Camp Casey neighbor firing his GUN!?

[dooner]

Sunday, August 14th 10:15 a.m.
SHOTS FIRED!

Deborah Mathews reporting for The Iconoclast.


"Wait! Someone is firing a gun. (pause). He fired it into the air about five times. He appears to be a local inside the fence line on private property. Now he has thrown what looks like a shotgun into the front seat of a pickup, and he's stomping off out of sight. I wonder where he went.

"Now he's coming back out. I'm out here standing on the road. He's got a no parking sign in his hand, walking toward his fence. I'm going to go try to talk to him. I've got to hang up."


http://198.65.14.85/News/2005/31-40/32news21.htm

[fooj]

1. Crazy bastards.

Peace.

[bahrbearian]

2. Serpentine, Serpentine,

[Al-CIAda]

7. Shell, I said serpentine!

[ohio_liberal]

3. Someone please tell than MorAn

What goes up must come down. Idiot. :(

[uppityperson]

8. I always wonder why people forget this

shooting off guns into the air at celebrations and things, makes me wonder.

[Toots]

Gravity is afterall only a theory

:shrug: Who is to say it isn't god throwing things back at us?

[JohnnyBoots]

9. Gravity is a liberal conspiracy to make us hate Jeebus

[kittenpants]

15. gravity is just a theory... you know, like evolution! n/t

[zbdent]

70. THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT BUMPER STICKER!

OOOOOO!

[Dudley_DUright]

19. Yes, people have been killed or seriously injured

by bullets fired up into the air and then free falling. It is an incredibly stupid thing to do. It is actually a felony in CA, but I am sure in TX it probably perfectly legal.

http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a950414b.html

[WLKjr]

4. Watch the crazy bastard try to shoot someone

I hate that, these crazies are the ones that don't need guns around. They get angry and the first thing they reach for is a damn gun. That anger turns to rage, and before you know it they aim at a person and pull the trigger.

[jobycom]

10. Guns are the weapons of cowards

Guns make them feel strong enough to confront someone, and allow them to kill without getting close.

This guy's a coward, though. A real man would walk out and talk to someone. A coward solves his problems by gunfire. And bombs and missiles.

[nookiemonster]

5. The shrub must've made a few phonecalls.

I wouldn't put anything past the sneaky bastard.

[meganmonkey]

12. Eh, I don't know that he can even dial the phone

I am sure someone else did it on his behalf ;)

[POAS]

6. NOMINATED

[uppityperson]

11. UPDATE

I went over and talked to the man. He is Larry Mattlage, who says he is on his property and just posted a no-parking sign.

"We're going to start doing our war and it's going to be underneath the law," he told me. "Whatever it takes. So y'all go find another place to do whatever you do. 'Cause this is our front yard and back yard." I asked, "Do you mean the protestors?"

Wait.....now there's some Secret Service and cops. I'm going to get closer to hear what they're saying. People in bullet-proof vests are here now. Two Secret Service agents are now walking up his driveway towards his house, with Mr. Mattlage. A member of the Sheriff's Department has arrived. Mr. Mattlage is waving his arms now. All of them are now walking back this way.

Now they are between the lane and the house. He's at the fence now. Let me record what they are saying. I'll call right back.

[meganmonkey]

16. Thanks uppity! Please keep us updated

:kick:

[Squatch]

13. Was anybody hurt?

If not, then what's the big deal? It's private property.

[ohio_liberal]

18. Because there are crowds there...

It's unsafe to fire a gun in the air. The bullets/slugs/whatever have to come down somewhere.

[Squatch]

21. Was anybody hurt? Where was he aiming?

I think this is just a situation where a homeowner is getting fed up with the media spectacle taking place out his front door.

[ohio_liberal]

24. The cops wouldn't have responded wearing bullet-proof vests

If they weren't concerned that the situation is volatile. I get pissed off when my neighbors take my parking space but I don't go outside and start firing a gun into the air.

[Squatch]

30. How about when 100 of your non-neighbors are camping

and creating a spectacle outside your front door for over a week. Would you feel a bit frustrated, then?

[ohio_liberal]

34. Maybe

But I still wouldn't go outside and fire a gun in the air. What's the point? To intimidate, as you can easily see.

[Squatch]

39. I agree it's not the best way to get your point across, but

it still is his right, in Texas at least, to fire a gun on your own property (while holding a "no parking" sign).

[ohio_liberal]

44. I didn't question the legality of firing a weapon on one's property

Legal or not, the cops are going to tell him to knock it off.

[Maru Kitteh]

133. Boo-fucking-hoo. I guess he must hate 'murika

for it's FREEDOMS.

[progressivebydesign]

36. Umm. Would I fire a weapon and declare war on them? NO! n/t

[Boredtodeath]

46. They're in a DITCH on public property

Even Texans don't own and control the ditches.

How typical - you can't stop someone from using public property, so get your gun.

I'm "fusterated" let me go shoot up the place.

Rambo Texas Style.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[hippywife]

54. This is also the same poster that

was happy to agree that Kevin Benderman got exactly what he deserved. So I'm not surprised that he sees no parallel between this kind of behaviour and the mindset that got us into this mess to begin with. :eyes:

[Squatch]

55. nevermind

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

67. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Squatch]

69. I am pro peace and pro peace and quiet...presumably what

this man wants restored to his neighborhood.

[kittenpants]

73. firing a gun in the air is a great way to go about "peace & quiet" n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

77. Then his beef should be with the president

who owns the adjoining property.

[Judi Lynn]

80. He does NOT own the neighborhood. He's a psychopath.

Apparently this is completely appropriate to some people, but it's a signal the man was poorly raised, doesn't respect others, and has confused views of "what's mine" and "what isn't mine."

Stupid, slow learner, rude. If he had any dignity, he'd stay on his own property and stop harrassing a peaceful gathering.

[Judi Lynn]

72. Figures. n/t

[Tari]

65. Are you apologizing for that ass? You think HE'S frustrated?

I'm sure Cindy's frustrated, but what do you think the situation would be if frustrated Cindy took out a gun & began firing it...I seriously doubt the cops would have just talked to her & let her go. Guess we'll have to wait & see how this plays out.

[progressivebydesign]

20. The BIG deal is that that man is becoming violent...

Perhaps you didn't understand the post. The man shot his shotgun (a weapon used to kill people) in the air, while holding a no parking sign... he is angry at the protesters and he has begun brandishing and firing a gun. Now, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that this man is developing a violent response in his head to the protesters. This is how it starts.. another angry white man with a gun.. I've been wondering how long it would take on of those to drive his truck thru the crowd or fire off a gun at them.

His actions are NOT simply firing off a gun on his property, apparently. He is threatening them thru passive aggressive ways. The SS and cops would not have responded in bullet proof vests if he was not a threat.

And let me add that he stated he is "GOING TO START A WAR" with the protestors, and it's going to be "under the law". In other words.. he is going to start firing his gun to scare them, and doing other violent things that are just short of breaking the law. Perhaps turning water on them? Driving past them close enuff to make them scramble? Waking them up by blaring horns or gunfire? OH, I'm sure that sick bastard can find plenty of ways to harrass them and still stay on the right side of the law. The only problem is that angry men like that have ZERO restraint and he will step over the line.. hopefully no one will be hurt.

God.. I'm SOOOOOO sick of angry white men.

[Squatch]

22. He's probably tired of the spectacle taking place

outside his front door.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[frictionlessO]

38. real supportive of you there...

For your info his front door is very very far away...
Further more, shots eventualy have to come down, though I guess you'd think if it hit any of the protesters it would be their own damn fault??

See because most of us are sick of the spectacle that this country has become, the spectacle of Iraq, the spectacle of the growing lower class, the spectacle of bigotry, homophobia, theocracy... Im sure you get what Im driving at here.

[Squatch]

49. Yeah, and presumably, those shots came down on his property.

Shit, the guy is probably sick and tired of the helicopters, the police, the protesters, the news crews, etc.

[frictionlessO]

57. Like I said below the country is sick and tired of what Bushco has done

They are NOT on his property.

He threatend war on peaceful protesters who are there legally and justifiably. He does not own the ditches and he knows damn well they are not the problem the POS living up the road Is the problem but I guess if he fired shots in that general direction he'd already be dead.

The tone you are putting out here is that you support a war on the protesters... nice.

[helderheid]

58. so the fuck what?

You don't go out and threaten people but firing off a gun!

[ohio_liberal]

64. Menacing

I don't know Texas laws, but here behavior like that would be called 'menacing'. They'll give him a warning though, I'm sure of it.

[shraby]

68. That's just tough! People are sick of the killing

in Iraq too, and the only man who can stop it is just down the road. The protestors would leave if * would come out and talk to Cindy.

[Generic Other]

81. I'm sick and tired of traffic driving past my house and military planes

overhead (I'm on the flightpath). Are you suggesting I should take action?

Are you???

That's ridiculous!

[Spazito]

88. Seeing as the helicopters, police, the news crews are there

whenever the pResident is at his 'ranch', I can only assume it is the protesters you feel are 'disturbing' his peace. Maybe he should move farther away from the pResident's land if he wants peace.

[Don Claybrook]

138. Nice problem-solving skills you're advocating

If you get frustrated, grab your gun and begin firing it into the air. Hell, if you see a "specatcle", lock and load.

What a seriously unfucking-balanced, train-wreck-turned-abortion of an attitude.

[Democrats_win]

170. Firing shots like this is a bad idea even if he has a valid beef.

If he wants to be treated like a human being, then he should treat others like humans too.

[Zen Democrat]

63. That's what he gets for having a War Criminal as a neighbor.

[Straight Shooter]

76. It isn't a "spectacle."

Please stop cheapening what Camp Casey represents by labeling it with such tawdry terms. It is not a spectacle. It is an event which may well lead to a momentum which changes the outcome of our disastrous presence in Iraq. It may actually cause some people to think.

Spectacle, indeed. :eyes:

[hippywife]

100. Amen!!

So people standing up and speaking against injustice are a spectacle now. :crazy:

[RetroLounge]

115. Big Fucking Deal

I'm tired of the spectacle that is our government.

:eyes:

RL

[Maru Kitteh]

140. If he hates 'murika so bad he should JUST LEAVE

Damn 'murika - too many FREEDOMS.

[DBoon]

131. Not "a weapon used to kill people"

a weapon specifically designed to kill living creatures (including people

[okasha]

132. Texas law

The idjit is within his legal rights to fire a gun--safely--on his own property. That doesn't include firing into the air where innocent bystanders may be injured.

He is not, however, within his legal rights to make what the law, most aptly, calls "terroristic threats." That's a crime, and he's apparently been caught at it red-handed.

[BrightKnight]

175. He is violating two Texas gun laws.

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=TX

(Tex. Penal Code Sec. 46.01 et seq. and Tex. Gov`t. Code Sec. 411.171 et seq.)

"It is unlawful to display a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm."

"It is unlawful to discharge a firearm in a public place or on or across a public road."

[KC_25]

177. The problem with those laws...

is that he was on private property.

[BrightKnight]

178. You are wrong about that.

You simply can not shoot across a public road in Texas. He might shoot across a turn row or a private road. Hunter safety courses in Texas teach this.

--------

You can not display a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm. THe people that he was intimidating were on public land. This is not a requirement. Your front lawn or a wal*Mart parking lot can be a public place.

===========

It would be difficult to find cases similar to this one that have been prosecuted.

[DBoon]

129. Bullets don't magically stop at the property line

nt

[Horse with no Name]

14. Hmmm how bout this scenario?

Officer: Who fired a gun?
Me: The crazy idiot in the pasture. Looks like he was aiming towards the Western Whitehouse.:evilgrin:

[Junkdrawer]

17. UPDATE...

10:15 a.m.
SHOTS FIRED!

Deborah Mathews reporting for The Iconoclast.


Camp Casey is becoming very organized, with how-to signs placed about. Ann Wright said, "That's what we are trying to do."

Let me read you the schedule posted on a tree: "9:15 camp meeting; 10 a.m. inter-faith service, 10:30 a.m., "Food-Not-Bombs Breakfast at Peace House," and....

"Wait! Someone is firing a gun. (pause). He fired it into the air about five times. He appears to be a local inside the fence line on private property. Now he has thrown what looks like a shotgun into the front seat of a pickup, and he's stomping off out of sight. I wonder where he went.

"Now he's coming back out. I'm out here standing on the road. He's got a no parking sign in his hand, walking toward his fence. I'm going to go try to talk to him. I've got to hang up."

(three minutes later)

I went over and talked to the man. He is Larry Mattlage, who says he is on his property and just posted a no-parking sign.

"We're going to start doing our war and it's going to be underneath the law," he told me. "Whatever it takes. So y'all go find another place to do whatever you do. 'Cause this is our front yard and back yard."

I asked, "Do you mean the protestors?"

Wait.....now there's some Secret Service and cops. I'm going to get closer to hear what they're saying. People in bullet-proof vests are here now. Two Secret Service agents are now walking up his driveway towards his house, with Mr. Mattlage. A member of the Sheriff's Department has arrived. Mr. Mattlage is waving his arms now. All of them are now walking back this way.

Now they are between the lane and the house. He's at the fence now. Let me record what they are saying. I'll call right back.

Editor's Note: Permission is granted to reprint the information and photographs appearing in this feature about Cindy Sheehan's visit to Crawford and activities at The Peace House. Attribution would be appreciated. — W. Leon Smith, publisher, The Lone Star Iconoclast

SUPPORT THE ICONOCLAST BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE ONLINE REPRODUCTION (pdf) OF THE PRINT EDITION OF THE ICONOCLAST. THREE MONTHS FOR JUST $10. SEE FRONT PAGE.


http://198.65.14.85/News/2005/31-40/32news21.htm

[Pirate Smile]

23. "We're going to start doing our war and it's going to be underneath the

law" Whaaa????

Who is "We"? "Doing our war"? "It is going to be underneath the law" - how do you do that?

hmmmmm

[MuseRider]

27. Nothing is more scary

than a mad idiot with a gun unless of course it is a mad idiot with his finger on the button.

[proud2BlibKansan]

142. I am NOT

packing heat when we go to Crawford. I am assuming you won't be armed either. :)

[kittenpants]

31. does 'under the law' mean legal or outside the law?

anybody speak hillbilly? I speak the midwest version, but I'm not familiar with this dialect.

[Pirate Smile]

42. I interpret that as meaning outside the law.

But, who knows :shrug:

[SammyWinstonJack]

43. Probably out side the law.

:shrug:

[Junkdrawer]

60. I'm guessing "according to what I think the law is"...

He shot the gun to get your attention then posted "No Parking" signs hoping you move...

[TexasLady]

84. I take it to mean outside the law and sneaky

most likely. Not get caught. Good luck, man.

[tblue37]

117. Probably outside the law--

i.e., "under the radar," where the law won't notice or prosecute.

[stevietheman]

123. Hmmm... "underneath the law" but in plain view? What a moran! n/t

n/t

[DistressedAmerican]

66. Insane Stuff! Great Work!!!

[knitter4democracy]

75. How can it be his frontyard and backyard?

I can understand if the protest is right in his front yard, but from the pictures, his house is far off the road. How can it be his backyard too? I think he's a bit confused.

Shotguns are scary. Handguns aren't that threatening (most people can't shoot them well), but you don't even have to be able to hit the side of a barn to kill something with a shotgun.

[Generic Other]

25. ARREST THAT FUCKER

NOW.

[ohio_liberal]

28. If he isn't laying face down on the ground by now

Chances are he's not going to be arrested. I"m sure the cops are there telling him to stop.

[dooner]

26. sounds like he's just exercising his rights as a Texan

to be an ass and fire his gun on his property if he wants to..

[progressivebydesign]

29. You forgot that he declared war on the protesters.

I imagine that's biz as usual for that type of Texan.

[Squatch]

35. Precisely.

Probably a wee bit tired of the week-long spectacle taking place on his front lawn.

[progressivebydesign]

40. It's not his front lawn. It's the side of the road. n/t

[getmeouttahere]

59. Not to mention the fact that those shots...

could easily end up falling OFF his property

[Jakey]

They might very well be...

SHOTGUN BLANKS

Loud as a live round. 12 gauge pack of six $5.00 each



That's a lot of bang for a coupl'a bucks...

http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/guns/blanks.html

[AnnInLa]

45. protestors are "legal"....aren't literally on his front lawn

are they? Hmmmmmm?

[Lars39]

53. I'm bettin' this guy's house is easily 1/2 mile from the road.

[Kerrytravelers]

56. Yep. True. When I'm pissed, I take a rifle and shoot it in the air.

Who cares where the bullets rain down, right?

[hippywife]

61. So he makes a bigger, nuttier spectacle of himself! n/t

[Fleshdancer]

71. This isn't a suburb and the protesting isn't on anyone's front lawn

he had to drive his truck to the fence in order to shoot the gun close enough to get the attention of the protestors. These are gigantic ranches we're talking about...a TON of open space.

My bet is that he witnessed most of the protesting from his television inside his house a mile away.

[proud2BlibKansan]

82. It is not a spectacle! Please quit calling it that.

He also lives next door to the president. I would think big crowds would kinda go with the territory in this guy's neighborhood.

[TexasLady]

87. Im wondering if this is the man with a black truck

He comes and goes, and I assume he is at least living somewhere around there. He likes to gun his accelerator when he goes past...and we are talking the part of the road most of the people are.

Also, Whoever this shooting man is, his house is a LONG way from where anyone is. The only 'house; anyone can see is some old dilapidated house in the far distance. So its not like there isnt acres and acres between where he obviously lives and the protesters.

[me b zola]

92. What a phuck-nut

I quite certain that Cindy and other GSFs are tired of the "spectacle" of having to look at a folded flag because their loved one died for a lie.

I am tired of the "spectacle" of a bunch of criminals & thugs squatting in the WH holding this nation & entire world as their hostage. :grr:

[brook]

103. It's tourist season here.

They're annoying as hell. Someone (probably a redneck fresnoid) stole my prize rose bush last Saturday. Guess I need to get out ol' Betsy and blast away. "Under the law", of course.

:sarcasm:

Spectacle? Indeed, a 'spectacle' is "a sight to behold". Demanding truthful answers from the Liar-in-chief is a long overdue 'spectacle'. Unless, of course, your interpretation is a secondary one -that the Sheehan supporters are "making fools of themselves"? Care to enlighten me?

[asjr]

37. Right, Texas is a whole 'other country.

[Individualist]

47. Firing a gun in the air when people are near

is reckless endangerment at the very least.

[etherealtruth]

176. One would think n/t

[stepnw1f]

111. It's A Threat

He could have made his point another way. But he didn't. He chose to fire a weapon... that's a threat!

[hlthe2b]

33. Is this across the street or next door to PEACE HOUSE? or...

near Camp Casey? I'm confused.

[ohio_liberal]

41. Sounds like it's a neighbor near Camp Casey

I know it's Texas, but I'm fairly sure they would have a law prohibiting the firing of weapons in the town itself.

[dooner]

51. I think it's Camp Casey n.t.

[katinmn]

50. Chill, Mr. Mattlage. This is bigger than your little piece of land

and your devotion to Bush.

[progressivebydesign]

52. Casey Sheehan died to give that jerk the right to fire that gun.

Perhaps he should think twice about threatening Camp Casey.

[Cyrano]

74. Right on. Why doesn't this moron enlist and go to Iraq to fire his gun?

[RebelOne]

79. Are you saying that Casey died fighting for our freedom?

Because you know that is not true. He died for oil.

[kittenpants]

83. maybe it's an oil-powered gun?

that sounds like a Texas republican's dream! yeee-haw!

[progressivebydesign]

122. I'm saying that anyone who is in the military is fighting for our country.

Regardless of what mess the president got us into, or his reasons for doing it. Casey was a soldier, and not everything he did was about Iraq. Sometimes people forget there is more to being in the military than being in this unjust war. Everytime someone puts on a uniform they are defending our Country... even if the defense in not a defense at all. I honor those who put on the uniform including members of my family.

[dooner]

78. I feel like the Iconoclast has really left us hanging!

I wonder what the heck is going on?

[MelissaB]

86. I've really enjoyed reading the Iconoclast's blog.

I hope he updates soon.

[dooner]

89. I know, I appreciate all they've done!

I didn't mean to sound critical... just anxious to hear what happened.

I'm sure they are all OK, but I"m curious what has happened to the property owner.

[MelissaB]

110. I didn't take it that way. I'm anxious to hear the news, too.

:hi:

[hippywife]

90. I agree.

They've been doing a great job with this.

[Mika]

85. Good thing he's not in NY City

If he'd done that there, the cops might've dropped him with 41 rounds.

[bvar22]

104. That would be the 41 "warning shots".

:patriot:

[bbernardini]

91. "We're going to start doing our war." Against what, the English language?

I don't think he knows what words mean.

[kittenpants]

93. yeah, I would encourage him to use his words

but he might do less harm with the gun.

[Generic Other]

94. DU activists! Notify the media NOW!

We have to get this out to the world!

[DistressedAmerican]

97. AGREED! SEND SOME E-MAIL AND MAKE SOME CALLS FOLKS!

Kicking and nominating this thread will also Help!

[benburch]

95. When you fire into the air...

the shots come down somewhere.

Maybe inside of Shrubbies ranch!

The Secret Service ought to "talk" to this guy.

[Tari]

96. A threat to nat'l security, perhaps?

I seem to recall Cindy being threatened with that. Oh, the hypocrisy & double-standards.

[annabanana]

98. nominated and kicked. . . n/t

[BattyDem]

99. Typical RW behavior ...

when you disagree with someone or something, pull out the gun and start shooting! :eyes:

[Citizen Jane]

101. Larry Mattlage is interesting

see new thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=4348036&mesg_id=4348036

[Mr.Green93]

102. This needs to get on the AP wire

This is Big.

[BlackVelvetElvis]

105. More on this and update at dailykos.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/14/121910/213

[dooner]

109. thanks! n.t.

[Maru Kitteh]

149. OMG LOL LISTEN TO THIS NUTJOB! Porta-potty fixation..........

This guy is a certifiable nutcase. Listen here.

http://198.65.14.85/Art/NewsArt/cindy/mattlage1.wav

[BlackVelvetElvis]

156. "Ya'll er messin up my dove huntin"

OMFG! Thanks for that.

[Spiffarino]

106. If it's a shotgun

...it's probably not too dangerous. Unless he has a heavy load in it, the shot will probably fall with all the the force of a handful of small pebbles. Sounds like he's just a pissed-off little possum's pecker that wants to show his displeasure at the inconvenience of it all.

I wonder what the Secret Service will think of it. Could be interesting to see if they decide to have a word with him.

Edit: nominated for RW-Dick-of-the-Day

[niallmac]

107. Not to panic. It's the way they communicate.

He's probably trying to say something. Probably frightened. Just let it alone and do not make any sudden moves or show any fear. Leave a six pack or some pork rinds in a place that it can get to. It might be acting this way because it is injured or can't recieve Faux News.

[dxstone]

126. HILARIOUSLY put, good sir!

LMAO!!!
You have a gift...
d

[sarahlee]

147. Priceless...

:rofl: :yourock:

[stepnw1f]

108. What A Coward

All he has to do is ask politely. Is he scared?

Big gun... oooooooooo.

[kentuck]

112. I bet if one of the protestors set off a firecracker....?

they would be arrested? But this joker can fire a gun?

[dooner]

113. Per the Dailykos,

This guy sounds like a bit of a loose cannon and very grounchy Bush neighbor. He doesn't like crowds of people in general, not really much to do with Cindy, or anti-war. In previous interviews he has made comments about not liking the fact that Bush moved into the neighborhood and brought all these problems.

The guy needs to take a chill pill. His ranch is 90 acres, perhaps he could stay away from that one fence line for a few weeks.

[mainer]

114. "Are we going to have to put up with this all summer?"

Why doesn't he ask that about the iraq war?

[Bluerthanblue]

135. why doesn't he tell bush to get his ass out of his head

and face the music-?

cause that dude can't dance to save his life.

[RetroLounge]

116. This guy is an AssHat

and so is anyone who defends him.

RL

[sakabatou]

118. I bet it was that guy in the red pick-up....

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

119. If the guy likes guns so much why doesn't he enlist?

To paraphrase Wesley Clark "if you like guns we got a uniform and boots for you. Plus you get to fire all kinds of ordinance that you wouldn't as a civilian."

[Junkdrawer]

120. AUDIO OF MATTLAGE HERE:

http://www.putfile.com/media.php?n=mattlage1

[DistressedAmerican]

124. Holy shit. Some specifics if you can't listen!!! Inviting All Rednecks to

COME ONE DOWN AND JOIN HIM IN SHOOTING ON HIS LAND!!!

THIS IS BAD BAD BAD!!!

"I wanna get on letterman! I wanna get on Leno!"

"I Don't Like George Anymore Than Anybode Else!"

Amazing!!!

"The world with the most porta potties is gonna win.

How many more parta potties are you gonna put up. George Bush has more porta potties so he's gonna win."

"This just like frosty the Snowman right here. It's gonna melt."

Threatens to continue shooting ALL NIGHT

Invites every redneck in the state to come shooting as well

BAD SHIT!!!

[Bluerthanblue]

137. another shining example of the work of the great 'uniter'

a house divided against itself cannot stand.

[proud2BlibKansan]

146. I thought he said

he DIDN'T want to be on Letterman or Leno.

[helderheid]

134. WOW he's CERTIFIABLE!

[kittenpants]

145. No, he's just fighting the terrorists in the sky so we don't have to

fight them down here on the ground! Ya see, we're at WAARR here...

[emdee]

121. Do the police stay around the clock?

If the group suddenly sees themselves without police, they should be very cautious and keep video cameras rolling - or get out until the police return. There are many people who think they are justified to incite violence - isn't that an odd opinion. It's ok to use *force* to stop a *peaceful* activity.
emdee

[GoldenOldie]

127. Why don't they ask Mr. Mattlage what he thinks about the

Iraqi civilians who are having their doors kicked in, their homes being shot up.........for 3-years?

Mr. Mattlage talks about George W. Bush and the ranchers (? pig farms and 400 acres do not a ranch make) summer being ruined because of all the protestors.

Why has no one asked Mr. Mattlage what George W. Bush and the ranchers of Crawford have sacrificed for this Iraqi War?

Cindy Sheehan and her son gave the greatest sacrifice of all yet Mr. Mattlage bellyaches about a ruined summer. There will be nor more summers for Casey nor 1850+++ of his comrades.

[progressivebydesign]

125. Jeez.. the guy has NINETY acres and they're not on his land. n/t

[dxstone]

128. I'm confused...

Is it DUCK-hunting season, or WABBIT-hunting season???
And does anyone have a NO SHOOTING sign they can put up?
Perhaps the CIA should fire a few warning shots of their own...
Through his head, hopefully.
d

[Maru Kitteh]

130. Those fucking bullets come back DOWN ASSHOLE

I assume he could see how many LITTLE KIDS there are in Camp Casey. :mad:

[BrightKnight]

180. self delete - n/t

[Catherine Vincent]

136. I just listened to the audio.

What happened that set this guy off? Probably nothing. You know I'm guess he's not used to a lot of people like that so close to his home. That's why he has a house in the middle of nowhere.

I do believe the cops need to go and talk to him about firing off his gun like that because it could have been tragic.

[cbear70]

139. really worried

I am so worried about Cindy and the rest of them...this man is a lunatic, inviting all the rednecks to shoot. This could be huge trouble...

we have ditches here in iowa and we are allowed to bike and snowmobile down the sides and the farmers can't say anything, even though they too take care of the property and the ditches...

seriously... I will never understand the other side. I pray they remain safe. I am truly worried.

[Sgent]

141. Just to point out here

that if he was firing birdshot it was relatively harmless.

I've been "peppered" more times than I can count -- and no one has indicated that he was even firing in the direction of the camp. I guess in theory you could injure an eye if a pellet hit just right, but I think that is the biggest danger I can think of -- and if it happens it happens extraordinarily rarely.

That being said, it was a stupid thing to do; however, I think a lot of people are getting more worked up over it than is warrented by the situation. There is probably no law whatsoever that prevents what he did. The SS/Sheriff will talk to him, and he probably won't do it again unless he has a real hair up his a**.

[titoresque]

144. sure but now

he's called out all "rednecks" to join him on his property.
This guy contradicts himself all over the place.
He wants it quiet.........so he invites all rednecks out to shoot with him?
He's sick of porta pottie city........so he's going to let beer guzzl'n rednecks piss on his property?

This could get ugly! Isnt there a law in Texas that prohibits shooting into the air?
We have that law here in Az. It's VERY illegal! Meagans law?
is that right?

[dxstone]

148. Oh!... wonderful then!

"...he probably won't do it again unless he has a real hair up his a**."

That's fuckin' tee-riffic, Sarge!... you're right, what's the big deal? Guy's just shootin' his gun hysterically... and that's his RIGHT as an Amurrrican, huh?
Well, let's hope he don't get a wild hair up there... yes, your logic seems irrefutable to me!

I'm GOIN' to Crawford, very soon... and I hope this asshole shoots ME!
Cuz I'm gettin' so tired of livin' in Patheticsville...
And THAT would be somethin' the MSM COULDN'T ignore...
COULD they???
d
ps: If you don't mind me askin': How is it that you've been 'peppered' more times than you can count? Were you caught 'occupying' public land? Loitering? Walkin' past houses in the fashionable Ed Gein section of TX? What the hell does that take, anyway???

[titoresque]

152. another thing to

think about. This is what happened in the 60's and 70's with peaceful
protests and then the wack job would come in or get "placed" into the mix and cause all sorts of trouble and they'd come and run the peaceful ones off.
Just a thought though.....if they arrest this nut job, and I think they should if he keeps it up...its going to call out all the Rednecks for sure!

"What...they gonna urrest wun uf our own? Fur defendin a mans land?!"
ohhh yeah, I think this might get ugly!

[Maru Kitteh]

153. Good God, where do you live?

I mean everybodys gramma has a shotgun here and I have only been grazed once when I was out on the river during deer season.

You've been peppered more times than you can count? Dude. Why?

[Naysayer]

171. Why did you get grazed by a shotgun during deer season? The shooter would

have had a rifle. Anyone who grew up in Texas--and hunted--has been peppered numerous times.

To answer another question--a landowner who owns property with an abutting street technically owns the land from his house until half way through the road. The public has an easement--and the government may have other easements-- that covers the road, sidewalk and any utility right-of-way.

[stepnw1f]

143. So If Anything Happens Regarding Guns He Gets Sued

Beautiful... thanks idiot!

[dxstone]

151. I don't think you MEANT to address that to the OP, didja?

It looks a bit confusing, the way you phrased that... ya might wanna edit that for clarity.

Anyways, to paraphrase Robert Frost:
"Good cages make good neighbors."
d

[stepnw1f]

155. Heh? (nt)

Stay in the "cage". I'm going for a swim.

[dxstone]

157. I don't think you understood me there...

The first part was to you, saying it sounded like you were calling the OP an idiot (and I didn't think you were, but it was confusing on the face of it; I THINK we're actually on the very same page)...
The second part, I was back to addressing the Texas Shotgun Moron...
Sorry 'bout that, no offense intended... I guess I did the same thing I was trying to help you avoid...
d

[stepnw1f]

159. I Hear Ya... no offense Taken

Sorry about the jab.

[dxstone]

160. No problem!

We ARE on the same page!
:toast:

[nothometoday]

150. Is it Christmas already??????

Cuz I smell Fruitcake....

[carpetbagger]

154. Here's the relevent law. It's a terroristic threat. Stand your ground.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/cgi-bin/cqcgi?CQ_SESSION_KEY=TRCMKKSJOGGS&CQ_QUERY_HANDLE=124594&CQ_CUR_DOCUMENT=4&CQ_TLO_DOC_TEXT=YES

§ 22.07. TERRORISTIC<0> THREAT<0>. (a) A person commits an
offense if he threatens to commit any offense involving violence to
any person or property with intent to:
(1) cause a reaction of any type to his threat<0> by an
official or volunteer agency organized to deal with emergencies;
(2) place any person in fear of imminent serious
bodily injury;
(3) prevent or interrupt the occupation or use of a
building; room; place of assembly; place to which the public has
access; place of employment or occupation; aircraft, automobile,
or other form of conveyance; or other public place;
(4) cause impairment or interruption of public
communications, public transportation, public water, gas, or power
supply or other public service;
(5) place the public or a substantial group of the
public in fear of serious bodily injury; or
(6) influence the conduct or activities of a branch or
agency of the federal government, the state, or a political
subdivision of the state.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 139,
§ 1 and Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 388, § 2
(b) An offense under Subdivision (1) or (2) of Subsection
(a) is a Class B misdemeanor, except that an offense under
Subdivision (2) of Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor if the
offense is committed against a member of the person's family or
household or otherwise constitutes family violence or if the
offense is committed against a public servant. An offense under
Subdivision (3) of Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor. An
offense under Subdivision (4), (5), or (6) of Subsection (a) is a
felony of the third degree.

Text of subsec. (b) as amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 388,
§ 2 and Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 446, § 1
(b) An offense under Subdivision (1) or (2) of Subsection
(a) is a Class B misdemeanor. An offense under Subdivision (3) of
Subsection (a) is a Class A misdemeanor, unless the actor causes
pecuniary loss of $1,500 or more to the owner of the building, room,
place, or conveyance, in which event the offense is a state jail
felony. An offense under Subdivision (4), (5), or (6) of Subsection
(a) is a felony of the third degree.

[HereSince1628]

158. The law is all well and good, but folks at Camp Casey please be safe!

[Zenlitened]

161. Good info. Thanks for posting.

:thumbsup:

[Panda1]

162. Um, lookit his cargo

Gun + Booze = Bad combination.



Does Mr. Mattage own the road beyond his gate and fences?
Or, is that road taxpayer supported? I'm not clear on where his property rights end.

[Conservativesux]

179. This redneck has it all: Baseball Cap, Pickup, T-Shirt, Beer, Gun & Gut..

....your typical Red-State * voter for sure.

[sarahlee]

163. Calm down and let's try to make some lemonaide

Been doing some reading about this guy and part of what is going on is a culture clash (urban vs rural).

If we can step back from immediate reaction and concern, I think there could be a way to make lemonaide out of this lemon.

First, Larry Mattlage is NOT a (rabid) Bush supporter. He is just an average country loving guy living on 98 acres of land (I think that is correct) and given that 98 acres ain't much in TX, and I understand that he raises goats, not cows. He was NOT happy with Bush moving in next door.

From the Texas Monthly: Man About Town - 2002
http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:XbRaumqs4IQJ:www.texasmonthly.com/mag/issues/2002-11-01/webextra3.php%3Fclick_code%3Dba8cce8970cee30fe16a73e2bb499d47+Larry+Mattlage&hl=en">Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

Larry wanted to give me a tour of his ranch, so we talked in his pickup, lurching down rutted dirt roads. "No one used to talk about politics around here," he said, steering past Black Angus cattle that lay napping in the shade. "Family feuds have started over all this. You used to be just a neighbor. Now you're a Republican neighbor or a Democratic neighbor. It's taken away the closeness of the community." He pondered this for a moment as he drove, and sighed. "I'll make some people mad for saying this, but I'll tell you what really ticks me off. Bush portrays this as his hometown, and it ain't. He just barreled in here."

http://www.politicalposts.com/news/index.asp?id=148650|Crawford coverage: Bucolic or bogus?>

But Larry Mattlage, who permits NBC to use his 90-acre spread, is somewhat resentful of Mr. Bush's presence.

"It sort of messed up a nice quiet neighborhood," he said. "When he's here, you get a lot of traffic and a lot of people and a lot of airplanes and a lot of security and a lot of things we didn't have here in the beginning."

Neither Mr. Mattlage nor Mr. Bradford would say how much he is paid for the use of his property, though Mr. Mattlage called it small recompense for the hassle of living next to a president.

"I figured, 'Well, if you've got to put up with this stuff, you might as well make a little money off of it,' " he said.

http://www.freerepublic.com/%5Ehttp://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/metropolitan/3305570|Houston Chronicle>

But Larry Mattlage, who owns the farm across the road from where Sheehan and her supporters are encamped, was not pleased by the new visitors, who hung protest signs in the trees. Sitting on his parked tractor across the road, Mattlage said he supported the right to protest but that the demonstrators should not be allowed to stay for prolonged periods.

"In the morning I usually wake up and see the morning sun," he said. "Now I wake up to stuff hanging in trees."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/8/7/3192/29840|TXsharon at Kos> - Aug 7th, 2005

While Cindy talked to the media, I visited with a member of the White House press corp. and a local rancher. The rancher was quite sympathetic and completely agreed with us but he was not comfortable providing any support for Cindy. He said that homeland security could determine that he was a threat, declare eminent domain, and seize his land.

My impression is he is just pissed off about all the traffic and commotion brought by both Bush and the protestors. I've had the privledge of growing up in both the city and country and enjoy rural living again. I can tell you that city folks don't always appreciate country concerns in the same way, and that if I were not involved in an issue, I would probably be really pissed at having my country quiet disturbed by what I would perceive as a bunch of interlopers.

As a former Texan, I also ask you to remember that Texas was not always a republican stronghold and that Bush is NOT a Texan. The state has problems and a mix of good and bad people just like most places - and it is BIG, so there are just more of them. But I don't think that Mr. Mattlage is a bad guy - just a frustrated country guy who is feeling a little loss of control. Naturally, he is kind of powerless against his neighbor, so the frustrated is getting directed towards the most recent annoyance and one he thinks he *might* be able to exerpt some control over.

After 11 years of not having any neighbors within eyesight, I found myself really irritable when someone I kind of liked moved within view of my little patch of land. After 2 years, it still irks me to walk out and see their residence where I used to only see hills and trees. I got some empathy for this man though I think the cause is worth his displeasure.

Solution:
If what I have read about him is true and he is typical of the folks I knew when I lived in the Texas Hill Country, then someone like Cindy or a key spokesperson going over with a gift of some baked goods, (pecan pies are usually hits) or some thing like that, and just having a nice chat, listening to his frustration, explaining that they are not leaving until Bush does - gently, and promising to try and leave the land as they found it, could possibly make a friend. Ask him what he thinks they could do to try and make the time less unpleasant for him and listen carefully to what he says and do as much as possible and within reason to fulfill his requests. Then make sure trees are not damaged and that the place really is clean when everyone does leave. On a selfish note, there is the possibility that it could be turned into GREAT PR if managed carefully and properly. And if we want to learn to make peace in the world, why not try and start with this little conflict.

There is also the possibility that it could turn ugly if some care is not taken now.


My two cents....

[proud2BlibKansan]

164. Great ideas sarahlee

I'm thinking a case of beer would be a great gift for Larry.

And I will admit I feel sorry for him. I know I wouldn't want bu$h living next door to me !

[funkybutt]

165. I think this information deserves it's own thread

Great research! And I really appreciate your solution of a neighborly peace offering by a representative.

Hopefully the people at Camp aren't too upset with him to agree to that.

I'm from Louisiana and that kind of neighborly sharing is practiced here as well. This guy is not our enemy.

[sarahlee]

169. Thanks and done

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4350586

[Panda1]

166. Fair enough....

...and well said. Thanks for the links to some background. :)
I sympathize with Mr. Mattlage and hope it works out. When Reagan visited Rancho Del Cielo all of Santa Barbara County was inconvenienced. I can only imagine the disruption caused by the inconsiderate Chimp's intensely paranoid security measures.
The local merchants must be happy, though. ;)

It would appear, based on the pics, that Mattlage "might" have been drinking. He must have realized (sober) that firing his gun and driving to the fence would get him national (and international) attention. Maybe he's guilty of a lapse in judgment and nothing more.

Again, thanks for the perspective and perhaps somebody on the scene will get your message. I hope so. I agree with your assessment that Camp Cindy looks better if they reach out to him. Besides, it's the librul thang to do, eh?

[sarahlee]

168. Yep it is "the librul thang to do."

I took a suggestion and made a new topic out of that post.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4350586

[DemonFighterLives]

173. You may have a point there

I have been questioning the ditch as a base myself. It would sure seem that someone would rent Camp Casey a space for a few weeks.
Maybe big Larry isn't so bad, but his call for rednecks with guns was not to cool or shooting to scare or terrorize the protesters.

It may be possible to rent from him, but if his attitude sticks, the peace camp should move.
IMHO

[DanCa]

167. You see why I wont touch a gun

I wont take the responsibility of killing someone intentionally let alone accidently with crossfire. And believe with my dyskinesia the safest place where to stand when I stand is where I shoot. Guns fegh.

[DemocracyInaction]

172. Heard on NBC News tonight---we may have this slightly wrong

They did a report on this, showing the guy spouting off and all. I took it from what he was saying that he's sick and tired of Bush being down there and fucking up the area. The segment started with saying that the Crawford people are tired of all that comes along with the presidential visits, etc. This guy said that every damn year they have this 5 week vacation thing and they have to put up with it, etc. Maybe he doesn't like Camp Casey - though I didn't hear him say anything like that - but he seems royally pissed that he has to put up with Bush!!! I went away smiling. I think maybe that's the message the nation got tonight from it all!!???

[BrightKnight]

174. A clear violation of several Texas gun laws.

http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/StateLaws.aspx?ST=TX

(Tex. Penal Code Sec. 46.01 et seq. and Tex. Gov`t. Code Sec. 411.171 et seq.)

"It is unlawful to display a firearm in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm."

"It is unlawful to discharge a firearm in a public place or on or across a public road."

---------