Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Iraq: Hired Guns -- Long but worth a read
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Never before in a war zone has the United States relied so much on private citizens to perform military functions. Security firms such as DynCorp and Kroll, retained on State Department and Pentagon contracts worth billions of dollars, have sent thousands of civilian contractors to do the work that the undermanned U. S. military can't. Here, for the first time, the inside story of the private armies of Operation Iraqi Freedom." ...

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Interesting recurring theme: Armed people do, disarmed ones stand aside.

DARPA: worried about image
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"They tend to come up with names for projects that 'are cute,' said Tether, but to an outsider, 'if you have a concern over the Patriot Act or stuff like that, [it] could scare you'.

"Indeed."

"Look what happened with DARPA's Terrorism Information Awareness (TIA) project, a program with Admiral Dr John Poindexter at its helm."

"...the TIA was (is?) a computer systems program specifically designed to allow US law enforcement agencies to tap into private data."

Bare Arms - Women & Guns
Submitted by: Who Me

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"There are good reasons to carry a gun concealed. It prevents you from having to answer numerous questions from nervous policemen and security guards. Bank tellers feel more comfortable when waiting on you. You avoid upsetting people who may not understand why you want to carry a gun. On the whole, you are showing that you are sensitive to the feelings of those around you. The mark of a gentle person (that is someone with breeding and manners) is that they never intentionally cause distress to others."

"As laws expanding the right to carry concealed guns become more popular, anti-gun newspapers sometimes threaten to 'expose,' by publication, the names of people with gun licenses. 'Exposing' people who have been investigated and found to be model citizens would hardly seem newsworthy. Obviously such newspapers are appealing to people's prejudice on slow news days. Publishing a list of gunowners is the equivalent of a newspaper headline stating, 'Corruption in Mayor's Office not found.' "

Guam: DOE teacher discovered bringing gun to school
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"According to sources, a 3rd grade teacher lost her purse while at school. Another teacher found the purse, and upon inspecting the parcel to determine to whom it belonged, she found a firearm inside and immediately reported to the principal."

"According to DOE spokesperson Gerry Cruz ...DOE's legal counsel is looking into its policies regarding whether teachers are allowed to carry guns on campus."

"According to Guam Education Policy Board chairperson Romeo Hernandez, the Board just recently passed a policy that prohibits students from bringing weapons, drugs or other dangerous weapons to school; however could not provide clarification as to whether this same rule is applicable to teachers."

OH: Right-to-Carry Becomes Law in Ohio
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"After a decade long effort, law-abiding citizens of Ohio now have the Right-to-Carry a firearm for protection of themselves and their loved ones. The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce that Governor Taft has signed legislation recognizing law-abiding Ohioans' right to carry firearms. Ohio becomes the 37th state to enact such self-defense legislation."

" 'The Right-to-Carry is a proven crime deterrent and will benefit all law-abiding Ohioans,' said Chris Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. 'On behalf of NRA`s four million members, I would like to thank Governor Taft for signing Right-to-Carry into law. I would also like to recognize the support of Representative Jim Aslanides, the sponsor of the legislation, Speaker Larry Householder, Senate President Doug White and all who voted for this important self-defense right. As always, the grassroots activism by thousands of NRA members was fundamental in achieving victory.' "

MI: Raisin Township to purchase semiautomatic weapons
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Members of the Raisin Charter Township law enforcement team soon will have access to a pair of semiautomatic weapons following a unanimous vote by township trustees Monday night."

"Trustee Carl Wagner was absent. Two Bushmaster M-14 rifles will be purchased at $680 each for a total cost of $1,884.90, which includes accessories and ammunition. The money will come from a contingency fund."

" 'Unfortunately, it's a sign of the times - and not a good one,' said Larry Crittenden, Raisin Charter Township supervisor, who pointed out there already has been one incident in the township involving an assault rifle."

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So why do the cops "need" assault weapons, while ordinary citizens should be barred from using them?

Haiti: U.S.-led force in Haiti tries to disarm population
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"A small pile of rusted, taped and dilapidated weapons was the first to be surrendered in Haiti's disarmament campaign - highlighting the challenges facing a U.S.-led force in trying to rid the country of guns."

"Unlike 10 years ago, when U.S. troops offered money for weapons used by gangs and former soldiers, Haitians today are being asked to give up their guns with little or no incentive and in a very insecure environment. 'I gave up my pistol but if we don't start seeing schools and clinics in our neighbourhood, we'll find other weapons. We'll fight for change with machetes if we have to' said Jacques Pierre."

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Hmmm. US troops seem to be getting a lot of practice disarming civilian populations . . .

UK: Air gun owner criticises new controls
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"A MEMBER of a local gun club has criticised the Government over new laws to be imposed on air guns."

"Mr Rodney Salter, club secretary for [an] Air Rifle and Pistol Club, issued a statement last night condemning the proposals, claiming they were 'highly unlikely to do anything to make our streets safer'."

"He went on to say the laws were unnecessary and that strict enforcement of existing legislation would be a far wiser method of attempting to reduce gun-related crime in Britain."

"The legislation, to be imposed from May, will mean it is no longer legal to possess a self-contained gas cartridge system weapon without obtaining a firearms certificate."

"Anyone who does not get a certificate will have to hand over their weapons to police."

UK: Man shot woman in the face
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"A Man who shot his ex-partner's friend in the face with a pellet gun has been put on probation."

"George Fowler bought the pellet gun from an Internet site, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard."

"But he used the weapon, which his defence agent said was classed as a toy, against his ex-girlfriend's pal after driving up to her in the street."

"He appeared for sentence yesterday after earlier admitting shooting the woman in Huntly's Nelson Place, on October 17."

"The victim was Fiona Douglas, a friend of Lesley Cowie from whom Fowler had previously split."

"Depute fiscal Aileen Thom said Fowler, 38, of 4 Nelson Place, Huntly, had difficulty accepting the break-up."

TN: Sullivan North student arrested for handgun possession
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Sullivan County Sheriff's officers on Wednesday morning arrested a Sullivan North High School student who was allegedly carrying a handgun in his book bag."

"School officials told police the juvenile showed the handgun to two other students who reported the incident to assistant principals at the school."

"The weapon, a semiautomatic pistol, reportedly belonged to the juvenile's father, and the student said he had a key to the gun box where the weapon was kept at his home."

"The student told police he brought the gun to school to scare two subjects, not students, who had been threatening him at the bus stop."

UK: Tayside gun laws warning
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"ONLY a handful of the estimated 800 people in Tayside who own airguns, which are soon to be outlawed, have applied for a firearms certificate (writes Graeme Strachan)."

"That means hundreds of self-contained gas cartridge airgun owners in Tayside have until May 1 to apply or surrender the weapon, or they will be liable to a minimum five-year jail term."

Poster's Note: FIVE YEARS?!? For a TOY?!?

"Tayside Police expressed concern that so few people have to date applied for a firearms certificate to accommodate this upcoming change in legislation."

Norway: Boy stole gun and took it to school
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A nine-year-old boy managed to steal a gun from a shop in Sandnes, western Norway. He then took it to school and proudly showed it off to his friends.

The friends in turn told a teacher at the local school, who took the gun away from the boy. School officials then called the police, according to newspaper Dagbladet.

It remains unclear how the boy stole the gun, a Czech pistol.

The proprietor of the shop from which the gun originated claims the boy stole the keys to the weapons cabinet and unlocked it himself. The boy said he was allowed to hold the gun, and then gave in to the temptation to put it in his pocket.

Police aren't pursuing the case, since the boy didn't use the gun to threaten anyone. The boy reportedly understands that he wasn't wise to steal weapons.

MO: Sheriff issues first permits for conceal-carry
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones was the first person in the county to apply for a permit to carry a concealed weapon under the county's newly approved conceal-carry law. Jones was one of four who went through the process Wednesday."

"For the first couple of weeks, Sheriff John Jordan said, his office will process applications at a rate of one an hour and by appointment. Between Wednesday and next Tuesday, Jordan has scheduled 34 applications for the permit. A few of those appointments are for married couples."

"Only four applications were processed Wednesday afternoon, but beginning at 9 a.m. today applicants will come in on the hour until 4 p.m."

UK: Woman shot in hospital drive-by
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"A woman was shot outside a hospital when a gunman on a motorcycle opened fire with an automatic pistol."

"A man was also hit in the drive-by shooting."

"It is believed he was the intended victim of a ganglandstyle assassination attempt and the woman, an innocent bystander, was hit by accident."

"The woman, in her forties, was struck in the calf outside the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead."

"The man, in his thirties, tried to drag himself into the accident and emergency unit."

"Both victims were treated by doctors within seconds and are described as stable today."

"Scotland Yard said the incident took place at 5.15pm yesterday on Pond Street which runs along the front of the hospital."

NE: Alert School Officials Avert Columbine-Like Tragedy - Nebraska Student Arrested With Rifle, Homemade Explosives
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
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"Were Thursday like any other day, Josh Magee would have been with fellow members of his high school speech team at the state championship competition."

"Instead, the 17-year-old junior sat in a juvenile jail, charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder in what authorities and school officials say could have been the worst high school tragedy since two teen gunmen killed 13 people before killing themselves at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo., in 1999."

" 'It had the potential of going badly,' said Superintendent Gene Neddenriep. 'With this student, at this school, on this particular day, we were successful. We got lucky.' "

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And as long as teacher and staff are disarmed they will have to rely on luck.

WA: Teen's classroom suicide stuns community
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"The classroom suicide of a seventh grader has shaken his small, tightly-knit Washington state community."

"Sometime after 10 a.m. Wednesday, the 13-year-old boy was sitting in a language-arts class along with 19 other students who make up the seventh grade. As class ended, without a word he opened his guitar case, pulled out a .22-caliber rifle and shot himself in the chest, the Seattle Times said."

"School Superintendent Rich Wilson, like most of the others who knew the boy, couldn't understand it. The youth, he said, 'fit the profile of a regular adolescent kid showing signs of enjoying the world.' "

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And if he had wanted to, he could have taken some classmates and teachers with him because no one at the school had an effective means of defending themselves.

FL: Bill would exempt gun ranges from regulators' lawsuits
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"A bill that would prevent state regulators from filing environmental lawsuits against sport shooting ranges, where lead bullets can accumulate and potentially contaminate ground water, took another step forward Thursday in the Florida Senate."

"The bill (SB 1156) now requires range owners and operators to use best management practices suggested by the Department of Environmental Protection to ease any environmental degradation."

"By following these guidelines, ranges would be exempt from regulators' lawsuits."

" 'Florida will hold out a carrot, and that carrot is your compliance with best management practices,' said Sen. Rod Smith, D-Alachua."

RI: Abuse victims rally for gun confiscation bill
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
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"Last year, police in Rhode Island arrested 39 people on domestic violence charges where there was a court order in place prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim and the arrestee owned a gun."

"Fortunately, none of those victims ended up like Barbara Lombardi. In March 2002, Lombardi was shot and killed in her home by Russell Arlia, her ex-husband, who then killed himself. Lombardi had a court order prohibiting Arlia from having any contact with her."

"On Wednesday, advocates for domestic violence victims converged on the Statehouse to tout their support of legislation that would allow judges to confiscate guns in cases where a restraining order is issued."

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Better to work on "shall-issue" for victim protection.

MI: Lawmaker: Punish irresponsible gun owners
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"On the heels of a preschooler's attempt to bring a weapon to a Flint school, a state legislator said he would consider writing a law punishing adults who let guns fall into hands barely large enough to hold them."

" 'People need to keep their ---damn guns locked up,' said Rep. Jack D. Minore, D-Flint, after first hearing about the special education student who tried to bring a gun to school Tuesday. 'There ought to be some sort of penalty, a misdemeanor perhaps, for adults who allow the gun to get into the hands of children.' "

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So will there be an exemption for cops or other public "officials?"

MD: Armed With the Facts on Assault Weapons (Letter)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Tim Maloney's argument in favor of the assault weapons ban in Maryland was full of inaccuracies."

"First, the MAC-11 assault weapon was not developed by the Israeli army but by Military Armament Corp., once located in Atlanta."

"Further, the gun uses a 32-round magazine, not a 34-round magazine, as stated by Mr. Maloney. It can be converted to fire in automatic mode, but such a mechanical conversion is not easy, and when converted, the weapon becomes illegal under federal firearms laws, in place since the 1930s, for machine guns."

". . . Converted MAC-11s functioning as fully automatic machine guns, as all machine guns, cannot be legally owned in Maryland, or in any state, without a federal firearms permit."

2 groups plan suit on ban of assault weapons: Activists want extension of law that expires in fall
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
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"Gun-control activists plan to file a lawsuit Thursday alleging that the Bush administration has failed to enforce a ban on the production and sale of semiautomatic weapons, one of several efforts by advocates to raise awareness that the assault weapons ban is set to expire this fall."

"Advocates are trying to persuade lawmakers to extend the ban, but experts say it is unlikely the Republican-controlled Congress will bring it to a vote in an election year."

" 'When the ban was enacted 10 years ago, it was intended as an experiment to see if it would be effective in preventing crime,' said NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam. 'Since then, numerous studies have shown that this ban has not achieved that goal.' "

WI: Legislature, governor locked in partisan battle
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
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"You still cant carry a .44 Magnum under your coat. The governor still controls tribal casino deals. And you still dont have to show photo identification to vote."

"The state Legislature wrapped up its 2003-04 regular session last week, although both houses are in special session this week."

". . . If you want to carry a hidden gun or knife in Wisconsin, you still cant do it."

"The Senate and Assembly, behind a strong lobbying push by the National Rifle Association, passed a measure that would have repealed Wisconsins 134-year-old ban on concealed weapons."

"Doyle vetoed the bill in November, saying he didnt want people with guns in shopping malls and movie theaters."

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Doyle ignores the fact that open carry is legal.

KS: For years, firearms seized in Wichita Municipal Court cases were destroyed -- now the city plans to sell them
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
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"The Wichita City Council's decision this week to allow the sale of weapons confiscated in Wichita Municipal Court cases reversed a long-standing policy that was designed to keep guns off city streets."

"Supporters of the change said Tuesday that the council's action offers a logical way to raise thousands of dollars during tight budget times. Opponents said the move sets a dangerous precedent."

" 'I don't think the city should be in the business of getting guns back out on the street,' said City Council member Sharon Fearey, who voted against the move. 'It's just been a long-standing policy of the city that we destroy those weapons.' "

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Oh, and that's preferable to selling them to folks who may need a tool of self defense but cannot afford a new one?

WA: Teaching young hunters
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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"Hunting is a Klemz family tradition stretching way back; they have a bit of Chippewa in their bloodlines."

"For years, Katie Klemz, 12, has pleaded to accompany her father on his hunting trips. She was 5 when she fired her first shot with a .22-caliber handgun, aiming at a dead gopher. She didn't get a second chance to shoot until age 10, when her father began taking her to indoor firing ranges."

"Michael Klemz is proud of his daughter's skills with a range of guns she's an excellent marksman, he said."

" 'It is very critical for children to learn that weapons are lethal,' said the Lynnwood man. 'When the projectile leaves the muzzle, there is no 'I'm sorry.' ... Accident or intentional, dead is dead.' "

FL: Jury has case against Miami officers charged in gun cover-up
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Jurors began deliberating charges Thursday that three Miami police officers joined a cover-up after guns were allegedly planted beside two fleeing tourist robbers shot to death in a hail of 37 bullets." ...

"Lt. Israel Gonzalez and Officer Jorge Garcia could face up to 10 years in prison on charges of perjury to a grand jury, obstruction of justice for alleged lies in sworn depositions and conspiracy. Sgt. Jose Quintero could face up to five years if convicted of conspiracy for allegedly planting one of the guns."

UK: Gun charge hairdresser cleared Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: Leading Glasgow hairdresser Taylor Ferguson has been cleared of recklessly and culpably discharging a shotgun. He was accused of firing his shotgun near a paddock where youngsters were having a riding lesson, causing a horse to bolt and throw a young rider. While admitting at Stirling Sheriff Court that he fired the gun at his home in Mugdock, he denied it was reckless.

American Gun Group Takes Its Mission Overseas
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is opening an office in London - 'joining with embattled British citizens in their fight to restore their firearms rights,' the group said in a press release." ...

"Extremist gun control measures have disarmed the British people, leaving them vulnerable to criminal assault... 'Incredibly, if they do defend themselves, they can be prosecuted and imprisoned.' "

Canada: Machine-gun attack east of Cornwall
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Five men are in custody and being questioned about a machine-gun attack at a Quebec strip bar east of Cornwall, just over the Quebec border.

No one was hurt in the hail of bullets, but there were about 40 people in the bar at the time.

Cornwall and provincial police officers arrested the five men after stopping a black stretch limousine.

Police say they recovered a machine-gun from the limo. The five suspects were to appear in a Quebec court Thursday.

MN: Bills Gun Shop and Range files civil lawsuit against Star Tribune, Fox 9 News
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A Robbinsdale gun shop owner has filed a lawsuit in Hennepin County District Court against Fox 9 News and the Star Tribune alleging the media outlets falsely and libelously reported about his business earlier this year." ...

"The AGSF report stated Bills Gun Shop and Range sold 373 guns that were 'recovered from criminals or a crime scene' and had at least one 'suspicious trace' between the years of 1996 and 2000."

"Monson disagrees with the reports results. 'The media outlets took already bad information, expanded on it, and defamed us,' Monson said. ...Monson alleges he has 'been greatly injured in his credit and reputation and suffered great pain and anguish,' his civil complaint states."

OH: Critics: Mentally ill shouldn't have gun
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Wednesday's arrest in the highway-shooting case has given fresh ammunition to gun-control advocates who say Ohio does a lousy job of keeping mentally ill people from buying guns."

"Licensed gun sellers nationwide are required to make instant background checks through an FBI database to identify potentially dangerous buyers."

"When a judge has ruled a person mentally ill, he or she cannot be sold firearms. But those background checks don't have much effect in Ohio because the state hasn't updated the federal database with the names of people deemed mentally ill by judges."

Canada: Police get new ally in gun fight
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"The U.S. law enforcement agency charged with keeping track of guns is opening an office in Toronto to help Canadian police stem the flow of illegal firearms across the border."

"Canadian officials welcome the move by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)."

"It's something Toronto police Chief Julian Fantino has lobbied for."

"The U.S., which has much less restrictive gun laws, is a major source of illegal handguns, 'the preferred weapons for use in the commission of criminal acts,' according to a recent report prepared by Toronto police."

UK: Man injured in gun terror at house
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A 36-year-old man was injured when an armed gang burst into a Telford home and threatened him with a gun, police revealed today. It is believed the victim was confronted by five men at the house in Hayward Avenue, Donnington."

"Three men were arrested today in early morning swoops in the Telford area. Detectives are this afternoon attempting to trace two others."

"The gang struck in Donnington earlier this week."

OH: Law-abiding citizens of Ohio now have the Right-to-Carry a firearm
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"The right to self-defense is a fundamental right"

"RTC laws respect the right to self-defense by allowing individual citizens to carry firearms for protection."

"How come the democrats are no longer 'TALKING ANTI-GUN'?
The democrats have not forgotten or lost their anti-gun agenda."

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No, they haven't forgotten their agenda. They're simply cloaking it in the shroud of "gun safety" so that they can get elected.

WA: Foiling gun crimes starts with sensible steps
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"When domestic violence escalates to homicide, a gun is the weapon of choice. So it's logical to attempt to literally disarm a potentially dangerous situation."

"Possession of a firearm is illegal under state law for someone convicted of certain domestic violence crimes -- including violation of a no-contact order -- and under federal law for someone under a no-contact order. But a story by Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporter Hector Castro shows that such laws often go unenforced."

"We commend the King County's Sheriff's Office and district court judges for cooperating on a system to remove the firearms catalyst from explosive domestic situations."

MN: A Challenge to the Personal Protection Act
Submitted by: David Codrea

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"Catholic Charities is positive that, in drafting the law, the authors did not intend to put into jeopardy the safety of those who work and live in supportive housing programs, but they did. Thats why Catholic Charities must challenge the Personal Protection Act of 2003: it offers no personal protection for our own employees and tenants."

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Neither does Catholic Charities, which wants to keep its employees and tenants disarmed. They want to hear from you at: ljohnson@ccspm.org

Zogby Interactive's Online Polling
Submitted by: Evan F. Nappen, Esq.
Website: http://www.evannappen.com

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"Zogby Interactive Survey (ZIS) will allow you to voice your opinions from anywhere within the United States, online. ZIS combines the latest trends in technology with Zogby Internationals record of success and technical expertise in field of public opinion research." ...

"For years we've heard from you asking 'Why don't you ever call me?' - Well, now, with the advancement of the Internet, you have the opportunity to let your opinion be known with the click of a button."

WA: Level III sex offender kills former girlfriend
Submitted by: Don Finlayson

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"First, he punched her so hard she fell on the ground. Then, he pulled out a pump action, sawed off shotgun and shot the victim three times at close range."

"When officers arrived, the man was loading from a box of ammunition. Then, he dashed inside the community center."

"Officers acted heroically, said Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske. They put themselves between a killer and about 30 people inside the community center." ...

"The gunman was 46-years-old and a registered Level III Sex Offender."

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Those laws barring him from getting weapons aren't working very well.

WA: Another couple of criminals undeterred by the law that prohibits them from owning guns Submitted by: Don Finlayson	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"In the back of Baxter and Andrews' van, police found handguns, rifles, knives, bags of ammo, possible meth-making equipment and camouflage." "Investigators say Andrews and Baxter have served time for crimes including burglary. They should never have been anywhere near a gun."

A Change in Attitude
Submitted by: LFA Editor
Website: http://www.libertyforall.net

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"The Supreme Court in hundreds of cases, along with American Jurisprudence, has declared that ignoring unconstitutional laws is the proper action and that it should be done. Furthermore, one may not be convicted for exercising a right, nor can any right be 'licensed.' Such rules are null and void ab initio, or from the beginning. They are not 'law,' and never have been."

"Know this. When any official/agent interferes in your life and the exercising of your rights, it is a criminal act defined as such in Title 18 of the U.S.C. and by your state's law and statutes."

NY: Editors know little about 'assault rifles' (Letter)
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

The recent News editorial on the gun law bill defeated in the Senate shows either bias or hopefully ignorance on the part of the editor. The buzz-words "assault rifle" were ever present. It would be interesting to this writer to have the editor define the words "assault rifle." It seems that if it is black and looks different, it must be so, and triggers this media knee-jerk description.
The AR-15 mentioned in the editorial is a popular target rifle used by many clubs and sportsmen for competitive target shooting. It is really no different than millions of other rifles used for similar purposes. Perhaps an educational session with members of a local gun club would aid the editorial writers' accuracy. Incidentally, the National Rifle Association is the nation's oldest civil rights organization.

UK: Anti-snooping operating system close to launch
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Computer activists in Britain are close to completing an operating system that could undermine government efforts to the wiretap the internet. The UK Home Office has condemned the project as potentially providing a new tool for criminals."

"Electronic communications can be kept private using encryption. But new UK legislation will soon give law enforcers the right to demand encryption keys from anyone suspected of illegal activity."

"The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) was introduced to update UK surveillance laws to include electronic communications. But privacy campaigners say it gives too much power to law enforcers and permits intrusive eavesdropping."

AZ: Citizens, councilman angry over shootout
Submitted by: Michael Lewis

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"Residents in a north Phoenix neighborhood and a city councilman are demanding an investigation into Tuesday's supermarket parking lot shootout in which five police officers exchanged 63 rounds with a fraud suspect."

"The incident marked the culmination of a joint investigation between the Scottsdale and Mesa police departments and federal agents, who swooped in Tuesday night to arrest two check-forgery suspects at an Albertsons grocery store at Northern and 19th avenues."

"City Councilman Claude Mattox, who represents the area where the shootout occurred, asked Phoenix City Manager Frank Fairbanks on Wednesday to launch an inquiry into the incident, saying he was upset that Scottsdale and Mesa police officers put dozens of lives at risk."

MD: School officer scheduled for trial today in teen's shooting death
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://home.comcast.net/~bruce.krafft/

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A former Baltimore City school system police officer is scheduled to go on trial today for the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy.

Twenty-nine-year-old Marlon Lynch is accused of second-degree murder in the shooting of Samuel Fitzgerald in the early morning hours of April 6, 2002. It happened while Lynch was on duty in the schoolyard at Leithwalk Elementary School in Northeast Baltimore.

The trial has been postponed several times.

Fitzgerald was shot in the head. Soon after the shooting, Lynch told police the shooting was in self-defense.

CA: Boxer takes campaign to farm country, home turf of opponent Jones
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"Sen. Barbara Boxer took her campaign for re-election to her opponent's home turf Wednesday, courting the farm vote in the conservative Central Valley where Republican Bill Jones has his family farm."

"Boxer spent Tuesday and some of Wednesday in California's biggest cities bashing Jones as a right-wing extremist who is out of step with Californians on the environment, guns, worker pay and abortion. She left out those comments when she met with the farmers.

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How extremist can Jones be? He supports the unconstitutional and completely worthless AW ban!

FL: Marco police send volunteer to write parking tickets
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Marco police Chief Roger Reinke and Lt. Dave Baer recently brainstormed and came up with a way to enhance the department's ability to nab parking lot culprits. [read: generate revenue]

"...Reinke and Baer decided to send Bob Fowler, the department's community service volunteer, to shopping center lots, private residential development lots and parking lots throughout the city." [read: they're using a citizen snitch to do their dirty work] ...

"And Bob is doing this out of the goodness of his own heart to benefit the island's citizens. He doesn't get paid a penny."

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And if Bob unwittingly breaks the law or accidentally leaves his car in a "no parking" zone, he'll probably get off. Welkom to the People's Republik of Marco Island.

AZ: Student's refusal to adjust cap leads to arrest, controversy
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"By most accounts, Marlon Morgan is a good kid."

"The soft-spoken junior plays basketball for Saguaro High School. His mother works two jobs - one as a teacher - to afford living in Scottsdale so he can attend the city's schools. He was nominated for Youth of the Year last year by a branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Scottsdale."

"So many are surprised and upset that the 17-year-old Morgan was arrested and jailed last week over his refusal to adjust wearing his baseball hat from the side to the front."

"His friends, family and the local NAACP took action."

Bill of Rights - Security Edition
Submitted by: Tom Cannon
Website: http://www.centerdigit.com

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Great reminder of what happens when we fly. I just found this and thought it would go well with the constitutional stance of this site.

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

The First Ten Amendments to the constitution of the United States printed on sturdy, pocket-sized, pieces of metal.

The next time you travel by air, take the Security Edition of the Bill of Rights along with you. When asked to empty your pockets, proudly toss the Bill of Rights in the plastic bin.

You need to get used to offering up the bill of rights for inspection and government workers need to get used to deciding if you'll be allowed to keep the Bill of Rights with you when you travel.

MT: Montana Group: 'Gun Rights' an Extremist Political Tool
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"The Montana Human Rights Network (MHRN) has been keeping watch on right-wing extremist groups in Big Sky Country since its inception in 1990. Over that time, they've had ample opportunity to examine the relationships between groups that call themselves 'gun rights' organizations and those of broader and more controversial bents, like the Militia of Montana."

"Ken Toole, MHRN's program director, says that as time went on, he and his colleagues noticed a strong relationship between gun-rights groups like the Montana Shooting Sports Association and broader-interest hate groups. And then, he says, they noticed something else: The same people who attended the militia meetings to talk about the need for an armed citizenry also came to school-board meetings to talk about the need for a creationist science curriculum. They were the same people who came to land-use meetings to argue for local control, and for their right to bring snowmobiles into Yellowstone Park."

"Toole says that MHRN began to notice the critical importance that 'gun rights' advocates played in a much broader scope. 'Gun rights' is just one piece of it,' he says, 'but it is the most politically inoculated piece, and I think that's why Montana has drifted so dramatically to the right.' "

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Translation: We don't like gun rights groups, so we will spew any kind of misleading information possible to lump them in with hate groups and extremists.

OH: Concealed carry: The waiting game Submitted by: Sean Glazier	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"In light of some recent news reports, many Ohioans may be disappointed come April 8. Several sources have led residents to believe that they may be able to get a concealed carry permit application or even the permit itself on or shortly after Ohios concealed carry law goes into effect. Unfortunately for those desiring permits, this is not the case."

The War Inevitable
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our grievances matches up with those warlike preparations which fill so many federal bureaucracies and the growing police state which covers our land. Are armed agencies, with a license to kill, necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? ...Let us not deceive ourselves, brothers and sisters. These are the implements of war and subjugation, --the last arguments to which tyrants resort."

An Enormous Waste of Money Submitted by: Sean Glazier	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"What Al Qaeda wants is to cause a holy war. They wanted us to invade Iraq. By denying liberties for thousands of Americans, by moving our nation toward a police state and rattling sabers throughout the world, we proved them right. We legitimized them by claiming we were at war with them. They dont deserve the designation of enemy combatants. They are criminals and should be treated as such."

NY: A once-unifying issue in Albany turns into a divisive one
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Fighting the terrorism that brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center unified the state Capitol in shock, grief and resolve in the months following Sept. 11, 2001."

"But the continued attempts by the Republican Senate and Republican Gov. George Pataki to get a package of anti-terrorism bills through the Democratic Assembly has turned an issue that once bound state leaders into one that is creating resentment and ill will."

"The 16-bill package includes measures to liberalize wiretaps for cell phone conversations, eliminate the statute of limitations for terrorism and create several new categories of crimes committed in furtherance of terrorist aims." ...

"Silver countered with a tough-on-crime package of his own by having the Assembly approve seven bills this week designed to reduce improper access to guns. "

"Among them was a measure to ban .50-caliber firearms in the state. Silver said they are of little or no use to hunters,
'Unless you're in the armed forces, there is no compelling need for anyone to own a .50-caliber weapon,' Silver said."

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And since when do Americans need to justify their need to petty tyrants in three-piece suits just to be able to freely exercise their constitutional rights?

Conservatives have draft policy platform ready Submitted by: Sean Glazier	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"If it forms a government in the expected federal election, expect the Conservative Party to add 20,000 soldiers and cancel one federal gun registry." "In addition, the party would create a Taxpayer Protection Act and an auditor for Medicare, CTV News has learned." "Those are some of the positions in a 26-page Conservative Party draft policy document."

OH: "Sniper" case raises issues about Ohio's firearms rules
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Wednesday's arrest in the Columbus sniper case has given fresh ammunition to gun-control advocates who say Ohio does a lousy job of keeping mentally ill people from buying guns."

" 'There are big holes in the system,' said Toby Hoover, executive director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence. 'We're really living under a false security.' "

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Those holes are generally referred to as the "black market." Guns, like any other goods, conform to only one law - the law of supply and demand.

ME: Maine Groups Urge Renewal of Assault Weapons Ban
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"A poll commissioned by MCAHV, which was released this week, showed overwhelming support from Mainers for renewing the current assault weapons ban. 72.5% of those polled favored renewal, with only 16.3% opposing and 11.3% not sure. 71.5% supported Maine enacting its own ban should Congress fail to act. Support was also strong among gun owners surveyed with 68.9% supporting renewal of the assault weapons ban."

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How objective could a survey commissioned by Maine Citizens Against Handgun Violence be?

NE: Council approves ban on paintball guns
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"A proposed ordinance before the Papillion Nebraska City Council that would ban the use and transportation of intact paintball guns within the city was met with little public comment Tuesday night."

"The ordinance, which was introduced by Councilman Gene Jaworski at the request of a resident, would amend the existing city code having to do with firearms and would require paintball gun owners to empty them of ammunition and break down their guns before transporting them."

"The ordinance would also define air gun, sling shot and paintball devices as firearms."

TX: Welcome to Tomstown
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"The Tomstown Scandal refers to a series of grand jury investigations and lawsuits and propaganda barrages and mudslinging spawned during the execution of the Toms' strategy of conquest. The two main groups whose activities are under scrutiny are the Texas Association of Business, a pro-GOP group with connections to both Toms, and the Texans for a Republican Majority political action committee, created by DeLay to secure GOP control of the Texas Legislature. Both groups are accused of violating Texas election law during the 2002 state elections into which TAB and TRMPAC poured around $4.5 million and during Craddick's subsequent campaign to become speaker of the house." ...

"In addition to the two Toms, major players in the Tomstown Scandal include:"

"Bill Hammond, president of the Texas Association of Business and a former Republican House member." ...

"Jim Ellis, aide to Tom DeLay ..."

"John Colyandro, director of TRMPAC and the Texas Conservative Coalition, former political consultant to Attorney General Greg Abbott, and before that an associate of Karl Rove." ...

"The Law Enforcement Alliance of America, a Virginia-based anti-gun-control group recruited by Colyandro and TRMPAC to contribute a $1.5 million late-hit TV campaign against Abbott's opponent Kirk Watson, Austin's former mayor, in the 2002 AG race."

OH: Ban on concealed weapons in park may not pass muster
Submitted by: Sean Glazier

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"Like any new law, Ohios concealed-carry handgun law remains open to interpretation, and one of the gray areas in House Bill 12 may be the ability of cities to prevent permit holders from carrying weapons in parks and similar areas."

"However, for now it appears the Salem Parks Department will not be able to ban handgun carriers from bringing their weapons into the citys parks."

"Following his presentation on the new handgun law at a Salem Area Chamber of Commerce business luncheon Monday, Timothy A. Dimoff of SACS Consulting and Investigative Services said the parks department, like private business, would be able to ban weapons from parks property by establishing a policy to that effect and clearly posting notices of the ban."

"Since then, advocates of the concealed-carry law have pointed out Section 9 of House Bill 12, designed, among other things, to create uniformity throughout the state regarding 'the authority granted' to licensed handgun carriers."