88 Responses to:
THE EAGLE STREET MILITIA

# 1. 7/26/10 11:45 PM
I'll be forwarding a copy of this to John York and Tom Moran so they'll know where to start their investigation when Eagle St in Mt Morris becomes the new Avenue D of Rochester fame.

# 2. 7/27/10 12:37 AM by DaWiz - San Antonio, Texas
I only have 1 gun, a Glock 26, and it's loaded with alternating FMJ and hollow-points. I live in a apartment complex so I have to assume there are other gun owners in the neighborhood. I have a CHL and am a member of both Gunowners Of America and the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. We Texas lawful gunowners are shielded by a law that prevents criminals or their relatives from suing in civil court for their death or injuries resulting from a criminal act. Since it's inception, there have been numerous self-defense shootings and I have not seen any news reports where any of the home/business owners were charged.

# 3. 7/27/10 12:39 AM by rob durham - ontario ny
I'm proud of my rifles

# 4. 7/27/10 12:59 AM by Philip - Tooele
I carry most everywhere I go, and I feel a sense of peace because I do. I hope I never need it, but if I do, I want to be ready. Because, (remember Trolley Square and about a hundred others in the last 3 years?) you never know. Better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it!

# 5. 7/27/10 1:04 AM by GB
I'll bet the German and Polish Jews of the 1930s wished they had kept their guns.

And I'm more concerned about the nut jobs in D.C. than I am about some nut job on a clock tower.

"Fear the government that fears your guns."

# 6. 7/27/10 1:26 AM by Jolene - Sandy
HAPPY THAT YOU GUYS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOLD GUNS. CRUSHED MY BUBBLE THAT YOU DRIVE A MINIVAN! Take it back and tell me you drive a convertible or ride a Harley.

# 7. 7/27/10 5:10 AM by JOHN - MOUNTMORRISNY
Sounds good on paper. I want to agree with you, really I do.

But when the FBI, ATF, and local SWAT team comes to your home, remember what happened at Ruby Ridge and Waco. The second amendment didn't really seem to matter then, did it.

When some bureaucrat calls a citizen a "violator", of the law, (rightly or wrongly), the law is on the side of the FBI, ATF, and local law enforcement, including SWAT.

Just food for thought

# 8. 7/27/10 5:41 AM
Yes, Americans own guns. As do the citizens of South Africa, Columbia, Thailand, Zimbabwe, Mexico, Belarus, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Lithuania. Those are the countries who, with the U.S., comprise the top 10 nations for per-capita firearm murders worldwide. That's the company we keep.

The right to bear arms is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, and with good reason; but our country's modern gun culture is broken. Much as you would like to think so, those two statements are not inherently contradictory. I have no problem with a lawful and reasonable approach to gun ownership, but positions like the one you state in your column are preening, arrogant, and willfully ignorant of the issue at the heart of the gun-control platform.

People who favor gun control aren't anti-American. They don't secretly want the government to wield absolute power over the helpless citizenry. They're not driven by elitism to hate the gun-totin', truck-drivin' segment of the population. People who favor gun control first and foremost are bothered by all the Americans who die because of guns.

Columns like yours indicate that you're not bothered by that. And that's a tragedy.

# 9. 7/27/10 5:42 AM by Leigh - Rochester, NY
I own a variety of guns. I carry one whenever I leave my house. I jumped through all the hoops in order for NYS to permit me to exercise my constitutional right. I could go on and on about how I own them because it is my right, or for all of the excellent reasons you listed, but really it comes down to one simple thing:

As a husband and a father, it is my DUTY to protect my family. Calling 911 and cowering in fear, hoping they get here before the bad guy gets to me is NOT protecting them. It is not the duty of the police to protect me or my family, nor is it really even possible for them to.

# 10. 7/27/10 6:02 AM by Kris - Greece NY
Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

I carry my baby Glock in my fanny pack when I walk the dog before the sun comes up. I've never needed to take it out, but when I run into the occasional late reveler (or group of them), it's awfully good to know that I can protect myself if I need to.

# 11. 7/27/10 6:24 AM by A Patriot - Lockport, Peoples Republic of New York
I, and my S&W .380, thank you.

# 12. 7/27/10 6:26 AM by alexander - upstate ny usa
does a 400 year old flint lock count?

# 13. 7/27/10 6:36 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport, NY
It almost seems like a dirty little secret, but more people are licensed to carry handguns than you think. I am, and speaking for myself, I own three handguns: I have a Browning .22 for cheap target shooting, a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm for home defense and target shooting, and a Smith & Wesson .38 for concealed carry.

I went through the arduous New York State licensing requirements. I paid all of my absurdly high fees and submitted to a barrage of personal and intrusive questions. I ran back and forth between various government offices with paperwork and money in hand. I’ve been fingerprinted and photographed. I gave permission for the authorities to make inquiries of my friends and my wife to see if I’m a responsible person. Apparently I am.

Why am I mentioning this? Just to let you know that perfectly normal and rational people believe firearms are an American right. In a society where protection of one’s self and family falls more often than not to the individual, I take my responsibility seriously.

Handguns and firearms aren’t for everyone. It’s hard to talk about guns being safe because they are designed to be a deadly weapon, but in the hands of someone who respects this and is properly trained; they offer a lot of reassurance.

Look at it this way – you lock your doors at night. You have a panic alarm on your key chain. You lock your car. These all safety measures for the “what if.” Owning and carrying a handgun, while radical and nutty to some, makes perfect sense to the millions of people who do so.

# 14. 7/27/10 6:59 AM by RS - NY
I like your neighborhood, Bob!

But hey, how do you and your friends manage obtain CCW in New York? I thought that was all but impossible in the Empire state.

# 15. 7/27/10 7:05 AM by lucky wife - Mount Morris, N.Y.
Good morning Bob,

"If there's ever a sniper on a tower it will be a citizen or an out of town cop who takes him down."

Why wouldn't be an in town cop ? Did you take all there weapons ?

I would think you would be more supportive of your Village Police Officers, you are on the village board still are you not ?

As far as advertising the fact that you own weapons, the element of surprise is in the hands of the beholder. You would be surprised at the number of people who own firearms in the village, and they all don't live on Eagle street.

Editor's Note: i have pushed for a year for the village police department to have a tactical rifle. i mostly get bemused smiles, even from the police, as they clearly presume i'm an idiot. so, like i said, if something bad happens, it'll be me or one of my neighbors, or a quick trooper or deputy, to bring things under control. like they say where i'm from: you can't push a rope.

# 16. 7/27/10 7:10 AM by Rob Staples - Henrico, VA
Amen! It's a choice, you carry your cell phone. I carry something else. Never leave home without it.

# 17. 7/27/10 7:12 AM by Bob - Webster
Bobby-boy,

It sounds like Mt. Morris is a place to avoid with a$$holes like you and your neighbors living there. Put a fence around your town, shave your heads, and say, "Heil Hitler". Then you'll have the whole package.

Someday one of you jerks will kill someone because you are "living free". What a bunch of horse crap you spout!! I feel sorry for the 300 kids you've sired and are living in your "compound".

# 18. 7/27/10 7:28 AM by eh Rod - CANADA`
You may say you find comfort and peace in having a gun. You surely don't believe in peace and you're obviously uncomfortable so that's just a rationalization. If you lived in a free country, you wouldn't need a gun for security. You're actually just a vigilante. And the fact that your neighbors are all armed doesn't make it right. Perhaps you need to find a better neighborhood. Peace.

# 19. 7/27/10 7:56 AM
I'm afraid #15 is right. Eagle st is a very short st so you have in effect given your address to all the wacko people out there who will cruise the couple blocks till they see your truck parked in front of your house with its infamous custom license plates.

Have you grown to like waking up to your truck's tires being slashed? I think you are becoming a danger to yourself or others and may require the requisite response from authorities. I hope they can find the proper medication to remove this dangerous side to your personality.

# 20. 7/27/10 7:58 AM by Mark - Greece
Ummmm. #17 and #18, the Garden of Eden vanished centuries ago. God is not keeping the evil at bay for you. As for legally-carrying whackjobs taking a neighbor out just willy nilly, I've been able to read for many decades now, and can't recall any unprovoked shootings by supposed law-abiding citizens in Mt. Morris. Vacuous argument on your part.

# 21. 7/27/10 7:58 AM by gww - rochester, ny
Obviously Jesus wants you to own a gun, but given that they weren't invented until the 1300s, he never got the chance to cap the Roman centurions! Imagine how much better The Passion of the Christ would have been if he'd unloaded a clip of tracer rounds right into the gullet of that no-good snitch Judas!

# 22. 7/27/10 8:00 AM by tom - penfield, ny
I have a shotgun to protect my home. The chances of ever needing it are less than being struck by lightning, or finding a conservative on Martha's Vineyard. I don't like handguns or some of the people who love them so much. Loving a weapon is creepy. I also won't be bothered with carrying. I will stay out of areas that I feel are not safe (this is the best defense). I don’t really want to get into a gun battle anyway. If I ever did decide to have a handgun, why would I register it? Can anyone go to the government records and find out what guns the legal owner has? Sounds like a bad plan to register them, if this is so.

# 23. 7/27/10 8:07 AM by Dominic - Spencerport, NY
Rod in Canada - You're missing the point. As a husband and father I am responsible for keeping my family safe. As much as some would like to believe this is a world full of rainbows and unicorns farting skittles... there's people who want to do others harm. It is not a question of whether such people would have gun, a knife, a rock, or severe BO. It's a question of having to detain or permanently stop such persons from ever laying a finger on those I love.

Break into my house and you will have holes in places you didn't have before. It's that simple. I don't say it in a boastful manner, but an unconditional matter-of-fact statement.

I believe that where the 'bad guys' know that there will be some serious repercussions for breaking into a house... they tend to make a judgment call on assuming room temperature.

# 24. 7/27/10 8:07 AM by GEORGE (THE OTHER ONE) - GANANOQUE ONTARIO CANADA
*

Living in Toronto, Rod Crouch has a much better chance of being shot than he would in other parts of the country. So remember Rod, when you are on your knees begging for your life while some punk goes through your wallet, if you had only been carrying . . . .

LIGHTS OUT!

# 25. 7/27/10 8:08 AM
I think the beach was closed again yesterday. Quite honestly, its really hard to believe that our beach is closed frequently, especially in the SUMMER.

# 26. 7/27/10 8:08 AM
re- And if there’s ever a sniper on a tower it’ll be a citizen or an out-of-town cop who takes him down."

Bob, i thought the state police has a barracks in your town of mt morris. So i guess it would be an IN TOWN cop who takes down the sniper after all.

You are lucky that you have the troopers right there so you really don't need all your guns.

Editor's Note: there is neither a trooper barracks -- nor substation -- in the town of mount morris.

# 27. 7/27/10 8:08 AM by tw - rochester, ny
I don't understand the hubub. It is hilarious that tea party folks complain about not wanting their guns taken away. Crazy, alarmist crap. Where's the legislation? Where's the bill that will take away your guns?

Nowhere. It doesn't exist, because nobody wants to take away anyone's guns. It is an alarmist paranoid element of the right that is hilarious.

Let me put it this way: I'm a democrat and own a gun. My neighbor is a radical feminist liberal and owns a gun. My neighbors across the street campaigned for a democratic senator and they own at least one handgun. My neighbor on the west side shoots skeet and trap and owns some beautiful guns that should classify as works of art.

I'm in a liberal suburb and a liberal neighborhood and there are plenty of guns. Nobody is paranoid about anyone taking them away.

So from my perspective this paranoia about the removal of liberty is bunk that has been circulating for years, flames fanned by special interest groups. There's no legislation in existence that wants to remove our right to own guns.

Editor's Note: i guess you've not heard of either albany or microstamping, huh?

# 28. 7/27/10 8:09 AM by Vet '72
To #17: Here are the latest reported crime statistics for Webster, NY, where you live. All of these crimes could have been deterred with a handgun by the victim. I did not include the statistics for petty crimes such as larcenies:

92 Burglaries; 1 murder; 2 Rapes; 7 Robberies; and 17 Aggravated assaults. I bet if you could speak to these victims your view of legalized handguns would change.

# 29. 7/27/10 8:11 AM
Have you noticed the enormous amount of properties that are vacant in our area, I'm speaking of commercial properties. West Henrietta near Marketplace is frightening.

# 30. 7/27/10 8:29 AM by Dave - Rochester, NY
All you moonbats that equate gun ownership in the U.S. with third world countries fail (again) to understand basic cultural differences. In the U.S. law abiding citizens do not use their weapons in any way threatening unless in defense. Duh.

# 31. 7/27/10 8:35 AM by Big Mike - Webster, NY
Remember not too long ago one could go to the fun show and purchase a whole crate of SKSs for the cost of a new “black rifle?” I’m still kicking myself over not purchasing a dozen or so of those things.

# 32. 7/27/10 8:35 AM by TJ Thoughts
How did Jefferson know? When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe ...Thomas Jefferson The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not. Thomas Jefferson It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Thomas Jefferson I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Thomas Jefferson No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. Thomas Jefferson The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. Thomas Jefferson The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he believes and abhors is sinful and tyrannical. Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.'

Amazing...

# 33. 7/27/10 8:45 AM by Name Redacted
I don't quite agree with listing your street name (if it's correct) or calling out your neighbors (although criminals should expect everyone is armed)....but, otherwise, i completely agree.

With any luck I'll be driving through your town this weekend with my 12 gauge to go to the my uncle's land to camp and shoot with the kids and wife. my wife hasn't shot a gun before and my kids are 8 years old and younger, so it could be a quick shoot...but taking bb guns too and they'll love those!

I'd love for the towns and cities to come out and just lie about how many guns are out there....that lie could save lives and prevent crimes.

I also want to say, i appreciate your input on how to defend your home, i've heard you talk about it twice and it's helped me form my opinion and plan. have the tv, come up the stairs and you'll meet my 12 gauge!

lock and load!

rally round the family with a pocket full of shells

violence in all hands, embrace it if need be

# 34. 7/27/10 8:46 AM by Bob - Penfield, NY
It used to be that the magazine section in our local Wegmans was 1/3 gun magazines, including such mags as Handloader. That'll tell you how popular guns are in the average suburbs. I get a kick out of the reports on the news when the police raid a drug house in the city and take out 4 rifles or pistols and a couple shotguns. Shocking! Most of my gun owning friends in the suburbs or country count their guns by the dozens. Higher incomes can afford more of the good things in life.

# 35. 7/27/10 8:52 AM
And SOME Americans carry guns.

Usually the bad guys.

# 36. 7/27/10 8:53 AM
Bob, you keep forgetting that we are not allowed to protect our freedom with guns in this country. Can you imagine a prosecutor reading today's column of yours into the record after you act in a similar manner as this former marine did just a couple years ago.

*************************

Former Marine draws gunplay charge fending off trespasser By Ben Dobbin - The Associated Press Posted : Friday Dec 21, 2007 7:36:30 EST

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Above all, John O’Connor said he regrets pulling the trigger.

The former Marine Vietnam veteran and small-town councilman, who often packs a shotgun, said he’s caught dozens of burglars over the last 30 years at his auto repair and salvage business and turned them over to sheriff’s deputies. But never before did he feel the need to fire his weapon.

Awakened by an alarm system, O’Connor drove to his shop at an isolated crossroads near the village of Honeoye late on Nov. 25 and came upon a trespasser, who ran away. After alerting police, he then spotted another man in a car and shot out a tire when the car roared off.

Two suspects, Aaron Fuoco, 27, and Brian Jarvis, 32, were arrested at their homes the next day and charged with sixth-degree criminal trespass and conspiracy, both misdemeanors.

“They were thieves in the night, robbing my business,” a visibly distraught O’Connor, 60, said after a brief court appearance Wednesday night on a felony charge of third-degree criminal mischief. “I will have to fight this all the way. I do not see myself as a criminal.”

If convicted, he could get as much as 16 months to four years in prison, lose his business dealer’s license and have to resign from the town council in nearby Canadice.

http://www.leatherneck.com/forums/showthread.php?p=306537

# 37. 7/27/10 8:53 AM by DD
Until NYS decides not to arrest me for carrying a non-lethal stun gun, Mace or self-defense baton, I'll carry my gun. I'm not looking for trouble. I'm looking to live and protect my family, something the liberals apparently don't care about.

FUNYS. Put that on a bumper sticker.

# 38. 7/27/10 8:56 AM by Karl - Heart of Ohio
The best words in this story is "and free because we are armed."

# 39. 7/27/10 8:57 AM by Carole - Greenwood
No matter how bad things are now, it would be like waiting for someone to take us down. Whether you own a gun or not just thinking there is one is a deterrent and that is good. This is our birthright in this country, To be ready to defend our homes and our country. I own a gun, and more than one, so do not mess with me, my family or my country.

# 40. 7/27/10 9:02 AM by lucky wife - Mount Morris,N.Y.
Good morning Bob,

Not all the officers in the village agree with the board, some are just as frustrated as you at the ineptitude and narrow minds of some members of the village board. Some members of the board have the rational that if they say it..it must be true. The board will save a run down eye sore instead of putting the time, money and energy into something that would actually be useful to this village. Use the money instead to go for a tactical rifle and sniper school for one of the more seasoned officers. Thank goodness for the man who invested in our village, he at least does things with a beneficial outlook to all the people who live here and not for just a select few. He is building businesses for our local economy, to raise our tax base so the residents won't have to pay such high taxes. Bob you are a breath of fresh air to the board. I wish you luck and patience.

# 41. 7/27/10 9:05 AM
I don't own a gun but I'm glad you and other law abiding Americans do and I support your right to have one.

# 42. 7/27/10 9:06 AM by ex-pansy
Our home contains 2 pistol permit-holders, 3 martial-art students, and 4 guns.

On rare occasion, my cooking can be quite lethal as well. So,it's all good here in Clarkson...

Wax on, wax off, kiddies...

# 43. 7/27/10 9:08 AM
Guns or no guns, freedom is being stamped out in Washington on a daily basis. FUBO

# 44. 7/27/10 9:11 AM by The Pink Lady - Sodus, NY
Amen Bob! Great column and we agree 100%!

# 45. 7/27/10 9:13 AM
Do you know why they called the west "wild" many years ago?

Because so many people carried guns it was called the wild west.

In San Francisco back in those wild west days guns were everywhere and the crime rate was 10x what is today.

Let me ask you, you say that no thug is going to mess with you since you are carrying a gun. Do you honestly think the thug is going to tell you "in advance" that he is going to pull a gun on you so you will have time to pull your gun out and protect yourself?

Also, along the same line, why would a thug be afraid of you if your gun is hidden from view? Do you assume that the thug is psychic and by that way knows you are armed?

If America evolves into a nation where you go to the local mall and see every other person carrying a gun on their hip how long before you hear calls for banning those "frightening weapons" once and for all. That's where I think you are heading with all this wear a gun as an accessory to your wardrobe talk.

Another thing, how the hell uncomfortable must it be to wear a Glock in the center of your back while driving a car?

Being a naturally big man as I am I know why puny conservative men must wear a gun. Fear is a tough life.

November is coming. Your choice is the GOP Party of No We Can't or the Democrats Party of Yes We Can.

Who wants to be a quitter? Not me.

# 46. 7/27/10 9:14 AM by Jodi - Wayne County East
There's leaders and there's followers. The wise and the dumbasses. The self sufficient and the insufficient.

Everyone makes their own choices, and everyone has to live with the consequences of them.

The freedom to do so is what makes the USA great.

GUNS and MOTORCYCLES ROCK.

Own lots of them.

# 47. 7/27/10 9:16 AM by Morgan
Great article Bob. I hope to Here you in Utah again Soon.

P.S. The Nephi Ute stampede was Great again this year.

# 48. 7/27/10 9:34 AM by Ryan H - Victor, NY
Let's say we get rid of all weapons tomorrow.

The day after there are still unsavory people that want to do harm to others and steal other possessions, they will find a sharp stick and stab you with it.

In retaliation your family starts wearing animal hides in which to stop the sharp stick.

The day after they still want stuff so they start fashioning crude spears with stone tips that can pierce your crude armor.

The cycle continues until we are back to machine guns and nuclear bombs.

Some people will find a way to kill and harm others. It is my job to make sure that guy doesn't harm me or my family.

# 49. 7/27/10 9:42 AM
I read the comments and I'm struck by the seemingly group think that because you carry a gun you can thwart crime from being committed upon you. One commenter even posted stats from crime in Webster and saying I bet those people all wish they were carrying a gun.

How did he know they weren't carrying a gun?

Crime happens in the snap of a finger. A thug always uses the element of surprize. You will not be able to defend yourself if there is a gun pointed at your head. Why do you think you will?

If you come upon a crime in progress then you will have a chance at stopping crime. But don't pretend that if a criminal wants to attack you he is going to alert you before he does it. They are criminals, they do not play by any rules other than take you down any way possible.

I'm not against guns, I just think there is too much silly talk about thugs being dumbasses who are going to let you get the drop on them. It doesn't happen that way. That is why so many police chiefs are against armed citizens.

# 50. 7/27/10 9:51 AM
Bob, State Troopers have a location on Rt 63, Mt Morris NY 14510 as listed in their official website.

http://www.troopers.state.ny.us/contact_us/Troop_Information/Troop_E/

Eagle st in mt morris IS in the 14510 zipcode isn't it?

*********************************

New York State Police Troop E Information

Zone 3 Stations Address Phone

Bath 7237 Rt. 415, Bath, NY 14810 1-800-252-0820

Canisteo Town Hall, 6 South Main Street, Canisteo, NY 14823 607-698-4377

Geneseo 5831 Groveland Stn. Rd., Rt 63, Mt. Morris, NY 14510 585-243-4876

Lima PO Box 543, Lima, NY 14485 585-582-2232

Painted Post 3859 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870 1-800-252-0820

Wayland 2634 Route 21, Wayland, NY 14572 1-800-252-0820

Editor's Note: the substation is in the town of groveland. you said it was in the town of mount morris. having a substation nearby is good if the bad guys decide to get out of line exactly at shift change, when there are troopers there.

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