My mind is still reeling… where to begin. This could go in a couple different forums so this one seems the best!
Spent the past two days, which can only be described as, in the presence of Royalty. I’ll try and relate the events but words (especially mine) will not do the people and/or events justice.
Colonel Jeff Cooper - quietly presiding over his court, exuding an air of authority. Intellectually enlightening his followers when they got up the nerve to question him on matters. I watch from afar (not that afar) and though aged he silently soaks up all that is happening around him and you could tell all was turned over, dissected, and filed in his mind. I was humbled just to be in his presence.
Mrs Jane Ellen Cooper – Regal & Stately despite her physical size. Intently conversing with all that approached her. What impressed me the most was her eyes and smile… eyes, bright, cheerful and full of knowing like they could almost see into your soul. This combined with her smile, could (and does) put all men, woman, children in instant ease with her. A true Queen!
Mrs Lindy Cooper Wisdom – A more perfect Princess could not be found even in a fairy tail. A timeless beauty - both persona and physically. Engaging everyone as an equal and friend you immediately felt a kindred spirit when talking with her. She shares her Mothers smile with a laugh that would light up the darkest night.
The weekend began as I arrive at Richard Jeffereies (aka 45King). We had a few Shiners and then got duded up to attend a dinner in honor of Col Cooper. Yes, you can even dress up a Wooky and Yankee Jarhead and take them out. We arrived at the dinner early to help the President of the Mid-Carolina Rifle Club set up. The Cooper Party arrived at approximately 1800. As instructed by the Boss (Rich Lucibella) I immediately approach Lindy, introducing myself and 45King and putting myself at her service. We made our way into the banquet hall with the Coopers taking their rightful seats at the head table (45King and myself taking the table next to them) We saved a seat for Al Thompson (Gizzmo) as he had not arrived. Unfortunately the cash bar didn’t have any real beer and I had to settle for a double Scotch on the rocks.
As 45King and I went outside to inhale some smoke we were approached by the young Gizzmo. Though all have know each other electronically we made introductions and then started what would turn out to be a long night (as least for the young Gizzmo and myself) of BSing and lying to each other.
After dinner it some presentations were made. First up was Jim McLary. An old friend of The Coopers and one of the Columbia (MO) Conference (circa 1976) members Jim is with the SC State Law Enforcement Division Training Division. Jim was the one whom set the State class requirements for a CWP. He attributed that class directly to the Colonel and his teachings, which he just “passed on, as a teacher is charged to do”. Jim presented the Colonel with a Medallion from SLED commemorating SLED’s 50 (?) years of service. He then made a personal presentation. If anyone has been watch the controversy in SC over the Confederate Flag you will understand this presentation. Jim presented the Col with a Confederate Flag that has flown over the SC Capital building (which also included a letter of authenticity). A lot of people view this Flag as a symbol of State v Federal rights/control. A fitting presentation to the Col. Jim ended his speech with the following (stated directly to the Col) “Sir, there are a lot of good people alive because of your teachings - and - there are a lot of bad guys who aren't - because of your teachings. Thank You!”
Following Jim’s speech 45King then recited a poem he had written for Patriots Day -One Bright April Morning. 45King presented the Col with a copy for the poem. As he had forgotten to sign the copy Janelle cornered him during a later break and had this corrected.
Then the main event, the Colonel took the stage and made a few short remarks which was followed by a question and answer period. He covered a couple of areas – his boar hunt - he was happy to have experienced South Carolina stand hunting (mentioned that it was a bit slow for him) were he killed a nice eating size hog with his .376 (though he did say that he had pondered taking it with his handgun as it was “right THERE” but he had his rifle in hand at the time) and yes. A .376 Steyr is a bit much for Boar, (his daughter got a nice 100 pounder with her .308), he has not experienced any failure to fire problem with his Steyrs and suggested you should feed your Steyr good ammo (which I queried him on latter), he is doing well but not happy with getting old (beats the alternative), answered a few witless questions, signed a bunch of books and retired for the night.
After dinner Gizzmo, I and 45King retired to 45Kings house were we actively engaged in wide ranging conversations (everything from hunting, shooting, weapons, Military experiences, etc (it got blurry after a few hours) while trying to quench our thirst with the only liquid 45King had readily available and in quantity - Shiner Bock. We talked while, in the background, a Dillon Video of Full-Auto Firearms played. This lasted into the wee hours of the morning (at least for Gizzmo and I as 45King (now aka “The Old Man”) slipped into slumber in his recliner a few hours earlier). I keep glancing at, at the time what I thought was a digital clock, until Gizzmo informed me that in fact it was 0400 and 118 was the cable station channel number.
Gizzmo left and I retired to the bedroom leaving “The Old Man” in blissful sleep in the recliner.
I forced myself out of the bed @ 0800 tired, with a slight pounding in my head, in anticipation of the coming day at the Range. After sucking some much needed coffee 45King (though I can’t understand why as he had gotten relatively A LOT of sleep) ran some errands while I loaded some stuff on his computer. When he returned we headed to the range for the days festivities and arrived at the Mid-Carolina Rifle Club just after 1100. The Jeff Cooper Range had just been dedicated with the Colonel firing the first rounds down range and linked up with the Cooper party were 45King and I again offered our services. Lindy and Janelle accepted this offer. While there were others in their attendance they were busy with presiding over the festivities and couldn’t, IMO, give the yeoman services which may be required (gun bearing, gofering, etc). 45King and I gratefully took up these services which freed up Janelle and Lindy to meet with people, fire some weapons and otherwise enjoy the day.
We moved to a 100-yard range where every manner of full auto firearm could be found. Mini-14, variously configured ARs, M60, Thompson, MP5s, Uzi’s, Mac’s etc. Oh… and the show stopper – A Minigun. The Colonel was escorted to the back of the Mini and given the controls. Out of habit he fired a few “short” (30?? Rounds) one second bursts. This did not have the desired effect for the crowd and the Colonel was asked to run the ammo box out. This took a few seconds to empty the 400 round box with the accompanying Bzzzzzzzzzzz, gunsmoke and dust down range having the desired effect. After the box was emptied shooters picked up the Full Autos that were laid out on the table and had a 5 minute “mad moment” into a junked auto located at the berm. During this moment, after Lindy talked with her father, she mentioned that it looked like it would be fun to shot the Mini. Taking her que I asked 45King to talk to the President of the Club whom he knew and tell him of Lindy’s “request”. Needless to say shortly Lindy was seated behind the Mini, the box was again loaded and she let rip with one continuous burst into the junker. 45King, located directly behind Lindy, snapped a great pic. The back of Lindy with the front of the Mini being seen out of which is a cloud of powder smoke.
Time for lunch at this point so we all retired to “mess tent” and ate Southern ChiliDogs Jim McLary arrived having a break from the demonstrations SLED was putting on and was delivered some Triton Ammo to take back and check out. After Lunch we moved over to another Tent where the Colonel and Lindy autographed books for all who asked. The Colonel also autographed an assortment of things… rifles & pistols (all of which the owners were going to take and have engraved), stocks, grips… you name it. During this “down time” various issues/topics were discussed – these ranged from firearms, hunting, Africa, RKBA, Politics and yes, even the Miami happenings.
At 1500 The Court of Common Sense for the Free State of Mid-Carolina was convened. The Honorable Judge I. B. Fair (aka Colonel Cooper) presided. The case? The People (represented by Speaque D. Truff) v The Media (represented by Tel A. Laigh (aka 45King)). The Charge? Blatant Bias in Covering Firearm Issues (represented by a trio of TV sets). The Judge, Lindy and 45King (kneeling)(is that Sam Elliot in the backgroung?!?)
Both sides presented their cases (with the Media’s representative sounding suspiciously like Froghorn Leghorn). Judge I. B. Fair living up to his name and allowing both side to speak their piece, at times childing each on points. The Jury retired to deliberate and reached a verdict quickly and the Foremen read the vertic “We find the Media Guilty, Judge. But these TV Sets aren’t to blame. They’re not human and they can’t act on their own. If we blame the TV sets for what’s done by people who use them to spread their ideas, then we’re just as bad as The Media as when they blame guns for what’s done by criminals. And we don’t want to be like them. We find the TV sets themselves “not guilty”.
Judge Fair thanked the Jury and was in the process of dismissing them when the foreman spoke up again. “Judge, there is one more thing. You said before that if we found the Media guilty, you’d try to find a remedy. Do you think there is anything you can do to let the people know that we’re tired of all this hot air about guns and law-abiding guns owners?”
The Judge paused to think before answering “Upon the verdict of the jury it is the decision of this court that The Media be and hereby is found guilty of blatant bias in covering firearms issues. It is the further decision of this court that the TV sets themselves are inanimate objects, and cannot be held responsible for the wrongdoing of those who misuse them. Therefor, all charges against the TV sets are dismissed. This court is painfully aware that there is no practical way for us to hold The Media fully responsible for its blatant bias in covering firearms issues. And when I speak of The Media I am including everyone from reporters to producers to executives to the sponsors who make broadcasts possible. Still, this court will fashion the best remedy it can under the circumstances. Our jury mentioned Media hot air about guns and law-abiding gun owners. This court notes the presence of numerous balloons in and about the courtroom. These balloons impress the court as suitably symbolic of The Media, its knowledge of firearms, and its positions on firearms-related issues. Therefor, it is the further decision of this court that these balloons be taken from the courtroom to a place where they may be burst and their contents released by a suitable method. So ordered. This court is now adjourned.”
At that the symbolic balloons were taken down to the trio of TV sets located at the back of the range. Up came the future of our firearm rights… kids of age from 12 to 18. Arms were given to each and the balloons and the TV sets were “executed” by order of the Judge.
As the Open House was getting close to being over we moved back to the GP Tent were again books were signed and people paid homage to the Coopers. At 1700 the Coopers depart back to their hotel… the Colonel mentioning to Lindy that she would have to clean up their Steyr’s for preparation for Africa.
All in all an OUTSTANDING night & day. Yours truly, while I did talk with the Colonel a few times, mostly kept quiet in the background least I put both of my feet in my mouth. I talked at length with Janelle and Lindy feeling more comfortable with them.
My only hope is that I didn’t embarrass Rich (as he “introduced” me to Lindy a few weeks ago) by any of my actions, words or deeds.
Rich – Thank You does NOT even come close. I owe you big time and know I’ll never be able to repay. This was an event I will remember with fondness till I go to my grave. If you read this before the Trip link-up with the Coopers please do me a favor. Express my apology to Lindy for not asking her to be a participant in my photo op. Immediately after it was taken, after my head got out of the clouds, as the Coopers were loading to leave I realized what I had done… but there wasn’t time to correct my transgression. I hope she did not take any offense… I was not thinking clearly at the time.
I'm sure Gizzmo & 45King will post their thoughs on this weekend also. And, no matter how humble 45King addresses his recital/acting ability, it has to be know that he was performances were simply OUTSTANDING. Being complimented on both by Janelle and Lindy.
------------------
Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"
[This message has been edited by Schmit (edited April 23, 2000).]
Spent the past two days, which can only be described as, in the presence of Royalty. I’ll try and relate the events but words (especially mine) will not do the people and/or events justice.
Colonel Jeff Cooper - quietly presiding over his court, exuding an air of authority. Intellectually enlightening his followers when they got up the nerve to question him on matters. I watch from afar (not that afar) and though aged he silently soaks up all that is happening around him and you could tell all was turned over, dissected, and filed in his mind. I was humbled just to be in his presence.
Mrs Jane Ellen Cooper – Regal & Stately despite her physical size. Intently conversing with all that approached her. What impressed me the most was her eyes and smile… eyes, bright, cheerful and full of knowing like they could almost see into your soul. This combined with her smile, could (and does) put all men, woman, children in instant ease with her. A true Queen!
Mrs Lindy Cooper Wisdom – A more perfect Princess could not be found even in a fairy tail. A timeless beauty - both persona and physically. Engaging everyone as an equal and friend you immediately felt a kindred spirit when talking with her. She shares her Mothers smile with a laugh that would light up the darkest night.
The weekend began as I arrive at Richard Jeffereies (aka 45King). We had a few Shiners and then got duded up to attend a dinner in honor of Col Cooper. Yes, you can even dress up a Wooky and Yankee Jarhead and take them out. We arrived at the dinner early to help the President of the Mid-Carolina Rifle Club set up. The Cooper Party arrived at approximately 1800. As instructed by the Boss (Rich Lucibella) I immediately approach Lindy, introducing myself and 45King and putting myself at her service. We made our way into the banquet hall with the Coopers taking their rightful seats at the head table (45King and myself taking the table next to them) We saved a seat for Al Thompson (Gizzmo) as he had not arrived. Unfortunately the cash bar didn’t have any real beer and I had to settle for a double Scotch on the rocks.
After dinner it some presentations were made. First up was Jim McLary. An old friend of The Coopers and one of the Columbia (MO) Conference (circa 1976) members Jim is with the SC State Law Enforcement Division Training Division. Jim was the one whom set the State class requirements for a CWP. He attributed that class directly to the Colonel and his teachings, which he just “passed on, as a teacher is charged to do”. Jim presented the Colonel with a Medallion from SLED commemorating SLED’s 50 (?) years of service. He then made a personal presentation. If anyone has been watch the controversy in SC over the Confederate Flag you will understand this presentation. Jim presented the Col with a Confederate Flag that has flown over the SC Capital building (which also included a letter of authenticity). A lot of people view this Flag as a symbol of State v Federal rights/control. A fitting presentation to the Col. Jim ended his speech with the following (stated directly to the Col) “Sir, there are a lot of good people alive because of your teachings - and - there are a lot of bad guys who aren't - because of your teachings. Thank You!”
Following Jim’s speech 45King then recited a poem he had written for Patriots Day -One Bright April Morning. 45King presented the Col with a copy for the poem. As he had forgotten to sign the copy Janelle cornered him during a later break and had this corrected.
Then the main event, the Colonel took the stage and made a few short remarks which was followed by a question and answer period. He covered a couple of areas – his boar hunt - he was happy to have experienced South Carolina stand hunting (mentioned that it was a bit slow for him) were he killed a nice eating size hog with his .376 (though he did say that he had pondered taking it with his handgun as it was “right THERE” but he had his rifle in hand at the time) and yes. A .376 Steyr is a bit much for Boar, (his daughter got a nice 100 pounder with her .308), he has not experienced any failure to fire problem with his Steyrs and suggested you should feed your Steyr good ammo (which I queried him on latter), he is doing well but not happy with getting old (beats the alternative), answered a few witless questions, signed a bunch of books and retired for the night.
After dinner Gizzmo, I and 45King retired to 45Kings house were we actively engaged in wide ranging conversations (everything from hunting, shooting, weapons, Military experiences, etc (it got blurry after a few hours) while trying to quench our thirst with the only liquid 45King had readily available and in quantity - Shiner Bock. We talked while, in the background, a Dillon Video of Full-Auto Firearms played. This lasted into the wee hours of the morning (at least for Gizzmo and I as 45King (now aka “The Old Man”) slipped into slumber in his recliner a few hours earlier). I keep glancing at, at the time what I thought was a digital clock, until Gizzmo informed me that in fact it was 0400 and 118 was the cable station channel number.
I forced myself out of the bed @ 0800 tired, with a slight pounding in my head, in anticipation of the coming day at the Range. After sucking some much needed coffee 45King (though I can’t understand why as he had gotten relatively A LOT of sleep) ran some errands while I loaded some stuff on his computer. When he returned we headed to the range for the days festivities and arrived at the Mid-Carolina Rifle Club just after 1100. The Jeff Cooper Range had just been dedicated with the Colonel firing the first rounds down range and linked up with the Cooper party were 45King and I again offered our services. Lindy and Janelle accepted this offer. While there were others in their attendance they were busy with presiding over the festivities and couldn’t, IMO, give the yeoman services which may be required (gun bearing, gofering, etc). 45King and I gratefully took up these services which freed up Janelle and Lindy to meet with people, fire some weapons and otherwise enjoy the day.
We moved to a 100-yard range where every manner of full auto firearm could be found. Mini-14, variously configured ARs, M60, Thompson, MP5s, Uzi’s, Mac’s etc. Oh… and the show stopper – A Minigun. The Colonel was escorted to the back of the Mini and given the controls. Out of habit he fired a few “short” (30?? Rounds) one second bursts. This did not have the desired effect for the crowd and the Colonel was asked to run the ammo box out. This took a few seconds to empty the 400 round box with the accompanying Bzzzzzzzzzzz, gunsmoke and dust down range having the desired effect. After the box was emptied shooters picked up the Full Autos that were laid out on the table and had a 5 minute “mad moment” into a junked auto located at the berm. During this moment, after Lindy talked with her father, she mentioned that it looked like it would be fun to shot the Mini. Taking her que I asked 45King to talk to the President of the Club whom he knew and tell him of Lindy’s “request”. Needless to say shortly Lindy was seated behind the Mini, the box was again loaded and she let rip with one continuous burst into the junker. 45King, located directly behind Lindy, snapped a great pic. The back of Lindy with the front of the Mini being seen out of which is a cloud of powder smoke.
Time for lunch at this point so we all retired to “mess tent” and ate Southern ChiliDogs Jim McLary arrived having a break from the demonstrations SLED was putting on and was delivered some Triton Ammo to take back and check out. After Lunch we moved over to another Tent where the Colonel and Lindy autographed books for all who asked. The Colonel also autographed an assortment of things… rifles & pistols (all of which the owners were going to take and have engraved), stocks, grips… you name it. During this “down time” various issues/topics were discussed – these ranged from firearms, hunting, Africa, RKBA, Politics and yes, even the Miami happenings.
At 1500 The Court of Common Sense for the Free State of Mid-Carolina was convened. The Honorable Judge I. B. Fair (aka Colonel Cooper) presided. The case? The People (represented by Speaque D. Truff) v The Media (represented by Tel A. Laigh (aka 45King)). The Charge? Blatant Bias in Covering Firearm Issues (represented by a trio of TV sets). The Judge, Lindy and 45King (kneeling)(is that Sam Elliot in the backgroung?!?)
Both sides presented their cases (with the Media’s representative sounding suspiciously like Froghorn Leghorn). Judge I. B. Fair living up to his name and allowing both side to speak their piece, at times childing each on points. The Jury retired to deliberate and reached a verdict quickly and the Foremen read the vertic “We find the Media Guilty, Judge. But these TV Sets aren’t to blame. They’re not human and they can’t act on their own. If we blame the TV sets for what’s done by people who use them to spread their ideas, then we’re just as bad as The Media as when they blame guns for what’s done by criminals. And we don’t want to be like them. We find the TV sets themselves “not guilty”.
Judge Fair thanked the Jury and was in the process of dismissing them when the foreman spoke up again. “Judge, there is one more thing. You said before that if we found the Media guilty, you’d try to find a remedy. Do you think there is anything you can do to let the people know that we’re tired of all this hot air about guns and law-abiding guns owners?”
The Judge paused to think before answering “Upon the verdict of the jury it is the decision of this court that The Media be and hereby is found guilty of blatant bias in covering firearms issues. It is the further decision of this court that the TV sets themselves are inanimate objects, and cannot be held responsible for the wrongdoing of those who misuse them. Therefor, all charges against the TV sets are dismissed. This court is painfully aware that there is no practical way for us to hold The Media fully responsible for its blatant bias in covering firearms issues. And when I speak of The Media I am including everyone from reporters to producers to executives to the sponsors who make broadcasts possible. Still, this court will fashion the best remedy it can under the circumstances. Our jury mentioned Media hot air about guns and law-abiding gun owners. This court notes the presence of numerous balloons in and about the courtroom. These balloons impress the court as suitably symbolic of The Media, its knowledge of firearms, and its positions on firearms-related issues. Therefor, it is the further decision of this court that these balloons be taken from the courtroom to a place where they may be burst and their contents released by a suitable method. So ordered. This court is now adjourned.”
At that the symbolic balloons were taken down to the trio of TV sets located at the back of the range. Up came the future of our firearm rights… kids of age from 12 to 18. Arms were given to each and the balloons and the TV sets were “executed” by order of the Judge.
As the Open House was getting close to being over we moved back to the GP Tent were again books were signed and people paid homage to the Coopers. At 1700 the Coopers depart back to their hotel… the Colonel mentioning to Lindy that she would have to clean up their Steyr’s for preparation for Africa.
All in all an OUTSTANDING night & day. Yours truly, while I did talk with the Colonel a few times, mostly kept quiet in the background least I put both of my feet in my mouth. I talked at length with Janelle and Lindy feeling more comfortable with them.
My only hope is that I didn’t embarrass Rich (as he “introduced” me to Lindy a few weeks ago) by any of my actions, words or deeds.
Rich – Thank You does NOT even come close. I owe you big time and know I’ll never be able to repay. This was an event I will remember with fondness till I go to my grave. If you read this before the Trip link-up with the Coopers please do me a favor. Express my apology to Lindy for not asking her to be a participant in my photo op. Immediately after it was taken, after my head got out of the clouds, as the Coopers were loading to leave I realized what I had done… but there wasn’t time to correct my transgression. I hope she did not take any offense… I was not thinking clearly at the time.
I'm sure Gizzmo & 45King will post their thoughs on this weekend also. And, no matter how humble 45King addresses his recital/acting ability, it has to be know that he was performances were simply OUTSTANDING. Being complimented on both by Janelle and Lindy.
------------------
Schmit
GySgt, USMC(Ret)
NRA Life, Lodge 1201-UOSSS
"Si vis Pacem Para Bellum"
[This message has been edited by Schmit (edited April 23, 2000).]
