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Part II of BATFE Hearings
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"Part II of the Congressional hearings on BATFE enforcement at Virginia gunshows will take place at 2pm EST on February 28. You can find an archive of Part I at http://www.jpfo.org/batfehearings.htm, and our original alert on the BATFE hearings is available at http://www.jpfo.org/alert20060209.htm."

"As before, the hearings will be webcast. You can find the webcast information at http://judiciary.house.gov/schedule.aspx and clicking on the date of February 28."

"We ask that you pay particular attention to who would dare to defend this rogue agency, who tries to cover up for their arrogance, and who tries to 'compromise' (read: 'betray') gun owner rights." ...

Hunting's not sport (letter)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Why aren't more people talking about the real issue with Vice President Cheney's hunting accident sport hunting? The ranch where Cheney was hunting provides quail that are raised and released for the sole purpose of being hunted. Sport hunting is an oxymoron. There is no sport in hunting. It is an outlet for those with misplaced anger and rage. That this was downplayed comes as no surprise to me."

"Shooting and killing birds with pellets is not only inhumane, it's barbaric. Many birds are only wounded, and suffer. All living things feel pain and deserve to be treated with kindness." ...

Will House 'Oversight' Hearings on ATF Continue to Backfire on Gun Lobby? Tune in Tomorrow, Says Brady Campaign
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"On Tuesday, Feb. 28, a House Subcommittee will hold the second in a series of hearings on what the National Rifle Association has called the 'heavy-handed enforcement tactics' of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at gun shows in Virginia. The first of the 'bash-ATF' hearings, held two weeks ago, seriously backfired on the gun lobby. For example, the hearing revealed: (1) testimony from a Virginia gun dealer that ATF's visible presence at gun shows had sharply reduced the presence of gang members at the shows; (2) testimony from that same dealer about the need for more, not less, ATF scrutiny of unlicensed gun show sellers; and (3) ATF's gun show enforcement operation denounced by the NRA had resulted in 25 cases being recommended for prosecution, yielding 19 convictions so far." ...
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KABA Note: Using this rationale, cops could conduct warrantless, house to house searches and if they turned up contraband the Bradys would call it a success.

KY: A New Approach to Law and Order for Kentucky -- Encourage Everyone to Be First to Shoot (BCPGV)
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Last week, the Kentucky State House took a step in the wrong direction when they passed a horrible piece of legislation (HB 236) that could make Kentucky a much more dangerous place. If it passes the State Senate, this legislation would make it legal for a gun owner in Kentucky to shoot and kill another person whenever they feel threatened -- even in a public place." ...
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KABA Note: Once again the Brady's leave out key points in their opening paragraph: You can't be engaged in illegal activity, and you have to "reasonably believe" that you are risk of death or great bodily harm/

Grannies, Guns, and Government (blog)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Naturally, he included a tip. February 15th was reserved for the Oversight Hearing of 'The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) Part l: Gun Show Enforcement.' This site provides the testimonies of a gun show manager, a former police officer turned gunsmith and an enthusiast. The testimonies, if true, demonstrate that the BATF has completely failed- either by ignorance or irreverence- to uphold its duty as servant of the American people and the constitution we hold dear. That failure reaches past the Second Amendment and actually brings in the First and Fourth as well."

"The oral statement of Annette Gelles, the owner of Showmasters Gun Shows clearly defines her business purpose and expertise:" ...

IN: Bill may make self-defense more justifiable
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Hoosiers would have stronger rights to use deadly force against intruders under a bill in the Indiana general assembly."

"Instead of first retreating in the face of an intruder, a victim under attack would be able to use deadly force against their attacker right away."

"The house bill says you could use deadly force if you're trying to protect yourself or someone else. That's exactly what a Mishawaka man did just over a year ago."

"It was last February that Bob Birtwhistle was awakened in the middle of the night by a man knocking his fortified front door off its hinges."

"Explains Birtwhistle of the encounter, 'I fired a shot up above his head in the air. I told him I had more of them. Just keep coming and he would get them.'" ...

FL: Bucking the NRA
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Which powerful lobby should lawmakers swear their allegiance to most loudly?"

"State legislators are all in a dither over that conflict, because of a House bill that has created a rift between the NRA and pro-business groups -- usually good chums."

"We've said before the measure, which would prevent employers from banning firearms in parking lots, is a disgrace and not just because it would infringe on the property rights of businesses and even homeowners."

"It's also a threat to public safety." ...

KY: Non-Retreat Bill
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"House Bill 236 passed the Kentucky House on Friday on an 84-to-4 vote and will now be reviewed by the Senate."

"The Non-Retreat Bill would make it to where you wouldn't have to retreat when someone is breaking into your home or vehicle, and would protect you from being prosecuted or sued for opening fire on intruders."

"'It provides the homeowners and the general public with alot better protection under the law in circumstances where there might be obvious evidence one was about to try to take someone's life or create physical harm', says 6th District Representative J.R. Gray, who is backing the proposed bill." ...

VA: Bill Allowing People to Kill Intruders Struck Down
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Senate committee on Monday rejected legislation specifically authorizing the use of deadly force against anyone who breaks into a home and physically threatens the occupant."

"The bill would have written into the Virginia code the common law theory of self-defense. Del. John J. Welch III, R-Virginia Beach, said his bill would make it clear to Virginians that they have a right to kill an intruder who threatens bodily harm." ...

"Henry County prosecutor Robert Bushnell, speaking for the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, urged the committee to reject the measure."

"'The current law is not bright and clear because the world is not bright and clear," Bushnell said. "This bill is a license to kill.'" ...

AZ: Proposals would strengthen claims of self defense
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Ignoring complaints by prosecutors, state senators voted Monday to make it more difficult to convict people who say they killed someone else in self defense."

"Separate measures given preliminary approval alter state law to spell out that when someone claims self-defense, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that is not true." ...

"Current law already permits people to use deadly physical force to stop or prevent specified serious crimes. These two measures say people are presumed entitled to shoot to kill if someone either illegally or forcibly enters a home or occupied motor vehicle." ...

IL: Assault weapons ban hits snag
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gov. Rod Blagojevichs renewed push for a statewide ban on assault weapons may not be called for a vote this spring."

"On Monday, one of his top allies in the General Assembly said the issue might be just too contentious to move forward before lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn for the spring on April 7."

"'I dont think anything will happen with that,' said Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who is co-chairman of the governors re-election effort. 'It would be very difficult to pass that over here.'"

"That assessment comes just five weeks after Blagojevich made the assault weapons ban a cornerstone of his State of the State speech." ...

MI: Deadly Defense -- Bill sends dangerous message on gun violence
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Michigan legislators are considering a bill that would sanction fatal shootings of intruders into homes or occupied vehicles. The bill would not be a sweeping license to kill, as some of its critics suggest, but it is certainly unnecessary, imprudent and even dangerous."

"The courts have already, with reason, given broad latitude to people defending themselves in their homes or vehicles. But exempting such cases from prosecution and even civil action sends the wrong message to a society plagued by gun violence."

"Michigan isn't Dodge City. Laws should not give people an absolute right to shoot first and answer no questions later, and it should not prohibit lawsuits in these cases, the merits of which are properly decided in court." ...

HI: Even the Most Trained Firearms Professionals Are Not Granted a Permit for Concealed Carry in Hawaii
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Editor's note: Two bills that would allow concealed carry and open carry of a firearm in Hawaii were deferred and held in the state Senate last week. Hawaii has a may issue law ... In the last 15 years, police testified at a recent hearing that no one has been granted a permit allowing them to carry a firearm ..."

"I am a Federal Police Officer, a U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Boarding Team Member with a Tactical Counter-Terrorism Unit, a Self-defense and Firearms Instructor, a Use of Force and Deadly Force Instructor, a Chaminade University Criminal Justice Graduate Student, and a local born resident of Honolulu, Hawaii ... yet it is illegal for me to carry a concealed firearm in Hawaii." ...

VA: Parents Question Why Officer Acted So Aggressively
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The funeral will be Saturday for the Virginia teen, shot and killed by an off duty Alexandria police officer."

"The teen was killed this weekend - after leaving a restaurant without paying."

"The officer says it was self-defense. The family says it was an over reaction."

"Jeff and Cheri Brown have a hard time believing their son and his friends dined and dashed at an IHOP ... Moments later, 18-year-old Aaron Brown ... was dead. He was shot and killed by an off-duty Alexandria police officer working as a uniformed security guard."

"Police say the 13 year veteran stepped in front of the SUV trying to stop the kids. He says the car kept coming at him. He opened fire, striking and killing Aaron who was sitting in the back seat." ...

MA: Policy discourages, doesn't prohibit shooting at vehicles
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Plymouth police department's policy on using deadly force discourages, but doesn't prohibit officers from shooting at moving vehicles."

"That's according to documents released today -- about six weeks after police fatally shot a teenager when he allegedly drove his car toward them." ...

"It states officers 'shall not discharge a firearm at a moving or fleeing vehicle unless an occupant is using or threatening to use deadly force.'"

"The teen's mother says her son wasn't trying to hurt anyone."

"Plymouth police refused comment on the policy. They previously said the officers shot in self-defense."

FL: Keeping Your Family Safe Around Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The shooting death of a five-year-old girl on the First Coast is bringing gun safety back into focus this week. There are steps you can take to make sure your family stays safe around guns -- whether it's in your house or someone else's."

"'Children, they don't understand that it's a real gun. They see the people on TV shooting these guns and nobody gets hurt,' said firearms expert Cooper White."

"'Every firearms manufacturer in the U.S. today is required to have a gun lock,' he said." ...
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Submitter's Note: Locks only work where they're attached: proper training works everywhere.

IL: Chicago Program Aims to Stop Gun Violence
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"On a recent evening, Alphonso Prater saw two young men arguing on a street corner about a woman. Prater knew the guys from the neighborhood and realized that if he didn't step in, someone could get shot." ...

"Prater, a 49-year-old ex-convict, intervened in his role as a 'violence interrupter' for CeaseFire, a nonprofit program that tries to prevent shootings."

"Its effectiveness is hard to measure with precision, but some law enforcement authorities, civic leaders and politicians credit CeaseFire with contributing to the drop in Chicago's homicide toll to its lowest level in decades." ...
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KABA Note: You mean your draconian gun laws didn't work?

NJ: Family needs to implement own form of gun control
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Second Amendment guarantees all sorts of Americans the right to bear arms, even, apparently, trigger-happy vice presidents."

"... My own family has not had much luck when it comes to handling firearms."

"Long before I was born, my cousin Spike shot himself in the head. At least he hit what he was aiming at. ..."

"When I was a kid, my dad occasionally would welcome in the new year by going out to the side yard of our mobile home and firing an old rifle into the South Jersey night sky. ... " ...

"The Second Amendment is fine and dandy, but the Riley clan and the country itself is probably better off if we just stick with exercising our First Amendment right to shoot the breeze."
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Submitter's Note: You can e-mail this individual at: mriley@app.com.

SC: Raffle for a Rifle
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"His goal in life is to run the White House, but Andrew Davis' goal this week is to raise money for the newspaper he edits. It's a conservative paper on Clemson's campus. 'We make no qualms about being very biased of the right wing,' said Andrew."

"To help pay for printing costs, the 20-year-old student organized a raffle for a rifle; an AK-47."

"'We're hoping with this event to show people the AK-47 is no more dangerous than a knife or a car,' said Davis."

"... 'The Second Amendment is one of our least appreciated that we have and probably the one that is most attacked,' said Andrew. 'We hope this event will raise awareness for the Second Amendment.'" ...

IA: Gun safety tips delivered in Q-C|Project ChildSafe takes place at Davenport store
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Project ChildSafe kicked off this years promotional tour in Iowa this weekend in Council Bluffs and Davenport."

"Friday and Saturday, Gray Paeglow manned a booth at Gander Mountain on Elmore Avenue, giving away gun locks and talking about firearm safety."

"'Thats the best program going to teach gun safety and children about firearms,' said Ben Houtekier, co-owner of Houtekiers For the Birds, a pheasant hunting farm in Illinois City, Ill." ...

CT: Woods 'n Water: Sportsmen rally to raise funds for St. Judes
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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... "In our area, fundraising for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital is spearheaded by the superhuman efforts of a country radio station that cares. Im talking of course about WWYZ Country 92.5 FM. Every year for the past 12 years or so, this super country radio station, and their listeners band together in a fundraising effort that is by most counts, unbelievable. This year will be no exception."

"One of the biggest supporters of Country 92.5s efforts for St. Judes is a group of sportsmen known as the CT Shooting Sportsmen For St. Jude (formerly The United Bowhunters of CT Shootathon) has donated over $360,000 thousand dollars in the past twelve years ..." ...

PA: Sportsmen's groups, gun owners planning rally in Harrisburg
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gun owners and sportsmen will march on Harrisburg in March in support of new legislation to protect our constitutional rights."

"The Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Pennsylvania Gun Owners Association and other state 'grassroots' gun and sportsmen organizations, has planned a Right to Keep and Bear Arms Pro-Gun Press Conference and Rally ... on the Capitol Building steps."

"Two pieces of legislation to be introduced will address gun registration and self-defense rights."

"Sen. John Pippy and Rep. Daryl Metcalfe will introduce legislation to end registration of law-abiding gun owners when they buy a firearm ..." ...

OH: Rifle Team finishes third at Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference Championships
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Ohio State rifle team finished third overall at the Western Intercollegiate Rifle Conference Championship held at Purdue last weekend. The Buckeyes scored a combined 3,727 score, finishing behind second place Missouri-Kansas City at 3,763 and champion Akron at 3,784. OSU finished second in air rifle with a mark of 1,504, 10 behind Akron's top mark of 1,514. The Buckeyes were fourth in smallbore rifle with a 2,223 score, just two point behind third place Morehead State at 2,225. Missouri-Kansas City place second at 2,264 with Akron taking first at 2,270." ...

NV: Rifle Team Defeats Air Force, 2326 to 2325
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The University of Nevada's Silver rifle team shot a 2326 to defeat Air Force by one point on Saturday."

"Nevada's Michael Tanoue took high honors shooting a 589 individually, though his score was in exhibition. Teammates Corrie Holmes and Sarah Smith shot 587 and 586 in air rifle, respectively, to lead the Pack to victory. Both scores were personal bests for Holmes and Smith."

"There was no team competition for small bore."

"The Pack's next competition will be at the NCAA Championships, which will be held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., March 10-11. Nevada will compete in air rifle only at the NCAA Championships."

UK: Two remanded in custody over weapons find
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Two people from south Belfast have been remanded in custody charged with the possession of weapons and explosives.

The court heard that eight handguns, a semi-automatic rifle, 1,500 rounds of ammunition, 18 kilos of commercial explosives and a detonator were discovered at a house in Burmah Street in Belfast on Friday.

William Sharratt, 42, and Eleanor Benson, 39, denied charges of possessing firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Residents were evacuated from their homes in the Burmah Street area on Friday night after Army technical officers were called in to examine the haul.

Police made four arrests, but two men were later released.

Mr Sharrat and Ms Benson were remanded in custody.

Canada: Pistol fired at bar fight
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Police are investigating after a fight at a northeast Calgary bar turned nasty when weapons were drawn and gunfire erupted.

Police say about 2 a.m. yesterday, two groups of women were in a heated argument outside the Sunset and Vine Pub, during which a man came to the defence of one of the groups and pulled out a knife.

A friend of the other women then stepped in and pulled out a pistol and fired a warning shot into the air.

No was injured by the gunfire and both groups scattered, police said.

Cops said the shooter, described as an Asian man with an average build and wearing dark clothing, took off in one of three cars that fled the scene, one of them a blue four-door Mazda 626.

Police are continuing their investigation.