Diamondback Police Supply rescinds purchase by Mark Kelly

Diamondback Police Supply in Tuscon rescinded the order of a Sig Sauer M400 semi-automatic rifle for Mark Kelly. Mark Kelly is famous for his alleged obsessive-compulsive disorder in attempting to purchase weapons throughout Tuscon to show how easy it is to obtain a weapon that is Constitutional to own under the Second Amendment.

Douglas MacKinlay, Owner/President, Diamondback Police Supply Co., Inc., explained on their Facebook page:

“While I support and respect Mark Kelly’s 2nd Amendment rights to purchase, possess, and use firearms in a safe and responsible manner, his recent statements to the media made it clear that his intent in purchasing the Sig Sauer M400 5.56mm rifle from us was for reasons other then for his personal use. In light of this fact, I determined that it was in my company’s best interest to terminate this transaction prior to his returning to my store to complete the Federal From 4473 and NICS background check required of Mr. Kelly before he could take possession this firearm. A full refund was sent to Mr. Kelly, via express mail, on Thursday of last week.

The Sig Sauer rifle will be donated to the Arizona Tactical Officers Association where it will be raffled off to generate funds the association can use to purchase much needed tactical equipment for the organization’s members. The A.T.O. A. represents the SWAT and Special Response officers of the state’s law enforcement community who regularly place their lives on the line to protect the residents of this state.

Additionally, Diamondback Police Supply will make a $1295.00 contribution (the selling price of the M400 rifle) to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program that teaches children, in pre-K through 3rd grade, four important steps to take if they find a gun. The emphasis of the program is on child safety, something that is important to all of us and at the core of the current debate on gun control.”

David Smith, who apparently has never bought a gun, commented, “so douche-bag ‘merchants’ are free to violate The Constitution??”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives “Firearms Transaction Record Part I – Over-the-Counter” Form 4473, Question 11a clearly states:

Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form? Warning: You are not the actual buyer if you are acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. If you are not the actual buyer, the dealer cannot transfer the firearm(s) to you. (See Instructions for Question 11.a.) Exception: If you are picking up a repaired firearm(s) for another person, you are not required to answer 11.a. and may proceed to question 11.b.

Kelly, after being caught purchasing the weapons, stated that he was going to turn them over to the police department. While some state that this may constitute a “straw purchase,” the instructions for Question 11.a. on Page 4 of the form does state:

You are also the actual transferee buyer if you are legitimately purchasing the firearm as a gift for a third party.

This would seem to mean that anyone can legitimately purchase a weapon as a gift for a family member or friend. The purchaser would have to ensure that the person receiving the weapon is an eligible person. You are required to certify that on the form.

The form also clearly states:

I also understand that making any false oral or written statement, or exhibiting any false or misrepresented identification with respect to this transaction, is a crime punishable as a felony under Federal law, and may also violate State and/or local law.

It is unknown if any dealer has filed a form to the BATFE indicating the multiple purchase of weapons in a five-day period which is an unconstitutional provision of the form.

How the Maker of TurboTax Fought Free, Simple Tax Filing

by Liz Day
ProPublica, March 26, 2013, 5 a.m.

This story was co-produced with NPR.

Imagine filing your income taxes in five minutes — and for free. You’d open up a pre-filled return, see what the government thinks you owe, make any needed changes and be done. The miserable annual IRS shuffle, gone.

It’s already a reality in Denmark, Sweden and Spain. The government-prepared return would estimate your taxes using information your employer and bank already send it. Advocates say tens of millions of taxpayers could use such a system each year, saving them a collective $2 billion and 225 million hours in prep costs and time, according to one estimate.

The idea, known as “return-free filing,” would be a voluntary alternative to hiring a tax preparer or using commercial tax software. The concept has been around for decades and has been endorsed by both President Ronald Reagan and a campaigning President Obama.

Read more at ProPublica

Are Williams water woes washing away?

Kaibab Lake - 2012

Kaibab Lake – 2012

WILLIAMS—Last year, Williams experienced a terrible time with weather. In this case, that means less snow than usual. The Santa Fe and Buckskinner reservoirs drained considerably. The last two-years have been drier than usual, in fact.

This year two heavy snows seemed to have been helpful to the northern Arizona community in recovering from their water woes. At least for this year.

Ice forming on Santa Fe dam.

Ice forming on Santa Fe dam.

Santa Fe dam spilled over on March 13th, but stopped flowing at least as of last Friday. Today we caught some photos of ice formations on the dam indicating the freezing temperatures Williams still receives at night.

Over the hill, the dam at Buckskinner park started spilling over which is good news for the city. Buckskinner park opened for vehicle traffic today.

The old dam has been spilling over filling both ponds and creating a frog haven. This area has been dry the last two years.

On the fourteenth, Dogtown and Kaibab lakes were filling, but neither were to capacity. Ducks, however, took advantage of the rising lake by swimming in areas which, last year, were completely dry.

There is snow yet to melt and Williams residents know that they can expect snow through May. The current long range forecast, in fact, shows a chance of rain Friday and the possibility of snow above 6800 feet on Monday. Lows at night are expected to be in the lower 30s with temperatures rising to the lower 60s throughout the rest of the week.