands by finding new angles, making connections with whistleblowers, knowing every detail of the case among others things has enabled me to put together a comprehensive book while giving people, even those who pay close attention to the scandal, new information. Paying close attention to the work of other reporters and journalists, Sharyl Attkisson, David Codrea, Mike Vanderboegh, William La Jeunesse, Bob Owens, Cam Edwards, Matthew Boyle and more, has been extremely helpful.”

A. “Michelle Malkin has been more supportive than I can ever thank her for. The same goes for David Limbaugh, J. Christian Adams, my boss Jonathan Garthwaite at Townhall.com, the entire blogosphere, Mary Chastain at Big Journalism, all the folks over at Breitbart media, loyal readers at Townhall.com and so many more have been behind me on this and it really is amazing. I’m so grateful.”

A. “No I was never afraid. I like a challenge and knew going into it who I would be taking on, but like I said above, I have all the right people behind me and, the families of Brian Terry, Jaime Zapata and countless faceless Mexicans deserve answers. “

A. “Well considering they are using Media Matters as a mouth piece for the Justice Department and the White House now, it seems they don’t like it too much. See here: http://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2012/04/21/obama_justice_department_now_referring_reporters_to_media_matters_for_information_on_fast_and_furious.”

A. “The NRA has reacted positively. They called for Eric Holder’s resignation nearly a year ago and of course, this is a horrific scandal that smeared the very people who either are or eventually will become NRA members.”

Finally, I highly recommend this book to anyone following the Fast and Furious scandal and anyone who wants to see justice exercised for those involved in the murders of Agent Brian Terry and Jaime Zapata from the person responsible for pulling the trigger on the actual murder weapon to the persons at the top of the governmental agencies who authorized and then covered up this atrocity. If you are committed to seeing the Second Amendment and our American freedoms protected, you also need to read this book to inform yourself of the depths this government will take to remove those freedoms from you.

Nugent has hunted for more than 50 years throughout the United States and Canada for whitetail deer, bear, wild boar and other species.

Deer Talk Now will air each Wednesday at 12 p.m. (CST), hosted by Brad Rucks and Dan Schmidt, editor of Deer & Deer Hunting magazine. Deer Talk Now will feature special guests, questions from viewers and discussions about new hunting gear, habitat, hunting tactics, deer biology, hunter ethics, issues and more.

Nugent’s deep passion for hunting and the outdoors along with his outspoken nature have combined to place him at the forefront of the hunting public. Some appreciate that and others do not, but Nugent never sways from his strong convictions.

“My critics are mostly jealous because I am my own boss and have created an amazing quality of life for my family and myself through incredible hard work and dedication,” Nugent told Deer & Deer Hunting. “You find someone who has a problem with me and your are looking at an ignorant, cheap person.

“My supporters are legion, and the finest Americans there are. I am constantly invited to take terminally ill children on their last hunts, and to host the heroic wounded warriors of the U.S. military on hunting trips around the world. The absolute best of the best are on my side, so my detractors are exposed for the fools that they are. I couldn’t feel better about my real reputation and position in life.”

Originally from Detroit, Nugent’s vivid stage presentation and memorable guitar talents earned him the nickname “Motor City Madman.” For more than five decades he’s garnered multi-platinum hits and worldwide fame starting with the Amboy Dukes, following on through his successful solo career and then in the 1990s with Damn Yankees.

Nugent has released more than 35 albums since 1967 and sold more than 40 million albums worldwide. He schedules his tour dates for spring and summer, often performing for military personnel, but leaves autumn and winter open for hunting. Nugent currently is beginning his 53rd tour and will be performing throughout the United States this summer.

For more information on “Deer Talk Now,” please go to www.deeranddeerhunting.com/deer-talk-now

About Deer & Deer Hunting
Deer and Deer Hunting gives outdoor enthusiasts who hunt whitetail deer must-know information, from deer behavior to rut predictions. The in-house editorial staff and freelance contributors are the nation’s top experts, helping both beginning sportsmen and sportswomen and seasoned veterans alike learn more about the wild game they pursue. The brand’s success spawned one of the most-watched outdoors shows on television, Deer & Deer Hunting TV, aired on NBC Sports Outdoors. In addition to two new shows, Land of Whitetail aired on The Pursuit Channel and Destination Whitetail airing this June on Sportsman Channel, Deer and Deer Hunting also produces groundbreaking software programs, numerous books and countless educational media.

Titanium Buzz has the outdoor jewelry market excited with their new camo rings. This is just what outdoors men and women need for their collection. These gorgeous rings are made in many different styles so there is one sure to please anyone in the hunting or shooting world there are even some with  diamonds in them for weddings.

Camouflage Engagement Band

Women's Outdoor Rings

Mossy Oak Infinity Camo Ring

Deer Hunter Scene Ring

Black Zirconium Camo Rings

Carved Deer Antler Ring

I asked to take a look at these rings so the company sent me one. I had the initials of my family members engraved into the inside of the ring. I wanted to wear a thumb ring so was happy to receive the Realtree Camo ring they sent. I am fairly choosy about rings and rarely wear anything but my wedding ring and an anniversary ring from my husband;but now I wear my new camo ring all the time!

My ring is narrow enough to look feminine while also wide enough to show the Realtree AP camo pattern off.

My Realtree AP ring

I have received many compliments about it and since it is titanium I know it will last for many years to come. It doesn’t scratch and the camo finish still looks just like it did when I pulled it out of the box.

There are a few things to note when purchasing titanium rings.

• Titanium is a natural element, hypoallergenic and rarely causes skin irritation, unlike some other metals.
• I heard that titanium rings couldn’t be cut off in an emergency, but this is false. They can be cut with standard cutters.
• Due to the nature of the metal, titanium rings can’t be re-sized smaller only larger, so be careful when you measure for  yours. CAMO rings can’t be re-sized, but the company offers a 30 day exchange for these.
• Engraving is offered for FREE up to 25 characters on the inside of most rings.

There are MANY other  different types of rings offered by Titanium Buzz  as well.Take a look through the website to choose the one that best suits you and your interests. Here is a sample of some I found interesting:

Square Damascus Steel Ring with Dual Finish

Pretty In Black and Pink

Three Crosses with Diamonds

The Chicane Kilo Carbon Ring

Norrsken Glow in the Dark Ring

Titanium and Azurite Malachite Inlay

Titanium Buzz is a great company to work with and they have excellent customer service. I highly recommend their products!

http://www.titanium-buzz.com/camoring.html

Copyright © 2012 by Anne Vinnola

So you are heading out for a gorgeous day of turkey hunting. You are ready to shoot that tom with the long beard and huge spurs. Are you prepared for having your turkey mounted by a taxidermist?

Many turkey hunters don’t go past the kill part of their planning, they assume they are just going for the meat and are not prepared when a trophy walks into shooting view.

Hopefully you have checked out the taxidermists in your area months before hunting season. Not every taxidermist can mount birds well.   Look carefully at the turkeys in the taxidermy shop you visit. Be careful to check the birds out in his shop and take a long look at how he does the rest of his mounts.

Balance is very important in a turkey mount. Does the bird appear to be ready to fall over or stumble sideways or does it look right for the position it is in? You as a hunter have a pretty good idea of how a turkey should look.

Turkeys are impressive displayed in a home. Here are some tips to help you get your turkey to the taxidermist in the best shape for a beautiful showpiece for your home or office.

When aiming at your bird, try to wait for a shot that will not damage the fan. This seems obvious but many hunters get busy watching the tail feathers and shoot holes right through their trophy; sort of like hunters watching the racks on large bucks. The head can be replaced if necessary, but the tail feathers are harder to match.

Get over to your bird right away after you have shot it. You will want to prevent any possible thrashing around that may get the turkey dirty or harm the feathers.

Carry the bird by the legs not the neck. Keep it out of the dirt and weeds and if it is still bleeding place cotton or paper towels into the mouth to stop the blood flow.

Cool your turkey completely.  NEVER place a warm bird in a plastic bag, cooler or other tightly sealed container. Put it into a cool shady place with a breeze, opening up the wings and legs a bit if possible until it s thoroughly cooled.

Decide what you want to do with your bird. Do you want a full body mount or just a fan display?  Full body turkeys are very impressive and showy and one you are going to have mounted in a full body mount really should be kept intact until you get it to the taxidermist; but you can free the breast meat only to use it if you follow these steps.

1.  Weigh the bird, so the taxidermist will know what size body to place back into the bird.

2. Place the bird on its back on a clean surface and find the line on the breast just under the beard, where there aren’t any feathers and begin your incision; cutting just deep enough to cut through the skin.

3. Cut with your clean knife facing up downward toward the vent being careful not to cut feathers. Stop your incision just above the vent.

4. With your fingers and gently work the skin away from the breast working your way toward the back.

5. With a sharp knife remove the breast meat only from the carcass and set aside.

6. Place damp paper towels into the bird and place into a bag, keeping it dry and cool.

7. Take it to the taxidermist immediately or freeze it.

If you will need to ship your turkey or haul it far then take some cardboard to wrap around the tail feathers or to sandwich the tail feathers, to keep them from becoming bent or frayed.

Save the spurs and the beard of your turkey and if you like the shotgun shell or arrow used to kill the bird also. A fan mounted with the beard is beautiful and the spurs are also a fun bragging piece.

When looking for a place in your home to display your bird, be sure there is no direct heat source such as a fireplace or furnace vent close by or anyway for dogs to get at it.

Wild Turkey and Rice Soup

Two turkey breasts cut into bite sized pieces.

3-4 stocks of celery chopped,

1 small can water chestnuts chopped

One small onion chopped

1 box or 3 cans of chicken broth

1 tbs. parsley

½ tsp. sage or poultry seasoning

½ tsp. rosemary

1 tsp black pepper

Dash salt

1 cup wild rice or wild rice blend

Dried cranberries, sliced onion and chopped walnuts for garnis

Saute’ turkey breast, celery and onion together until the celery and onion are transparent and the turkey slightly browned.

Add broth, parsley, sage or poultry seasoning,rosemary, pepper, salt and rice and simmer until rice is tender.

Just before serving add chopped water chestnuts.

Serve in large bowls with dried cranberries, chopped walnuts and green onions as garnish.