Free Republic

***NOTE: Mailchimp has just blocked VCDL from putting out VA-ALERTS, so we are sending this alert out to VCDL members only using our membership system. This email will repeat, hopefully very soon, once we have moved over to a new system so that everyone gets a copy. In the meantime forward this to others if you can do so.*** 1. VCDL statement on Lobby Day 2021, January 18 2. Exact location for the Hampton main-caravan starting point 3. Roanoke hearing on local gun-control postponed 4. Virginia Citizens Armory in Purcellville is doing a sub-caravan to Fairfax County main-caravan starting point...

In August 2020, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced that the second F-35I Adir squadron, the 116th Lions of the South based out Nevatim in the southern of the Middle Eastern nation, became operational six months after being formed. The squadron underwent an operational fitness inspection, during which its members were reportedly tested on various scenarios. More of a Good Thing Israel is now looking to add a third squadron of the domestically-modified Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. In early January, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz told the Ynet news that he hoped Israel could conclude a weapons deal...

The submachine gun was developed during the First World War, and Germany’s MG18 is largely recognized as the first successful example of the new class of weapon. Typically chambered with pistol cartridges, such weapons gave extra firepower to NCOs, squad leaders, and scouts during the Second World War. 6 Best World War II Submachine Guns During the conflict, nations such as the United States supplied submachine guns to tankers and other troops who couldn’t carry a full rifle, while the SMG was also supplied by the German and British militaries to paratroopers and other elite soldiers. While picking out the...

The revolver or wheel gun is that classic cowboy gun that everyone wants; it’s reliable, powerful, and is just plain cool. Smith & Wesson brings a new modern take on the revolver with the 327 TRR8, a .357 blacked out showstopper designed with SWAT use in mind. Is it the best new revolver in town, or does it lose the wheel gun showdown? Let’s take a closer look in my review of the Smith & Wesson 327 TRR8 just below.

Despite leaving the EU, London may be source its next main battle tank from France and Germany. According to industry reports, the United Kingdom may be interested in the jointly developed Franco-German Eurotank project to replace their aging Challenger 2 main battle tank, which though not a particularly aged tank, will eventually need replacement.

In December, Saab announced that it delivered the second Gotland-class submarine to the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV) after a mid-life upgrade. Along with the lead boat of the class, the Swedish Navy operates three of the diesel-electric submarines, which were designed and built by Kockums shipyard. Designed as a multirole submarine, the Gotland-class could be used in anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), collection of intelligence including communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic signals intelligence (ELINT), as well as forward surveillance, special operations and mine laying – the submarines have proven to be well-suited to each. Why So Special? The...

Currently, the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is operated by more than twenty-five nations around the world. While the single-engine supersonic multirole fighter is no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force – for whom the aircraft was first developed – improved versions are still being exported and nearly 4,600 have been produced. The aircraft, which is now produced by Lockheed Martin, which essentially acquired General Dynamics’ aircraft manufacturing business in the 1990s, has highlighted the key facets of the Cold War-era fighter – claiming it to be the best value among fourth-generation jets for its capabilities and affordable...

It was over twenty years ago the Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” was retired by the United States Air Force, and while surveillance satellites can provide that eye in the sky for intelligence gathering there is still a need for such high flying, ultra-fast aircraft. Such a platform would complement other manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), providing flexibility in how intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) is gathered. Back in 2013, Lockheed Martin proposed a follow-up to the SR-71. Fittingly, it was the SR-72, which has also become known as the “Son of the Blackbird,” and it was suggested that the...

Some 100 people staged a peaceful protest outside the Washington State Capitol in Olympia in opposition to public access being closed off to the building. The protesters citing Washington's State Constitutional which states that the public must be allowed to attend legislative meeting. Two people arrested today one man said by police to have been involved in a protest last week. The other a woman who was the driver of an RV that blocked a roadway. "You'all didn't show up in Seattle" is shouted at the beginning of this video that shows the massive police and military presence with a...

The Lockheed SR-71 spy plane was – and still is – the fastest plane on the planet. The Goal Known unofficially as the “Blackbird” for its black paint job, which was developed to dissipate heat, the jet featured sleek lines that certainly were “futuristic” when it was flying top secret missions years before American astronauts headed to the moon. It was developed in secret in the late 1950s to cruise to 80,000 feet above the earth, near the edge of space, and out fly any missile that was launched at it.

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is preparing for a war in the Pacific against a near-peer adversary–that means China. One of their go-to weapons in the future could be a new type of long-range loitering munition or what could be described as a sort of kamikaze bomb. Changing Times In an effort to become more expeditionary and better prepared for combat in a littoral environment, big changes are coming to the United States Marine Corps. At the heart of the USMC’s pivot from land-based counterinsurgency warfare to their traditional maritime expeditionary role is a need to counter an increasingly aggressive...

Comment And Analysis Before the news summary lets consider the situaton and try to consider the way it really is tonight... President Trump ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of law enforcement including those members of law enforcement who died in connection with events at the US Capitol... Fences erected in Olympia, Washington outside the State Capitol building ahead of tomorrow's legislative session... "There will be 400-750 National Guard present as well as 200 police and 100 other deputies..." That's the scene people were told to expect at Washington's State Capitol Monday as the legislature goes...

A sub-compact .45 almost seems too good to be true, but Glock listened to the market and released the Glock 30, a concealable pistol with a big bang. Many believe the 30 is the top contender for the modern concealed carry weapon (CCW) 45. Does Glock’s design hold up to the beefy .45 ACP? Find out in my review of the Glock 30 below.

While military sidearms are generally associated with NCOs and officers, the use of handguns was much more widespread in the Second World War. Many soldiers carried handguns in addition to their main small arm, and this was especially true of paratroopers, military police, and generally any enlisted man who felt the need for a little extra firepower. And as with the other small arms of World War II, most handguns were distinctive and unique to each respective nation. As a result, the handguns of the era have become quite iconic and in some cases even a bit infamous. From the...

The 117th Congress has started busily filing bills. None of the text is available yet, but the bill titles are informative. This what I’ve found to date. All of these are in the House. As of this writing nothing directly affecting Second Amendment rights appears to have been filed in the Senate.~~~SNIP~~~13 house bills filed among which this one filed by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee:H.R.127 – To provide for the licensing of firearm and ammunition possession and the registration of firearms, and to prohibit the possession of certain ammunition.

Looking at the whole of the last four years, how will history judge Mike Pence? Would he a good candidate in 2024? Would he want to be? What about Ted Cruz? Or Josh Hawley? Could Donald Trump come back?

John O. Brennan @JohnBrennan Every politician, government official, journalist, & talk show host who has ignored & enabled Trump’s lies & corruption bears responsibility for the damage he has wrought. Spare us the excuses. You failed the test of citizenship. It is now up to you to try to redeem yourselves.

Inside job?

The FBI in Georgia stopped the forensic analysis of shredded ballots, took the ballots away from the forensic team and brought them back to the shredder. The Deep State is stealing evidence in Georgia related to the 2020 Election. Patrick Byrne tweeted moments ago:

The odd-looking De Lisle carbine was the Frankenstein monster of rifles, made up of pistol, rifle, and submachine gun parts. Origins The De Lisle rifle was designed to arm British Commandos for secret, silent operations in Europe during the Second World War. And the rifle, actually a carbine, filled a special niche role: it was small, light-weight — and most importantly, one of if not the quietest rifle produced during the Second World War.