Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Taxing Your Way to Civil War, or, What's $400 times NOTHING?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Scott Dixon wants a $400 tax each year for each firearm in America. He believes that this will lead to fewer firearm deaths. Perhaps, but only after one side or the other wins the civil war which would erupt if his proposal is adopted."

"Frankly, some of us firearm owners are done being pushed back from our traditional rights to liberty and property. For 75 years we have backed up at every gun control law, and we will now back up no further. Has crime abated because there are more gun control laws that, by definition, restrain only the law-abiding? No, but Dixon isnt really after criminals and their behavior, hes after law-abiding citizens firearms their means of defense against criminal behavior and oppressive government." ...

Thinking About Schwerpunkts Submitted by: concerned american Website: http://westernrifleshooters.blogspot.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Folks thinking about the coming struggle should ask whether and/or how earlier strategic concepts will apply to the 21st-century domestic American context. The linked essays are a good introduction to the Prussian concept of "schwerpunkt", as well as the same idea applied to 4GW by John Robb. Food for thought and further reflection.

"Unambiguously describing the Second Amendment as encompassing a personal right"
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"At The Volokh Conspiracy, David Kopel highlights an important new article on St. George Tucker that has particular relevance to the debate over D.C. v. Heller and the original meaning of the Second Amendment:"

"St. George Tucker is perhaps the preeminent source of the original public meaning of the Constitution. His 5-volume American edition of Blackstone's Commentaries was the by far the leading legal treatise in the Early Republic.... Tucker's analysis of the Second Amendment plainly described it as an individual right, encompassing the keeping and bear of arms for personal self-defense, for hunting, and for militia service. Justice Scalia's majority opinion in Heller quoted from Tucker's American Blackstone." ...

Second Amendment news: Bob Barr, Stephen Halbrook
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Bob Barr, the 2008 Libertarian Party candidate for President, has prevailed over New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a lawsuit involving a Georgia sports store that sells guns. Here is the Associated Press story on the case.

Also on the Second Amendment front, Stephen Halbrook's The Founders' Second Amendment, which Barr praises, skyrocketed on Amazon.com until the online bookseller ran out of stock. The Halbrook book was No. 1 in Law, Civil Rights and Liberties, Constitutions, Constitutional Law, and Revolutionary and Founding History; No. 12 in History; No. 11 in Professional and Technical; and No. 26 in Nonfiction (all)." ...

A gun for Christmas
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I was excited as I headed toward the bus stop. My dad was coming from downtown Denver on the 5:15 and he was bringing home 'our' Christmas present ... a new .22 rifle. I could see my dad making his way past the other passengers with a Winchester .22 pump in his hand. It was beautiful. We were still saving for a proper case, so he was carrying it openly."

"As we walked up the block to our house, we talked to several neighbors as they admired our new rifle. ... I still own and love that beautiful little gun."

"What would happen today if my dad had gotten on an RTD bus in the middle of Denver with a rifle? I can only imagine how many SWAT teams would be involved." ...

An Open Letter to Remington's Tommy Millner
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Dear Mr. Millner,"

"I was a long-time customer of Remington, but I won't be again until you dump H-S Precision. Your unconvincing statement below criticizes H-S, not for flaunting the endorsement of an unrepentant and unpunished murderer who shot a mother's face off, but rather for choosing a 'controversial spokesman' contrary to 'business common sense'. Contrary to your statement, H-S is all over Remington's website. Why you would keep doing business with a company that bragged about an endorsement from a murderer of innocents is beyond me. I posted my two cents below at The War on Guns."

"Russ Howard
NRA Board Member 1995-97" ...

U.S., Mexico bicker over weapons ban that expired in '04
Submitted by: jghilty

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"A senior U.S. law enforcement official said Friday the Bush administration never assessed whether a decade-long assault weapon ban had reduced the flow of high-powered guns into the hands of Mexican drug gangs." ...

"Since the expiration of the ban in 2004, Mexican drug syndicates have built up their stockpiles, Mexican officials say. They have long maintained that the weapons ... have escalated the country's drug-fueled violence ..."

"U.S. officials, by contrast, have insisted that the overriding challenge is to stem the relentless flood of illegal narcotics to American users." ...

"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the ban's expiration had no bearing on Mexico's violence." ...

Why the park gun law makes sense
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"As a rule, concealed-carry licenses are off limits to anyone with a history of crime, substance abuse, drunk driving or serious mental illness. Not to mention that most states require safety training. In any case, people who are inclined to commit mayhem generally don't seek state licenses to carry guns, any more than they ask permission to break into houses or beat up girlfriends. It's the law-abiding folks who apply for licenses."

"Why would peaceable souls want to take their guns when hiking or camping in a national park? Same reason they might take them other places: a desire to protect themselves. ..." ...

"Judging from a wealth of experience, adopting this new policy would be a non-event, with no unwanted repercussions. ..."

When A School Shooter Seeks A License To Carry A Loaded, Concealed Handgun
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Recently we learned that a convicted killer in one of the most notorious school massacres in American history tried to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun." ...

"... it was the set of fingerprints that Grant had to provide to the police, pursuant to Arkansas' licensing regulations, that proved key to discovering his true identity. ..." ...

"The key lesson to be learned from Andrew Golden's blocked attempt is that there are things we can do to make it harder for dangerous people to get guns. Many criminals ... still go through legal channels to get firearms every single day." ...
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KABA Note: And if an armed teacher had dropped Andrew Golden in his tracks that day in Jonesboro this would have been a moot point. You can't use the results of your failed policies (like 'gun-free' school zones) to call for still more draconian policies.

2008 Year-end Slide Show of Brady Activites (video) Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Website: http://www.nysrpa.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
A slideshow of photos from Brady Center and Brady Campaign activities from 2008 including activists and leaders of the Million Mom March as we fight for common sense gun laws. We do this to protect our families and communities from senseless gun violence.

Scott Vogel and Freedom States Alliance See Americans' Attitudes About Guns Changing
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Is America's love affair with guns finally ready for a divorce? Is the NRA more bark than bite? Can anyone really make a sane argument for civilians having .50 caliber sniper rifles?"

"With a new administration not beholden to the zealots of the gun lobby, maybe some headway can finally be made in getting our national gun fixation under control."

"BuzzFlash interviewed Scott Vogel, Communications Director of Freedom States Alliance (FSA). FSA is actively changing the way America thinks about guns in order to build and strengthen the grassroots movement to reduce gun violence. FSA believes that all Americans deserve to live in a country free from the fear, threat, and devastation caused by gun violence ..." ...

Carolyn Chute, Mother of Maine, Is Back
Submitted by: Larry

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... "Ironically, Chute's latest novel is also about two competing militias, the right-wing Border Mountain Militia and the left-wing True Maine Militia. If the truth be known, The School on Heart's Content Road is a fictional account of life in the 450-member 2nd Maine Militia, of which Chute is co-founder and secretary."

"Carolyn and her husband, Michael, are ardent supporters of the constitutional right to bear arms. Michael is the town of Parsonsfields's pensive graveyard man, who sports a spiffy two-foot long beard and a green-felt crusher hat."

"Even though I have never owned a gun, and have no plans to do so, I have attended several meetings of the 2nd Maine Militia (2MM) over the past ten years. ..." ...

SC: Burglar shot after breaking into Walhalla home
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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... "Sheriff's deputies responded Sunday afternoon to a burglary call ... and learned that Murphy had shot a burglar in the buttocks. Kirby Alan Ridley was later brought into custody on burglary charges at a Ranger Road home in Walhalla and sent to Oconee Medical Center for treatment of his wound."

"The report summary states Murphy told officers he was in the bathroom when he heard a noise near his kitchen. He then walked out of the bathroom, retrieved his .22 pistol from his closet, and discovered a man standing in front of his fireplace. After telling the burglar to stop, the subject allegedly reached into his pocket as if to get a gun or weapon and began walking back towards the kitchen, at which point Murphy shot him." ...

AZ: Robber dead; Chandler store owner shot in face Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"An armed man attempting to rob a Chandler jewelry store Saturday died of a gunshot wound resulting from a gun battle between the robber and store workers, police said." "The store owner was shot in the face during the gun battle, but he is expected to survive, said Chandler police Detective David Ramer." ...

SC: Suspect shot to death during apparent home burglary in Myrtle Beach
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A home invasion leaves one man dead and another is on the lose[sic]."

"County police say, around 9 last night, two suspects broke into a house on Burcale Road in Myrtle Beach." ...

"They say, the owner was home at the time of the robbery and shot one suspect while the other took off."

"... neighbors living next to the burglary victim's apartment heard gun shots and a round of gunfire went through their apartment wall."

"When police arrived at the house they say, the owner was just putting down his gun when they saw one of the suspects lying on the ground dead with two gun shot wounds." ...

"Police took the burglary victim into custody but was later released." ...

IN: Man fatally shot during robbery identified
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Police have identified the man who was fatally shot while trying to rob a Westside grocery Sunday night and the employee who shot him."

"Miguel Mondragon ... shot Christopher Barreto ... after Barreto reportedly pointed his gun at a woman with a baby ..."

"Barreto walked into El Michoacana Supermarket ... brandishing a handgun and herded all the customers into one part of the store ... When the robber pointed the gun at the woman and her child, Mondragon shot him, using a gun belonging to the store's owner." ...

"Police are calling the shooting justified, but evidence will be turned over to the Marion County prosecutor's office for a final determination ..."

South Africa: Burglar shot dead
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"A burglar was shot and killed while looting a house in Sunward Park in Boksburg yesterday morning, police said."

"Captain Mack Mngomezulu said a 53-year-old homeowner shot the man after hearing people talking inside his house at 3.30am."

"The man had been sleeping when he heared the voices."

"'While searching the house, he was confronted by about five unknown people who tried to attack him ... he then shot one of them,' he said. With their accomplice shot, the remaining four fled the scene on foot, taking with them a handbag with a cellphone, R3 000 in cash, bank cards, an ID book and driver's licence."

"Paramedics called to the house certified the intruder dead." ...

Will Plax Get the Max?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "... Plaxico Burress was suspended following his arrest last month after accidentally shooting himself in the leg with a concealed, illegal gun at a New York City nightclub. A few days after the incident, Mayor Mike Bloomberg publicly and passionately stated that 'it would be an outrage if we didn't prosecute to the fullest extent of the law ' ..."

"Right now the court of public opinion has judged Plaxico guilty of committing an act of stupidity ..." ...

"New York State Law has four degrees of firearms possession ... but only the top two carry mandatory sentencingand it will be very hard for the DA's office to get a conviction ..." ...

"In a nutshell, it comes down to intent." ...

Violence is No Game
Submitted by: David Codrea
Website: http://waronguns.blogspot.com

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"But surely I'm not suggesting anyone's life is worth mere merchandise, or the contents of a cash register?

"Not at all.

"What I am suggesting is anyone depraved enough to threaten the life of another human being over something so trivial is a deranged monster capable of anything. What I'm suggesting is that human beings confronted with such monsters should not have their choice to defend their precious and irreplaceable lives taken away from them by others."

Media Bias Alive and Well
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"If an airline gives a discounted rate to a traveler who has lost a loved one, they're said to be understanding of loss. If a car wash offers free washes to the local police department struggling for cash, they're said to be good members of the community. If an office supply store gives a discount to teachers purchasing supplies for their class, they're said to be supportive of education."

"But if a gun store offers discounts to citizens living in an area struck by a crime wave, they're 'hoping to capitalize on fears.' Media bias is alive and well it seems, at least with The Morning Call." ...

MI: Student group urging concealed weapons on Grand Rapids Community College campus
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A new student group at Grand Rapids Community College has formed to push the debate on the issue of carrying concealed weapons on college campuses, according to the Grand Rapids Press."

"GRCC student Josh Eberly formed the group Students for Concealed Carry on Campus, as a chapter of a national organization by the same name. The national organization was formed after the Virginia Tech shootings."

"Eberly told the Grand Rapids Press that weapons on campus will help make the space safer."

"'Why wait for the police to show up when your life is in danger?' he told the Press."

"But law enforcement is not keen on the idea of lifting a ban on concealed weapons in weapon free zones. ..." ...

C.A. Rejects Second Amendment Challenge to State Firearms Laws
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The U.S. Supreme Court's June decision clarifying the right to bear arms did not invalidate state laws against carrying a concealed weapon or a loaded firearm in a public place, or those prohibiting possession of firearms by felons, the Fourth District Court of Appeal has ruled."

"Concluding that the three types of laws have 'nowhere near the broad sweep' of the Washington D.C. statutes the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) 128 S. Ct. 2783, Div. One on Friday rejected a San Diego county mans Second Amendment challenge to his California convictions." ...

Obama & Pentagon Shred Constitution
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Well, it's already starting: Mr. Obama, and senior brass at the Pentagon, have decided to totally contradict nearly a century and a half of establish federal law and tradition -- the very essence of the Constitution -- by instituting one of the policies that we fought a revolution over: the active deployment of US military troops within our very own borders." ...

"I'm afraid that this is very likely just a taste of what's to come. First, you will lose your abilities to defend your rights through devices such as the Assault Weapons Ban and other restrictions of your Second Amendment rights. Next your ability to vocally protest will be stripped away via legislation such as the Fairness Doctrine ..." ...

Former NRA President Sandy Froman Endorses Ken Blackwell for RNC Chairman
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "I strongly endorse Ken Blackwell to be the next Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Ken served with distinction with my home-state Senator John McCain and with Georgia Republican National Committeeman Alec Poitevint on the International Republican Institute (IRI). He also replaced Vice President Dick Cheney on the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA)."

"Ken has been a strong supporter of the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms and respects every individual's fundamental right of self-defense. I strongly support his candidacy and urge my friends on the Republican National Committee to join me in supporting Ken Blackwell."

"Sincerely,

Sandy Froman" ...

Obama's Attorney General nomination demands immediate and unequivocal response from gun owners
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Barack Obama's nomination of Eric Holder to be the Attorney General demands an immediate and unequivocal response from gunowners and rights advocates and that response should be 'Absolutely Not!'"

"Holder's appointment to be AG must be approved by the Senate. While it is highly unlikely that opponents could muster the 51 votes needed to reject Holder's appointment, a single Senator can place a 'hold' on the confirmation and effectively lock up the system just as Democrats did with a number of President Bushs judicial appointments and the appointment of John Bolton to be Ambassador to the UN. ..." ...

NY: Going Beyond the Maximum in a Gun Case
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The United States Court of Appeals in New York has upheld the sentence imposed by a federal judge although it was stiffer than the guidelines recommended ... The judge said the punishment was warranted as an enhanced deterrent to illegal weapons in urban areas ... the court imposed a harsher sentence, focusing on where the crime took place and where the fruits of the crime were going."

"The case involved trafficking in weapons in order to bring guns into New York City. When the defendant, Gerard Cavera, pled guilty ... he could have been sentenced to 12 to 18 months in prison and a fine of between $3,000 and $5,000. However ... the sentencing judge, Charles Sifton, increased the sentence to two years in prison and a $60,000 fine ..." ...

PA: An Easton gun law: Try, try again
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Easton Councilman Jeff Warren really, really thinks Easton needs a new gun law."

"Specifically, he thinks the city should require all gun owners to report their lost or stolen weapons quickly which he believes would help keep everyone here safer and would make it easier to go after criminals who shouldnt have guns in the first place."

"The problem is that Warren's zeal keeps running up against his fellow council members, plus the fact that Pennsylvania law just might prohibit cities from passing laws like that."

"So tonight, for the second time, City Council voted 5-2 to shoot down a gun control bill that Warren backed." ...

'Lethal Warriors' in Iraq, linked to string of crimes back home
Submitted by: Larry

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"They nicknamed themselves the Lethal Warriors, and during two tours in Iraq, the soldiers of the Army's 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry regiment confronted some of the war's cruelest fighting ..." ...

"Yet there is a larger story of those who fought with the 700-soldier unit -- a string of alleged robberies and domestic violence and random, senseless murder."

"Six of the veterans are behind bars, implicated in four separate shooting incidents and five slayings since August 2007. The killings stretch from Colorado to an Orange County beach town, where a veteran of the company is accused of beating his girlfriend to death." ...

The Gods of D.C. Mean To Rule You With Brute Force
Submitted by: Rockpicker

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"Not too long ago, I said in a column that if the states of the Union do not stand up to the federal machine they are going to find themselves little more than occupied territories before the next year is gone. For years I have beat the drum to get states to reconstitute the constitutional militia because our very freedom depends on it. The proper role of our military is not to be used against we the people, but to protect and defend against foreign and domestic enemies of this republic."

"We've all seen the increase by police using tasers for even a minor encounter with law enforcement. The number of deaths continues to grow." ...

CA: Cop accused of smuggling guns, ammo to Belize
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A veteran Los Angeles police officer who runs a security firm in Central America is being investigated by federal officials for allegedly smuggling guns and ammunition."

"Officer Johnny Baltazar, 49, is accused of purchasing eight .40 caliber Glock handguns from the LAPD Academy store and secretly shipping them, two other guns and 1,530 rounds of ammunition to Belize ..."

"Baltazar, who was assigned to the West Los Angeles Division, is accused by the LAPD of exporting firearms without a license, failing to declare firearms he exported and failing to notify his LAPD superiors that he was under federal investigation."

"He has been suspended with pay until a disciplinary hearing and could be fired." ...

TX: Ex-Utah trooper shoots self during Texas standoff
Submitted by: MACpistol.com
Website: http://www.macpistol.com

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"Police say a former Utah state trooper sought in Texas on robbery and burglary warrants shot himself during a standoff in the Dallas area." ...

"Garland police were notified by police in Keller to be on the lookout for Smith and that he was armed. A vehicle driven by Smith was located Monday night."

"Garland police say a gunshot was heard from inside the vehicle as Smith, after several hours, attempted to drive away." ...

"Utah Dept. of Public Safety Sgt. Jeff Nigbur ... says Smith had been a trooper since 1996 ... Smith was a sergeant when he resigned in May." ...
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Submitters note: Bush signed a federal law allowing former police officers to have the nationwide ability to carry concealed firearms, but not for YOU, because they are superior to you.

PA: State wants retroactive gun fees from Phila.
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Every dollar counts in a state starved for cash."

"Now, gun-toters in Philadelphia, where the deficit is projected to top $1 billion by 2013, are being asked to contribute more to strapped state coffers, too." ...

"In 2005, when the legislature amended the law governing licenses to carry firearms, the fee for a five-year license was increased from $19 to $25. The increase, channeled into accounts for license 'modernization' and 'validation,' is supposed to make it possible for even small municipalities to get state grants to buy cameras for making gun-permit photo IDs."

"But Philadelphia has not been collecting the $6 increase, a fact brought home to permit-holders with a bracing letter this month from Lt. Lisa King ..." ...

PA: Lawsuit: Delco gun policy unconstitutional
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Delaware County was hit with a federal lawsuit yesterday claiming that its policy of refusing to return confiscated firearms unless the owners obtain a court order is unconstitutional." ...

"The plaintiff, Thomas DeOrio, ... argues that the county government, judges and Sheriff's Department illegally retain confiscated guns ... when the owner is entitled to retrieve them."

"In DeOrio's case, Brookhaven police seized his collection of handguns and rifles ... when his girlfriend filed for a temporary protection-from-abuse order. ... Three days later, after a court hearing, a judge dismissed the order, records show."

"But DeOrio soon learned that getting his guns back wouldn't be as easy." ...

NV: North Las Vegas police officer arrested
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"North Las Vegas Police Detectives arrested 40-year-old James Vernon Clayton Tuesday morning."

"Clayton has over three years of service with the North Las Vegas Police Department."

"He was arrested and booked into the Clark County Detention Center on five counts of misconduct of a public officer (felony), two counts of oppression under color of office (felony), and one count of open and gross lewdness (gross misdemeanor)."

"Clayton was arrested on a warrant obtained after a five month investigation conducted by North Las Vegas Police Department Investigators."

"That investigation was prompted by third party allegations of misconduct on Clayton's part while he was on duty as a patrol officer for the department." ...

ND: Gun Sales - Higher After Election
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Throughout months of campaigning, he wanted people to know that 'Change is Coming.' And although Barack Obama hasn't been sworn in as president just yet, some people are already preparing for some changes they fear may be backed by the new president that could limit gun ownership."

"Recently, Dan Erdmann talked with a local firearms retailer to discuss some of their post-election sales trends."

" ... It's become one of the most controversial topics today, and it always seems to be a hot issue in the world of politics. During his campaign, President Elect, Barack Obama voiced his opinion on gun control ... His election seems to have sparked an interesting trend for some firearm retailers." ...

CA: NRA plans shooting clinic for women
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

An instructional shooting clinic for women will be Jan. 13 by the National Rifle Association's Women on Target program in conjunction with the NRA Members Council of Marin County.

The clinic will be from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Bullseye Precision Indoor Shooting Range at 1281 Andersen Drive in San Rafael.

The group will provide equipment, including firearms, ammunition, targets and instructional materials; there will be instructors who will offer training on safe handling of handguns.

Registration cost is $40. For information, call Mary Trudell at 383-3283 or send e-mail to trudell@pacbell.net.