I really like Adam Baldwin's character on "Chuck". He is my kind of shoot first and ask questions later.
I have a conceal carry permit and take my Springfield XD 45 ACP everywhere I go….(Not to Church though)
I really don't carry it. Leave it in my truck, but its always close by…..:)

'Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not.'
~ Thomas Jefferson

FIREARMS REFRESHER COURSE

1. An armed man is a citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.
2. A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.
3. Colt: The original point and click interface.
4. Gun control is not about guns; it's about control.
5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords?
6. If guns cause crime, then pencils cause misspelled words.
7. Free men do not ask permission to bear arms.
8. If you don't know your rights, you don't have any.
9. Those who trade liberty for security have neither.
10. The United States Constitution (c) 1791. All Rights Reserved.
11. What part of 'shall not be infringed' do you not understand?
12. The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others.
13. 64,999,987 firearms owners killed no one yesterday.
14. Guns only have two enemies; rust and politicians.
15. Know guns, know peace, know safety. No guns, no peace, no safety.
16. You don't shoot to kill; you shoot to stay alive.
17. 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.
18. Assault is a behavior, not a device.
19. Criminals love gun control; it makes their jobs safer.
20. If guns cause crime, then matches cause arson.
21. Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.
22. You have only the rights you are willing to fight for.
23. Enforce the gun control laws we ALREADY have; don't make more.
24. When you remove the people's right to bear arms, you create slaves.
25. The American Revolution would never have happened with gun control.

Very nice article John !!!!!!

Too funny…

I had rewatched Firefly on hulu and though, "I wonder what the actors are doing now" and looked up Adam Baldwin… and watched Chuck for the first time because of him.

And yes, that was an excellent moment.

I hadn't previously seen the famous picture of Reagan, and in this episode the General lady looks at it and tells Casey to stop living in the 80's.

Hee! Saw that episode, loved that sequence. I've only lately started watching Chuck – I tend to watch "House" and the CBS "Big Bang Theory"/"How I Met Your Mother" combo instead – but this is definitely becoming a show I'll have to catch up on.

I grew up a little scared of guns, but now I realize just how sexy they can be.

I like the show and I usually catch Chuck but missed this one.

I vaguely remember a scene from an "All In The Family" episode where either "Gloria" or "Meathead" are arguing with Archie about gun control. She/He recites some statistic like "Do you realize guns are the cause of over 60 percents of deaths in America?" Archie replies, "Would it make you feel better if they were all pushed out of windows?”

Chuck is very interesting because it reverses the usual attitude of women viewers/commenters on forums like Television Without Pity, towards guns and violence.

All because of the character of Sarah, the beautiful agent assigned to protect Chuck and his secrets.

Most women viewers and commenters on Television Without Pity would hold the liberal line on guns, particularly when shown in such shows like "Angel" or "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" or what have you, because the female leads don't use guns or need them, and in any case the magical super-beings don't need them. You'll find similar attitudes on a lot of other shows.

What's interesting is the female reaction (since women hold the balance of political power due to demographics) to "Chuck." There are many, many female commenters on Television Without Pity, home of liberal anti-Bush snark, who want the Chuck character to become familiar with guns, and carry one. Heck a previous episode even had Chuck upbraided by a "perfect" secret agent rival to carry a gun or even better two. To the applause of the female commenters on the Television Without Pity Forum.

This is a huge shift in female attitudes. Mostly I think because the smart, beautiful, and deadly female character carries guns and is good at using them. There's even one scene where it proves an equalizer against a more physically powerful enemy agent. [Masterfully, the show's writers have set up a deeply appealing theme to female viewers: Chuck enters Sarah's world of spies and violence, while she doesn't really enter hers. Chuck is the desirable guy who if he was a little more macho and gun-carrying would be "perfect" for the female fantasy figure of Sarah.]

Other shows in this female-friendly vein include "Life" (and Crews various female partners) and the "Mentalist" with the female boss who's quick on the draw to save the title character numerous times. There's even "Eleventh Hour" with the same dynamic: kick-ass gun toting women saving "smart" Guy, and expressing her power.

Culture matters. Women's approval or disapproval of gun ownership will determine if it's legal or not, given their demographic power and tendency for bloc voting. These are all positive developments.

I didn't like the part of the show where the General picks up a picture of Ronald Reagan on Adam's desk and says " move on Casey the 80s are over"

true, we find out she'd not a good person… and only someone that's not a good person would have such feelings about Reagan! hehe I love Casey.

Yeah he was incredible on Firefly too.

"It has a name, I call her Vera."

Yep, before "Serenity" came out he was on the boards for the movie and definitely dipped into the political threads with gusto, on the Republican side. He also made a point to remind everyone that he wasn't related to any of the other actors named Baldwin.

Jayne did have a very cunning hat, and I miss him too. What Fox did to "Firefly" should be subject to criminal prosecution if you ask me.

I watched "Chuck" from the start mainly because Adam Baldwin was in it, I stayed with it because it's a funny, clever show with some true laugh out loud moment. Plus it shows exactly what you said in relation to there being real bad guys out there. All in all how could it not be a bundle of win?

I was just thinking that maybe the producers are taking a shot at President Reagan by "linking" him to a "gun nut"? If so it has failed miserably.

Speaking of Adam – he was a bad ass in the move The Patriot – a loyalist officer

I've been a fan of Adam Baldwin's since My Bodyguard. Glad to see him again after the disgraceful treatment of Firefly by Fox.

clever and well done. We prefer to make it simple- it reads like this:1) Pistol- aim center mass and double tap 2) Semi-auto rifle- aim low and 'walk' your rounds in 3)Shotguns- CQB (close quarter battle) preferred. Here you can aim low and disable 4)Gun control is hitting what you aim at. Any questions?

That was too funny….. I'd love to have a "Vera"

I still think of Adam as "Jane" from Firefly. Hawtness with a weapon = Hawtness Infinity

Thanks for the gentle correction of my misspelling of "Jayne" (as in Mansfield). Although I guess the correct spelling proves the point. Life REALLY ain't easy for a boy named Jayne.

And he's made his bones all along without being a–ahem–"real" Baldwin.

Adam Baldwin is a God among men. Even if Chuck wasn't my favorite show (hell, even if I couldn't stand it!) I would still watch it, because you do not turn your back on Animal Mother.

*leavestowatchFullMetalJacketandFirefly*

Well as Jayne mentioned in the one episode,"Is she calling me a girl? I got manparts!" and begins to start to proceed to show River before thankfully interrupted, it's a lock that at some point poor Jayne felt the whole "Boy Named Sue" deal. Well thankfully to me at least, as I can clearly see from some of the female posters' comments about Adam, they probably booed when he got interrupted. Hehe.

All this "Firefly" reminiscing is making me seriously consider pulling out the DVDs to play now too.

Indeed. And his portrayal of Animal Mother in "Full Metal Jacket" was excellent as well.

Although to my way of thinking he is the real Baldwin, the others are guys that just happen to have the same last name.

knew a trooper who channeled 'Animal Mother' very well- his character is, despite his obvious flaws, highly regarded by military types for his no-nonsense honesty…

Glad to see someone else remembered him from My Bodyguard. Someone else mentioned his small role in Independence Day, but don't forget his role in Full Metal Jacket as Animal Mother. Basically another incarnation of Jayne and Casey. Kubrick probably wanted the character to be seen in a bad light, but Animal Mother got it right in the end.

Good points, I think another aspect that makes him so interesting is that while he was definately a bad man, he was also one of the Good Guys. The two weren't incompatible.

I hadn't thought about the Jane's connection, but that makes as much (if not more) sense as any other theory I've seen on the name.

Must travel, will have gun.

Don't know what Zachary Levi's politics are, but he did have a very bit (and amusing) part in "An American Carol."

I just pulled mine out. My "Firefly" collection, I mean.

Loved Jayne's hat! So much so that I crocheted one for my 12-yo grandson. Same gaudy yellow and orange colors. He loves it.

Then there was the mention by the much-missed Col. Jeff Cooper in his Guns and Ammo column about a brave man who took a bullet defending people when a crazy came into a church service. Noted as brave, but if he had brought his concealed-carry piece with him he'd have been smart. There are no "safe zones" when dealing with those who don't respect rules and laws. Oh, good luck with having your gun in your truck when the bad guys burst into the mini-mart and start shooting the witnesses, you first.

Adam is a great guy. As a long time member of the "OB" (Original or Old Firefly message board) I got to interact with A.B. for a number of years. He spent a lot of time interacting with the Firefly fans and a lot of time frustrating the Libs on the board with his intelligent and witty debate skills. We miss him over there.

That was my favorite part of Firefly… That and "The Man the call Jayne"… Glad to see Adam Baldwin is keeping the faith on other shows…

I enjoy Chuck, if as a sort of "guilty pleasure." This week it was actually a necessity, to dispel the WTF aftereffects of Eli Stone with the courtroom summation scene blathering on about how the MSM had supported Bush.

You know Dean is going to bust out of his button up and kick some demon butt. That's why I like Supernatural — they know evil exists and they fight it. The whole Dean arc through hell and its effect on him is worrisome because he seems to be losing his sense of humor. But I like the constant dialogue on the show between what is acceptable to society and what gets the job done.

My favorite line: The demon infested FBI guy kills the Sheriff in a small town. The demon is expelled by Dean and Sam. The FBI agent exclaims: "I shot the sheriff." It's a terrible moment. But Dean comes through. "But you didn't shoot the deputy," he says, smirking.

Love that show.

Yep, he's definitely the best Baldwin…

RKBailey

I had a chance to interact a bit with Baldwin on one of the Friefly boards also. I think people are generally surprised, (because of the types of characters he plays), at how well read and articulate he is. If I'm not mistaken he's also a former liberal.
Regarding the show Chuck, it's amazing how many leads on American tv aren't played by Americans. The tough as nails, hot CIA chick is Australian.

Road 2 Recovery Don't Mess With Texas Challenge; Mar. 30 – Apr. 4, 2009 – BAMC to Arlington, TX

http://r2rriders.com/

**

‘Road 2 Recovery’ rolling through San Marcos
March 21, 2009
STAFF REPORT

More than 60 riders, including some Hollywood stars, will ride into San Marcos as part of the “Road 2 Recovery” Texas Challenge. The cyclists are wounded U.S. veterans who have turned to cycling to boost their physical and mental rehabilitation.

“We hope some of the community will come out to the Legion Hall to give the cyclist a San Marcos style welcome,” said Post 144 Commander Tom Tvrdik. “The American Legion Hall is the best place for the public to interact with the riders during their visit to San Marcos.”

Actor Adam Baldwin, known for his roles in “Full Metal Jacket” and NBC’s “Chuck,” will be joined by Mike Vogel, who was in the films “Cloverfield” and “Poseidon,” for the ride. [...]

http://www.newstreamz.com/2009/03/21/road-2-recov...

He's not one of those Baldwins.

Favorite quote from a mentor: "If someone ever shoots me with a .32, AND I FIND OUT ABOUT IT…."

Zach is a Christian and a fellow conservative as well. Pretty sweet.

Nothing wrong with the Get Smart reference. I'm 26 but I own the entire series on DVD. I was 8 when it started airing on Nick at Night and I've been a fan ever since. And ditto on the WOW!

Never disable. if you must use a weapon to defend your life, end the goblin's. Never leave an enemy capable of doing anything. Otherwise, they might. But a good list, nevertheless.

Hey, don't knock my 9mm!
I run 200 rounds a month through my Walther P99, (four boxes), and I used to buy 115gr. FMJ by the ammo can. I am very dangerous at the ten-meter line. The goblin will never know what happened, as I can disassociate his spinal cord from his brain quite easily.

I also wondered if he has a pistol at home; when he sets up to pop the Coke can off the spaceship on the second shot, watch how he raises and lowers the weapon a couple of times. He's actually tracking the sights and aligning them, and his grip and stance stay consistent and steady. He's not too familiar with a Beretta 92F, but he moved the weapon like a real shooter does.
Then watch a punk or a goblin handle a gun. Most of them do that sideways hold, which is a Hollywood convention, so you see the actor's face. The weapon's muzzle tracks all over before they get control to actually point it. That's my window right there. The goblin stays too far off-line when the weapon comes up, and usually misses on the first round. I don't give them the chance to miss.

Guh, I hated that line. Took me right out of the episode. If it's any comfort – and oddly, it kind of was for me – I looked up the writer of that episode, and it was the same guy who wrote the Cheney dig a couple of seasons ago. So until I know otherwise, I'm going with the idea it's just one annoying apple in the bunch. (I don't care what the politics of the other writers are, just as long as they're decent enough to leave sucker-punches out of their writing.)

I loved the look and idea of the Colt. Built by Samuel Colt himself, with the Latin inscription "I shall fear no evil" on the barrel…I want one.

Just caught Chuck VS the Predator tonight on HULU. This show never bores me…….and yes I cheered when he popped up with his surprise gun. I loved the Firefly series and was completely disapointed when it got cancelled. Great to see that Im not the only other tech dork around. Anyone else ditch cable yet and go with the Media center setup and extenders? Heard there is another cool product out called secondrun.tv that lets you watch channels that arent in the mediamall playon lineup. Don't know if it works with extenders yet. Anyone else tried it?

I approve of that suggestion.

Are you sure he's not the real Baldwin and the other clowns are just imitations?

John,
LOVE THIS! Thanks for writing about Adam Baldwin. As many others have said this story totally made me nostalgic for Firefly. A show that treated its audience with intelligence and reverence. How many other shows would have their characters break out cussin' in Mandarin? Really miss that show.

Oh and love you John. Because of you I got a story I wrote read into the Congressional record when I was a journalist. From analyzing stats in your book and stats from CDC I concluded that kids are more likely to die from household poison than a gun. I wrote it in my story and yy media co-workers went crazy But they couldn't argue with the CDC's own numbers. Also did a story about the Second Amendment Sisters and their counter protest to the way over the top gun haters Million Mom Marchers after the shootings in Columbine in Colorado. It actually made it into a national newspaper go figure. It just drives me crazy when someone who doesn't know me wants to decide whether I have a right to own a gun. Countless lives have been saved because people have conceal carry permits and can defend themselves and others against the tyranny of crime. God knows the police can't always do it – and as a girl growing up on the south side of Chicago I knew my mom packed a pistol even though it was illegal. But I felt safer at night knowing it was there.
Keep up the good work John.

I hate to quibble, but somebody ought to teach that actor how to grip a firearm. It's clear the guy has no clue.

In an episode of Chuck, Adam Baldwin's character Casey drives a crown vic with a bumper sticker that says "If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns".Re: the picture of Reagan.I attended a Chuck panel that the shows creaters Josh Schwartz, Chris Fedak, and Yvonne Strahovski aka Sarah Walker(yes, she's hot) in NYC this past February.Schwartz and Fedak told the audience that the picture of Reagan is in fact from Baldwin's personal collection that he uses for the show.The audience erupted in cheers when they said that.Support Chuck, it's a really good show(lots of 80's nostalgia thrown in).

"5. If guns are outlawed, can we use swords? "
I own several of those too and have trained with them since childhood. While I will never give up my sidearm, swords do have one advantage. Blades don't need reloading.

Exactly! When one is faced with evil, even Good needs bad men to fight it.

Adam Baldwin is definitely one of the good guys and a solid conservative too. His support for the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation is a great example. I've seen him at a couple of conventions and can say that he is one of the nicest, most approachable celebrities you could ever meet. He genuinely appreciates his fans. My wife and I are big Firefly fans and started watching 'Chuck' because of Adam's involvement and have been enjoying the show ever since.

Which is why he is the best Baldwin!

Anyone see the second episode of "Dollhouse?" Guy gives Eliza Dushku a gun and asks if she know how to use it. Her response: "5 brothers, (chambers a round) none of them democrats"

Hell YEAH I knew Adam Baldwin way, way, way back to "My Bodyguard" with Matt Dillon, Chris Makepeace and of course Adam Baldwin. Even today it is a good movie. Get with it chumps!

There you have it; democracy in action!
Motion moved and seconded.
All in favor?
Motion carries!
Bring him home, Andrew…

Ah, great movie. My Bodyguard is a little 80s gem…not to be confused with the Whitney Houston snoozefest. Matt Dillon plays a great villain. Chris Makepiece's of Meatballs fame, grandma was hilarious.

Another great 80s movie with a good fight back conservative message is 3' Oclock high.

notice the verb 'can'… that's if their pests of some sort. G Gordon Liddy once said 'aim for the head, double tap, and then go over and shoot the carcass in the knee. That way you can say Gee, officer, I shot him in the knee but he kept coming…”

He's conservative?
Then they need to get him posting here so I could endlessly harass him about restarting Firefly.

Never relinquish your choices in life, your safety or responsibility to your government in any capacity.

Get your CCW and weapon before BO stinks up the process and you aren't able to; I did and am damn glad I made that choice last year prior to his becoming POTUS.

Chuck is probably the best thing on TV. I saw an episode of this at a friend house, watched all the previous episodes over a weekend, and started watching the show. It's the only thing on network TV I have found worth watching since I got a dish in '96.

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