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John Lott: Watch-list 'justice'
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Should people lose rights because they are sympathetic to, but do not actually help, terrorist groups? Should law enforcement and not judges be the arbiter of those sympathizers who should be placed on 'watch lists'?"

"In Senate hearings on renewing the Patriot Act last week, Democratic Senators Ted Kennedy and Charles Schumer said the answer to both questions was 'yes.' ..."

"Messrs. Kennedy and Schumer's proposed solution? Simply ban the sale of guns to people law enforcement places on the watch list." ...

"The 35 'suspected' purchases, out of 3.1 million total transactions, were allowed because background checks found no prohibiting information. No felonies or disqualifying misdemeanors, for example. They were neither fugitives from justice nor illegal aliens. Nor had they ever disavowed their U.S. citizenship." ...

"Interestingly, the same Senator Kennedy who wants to rely on 'watch lists' was understandably upset last year and publicly complained to the Senate Judiciary committee when he was prevented from flying on an airplane because his name was placed on just such a 'watch list.' ..."

VIGILANTES!
Submitted by: D. Finlayson

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"When I got back to Chicago, the media in the midwest and out on the east coast, were giving an entirely different view of what I had just witnessed with my own eyes."

"The news media was hysterical with reports about 'armed vigilantes' out on the border, preventing illegal aliens access into our country. The spinmeisters of the media were arrogantly whining about these poor misunderstood invaders, who only wanted to come here to work on Slims ranch... but neglected to mention that most of these people are misguided, and are being exploited by criminal employers for cheap labor, chump change, as they steal American jobs and tax payer funded subsidies, depressing our wages and lowering our standard of living."

"They don't want you to know that some of these 'superman workers' really don't want to work at all."

USA TODAY Exposes 'COPS' Boondoggle; More Guns Cut Crime, Says CCRKBA
Submitted by: News Admin

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"An expose by USA Today on the Clinton-era Community Oriented Policing Services ('COPS') project shows the program wasted millions of dollars, never put the promised 100,000 new police on the streets, and has not been a panacea to crime."

"The COPS program was also touted as a reason for Americans to think twice about buying guns for personal protection, recalled CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. He said the USAToday revelations that suggest widespread misspending of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars prove something else: It was not non-existent police on the streets, but passage of right-to-carry statutes in dozens of states that had a greater effect on reducing violent crime rates over the past decade."

David Codrea: Slip Slidin' Away (Blog)
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Leaders in the civilian disarmament movement ridicule the notion that gun control laws are intended to result in, uh, civilian disarmament. There is no 'slippery slope,' they say, and suggestions to the contrary are unfounded." ...

"In other words, the "slippery slope" argument is a myth. There is no hidden agenda. There is no proof that success in some gun control measures leads to other attempts at restrictions. The whole argument is a fiction. If you believe in it, you're living in a paranoid world where you think people are trying to take away your rights."

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."

NC: Father Shoots Intruder Submitted by: Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Tony Roman ...told us he was in his bedroom when he saw a man pointing a gun at his handicapped son." "The man demanded cash, according to Roman. But Roman didn't have any. 'Then, he put the gun to my head. I told him, 'I have $100.' I didn't have no $100, I just wanted to reach for my gun and defend my family,' Roman told us." "Roman said he then shot the intruder several times. ..."

Remember Gun Control?
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Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"After four years of George W. Bush, the notions that some people might be too dangerous or unstable to trust with a firearm or that assault weapons do not belong in civilized society are deader than a wild turkey in hunting season." ...

"Over the last four years, the president and his congressional allies have repudiated or quietly eviscerated key gun laws and regulations. Now they are poised to shield firearms makers and sellers from nearly all damage claims when their products kill or maim. Not only is this a gift no other industry enjoys, it's a truly bad idea that even gun owners have reason to oppose." ...

"Meanwhile, a Government Accountability Office study examining FBI and state background-check records found that 35 people whose names appeared on terrorism watch lists were able to buy a gun. Incredibly, a would-be buyer's presence on a watch list does not disqualify him or her from buying a firearm. Because background-check data now must be promptly destroyed, it is impossible to know how many more terrorism suspects might be lawfully armed."

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KABA Note: Of course, the presence of someone's name on this watch list does not automatically mean they are guilty of terrorism, and this particular reality has nothing to do with the immunity bill. But let's not allow facts stand in the way of anti-freedom hysteria.

Deadly force law is a green light to commit homicide
Submitted by: Anonymous

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Submitter's Note: Two one sided letters to the editor in the anti-gun rights Saint Petersburg Times. Why do these folks continually come down on the side of violent criminals?

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"I am a retired police officer with over 25 years of service. A police officer has no right to retreat as a citizen does and also has extensive training as to when to use deadly force. He must also be continually trained to know under what crimes deadly force is warranted."

"I can understand and agree with the right of a citizen to protect himself in his home, but I feel the Legislature has just given the green light to any person with a short fuse and a gun to commit homicide."

Only gun advocates speaking out
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Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Last time I wrote about the growing complacency around what has been called our 'culture of violence.' I called on political leaders to get serious about instituting truly effective gun control measures. Last year, people wielding firearms killed more than 11,000 people in the United States."

"More than 100 passionate, angry readers from around the nation told me I was wrong. I have heard from exactly four gun control advocates. ..."

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However, instead of attempting to understand the gun rights point of view, or acknowledging her errors, this reporterette screeches: "The gun control lobby needs to get on the stick. Now."

KS: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence United with the Million Mom March; Statement of Sarah Brady on Kansas Legislation
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Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Since 1860, local communities in Kansas have been regulating firearms because locally elected officials understood that different laws are necessary in different communities. People can feel the way they want about gun laws, but we should all agree that in a democracy, the people of a local community should be able to take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety locally. That's what democracy is all about. To pass this wrong headed language into law is contrary to democracy."

FL: Leon County deputy who used Taser on Marine resigns
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A Leon County deputy who used a Taser stun gun on a Marine defended his actions after resigning from the department."

"John Daly was responding to a reported domestic argument when he came across Cpl. Demar Jackson outside the building."

"While Jackson, who was wearing camouflage pants but no shirt, was not involved in the argument reported to police, but he didn't obey Daly's commands to turn around. Daly zapped him with the Taser and arrested him for resisting arrest without violence, police said." ...

" 'All I did was follow policy and all I did was do what I was trained to do,' Daly said Monday."

WA: Arbitrator Rules Lacey Policeman Should Be Reinstated
Submitted by: News Admin

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"An independent arbitrator has ruled that a police officer who was fired in October 2003 should be reinstated because of unfairness and 'inconsistencies' with the Lacey Police Department's internal investigation."

"Officer Keith Mercer was dismissed for pointing his weapon at his head and allegedly mishandling several cases."

"...arbitrator Vern Hauck criticized the department's investigation and found that Mercer, an eight-year veteran with the department, should have been suspended for three days without pay for the gun incident."

"Hauck ruled that Mercer must be paid back wages minus any earnings he made through other employment. The city must pay the cost of arbitration, the ruling said."

CA: Final arguments in cop-beating case
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A Santa Clara County prosecutor told jurors this morning that two rookie Palo Alto police officers acted like 'thugs' and deserved to be convicted of assault for beating and pepper spraying a man who failed to follow their commands in 2003. 'These defendants were attackers,' Deputy District Attorney Peter Waite said in his closing statement. ... " ...

"If the officers are convicted of felony assault, they could face a maximum of three years in prison. If convicted of misdemeanor battery, they would not be allowed to carry a firearm for several years, which could end their police careers."

"The officers remain on paid leave."

TX: Proposed Gun Bill Would Prohibit Sales To Mentally Ill
Submitted by: News Admin

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"A bill presented to the Texas Senate proposes to restrict the sale of firearms to people who have been judged to mentally defective and those who have been committed to a mental institution."

"Retailers that sell firearms now have access to criminal histories of potential gun buyers, and the Brady Bill restricts gun sales to have been legally ruled mentally ill. The proposed legislation, Senate Bill 869, would require mental health information to be funneled to the Texas Department of Public Safety, which would make the information available to retailers."

AZ: Napolitano signs bill to allow course Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Arizona public schools could offer an elective gun safety course under a bill signed into law by Governor Napolitano." "The House approved the bill on April 4th. The Senate approved it unanimously two months ago." "State law already allows the state Game and Fish Department to provide training in safe handling of guns and bows at schools requesting the training."

Anti-gun forces fire away at issues affecting sportsmen Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Sportsmen can contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor and support S.B. 397 and H.R. 800, without any anti-gun amendments, and put a halt to these reckless lawsuits once and for all. Be sure to let them know that you consider any votes in support of anti-gun amendments to this legislation as votes against the bill itself."

Canada: Serious trouble brewing for a tragic accident, say RCMP Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Staring down the barrel of a 9 mm Smith and Wesson, not knowing if it's real, is a situation Mounties don't want to find themselves in." "But with youth seen flashing around replica handguns in the city, Cpl. Brent Mundle of the Grande Prairie RCMP says there is serious potential brewing for people to get hurt."

AL: Chief justice orders review of Alabama courthouse safety Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Atlanta courthouse shooting last month that left a judge, court reporter and deputy dead has prompted the state chief justice to order a statewide review of safety measures in Alabama courts." "A committee of court officials is also looking at ways to standardize courthouse security."

WY: Gun Club gets okay to add to its electrical supply
Submitted by: News Admin

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"The Gillette Gun Club has been given a green light to proceed with building six electrical pedestal outlets that will help accommodate vendors and suppliers at various events."

"The new outlets will allow the shooting range on Hannum Road to 'supply a service that Gillette does not have at the present time' to improve competitions and other events, said Craig Garwood, a club director."

"Construction of the electrical outlets is expected to be completed by June, when the range will host a two-day competition in memory of a longtime club member who recently died."

NC: Winston-Salem Police responded to a middle school where a student had a gun Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: Winston-Salem police say a 13-year-old student took a gun to school today. They responded after administrators at Downtown Middle School confiscated the .22-caliber handgun. They say the gun belongs to the boy's parents, and was taken without their knowledge. Police say there was no indication the teen threatened anyone or fired the gun.

NY: SU Peace Officers To Begin Carrying Firearms
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Armed 'peace officers' will be on the Syracuse University campus come fall as the school pushes forward with its move to upgrade law enforcement on campus, SU Director of Public Safety Marlene Hall said last week."

"According to a report in the Syracuse Post Standard, Hall said the first class of nine officers is nearing completion of training, but insurance won't be in line until this summer to allow the new officers to begin armed campus patrols. As many as 30 trained officers could be ready when the program starts and a total of about 50 in place when it is fully implemented, Hall said."

KS: Make laws consistent
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Enhancing the economic activity from outdoor sports and creating fairness and consistency in our gun laws are two reasons why Senate Bill 195 garnered 107 of 125 votes in the Kansas House and 28 of 40 votes in the Senate." ...

"SB 195 would void Wichita's waiting period, the tax and permitting system for purchase between private citizens, and the prohibition against the sale of magazines. The Wichita ordinance prohibiting the purchase of a firearm by citizens with minor infractions also would be stricken. And the bill would eliminate Wichita's ordinance regarding storage of firearms -- an important consideration in maintaining the right to self-defense in Kansas."

Mexico: Assailants ambush Mexican police convoy near U.S. border
Submitted by: Michael Lewis

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"Unidentified gunmen ambushed a state police convoy in the border city of Nuevo Laredo on Sunday, wounding three officers and two civilians."

"The assailants, who a witness said were dressed in black, fired hundreds of rounds from automatic weapons and police later found a bazooka nearby, though it was unclear whether that weapon had been used."

"The shootout occurred at a major intersection near a busy shopping mall at around midday."

UK: Janitor arrested in school gun alert
Submitted by: News Admin

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"ARMED police burst into a special needs school and arrested the janitor after a tip-off he was carrying a gun. ..." ...

"Pupils and teachers were told to remain in their classrooms as police raided the building and arrested 43-year-old Thomas Moran."

"It is understood there were no firearms and he was charged with breach of the peace."

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If there was no firearm, what did this janitor do that could be considered "breach of the peace?"

Israel: Palestinians Pledge to Trade Guns for Jobs
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Hundreds of Palestinian gunmen have signed pledges to halt violence in exchange for government jobs, and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas hopes to bring many more militants on board before he meets President Bush in May, Palestinian officials said Monday."

"The new jobs-for-guns program, which offers the biggest rewards to those who've spent the longest time in Israeli prisons or on the run from the military, is meant to counter Israeli and U.S. complaints that Abbas is doing little to control the armed groups."

UK: Bank robber loses bid for freedom Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"An armed raider who clubbed a cashier and terrorised staff after surprising them with a sawn-off shotgun has lost his case in the Court of Appeal." "Roy Swinscoe, 47, of Nottingham, was jailed for life after an Oxford Crown Court jury convicted him of robbery and possession of a firearm with intent."

WI: Case provides exception to gun rule
Submitted by: News Admin

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"There is an exception to every rule. At least, there should be."

"Which brings me to V.O. Goins."

"Goins is the 64-year-old Arkansas man who shot and killed a 20-year-old Racine man in Milwaukee after being attacked by a group of would-be robbers on April 3." ...

"Where it gets trickier is the way Goins allegedly defended himself. By having a gun under his seat, Goins was breaking state law, Loebel said." ...

"The side that wants Wisconsin to consider adopting a concealed-weapons law - which most in law enforcement oppose - can point to the Goins case as a perfect example of why it's needed." ...

"What Goins did was illegal, according to the letter of the law. But he's also a logical exception."

Philippines: 22 rape cases reported in 1st quarter of 2005 Submitted by: News Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"THE Pangasinan Provincial Police Office has recorded 22 rape incidents in the province from January up to March, two of which are incestuous rapes." "A consolidated report of the women and children complaint desk (WCCD) disclosed that most of the cases were belated reports."

CO: Gun from 1919 robbery donated to museum
Submitted by: News Admin

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"Both robbers who tried to steal from the former Berthoud National Bank died in their attempts." ...

"On Thursday, Jeanie Bein, daughter of former bank president Louis Bein, presented the Colt 45 pistol used in an attempted 1919 robbery of the bank."

"The bank is no longer owned by the Bein family now its called Centennial Bank of the West so the bank donated the gun to the Little Thompson Valley Pioneer Museum in Berthoud."

NY: Haverling grad captures Army pistol award
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Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Spc. Sean P. Watson, a 1989 graduate of Haverling High School in Bath, won the 2005 U.S. Army Small Arms Overall Individual Championship at the Army's individual marksmanship competition at Fort Benning, Ga." ...

"Watson is a member of the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit at Fort Benning and was deployed to Iraq last year to teach marksmanship to soldiers in the 1st Armored Division. Last year, he was a member of the .45-caliber Pistol National Championship Team and the Overall Service Pistol Interservice Championship Team. He also won a New York state Air Pistol Championship in 2002. ..."