Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Now Obama Debuts Pledge to Make Guns 'Childproof'
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Surprising very few of us, we see that once in office, Obama is more open about his gun control efforts at WhiteHouse.gov:"

"... Obama and Biden would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment, which restricts the ability of local law enforcement to access important gun trace information, and give police officers across the nation the tools they need to solve gun crimes and fight the illegal arms trade. Obama and Biden also favor commonsense measures that respect the Second Amendment rights of gun owners, while keeping guns away from children and from criminals. They support closing the gun show loophole and making guns in this country childproof. They also support making the expired federal Assault Weapons Ban permanent." ...

19 January
Submitted by: Mike Vanderboegh
Website: http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com

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Today is my son Matthew's 30th birthday. . .

I almost lost Matt right there at the beginning. It was a packed house that night in Labor & Delivery at University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio -- the busiest night they had ever seen -- and the staffing standards back then would get a hospital shut down and sued today. Back then, the fetal monitors . . .involved taking a lead with a sharp threaded point and screwing it into the baby's scalp.

As awful as that sounds it saved his young life. We were ignored by the unbelievably overwhelmed staff. . . I was given the briefest of briefings, told what to watch for, and left alone. "Call us if something doesn't look right," the nurse said, and disappeared.

The best kept secrets of the anti-violence movement, Part II: our own authority
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"One of the best reasons for the armed citizen is, of course, personal self-defense, but the very best reason for the armed citizenry is that when whole communities are armed and known to be armed there is a profound futility, then, in government programs attempting to have some agency take your place. For decades, for generations, no agency has been better than the armed citizen. For generations, our word was enough to discourage silly programs. Today, our word is ignored."

"In Part I, I wrote that the armed citizen will become a political deterrence for such futile, go-nowhere programs. It's time for stronger language now ..." ...

Studies of right to carry laws seek to answer wrong question
Submitted by: Kurt Hofmann

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"A study (pdf file) conducted several years ago concluded that the 2003 change in Missouri's laws, allowing concealed carry of defensive firearms, had little impact on crime and violence." ...

"Other studies (not limited to Missouri) have reached different conclusions. ..."

"... Personally, my belief is that such debates might serve well to show off one's statistical chops, but miss the real point."

"'The real point,' as I see it, is that those private citizens who choose to carry a defensive firearm do not do so with the objective of 'fighting crime,' but instead have the much more limited aim of defending themselves and their loved ones ..." ...

Obama administration brings new hope to gun-grabbers Submitted by: Daniel White Website: http://www.OhioCCW.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
... "Some experts believe that Omaba will be "too busy" with other matters to enact new gun control, but the gun grabbers obviously do not believe this will be the case. Even if it is, it should be very telling that the only thing holding him back would be time, and not an oath."

Firearms safety education: Never too soon to start, never too late to learn
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On Saturday, January 10, I was honored to be a guest speaker for a meeting of the Medina County Friends and Neighbors (www.mcfan.org). The topic was firearms ..."

"I started by having my 3 year old son join me for a safety discussion. I asked him what he would do if he found a gun." ...

"I had him 'give me five' for reciting the 'Eddie Eagle' rules of gun safety perfectly for the crowd. He got a much appreciated round of applause."

"When is a child too young to learn about gun safety? When is a child too young for a car seat? When is a child too young for parents to be concerned about drowning or fire safety? The answer is, "Never." Safety is a parent's job. It is never too soon to start, never too late to learn." ...

Reader calls for protection of 2nd Amendment
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"President Theodore Roosevelt once said, 'Perhaps once in a generation perhaps not so often, there comes a chance for people of a country to play their part wisely and fearlessly in some great battle of the age-long warfare for human rights.'"

"Now is the time for lovers of our constitution to wisely and fearlessly step up to the plate and protect our second amendment."

"As conservatives well know our new president Barack Hussein Obama has voted every time on the side of the gun-ban lobby."

"At this moment in our history Mr. Obama is surrounding himself with the old Clinton administration second amendment haters." ...

Does the Kevlar Number Come in a French Cuff?
Submitted by: R. Smith

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"Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president on Tuesday under tight security. He rode to the Capitol in an armored Cadillac limo, spoke behind a protective glass shield, and wore 'bullet-resistant clothing.' Is that the same thing as a bulletproof vest?"

"Not quite. The vests familiar from cop shows and news footage of SWAT teams are manufactured to be maximally effective with no consideration for how they might look under a dress shirt. It's unclear what brand of body armor Obama sported at the inauguration, but several companies produce discreet, thinner vests that can be worn underneath clothing, inserted into an outer layer (like a coat) or woven into a shirt. ..." ...

Who is David Olofson?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"David Olofson is a U.S. Army veteran and Wisconsin resident who loaned his 20-year old AR-15 rifle to a friend who then took it to a shooting range. While at the range, the rifle malfunctioned by emitting two multi-round bursts before jamming. Someone at the range heard the shots and, fearing it might be a fully automatic machine gun, notified local law enforcement." ...

"The judge in this case has accomplished what the Brady Campaign, Dianne Feinstein, and other anti-gunners have been trying for years - convicting a law abiding citizen for owning a semi-automatic rifle by mis-labeling the firearm as a machine gun."

"What happened to Mr. Olofson can happen to any law-abiding gun owner out there. ..." ...

UK: Sniper rifle software launched for iPod touch
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"A new application has been launched for the iPod touch to help gun users line up a clean shot at their target."

"The BulletFlight app, which costs Ł6.99 [$9.74] to download from the iTunes store, has been developed by Runaway App to turn the iPod touch into a ballistics computer which the company says can provide 'quick solutions in the field'."

"Users can mount their iPod touch to their rifle, and then ... tap in details about the wind conditions, ammunition type, distance to the intended target and even the wind speed."

"... BulletFlight does not output information in table format,' says the application's iTunes page. 'What it does do is dynamically give you the solution you need now to take that shot.'" ...

NY: 'So easy to die' by the gun
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Such a cold place to die."

"... outside the South Jamaica [NYC] projects ..."

"A few days before ... three young men were gunned down on this icy corner ..."

"Bam. Bam. Bam."

"Like that. Three men fell. One survived. Two young men blossoming with life are dead, as casually as someone shutting off a light. ..."

"Across the street, outside Public School 40, two police vans idle at the curb. ..." ...
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KABA Note: In guns prohibited New York City in a gun free school zone?!? Pass another law!

National Geographic Gun Show Draws Heavy Fire from Critics
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A recent special from the National Geographic Channel titled 'Guns in America' has become the latest catalyst in the debate over what responsible journalism means when it comes to one of America's most contentious issues."

"... The show's intended mission was to be an unbiased exploration of 'the gun culture in America, from a police officer to a young mother.'"

"No sooner had the program ended than gun right's advocates were up in arms over the statistics used in the show and what they saw as a decidedly anti-gun slant." ...

"However, many gun control organizations support the controversial statistics cited in the program ... backing up the program's claim that eight young people a day are killed by a firearm in the United States." ...
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KABA Note: 8 a day is 2920 a year. To attain that number your definition of 'young people' has to include people up to age 19.

NE: County Attorney: Shop Owner Fired In Self-Defense
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

No charges will be filed against the Omaha shop owner who shot and killed two people in his business Tuesday night because he fired in self-defense, said Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine.

Kleine said Andre McKesson, the owner of Midwest Grillz and Jewelry at 62nd Street and Ames Avenue, fired after 14 or 15 shots.

Kleine said police told him McKesson got into an argument with Willie Wakefield, 29, and Marcel Davis, 16. At one point, Wakefield allegedly fired two shots in the direction of McKennon.

Kleine said McKesson returned fire, killing Davis and Wakefield and wounding Brandon Boyce, 22, who was outside waiting for Davis and Wakefield.

The investigation into the case is continuing.

KS: Armed resident defends home against burglars
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A home intruder got more than he bargained for Thursday morning at a residence in rural Wellsville."

"Miami County Sheriffs deputies responded to 37895 W. 239th St. after a resident reported hearing a break-in at his home ..."

"The lone resident hid in the closet on the second floor until he heard the suspect enter the room and open the closet door. The resident then declared he had a firearm, and the suspect fled the house ..." ...

"The armed homeowner watched the suspect flee in a newer blue Chevrolet extended cab S-10 pickup truck, according to the release. Deputies searched the area but could not locate the vehicle." ...

SC: Armed robbery goes awry
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A masked bandit tried to rob the wrong store Thursday night."

"A police report said about 11:19 p.m. a black man in his mid to late 20s brandished a shotgun at a 73-year-old store owner, demanded money and fired once, hitting the wall behind the owner. The store owner pulled out his own gun and returned fire and called 911 as the man fled the store on foot."

"... Milton McCarty ... said he's owned McCartys Super Convenience Store ... 40 years and when he works at night, he always carries his weapon, declining to say exactly what kind."

"'He fired at me and I fired back at him and it was over with,' he said matter of factly, 'and he took to running.'" ...

NC: Intruder fatally shot during struggle with resident
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Tokay Drive resident fatally shot a man who broke into his house Saturday night ..."

"The names of the resident and the victim[sic] were not immediately available."

"The incident happened about 8:30 p.m. at 593 Tokay Drive, according to a Fayetteville police news release."

"The resident entered his house and found the intruder inside ..."

"The resident pulled out a pistol he was carrying and began struggling with the intruder ..."

"The gun fired during the struggle, and the intruder ran out of the house ..."

"It was not known how many shots were fired ..."

"A short time later, a man with a gunshot wound was brought to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

OH: Police May Take the Rest of Your Life to Arrive
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A tragedy occurred yesterday when a 48-year-old Columbus woman was killed in front of her apartment building while on the phone with a 911 operator."

"Police told 10TV News the victim called 911 twice on Sunday. The first call reported a disturbance. During the second call, the dispatcher heard gunshots." ...

"It is a sad fact that law enforcement officers are not able to be everywhere to stop every crime. It is stories like this that emphasize the even someone who does everything right ... are still essentially on their own if a criminal decides to attack."

"People who choose to own and carry firearms for personal protection are no different from this unfortunate victim in many respects, but they are more prepared. ..." ...

WI: Police confiscate mayor's office computer, camera
Submitted by: jghilty

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"As the investigation into Mayor Gary Becker [fourth from bottom] continues, Racine police said Monday that they have confiscated the computer and a camera from his office." ...

"We had the mayor locked out of the (city) system early on,' Wahlen said. 'On Wednesday morning we grabbed the computer and camera before City Hall even opened.'"

"The evidence will be turned over to state agents from the Division of Criminal Investigation ..."

"'It's not my investigation,' Wahlen said. 'I just made sure we had it. The investigation is progressing. ...'"

"Becker was charged in Racine County Circuit Court on Thursday with attempted second-degree sexual assault, possession of child pornography and other related charges." ...

WI: 'Open-carry' becoming central gun-rights issue
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"For most of this decade, the most contentious gun issue in Wisconsin has been that of concealed carry, or the legal sanction to carry a firearm in public in a hidden manner, either on the body or in close proximity."

"But this year that affair may take a backseat to a rapidly intensifying debate about the legality of open carry, or the act of publicly carrying a firearm in plain view."

"Ostensibly, Wisconsin is an open-carry state, meaning there is no law against a law-abiding citizen openly carrying a legal firearm. ..."

"Indeed ... one of the most-repeated arguments used by concealed-carry opponents is that it is not necessary because citizens can openly carry their guns."

"Then attorney general Jim Doyle used that precise argument before the state Supreme Court ..." ...

Blair Holt, Other Gun-control Efforts, on Horizon
Submitted by: jghilty

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"No sane person wants innocent people victimized, maimed, or murdered, nor to see the perpetrators escape justice. This is true, whether the perpetrators use their hands or objects like baseball bats, rocks, knives, vehicles, or a host of other readily available inanimate objects of endless variety or a firearm. It is the intent and the will of the criminals, and not the inanimate objects they use, that are responsible for the criminal acts and the harm done to victims."

"From the dawn of man, violent acts have been a sad aspect of life in nearly every civilization and culture. The violence in prisons shows how ineffective even close confinement, total control, and total surveillance can be in preventing this." ...

IN: Gun Foes Hopeful As Gary Suit Allowed To Proceed
Submitted by: jghilty

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"An Indiana Supreme Court ruling that allows the city of Gary to take its long-running lawsuit against gun makers to trial has sparked a contentious debate between gun-control supporters and their opponents."

"Gun control advocates see last week's ruling as a long overdue moral victory, but backers of the nation's gun industry say the case is without merit and would be costly if it goes to trial."

"Attorneys for Gary, a city of 96,000 people with one of the nation's highest homicide rates, claimed in the 1999 lawsuit that gun makers and northern Indiana gun dealers have sold guns they knew would end up in criminals' hands." ...

WY: Gun bill passes first vote in senate
Submitted by: jghilty

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

The Senate passed on a first vote today a bill requiring judges to warn people accused, that pleading guilty would cost them their federal gun rights.

The bill would also classify misdemeanor domestic violence as a serious offense requiring defendants to have lawyers.

Republican State Senator Cale Case of Lander, told the committee that Wyoming needs to make sure citizens realize they can lose their constitutional right to own guns as a result of misdemeanor convictions.

NY: Guns bad, Gillibrand too
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"That's the message from New Yorkers Against Gun Violence which is urging anti-gun folks to register their objection to the possibility that Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand be considered as a possible US Senate replacement for Hillary Clinton."

"NYAGV Executive Director Jackie Hilly cites the Hudson Valley lawmakers 'A' rating from the NRA and notes that her district, the 20th, has the most NRA members of any in the state." ...

NY: Taking aim at Gillibrand
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"With just days to go before Gov. David Paterson selects his choice to replace Hillary Clinton in the U.S. Senate, a gun control group is making a last-minute pitch to torpedo one of the candidates: Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand."

"[NYAGV] is urging supporters to contact Paterson to 'tell him you don't want the NRA to take New York's Senate seat,' and that Gillibrand 'does not represent the views of most New Yorkers!'"

"The email declares: 'It would be a mockery of what has been accomplished over the last decade making our streets safer to allow the NRA to dictate federal gun policy.'"

"The message notes Gillibrand ... received an 'A' rating from the NRA, which indicates a 'solidly pro-gun candidate.'" ...

VA: Guns on Hand at State Capitol
Submitted by: jghilty

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"The mission was simple Monday for dozens of members of the Virginia Citizens' Defense League, (a group that supports 2nd amendment rights), slap on an orange sticker, grab an agenda, and find your local legislator."

"'We have teams that are going to break up and they're going to visit every single legislator that is in the building today,' remarked Mark Stollenwerk, a VCDL organizer."

"Impassioned group members roamed the hallways of the General Assembly building, showcasing their support for legislation that would allow concealed handgun permit holders to carry in restaurants and on school grounds."

"The gun rights advocates, many of whom drove for hours to lobby lawmakers, hope their very presence will speak volumes." ...

SD: South Dakota Legislature convenes -- Citizen Self-Defense bill SDGO's top legislative priority
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The State Legislature is in full swing, and South Dakota Gun Owners is working on several issues that will impact gun owners."

"SDGO's top legislative priority is the Citizen Self-Defense bill. Colleges all across South Dakota are turning their campuses into so-called 'gun free' zones, where law-abiding adults can't defend themselves from armed criminals."

"Experience has proven that 'gun free' zones actually encourage violent crimes like horrific mass shootings. In fact, virtually every mass shooting in recent history has been committed in a 'gun free' zone."

"By depriving the law-abiding of any effectual means of self-defense, these college 'gun free' zones give criminals a monopoly on force." ...
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H/t to David Codrea.

OH: LTE: The public protected in NRA permit move
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A guest editorial from the Columbus Dispatch titled 'Kowtowing to the NRA' accuses Ohio lawmakers of caving in to pressure from the NRA to not pass a proposal to raise the fee for obtaining a concealed carry permit by almost 22 percent."

"In doing so, the editorial says the lawmakers have 'failed to put the best interest of the taxpayers first.' I strongly disagree."

"In this time of ever-shrinking basic services from local municipalities and ever greater budget deficits, it seems to me that what our lawmakers have chosen to do is to not make it any more expensive than it already is to allow for law-abiding, civic- minded, responsible citizens to own and carry a personal protection weapon. ..." ...

In Praise of Paul Blart
Submitted by: Larry

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"When tyrants rule, jesters often boldly tell truths that falter on the lips of fear-plagued philosophers. Perhaps this explains why, amid the consolidation of a totalitarian Homeland Security State, it fell to Kevin James, gifted comic actor, mixed martial arts fan, and cinematic role model for economy-sized American men, to put into play the notion that we would be better off doing away with government police forces outright, and entrusting security to private citizens and entrepreneurs.

"James co-wrote, co-produced, and stars in the new movie Paul Blart: Mall Cop, a modestly produced family comedy whose immense opening weekend success ... surprised everyone but the viewing public. ..." ...

In-flight confrontations can lead to charges defined as terrorism
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"Tamera Jo Freeman was on a Frontier Airlines flight to Denver in 2007 when her two children began to quarrel over the window shade and then spilled a Bloody Mary into her lap."

"She spanked each of them on the thigh with three swats. ..."

"A flight attendant confronted Freeman, who responded by hurling a few profanities and throwing what remained of a can of tomato juice on the floor."

"The incident aboard the Frontier flight ultimately led to Freeman's arrest and conviction for a federal felony defined as an act of terrorism under the Patriot Act ..." ...

"Freeman is one of at least 200 people on flights who have been convicted under the amended law. ..." ...

"Justice Department spokesman Dean Boyd defended the prosecutions, saying that they have helped improve airline security ..." ...

Inauguration sparks impulsive gun sales
Submitted by: jghilty

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"Supply is barely keeping up with demand in the gun industry."

"This spike in sales has pointed directly to President-Elect Barack Obama since Election day."

"Now that Obama is officially taking office, it appears gun enthusiasts are buying firearms at higher prices and in higher numbers."

"The booming sales, come as people are worried that Obama and a newly elected Democratic Congress will renew a retired federal ban on assault weapons."

"That could also mean stricter regulations and higher taxes."

"'Obama could, 30 minutes after Inauguration, put a screeching halt to imported parts and ammunition,' said Bob Irwin, owner of The Gun Store on Tropicana." ...

Solid investment? Gun, ammo sales skyrocket
Submitted by: jghilty

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... "If you had walked around and listened to folks talking at this past weekend's gun show at the Sports Center, you would have heard a common theme:"

"'Prices have been flat for years and now they've spiked about 50 percent.'"

"'People can't afford to shoot as much as they normally would.'"

"'I'm still in sticker shock right now.'"

"Rob Viczorek travels the country selling guns and accessories. He says that since November's election, gun sales have drastically increased. Ammunition is another hot commodity that gun nuts are snatching up. In fact, Rob says that certain types of ammo have tripled in price."

"'Off the chart,' he claims. 'Certainly, the Democratic track record is not favorable to gun owners.'" ...

WI: At Waukesha show, Obama driving gun sales
Submitted by: jghilty

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"For nearly 20 years, Bob Pucci has invited gun dealers and enthusiasts to his shows across the state."

"That's why the Janesville resident is worried about what will happen to gun-control laws when President-elect Barack Obama takes office Tuesday."

"'Attendance and sales have skyrocketed since the election,' Pucci said. 'Gun owners don't trust Obama, but he is still the president.'"

"Big crowds and brisk sales were seen Friday through Sunday at the Waukesha County Expo Center for the Rocco Memorial Gun Show, which was renamed to honor Pucci's beloved black Labrador ... Pucci said this rush to purchase firearms is even bigger than when former President Bill Clinton signed an assault weapons ban in 1994."

PA: To this gun seller, protest is a misfire
Submitted by: jghilty

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"I GOT to Colosimo's Gun Shop just after the protesters started singing hymns and peace songs last week." ...

"The protesters, mostly students, sang and picketed peacefully in the subfreezing sunshine while Colosimo, 77, smoked a cigar inside. The cigar wasn't the only thing burning."

"'I was going to give them nine, now I'll give them none,' he said." ...

"His 'nine/none' remark refers to the 10-point voluntary code, which demands that Colosimo do a variety of things, from videotaping all firearms sales to using background checks to employee background checks to securing all firearms in showrooms." ...

KY: New Policy Allows Guns In Cumberland Gap
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A new federal policy allows concealed weapons permit owners to carry firearms into Cumberland Gap National Historical Park."

"The policy change from the U.S. Department of Interior went into effect Jan. 9 and allows people with permits from the three states touching the park - Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee - to carry weapons inside the park. The policy also applies to people from states that have reciprocal firearm carrying agreements with those states."

"Chief Ranger Dirk Wiley told the Middlesboro Daily News that anyone bringing a gun into the park should contact the rangers to go over safety rules." ...

UK: How playing with toy guns saved my life
Submitted by: jghilty

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... "I think playing with toy guns as a child taught me a valuable lesson that paid off 30 years ago when my mother-in-law graced me with a less than friendly visit. As a mother, she had abandoned her children and in old age had arrived at the conclusion that I was her, and needed punishing. Calling round one morning she advanced up the stairs towards me, drew a handgun out of her bag and gripped the trigger. Used to combat, I flew towards her and jerked up her arm. The bullet thudded into the plaster above and brought down the ceiling." ...