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On April 5, 2025, Jacob Couch, a 32-year-old father of two, was brutally attacked with a hatchet at a Tucson bus stop, suffering a catastrophic neck wound that claimed his life on April 17 at Banner University Medical Center. The unprovoked assault, carried out in broad daylight, left his wife, Kristen, and their family shattered. Just days later, a shooting at Florida State University killed two more, proving violence knows no boundaries. Jacob’s death, following months of grieving the stillbirth of their son, underscores a harsh reality: random attacks can strike anywhere, anytime. Yet, in states like Arizona, where concealed carry without a permit is legal, such tragedies could be prevented or swiftly stopped if more citizens were armed and trained. While no solution can undo the pain of Jacob’s loss, empowering law-abiding Americans to carry firearms offers a practical way to deter attackers or halt violence. By embracing Second Amendment rights nationwide, we can ensure no family endures such preventable heartbreak again.

Jacob Couch and his wife, Kristen, were traveling from California to Alabama when they stopped in Tucson on April 5, 2025. As a non-resident, Jacob was barred from carrying a firearm in California, where strict laws prohibit non-residents from obtaining concealed carry permits, leaving him likely unarmed during his travels, even in Arizona’s constitutional carry state. At 10 a.m., at a busy bus stop near 6th Avenue and Broadway Boulevard—a bustling transit hub—they were approached by 25-year-old Daniel Michael. According to Kristen, Michael yelled at them without provocation. When Jacob responded, Michael struck him in the neck with a hatchet, severing an artery, then fled on a streetcar. Multiple bystanders witnessed the attack, but, as Kristen lamented, “people were yelling, but nobody physically helped us” as she tried to save Jacob’s life. No armed citizen was present to stop Michael, who was arrested days later after surveillance footage and a search of his apartment linked him to the crime. The attack and bystander inaction highlight a critical vulnerability across America. Could an armed, trained bystander have deterred Michael or neutralized him before he could attack? Jacob’s death demands we confront this question and rethink how we protect our communities nationwide.

Arizona’s robust Second Amendment protections make it a model for self-defense, but the problem of random violence is national. Since 2010, constitutional carry (A.R.S. § 13-3102) has allowed Arizonans 21 or older to carry concealed firearms without a permit, and open carry is broadly permitted. Yet, the Jacob Couch attack shows a gap: despite these laws, no armed citizen stopped Daniel Michael. Every state should adopt constitutional carry to empower Americans to act where police cannot. Police cannot be everywhere at once, and the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 Castle Rock v. Gonzales ruling confirms they have no constitutional duty to protect individuals from violence. With violent crime a persistent threat nationwide, relying on law enforcement alone is unrealistic. Responsible carry requires preparation, including regular range practice, recommended training on self-defense laws, and staying aware of one’s environment in public. Self-defense laws, like Arizona’s A.R.S. § 13-405, which justifies deadly force against imminent harm, provide a legal foundation for action. The bystanders who watched helplessly as Kristen fought to save Jacob could have been empowered to stop Michael. What must we do to ensure more citizens carry in states where constitutional carry is the law?

The Jacob Couch hatchet attack and the April 17, 2025, Florida State University shooting reveal a grim reality: determined attackers strike faster than police can respond, but armed citizens can stop them. In Tallahassee, Phoenix Ikner killed two using a handgun stolen from his stepmother, a sheriff’s deputy, bypassing assault weapons bans, universal background checks, or total bans championed by gun control advocates who insist “only police should have guns.” Tucson’s Daniel Michael used a hatchet, proving violence persists beyond firearms. A 2025 study by John Lott and Carlisle Moody, analyzing 512 active shooter incidents from 2014–2023, found armed civilians stopped 35% of attacks (179 cases) versus 31% by police, with half as many deaths on average. In non-gun-free zones, civilians stopped 51.5%, acting faster as they’re already on scene. Lott’s data shows armed civilians act faster, already on scene, unlike police, who require time to respond. In Tucson, bystanders watched helplessly as Kristen fought to save Jacob; at FSU, police arrived in four minutes, too late for two victims. An armed, trained citizen could have stopped Michael or Ikner in seconds. Critics fear escalation, but Lott’s data shows civilians face a 1% death risk per intervention, with no confirmed bystander shootings. Constitutional carry empowers citizens, but responsibility, strongly recommended regular range practice, and knowledge of self-defense laws are key. Rejecting gun control’s failed promises, Americans must embrace armed self-reliance to prevent tragedies like Jacob’s and FSU’s, ensuring communities nationwide are not left defenseless.

Jacob Couch’s brutal death and the FSU shooting days later are stark reminders that violence can strike anywhere, leaving bystanders powerless and police too late to save lives. Constitutional carry offers a solution: arming law-abiding citizens to deter or stop attackers like Daniel Michael or Phoenix Ikner. The Supreme Court’s Castle Rock v. Gonzales ruling and John Lott’s 2025 study—showing armed civilians stop attacks with fewer deaths than police—prove we must rely on ourselves. Gun control’s empty promises, irrelevant to stolen police guns or hatchets, fail to address this reality. By carrying responsibly, with strongly recommended regular range practice and knowledge of self-defense laws, Americans can transform vulnerability into strength. Jacob’s memory calls us to action—not to disarm, but to empower every state with constitutional carry. Let’s honor Jacob by ensuring no family endures such loss again.

The MK12 SPR: forged for SEALs, now a fan favorite. From distant war zones to your gun safe, this DMR’s got a story—and in 2025, it’s worth remembering. Here’s how it started, what it does, and why it’s still a legend worth building.

The MK12 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR) emerged in the late 1990s to meet the U.S. military’s Special Operations community’s demand for precision firepower. Born at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Indiana, it was a team effort to arm Navy SEALs and SOCOM units with a lightweight, semi-automatic rifle that outranged the typical M4. Built on an M16 receiver, the MK12 paired an 18-inch Douglas stainless steel barrel with a match-grade trigger, a free-float handguard (often Precision Reflex or Knight’s Armament), and optics like the Leupold Mark 4 MR/T 2.5-8x scope. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, it slung specialized ammo—like the Mk262 Mod 1 77-grain load—with sub-MOA accuracy out to 600 yards, all while sharing magazines and ammo with squadmates’ M4s and M16s. Fielded in the early 2000s, it hit the ground running in the Global War on Terror, from Afghanistan’s rugged peaks to Iraq’s urban grind.

What made the MK12 stand out was its knack for bridging the gap between a rifleman’s carbine—like the M4—and a sniper rifle, such as the M24 or M110. SOCOM operators needed a weapon that could roll with fast-moving, dynamic firefights while reaching targets beyond the M4’s practical 300-400-yard limit. The MK12 delivered, earning its stripes as a “force multiplier” in small-unit clashes. It thrived where bolt-action sniper rifles were too slow and carbines fell short—picking off insurgents on ridgelines or holding overwatch in a chaotic scrum. By 2002, its rep grew, and variants rolled out to meet demand: Mod 0 and Mod 1 with tweaked handguards, and even a Mod H sporting a 16-inch barrel for tighter spots.

The Army and Marines latched onto the MK12, deploying it as a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). In outfits like the 101st Airborne and Marine Force Recon, it armed squad-level marksmen to extend a platoon’s reach without dragging along a full sniper team’s gear. In Iraq’s urban sprawls, it shone: its semi-auto fire rate and suppressor compatibility (often with an Ops Inc. can) let DMRs snap off rapid, suppressed shots at 400-500 yards—perfect for rooftop threats or fleeting targets in Fallujah. Never mass-issued like the M16, it carved a niche as an AR-15-based platform with near-sniper precision. By 2017, the military shelved it for newer toys like the M110A1, but its combat legacy—and that sleek silhouette—stuck around, setting the stage for a civilian comeback.

A Designated Marksman Rifle isn’t just a souped-up AR—it’s a purpose-built tool, forged to stretch a squad’s firepower from carbine range into sniper territory. For the MK12 SPR, that meant giving SEALs and grunts a 5.56 NATO rifle that could take out targets at 500 yards without breaking a sweat. Now, in 2025, I’m asking: what’s its role for a civilian with no SOCOM patch? Is it a range king, a homeland “what-if” defender, or just a badass nod to history? To figure that out, let’s break down the DMR’s job.

At its core, a DMR’s role is to supplement a squad by providing accurate fire on enemy targets out to 600 yards. It’s not a sniper rifle for 1,000-yard headshots or a carbine for room-clearing—it’s the middleman, specializing in that 300-600-yard sweet spot. In a military squad, the designated marksman’s gig is to pick off high-value targets—enemy leaders, machine gunners, or other specialized roles—while staying in the fight with the team. Unlike a sniper, who’s often detached and static, the MK12 acts as a force multiplier—less about lone-wolf heroics, more about tipping the scales in a firefight.

But the DMR’s job isn’t just shooting—it’s seeing. A magnified optic, like the MK12’s Leupold 2.5-8x, isn’t only for aiming; it’s for positive target identification. In urban sprawls like Fallujah, that meant distinguishing a rifleman from a civilian at 400 yards before pulling the trigger—crucial when rules of engagement get tight. The DMR has to spot, ID, and engage fast, often under pressure, without a sniper’s spotter or tripod. The MK12’s 18-inch barrel and Mk262 ammo deliver flat trajectories and tight groups, but that optic’s the real MVP—turning a fuzzy blob into a confirmed threat.

Beyond precision and perception, a DMR has to mesh with the squad. That’s why the MK12 sticks with 5.56 NATO and standard mags—interoperability. No special ammo logistics, no fumbling with proprietary gear; it’s an AR-15 at heart, with a manual of arms familiar to everyone in the squad. That said, it’s not without trade-offs. The MK12’s 18-inch barrel trades agility for reach, making it less handy in tight quarters than an M4. Add the optic, bipod, and suppressor, and it’s tipping the scales at 9-10 pounds loaded—heavier than a carbine. For a soldier, that’s a fair swap; for a civilian, it’s a question of purpose.

So, what does an updated civilian MK12 SPR look like in 2025? That hinges on Philosophy of Use—or POU, as the OG Nutnfancy would say. What’s your mission? It’s still got that DMR soul—precision at range, AR-15 familiarity—but tweaked for today’s shooters, not SOCOM grunts. Let’s break down the typical setup, from barrel to buttstock, and why it works.

The heart of the MK12 is its barrel, usually the classic 18-inch length. It’s the sweet spot for maxing out 5.56 NATO velocity without lugging a full M16-length tube. With an 18-inch barrel, the Mk262 77-grain load hits 2,700-2,800 fps, delivering flat trajectories and tight groups past 500 yards. But a 16-inch barrel might suit your area better—think dense woods or urban spots where maneuverability beats reach. The trade-off? You drop 100-150 fps compared to 18 inches, and beyond that, it’s diminishing returns—longer barrels don’t add enough zip to justify the weight. For most, 16-18 inches balances DMR range and handling. Twist rate matters too: 1:7 or 1:8 stabilizes heavier bullets like the Mk262, with 1:8 also handling common 55-grain rounds reliably. Material-wise, 416R stainless steel is the go-to for accuracy—pair it with a nitride or melonite finish for a barrel that lasts longer. Gas system’s key: an 18-inch barrel pairs with a rifle-length system to smooth out recoil, while a 16-inch runs best with a mid-length setup—both keep the DMR vibe soft and steady.

Don’t sleep on the muzzle device—it’s got to fit your POU. If you run a suppressor, pick something compatible that doubles as a standalone champ—like a Griffin Taper Mount. It hides flash and keeps dust low when shooting prone, whether the can’s on or off. No suppressor? Same deal—flash suppression and minimal ground disturbance keep you stealthy and steady, crucial for a DMR’s precision game.

Up front, ditch the old-school PRI or Knight’s Armament handguards for modern free-float designs—KeyMod or M-LOK. They cut weight, boost accuracy by free-floating the barrel, and let you mount mission essentials—bipods, lights, grips—wherever you need. A 15-inch handguard shields the gas block and offers plenty of real estate for accessories, but keep it light without skimping on rigidity—balance is key for a DMR that handles like a dream.

Up next, swap that mil-spec mush for an upgraded trigger—smoother, lighter, and made for precision. A two-stage Geissele or single-stage Velocity MPC with a crisp 2.5-4-pound break fits this rifle like a glove. Pair it with a grip that suits you—standouts like Magpul MOE, Fab Defense Gradius, or BCM Gunfighter steady your hold, prone or standing.

Optics need magnification—for a DMR it’s a must. The Leupold 2.5-8x echoes its roots and holds its own, but many opt for a versatile LPVO (like a 1-8x), a 2-10x for mid-range punch, or a 4-16x scope for distant steel—target-ID clarity is king. If you need a close-in threat optic, consider a mini red dot on a 45-degree mount to quick-snap close targets, but watch the weight—it adds up fast.

Rounding it out, the fixed A2 stock is history. Go with a lightweight, adjustable buttstock—Magpul DT-PR or B5 SOPMOD Bravo—to tweak length of pull and cheek weld, shedding ounces while fitting any shooter. With higher magnification optics, you might need a riser—other stocks can handle that, but the weight creeps up. Add it up, and you’ve got an MK12 that’s lighter, slicker, and built for civilian life—whether it’s ringing gongs at 600 yards or prepping for a Red Dawn scenario. It’s not your SEAL’s MK12 SPR Mod 1 anymore—it’s Mod You.

The MK12 SPR started as a military fix—a lightweight, semi-auto bridge between carbines and sniper rifles, built to give SEALs and grunts an edge in war’s chaos. From Afghanistan’s peaks to Fallujah’s streets, it proved its DMR chops, blending long-range precision with the guts to back a door-kicker. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a civilian obsession—not the gun I’d grab for a bump in the night, but when Commie paratroopers drop from the sky and your buddies roll up with their 10.5" and 14.5" blasters, this is the one to reach out and touch someone at 500 yards. History’s handed us a proven concept—if it fits your Philosophy of Use, put your spin on it and let this legend live on.

Deciding on a barrel for your rifle is one of the most important decisions you will make when it comes to the rifle. Caliber, barrel length, bullet type, barrel twist, what kind of barrel steel, Chrome vs Nitride are all things you need to take in to consideration.

Caliber: Everyone who owns an AR-15 should own at least one 5.56 based AR-15. You may have some special caliber you love and think is superior but the simple fact is .223/5.56 is common and plentiful in the United States. When ammo gets hard to find you may find some left over stocks of .683 Wackjob (or whatever your caliber of choice is); but once its gone, its gone. The ammo manufacturers are going to be producing .223 and 5.56 first and you won't find .683 Wackjob for many months if not years. You'll always find .223 and 5.56 brass and the bullets are far more common so reloading is far easier for a common caliber. This guide will be written assuming you have decided on a .223/5.56 based round but all of this applies, to other calibers although things like barrel twist could be different. I will use the term ".223 bullet" (which is actually .224) to refer to just the bullet, not the entire round because 5.56 uses some of the same bullets as the .223 round.

The .223 bullet generally relies heavily on velocity to do the damage needed to stop a threat. Some of the heavier .223 bullets don't have as fast of velocity but they make up in mass and bullet design to do more damage such as 77gr Hollow Points. The 55gr Full Metal Jacket bullet is cheap and plentiful but it isn't ideal for self defense, however it is good for training. The military uses the 55gr FMJ due to the Geneva Convention, not because it's the best bullet for stopping threats and you, the American citizen are not bound by it. The smaller grain bullets such as 40gr fly extremely fast but they lack mass and can be blown off course by the wind much easier than a 62 to 77 grain bullets. In general your self defense rounds should have a 62-77gr bullet and be designed for self defense such as hollow points or soft points.

Barrel Length: The length of the barrel is a major factor in the velocity of the bullet. Generally the longer the barrel the more velocity the bullet will have and thus more energy to put in the target. There is a point of diminishing returns on length and velocity. With .223/5.56 the point of diminishing returns is about 18", with anything after that the gains of velocity start dropping off. Other factors need to be taken in to consideration. A carbine with a 10.5" barrel will be far easier to use in a building or in and out of vehicles than a 20" barrel but it will lack the velocity making it a poor choice for long range shooting. Barrel length does not effect accuracy. Short 10.5" barrels will be just as accurate as a 18" or 20" barrels but the bullet drop and range will be different.

Barrel Twist: The barrel twist ratio is the number of revolutions for the bullet per barrel inches. A barrel that is a 1:9” twist means that the rifling will spin the bullet one revolution in 9 inches. A "slow" twist rate would be a 1:12 barrel and a "fast" twist rate would be 1:7 for a .223 bullet. The rifling twist stabilizes the bullet in flight. In general a slower twist rates stabilize lighter bullets and faster twist rates stabilize heavier bullets. The 1:8 and 1:7 are the most common twist rates for 55-77gr bullets. The twist rates and bullets weights are below:

Barrel Profile: For a general self defense carbine or rifle the main consideration in barrel profile will be weight. A pencil barrel profile will be the lightest option while an HBAR or Heavy profile will be the heaviest. The heavier barrels can cool a bit faster due to more material to heat up and dissipate the heat. The heavier profiles are mostly used on precision rifles or full auto and even then it's not truly necessary. The point of impact shifting from a cold barrel to a hot barrel is a non issue with modern barrel manufacturing and stress reliving. For a general use self defense carbine/rifle a pencil or a slightly beefier profile such as a Faxon Gunner or Ballistic Advantage Hanson profile offers a barrel with a lighter profile than the standard M4/Government profile (which is a terrible profile to begin with) but has more material where you need it for cooling, without extra and unnecessary material where you don't.

Gas System Length: The most common gas system lengths are Pistol, Carbine, Mid and Rifle length. There is a less common length called Intermediate which is between Mid and Rifle in length but it is much less common. There are also "Rifle+1" which is a rifle length plus one inch. Unless you have a very specific need, stick to a common gas system length as finding replacement gas tubes could be difficult for the lesser common gas lengths. In general it's best to go with the longest gas length you can for the barrel. All barrels under 14.5" will use a pistol length gas system. Barrels that are 14.5" and 16" can use either carbine or mid length, with mid length being preferred due to the softer recoil it will produce. Barrels 18" and longer will have rifle length gas systems.

Barrel Steel: Most barrels are going to be made out of either a Chrome Molybdenum Vanadium (CMV) alloy (usually 4140 or 4150) or Stainless Steel (usually 416R). The difference between 4140 and 4150 is the amount of carbon in the steel. More carbon makes the steel a bit tougher, able to withstand heat and provides a little more wear resistance. Mil-Spec barrels are made from 4150 CMV.

Stainless Steel (416R) barrels tend to be more accurate than CMV barrels, but they will wear out faster than 4150 or 4140 CMV. Rifles made for precision shooting usually have a Stainless Steel barrel and other rifles and carbines will usually have a 4140 or 4150 CMV barrel.

Barrel Finish: Some barrels have an inside and outside finish such as Chrome lining on the inside with a Phosphate finish on the outside. Another common finish is Nitride/Melonite/QPQ (without getting deep into the specifics, all three are the same), and some Stainless Steel barrels do not have a finishing treatment so their finish is the actual steel itself. Chrome lining technically will make the barrel slightly less accurate than a Nitride or Stainless Steel barrel but Chrome stands up to the heat of full auto firing a bit better than Nitride does. Nitride is cheaper and makes the barrel more durable and able to last longer than a non Nitride treated barrel. Unless you have a full auto lower receiver and you do a LOT of full auto fire, Nitride will serve you very well with semi auto, even with rapid fire from time to time without the accuracy hit of chrome lining. The Nitride process does not negatively effect accuracy and it can be applied to 4140, 4150 or 416R Stainless Steel barrels.

Summary: There are a lot of variables to take into consideration when choosing the right barrel for your self defense carbine or rifle. The kind of area you live in and how far away threats could be is a primary consideration. Someone who lives in an apartment might choose something different than a person who lives in a ranch house with thousands of acres. Shorter barrels are easier to navigate with indoors but have decreased velocity, which is fine as long as you won't be making long distance shots on a regular basis. Feel free to call or email us with questions when deciding what barrel would work best in your specific situation.

First an overview of the different phases of the trigger activation:

What is Pre-Travel? The Pre-Travel has three phases itself which are the Trigger Take-Up (often called "Slack"), the Wall and Trigger Creep.

What is Trigger Take-Up? Trigger Take-Up (or sometimes called "Slack") is defined as any rearward movement of the trigger that does NOT cause the sear to move and does NOT engage the hammer spring or mainspring. There is usually very little resistance in this phase. A good single stage trigger won't have any perceivable take-up but in a 2nd stage trigger the first stage would be the take-up.

What is the Trigger Wall? The Wall is defined as where the sear starts to move or the mainspring is engaged. This is where the main resistance in the trigger will be felt and lasts until "the break" or "release" of the hammer or striker (on pistols that have strikers instead of hammers). In a single stage trigger the force measured in pounds to force the trigger to break is first encountered at this point. In a Two Stage trigger this would be the second stage.

What is Trigger Creep? The Creep is the rearward movement of the trigger after the wall that causes the mainspring to compress and the sear to move. At the end of the creep comes the break (or release) and the measurement of force would end. Any resistance in the creep that causes the sear to stop and start movement is called "steps" which is what feels like "grit". All triggers have "creep", but with a good quality trigger you won't feel much if any perceivable creep as it will be so smooth and short that it really feels like a wall and the break.

What is the Trigger Break? The Trigger Break (also called the "Release") is when the sear releases the hammer or striker. Once the hammer hits the firing pin and the pin (or striker) hits the primer the gun will fire. When a trigger is said to have a "crisp" or "clean" break it means there was either very little or no perceivable creep.

What is Trigger Over-Travel? Over-travel is any rearward movement of the trigger following the Beak. Usually Over-Travel has little resistance but the trigger is still moving even though the hammer (or striker) has already been released. Some triggers have adjustable Over-Travel and other triggers are pre-set with a "trigger" stop so there is very little Over-Travel. Sometimes that trigger stop is the receiver itself, other times it's an adjustable screw or something else that stops the trigger. You don't want much overtravel as that movement of the trigger could cause other movement in the firearm which could throw off your accuracy.

What is Trigger Reset? Trigger Reset is the forward movement of the trigger pushed by the trigger spring to the point that the trigger resets where the sear can be engaged again. This also takes in to account the cycling action of a semi-auto.

Should I use a single or two stage trigger in an AR-15? Ultimately that is up to you but it can be guided by what is this AR-15 going to be used for? If it is a self defense, home defense or fighting carbine a single stage trigger would be best. Two stage triggers are best in a precision rifle meant for longer range shooting and even then it is user preference.

What trigger pull weight should I get for an AR-15? This depends on what the rifle is used for as well as user preference. Usually 3lbs is the lightest most people want to go in an AR-15 but there are a few 2.5lb triggers out there. If you have a self or home defense carbine you might want to stick to a 3.5-5lb trigger. If it is a precision rifle a slightly lighter trigger pull might be desired.

Join us for a Town Hall Meeting to build the Second Amendment Family. Join us to stress the importance of firearms for self-defense. Building public support of all gun owners is critical in the on-going challenge to keep these rights.

This is where you come in. We want — no, we need you to join us. Bring your friends, neighbors, and family members. Bring anyone who will benefit from learning more our valued right to keep and bear arms.

Circle Sunday, February 16, 2 to 4 in the afternoon on your calendar. Come to the Second Amendment Family Town Hall meeting in Phoenix, at the Sheridan Crescent Hotel, 2620 West Dunlap Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85021.

At the Town Hall Meeting, you will:

• View the video segment from “A More of Less Perfect Union,” Free To Choose Media’s PBS series on the Constitution, the rare occasion when PBS promotes the value of the 2^nd Amendment.
• Share a message from Alan Gottlieb founder of the 2nd Amendment Foundation
• View a video message from Bob Levy, Cato Chairman;  Chris Cheng, a Top Shot Champion, and Nadine Strossen, Professor of Law at NYU
• Meet national gun rights leaders like Mark Walters host of Armed American Radio
• Discuss the basics of safe use of guns for self-protection
• Discuss the value of flint lock firearms in gaining support for the 2^nd Amendment

The Town Hall Meeting will be filmed and recorded for a future nation-wide webcast. We will be spreading our message around the country. We will let other people and politicians know of our support for the Second Amendment. We want to get all gun rights advocates, including the silent majority among us, to start showing our support for this Constitutional right.    

This is your chance to become a Second Amendment First Responder on national television!

RSVP – ASAP to [email protected]. Your assignment, bring a friend who doesn’t own guns or does some hunting but avoids the gun debate. We have room for just 200 so it will fill up fast. We’ll have some great snacks, a maple sugar gift to take home and plenty of soft drinks.

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So the logic of California is: