Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Further demise of the First Amendment Submitted by: Anonymous	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The FBI is warning police nationwide to be alert for people carrying almanacs, cautioning that the popular reference books covering everything from abbreviations to weather trends could be used for terrorist planning." "The Associated Press obtained a copy of the bulletin this week and verified its authenticity." ------- Next up: concealed AAA tourbooks...

U.S. to require armed guards on some international flights
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Armed sky marshals will be posted on certain international flights to, from or over the United States, the Department of Homeland Security said on Monday, adding another layer to an already intensified aviation-security system."

"Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said foreign airlines immediately will have to carry marshals on any flights that U.S. intelligence indicates could pose a threat of terrorism." ...

"The requirement applies to both passenger and cargo planes, Ridge said, raising the possibility of revoking the privilege to cross into U.S. airspace as a penalty for refusing to comply."

Armed Pilots Q & A
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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Q. Many pilots are ex-military! They already know how to shoot a gun! When I was in the military I was entrusted with guns, secret documents, and passwords--and nobody on our side ever thought twice about it! Pilots can be entrusted to fly a missile that can drop 100-story buildings, yet TSA can't trust them to bear arms? Ridiculous!

A. You're right. It's ridiculous that TSA is dithering about letting pilots carry guns who have already learned how to shoot one. Plus, those who are untrained can be trained very quickly. (I think first you point the gun, then activate it by squeezing a mechanism called the trigger.) Some readers have speculated about bureaucratic motives, but I prefer not to join in this speculation, as I am not an expert in psychopathology.

Arms trafficking danger
Submitted by: Robert Lewis

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Moreover, a December 2003 United Nations report on the implementation of sanctions against al Qaeda underlined the role of middlemen moving weapons and money on behalf of terrorists. The U.N. investigators noted the growing need for an international treaty to control arms brokering and sanction-busting. Yet the United States has been adamantly opposed to such a treaty and to the creation of a U.N. specialized unit that could keep track of and "blacklist" traffickers across the world and their unsavory clients." ...

"The United States 'nay-saying' rationale stems partly from its all-too-apparent disdain for any initiative smacking of multilateralism, particularly when United Nations-led. But it is also a response to the pressure exerted by the U.S. pro-gun lobby to steer clear from any action that might prevent the free flow of arms. It is not by coincidence that the U.S. opposition to a brokering treaty was most vocally articulated during a 2001 U.N. conference aimed at preventing and stemming the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons. Despite reprobation from Washington's closest allies, the U.S. position remains unchanged."

Anti-Gun paranoia from Detroit News (Again)
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Despite the agreements, Glock pistols, the weapon of choice for more than half the nation's police departments, have earned a reputation among some gun experts as a firearm with too few safety features and that is too quick to fire. Its reputation is directly linked to its design, which ignores important safety features."

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This inane anti-Glock rant ignores one simple fact. If ignoramuses with more than a teaspoon-full of brain cells keep their fingers off the trigger and treat all guns as loaded, these accidental (negligent!) discharges would be a thing of the past.

NM: Las Cruces gun law will still face scrutiny
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"On Janurary 1- this Thursday - it will be legal for many residents of New Mexico to carry a concealed, and loaded handgun."

"It's called the Concealed Handgun Carry Act, and it has watchdog groups just a little concerned. The law will let anyone who completes a rigorous application and training program to carry a concealed handgun."

"Opponents are worried that the guns could fall into the wrong hands. And although the law requires training, there is concern about the abundance, or lack thereof, of trained instructors."

"Currently, there are no certified concealed handgun instructors in the Las Cruces area."

UK: Clueless Brits claim more DISARMED police are desirable
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"It is tempting, then, to conclude that Britain - one of just a handful of countries whose police officers are not routinely armed - should abandon its objections. ...But while it is true that gun crime is growing rapidly in Britain and both police officers and law-abiding citizens are at greater risk than ever of being shot by a criminal, the balance of argument remains against such a drastic step."

"In 2002, there was a 35 per cent increase in the number of crimes in which a gun was used. On average, there are 30 incidents every day, mostly in the big cities, though the use of handguns is also growing in rural communities." ...

"On the other hand, the murder of a police officer on duty remains a rare event." ...

Gun-Totin' Pagans
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"In his commentary, Cranford described most Pagans as 'mostly nonviolent' but warned his readers correctly that 'when your life is on the line it is important to know what to do, even if you have to harm the attacker.' He suggested the self-defense use of weapons, among other ways for us to protect ourselves."

"Another such commentary was written by Steve McManus and titled 'Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance: The Six-P Rule.' " ...

"Other Pagans have taken up the charge for self defense, too." ...

"One thing's for sure: When it comes to the ideas of gun control and gun rights, some Americans, and many Pagans, will look at the facts and history, and move beyond simple party -- and religious -- lines."

Court ruling will not end gun debate
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Allowing the suit to proceed is still far from victory for the city of Gary. But the decision could help fuel U.S. Senate debate next month over legislation that would immunize the gun industry from being sued for crimes committed with their products."

"The bill has passed the House and has 55 proclaimed backers in the Senate. But some Democrats have promised a filibuster that could prevent the bill from passing."

"Regardless, the debate seems far from over."

Canada: Critics claim gun law a dud
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Ron Cunningham signed the forms to register his guns last year, but wasn't optimistic sweeping changes to firearms safety would result."

"A year later, he says he was right. 'As far as I'm concerned, the whole thing is a joke -- it's a billion-dollar waste that's not doing anything for us,' said Cunningham, a 25-year member of the Calgary and District Target Shooter Association."

"Last Jan. 1, the feds made it mandatory to register firearms under the controversial gun control program, which will realize a billion-dollar price-tag next fall."

AZ: Border Patrol agent commits suicide at home
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A United States Border Patrol agent stationed in Nogales committed suicide around 8:30 p.m. Dec. 23 at his Rio Rico home."

"The agent, whose name was not released, was off-duty at the time." ...

"The deputy and a Border Patrol Supervisor arrived at the house, and the agent brandished a firearm, Castillo said."

"Authorities backed off, and tried to negotiate with the agent. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team arrived at the house in order to help the agent, Castillo said."

"However, when officers entered the home, they found the agent dead. He had shot himself."

PA: Responsible gun owner can prevent tragedy
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Yes, guns can be dangerous, but only if they are mistreated. I don't believe that I'm irresponsible or unsafe for leaving my guns unlocked. All it takes to be safe around firearms is smart and careful thinking. Use your common sense."

"Don't keep a loaded gun in your house at any time, no matter what the reason. It's not safe. And remember, guns can't be harmful with out help from a human. Now for the main reason I leave my guns unlocked: I just don't want to lose the key."

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Keeping a loaded firearm in your house is not safe for any criminal who invades your home. If you are as responsible a gun owner as you claim, you shouldn't have a problem keeping loaded firearms in your home.

NY: Gun Court Comes To QueensProgram Strives For More Consistent Convictions
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Encouraged by the success of Brooklyns Gun Court program, which attempts to apply the citys gun laws more consistently by trying all cases before a single judge, city officials announced Tuesday that they would be expanding the program to Queens after the new year."

"The Bronx and additional precincts of Brooklyn would also be included in the expansion, announced Mayor Michael Bloomberg at a City Hall press conference."

" 'People who carry illegal guns are a menace to the public,' the mayor said. 'The law says that you cannot carry a concealed weapon in New York City and we are going to enforce that law.' "

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Never mind that these laws are abhorrent and unconstitutional.

PA: Program offers "free" (read: purchased with money extorted from the taxpayers) gun locks
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Monessen Police Chief Mark Gibson said child safety was first in his mind when he applied for free gun lock kits for Monessen families."

" 'People have guns in the home that aren't locked up. Kids could get to them, and that could be a tragedy,' he said."

"Gibson sought to enroll his police department in Project Childsafe, a nationwide initiative headed by the National Shooting Sports Foundation."

"The chief's request was granted beyond his expectations when a huge shipment of gun lock kits arrived at his police department."

NY: More gun crime in gun control "utopia"
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A man accidentally shot and killed his girlfriend during a weekend party in Springfield Gardens, police said."

"Marvin Oestricher, 19, of 134th Avenue, was arrested last Saturday in connection with the death of Dominique Johnson, 18, of 130th Avenue."

"At his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, Oestricher was charged with manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, criminally negligent homicide and tampering with physical evidence. He was arraigned before Judge Stephen Knopf, who set bail at $50,000."

FL: Protecting the wrong people
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"The National Rifle Association is so obsessed with slippery-slope, Second Amendment theories that it's pushing for a change in state policy that inadvertently could assist criminals."

"Unfortunately, the NRA has the clout in Florida to get the policy change proposed as legislation."

"State Rep. Lindsay Harrington, R-Punta Gorda, is sponsoring a bill that would prohibit police departments from keeping permanent records of gun owners who sell or pawn their weapons at pawnshops." ...

"There's no legitimate reason to treat guns differently from other pawned merchandise when police create a database. Such inclusion in no way violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms."

Kubby vows appeal of ruling denying refugee status in Canada
Submitted by: LFA Editor
Website: http://www.libertyforall.net

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"Steve Kubby, medical marijuana patient and former Libertarian Party candidate for governor of California, vowed to appeal a ruling by the Refugee Protection Division today that denied him refugee status in Canada based on his need for medical marijuana."

"Kubby complained, 'I cannot understand how the Refugee panel could conclude that my life would not be at risk if I were forced to return to the US, after the leading cancer specialist in British Columbia testified that I would die without it.' "

Spectator Punditry
Submitted by: Robert Lewis

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"Pete Shields, founder of Handgun Control, Inc., in 1976 said: 'We'll take one step at a time, and the first is necessarily given the political realities very modest. We'll have to start working again to strengthen the law, and then again to strengthen the next law and again and again. Our ultimate goal, total control of handguns, is going to take time. The first problem is to slow down production and sales. Next is to get registration. The final problem is to make possession of all handguns and ammunition (with a few exceptions) totally illegal.' "

"THAT is incrementalism."

"Charles Krauthammer hit the nail on the head in 1996 when he observed, 'The Brady Bill's only effect will be to desensitize the public to regulation of weapons in preparation for their ultimate confiscation.' " ...

DE: Delaware No. 1 in gun-buy rejection rate
Submitted by: P. Jones

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"When customers enter a Delaware gun shop, they stand a higher chance of failing the mandatory background checks than would-be buyers in any other state, according to figures released this fall by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics." ...

"It may be that checks are more thorough in Delaware, where sellers must check potential buyers against a federal instant-check system and a separate state database. Twenty-six states use only the federal system."

"Supporters and opponents of gun control said the background checks are doing what they were intended to do: cut off gun sales to felons and others who cannot legally possess firearms." [KABA NOTE: Of course these checks cannot stop criminals from purchasing their firearms on the black market, but Brady and crew don't want to mention this for fear of stopping millions of federal dollars flowing into the flawed and unconstitutional Brady background checks.]

"Some gun-shop owners said the federal system is prone to errors that delay purchases by legitimate buyers."

NV: Authorities pin hopes on Tasers
Submitted by: G. Hughes

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"Las Vegas police exceed the average among 10 similarly sized departments in incidents involving use of deadly force and the number of fatalities from use of force, according to a study done by the department's Internal Affairs Division."

"The number of incidents, however, is expected to decrease in the months ahead, police officials said."

"The Metropolitan Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol in the next week plan to arm officers with a proven alternative to firearms, batons or other weapons that break bones and take lives."

"The pistollike mechanisms known as Tasers have a track record of dramatically decreasing injuries to officers and suspects, as well as the taxpayers' cost associated with treating them, Clark County Sheriff Bill Young said."

AZ: Man arrested after knife is discovered on jetliner
Submitted by: G. Hughes

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A passenger aboard a jetliner leaving Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was arrested Sunday after a flight attendant noticed that the man had a knife, authorities said.

The unidentified passenger was on Northwest Airlines Flight 104 bound for Minneapolis when the flight attendant saw the utility knife as the plane moved away from the gate, officials with the Transportation Security Administration said.

After the flight attendant notified the pilot, the plane returned to the gate and authorities arrested the man.

It could not be determined late Sunday why the man brought the knife aboard the plane, which departed Sky Harbor shortly after 12:15 p.m. following a 25-minute delay, officials said.

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Don't you feel safer knowing that these federally paid, inept security clowns are doing everything but orifice searches, and yet managing to miss weapons anyway?

AZ: Glendale police target random holiday shots Submitted by: G. Hughes	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Glendale police offer this warning to New Year's Eve revelers who may be tempted to engage in celebratory gunfire:" "Fire a Shot and You're Gonna Get Caught!" "And since the city is armed with ShotSpotter, a high-tech system that immediately pinpoints shots fired, there is a real risk of getting caught."

UT: Gun-rights group touts new 'word' Submitted by: G. Hughes	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A Utah gun-rights group has an eye out for hoplophobes." "Never heard of hoplophobia? Most people haven't. The made-up word to describe people who fear guns hasn't caught on. Not even longtime gun enthusiasts are familiar with the term."

MI: Dozens of guns stolen in Muskegon County
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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Have you ever wondered where criminals get their guns and why Brady background checks are worthless boondoggles?

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"They were no dummies -- that's what investigators are saying about the people who broke into a Muskegon County gun shop and took dozens of handguns."

"Their concern tonight ... where the guns will end up next."

"A law enforcement official says when you steal this many guns, you're looking to use them or sell them to those looking to use them. And both are a major concern."

UK: British pilots cowardly shirking responsibility for the safety of their aircraft
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Pilots are demanding an urgent meeting with ministers over the decision to place armed sky marshals on passenger jets flying across the Atlantic, following heightened concern about terrorist attacks."

"The British Air Line Pilots' Association (Balpa) wrote to Alistair Darling, the Secretary of State for Transport, yesterday calling for a meeting to discuss the policy which it believes is 'dangerous' and flawed. The association, which has said it does 'not want guns on planes' has advised pilots to refuse to fly if they do not feel happy carrying armed marshals posing as passengers."

FL: Woman charged with carrying loaded gun at Orlando airport
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A woman charged with carrying a loaded pistol through security lines at Orlando International Airport says it was an accident."

"Jeraldine Bieg, 62, was arrested when a loaded .25-caliber handgun was found in her carry-on bag as she was returning from a family vacation." ...

"The grandmother of six said her father gave her the 45-year-old handgun for protection.

" 'Handcuffs are pretty uncomfortable, especially with arthritis,' she said Sunday. 'You really don't know how hard things are until you're in the middle of it.' "

"Bieg said she never intended to bring it on a plane Saturday, but the Transportation Security Administration takes all safety issues seriously, said spokeswoman Jennifer Marty."

Hillary - The entitled
Submitted by: LFA Editor
Website: http://www.libertyforall.net

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"Decency and principle have disappeared from our political system. American democracy has been flushed down the toilet by the 'new morality' which is practiced by both sides of the aisle to quench their unbridled lust for power, privilege, and fortune. Democracy resides in the intensive care unit of our faltering system of government and its prognosis appears to be terminal."

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A democracy is a sheep and two wolves deciding on what to have for lunch. A Republic is a well armed sheep contesting the results of the decision. - Benjamin Franklin

UK: Firearm crimes double in six years Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Look for the column on the right side of the page. ------- "GUN crime has soared by a staggering 103 per cent since Labour came to power, recent Home Office figures reveal." "Offences have rocketed despite the ban on handguns introduced in the wake of the 1996 Dunblane massacre."

UT: Guns not unholy (Letter)
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Churches are places of refuge, and it would be a sad day if any blood were shed in a church. However, the notion that the gun is unholy and unwanted, especially in the hands of a trained person, is ludicrous.

A gun is just a tool; it has no soul, hence cannot be good or evil. Cars kill more people than guns. Should we ban cars from church parking lots?

I ask this one simple question: If a congregation was held up by someone, like a terrorist or a robber, and an off-duty law enforcement officer happened to have his concealed weapon in church, would that officer be considered a villain or a saint if he or she could serve and protect the citizens in the chapel?

David Beadle
Tooele

MD: More "Free" gun locks at taxpayers' expense
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Thousands of gun owners in Maryland can make their homes a little safer in the coming year, by getting free locks for their guns.

The locks will be handed out soon at most police departments around the state under a federally funded safety program called "Project Child Safe." The program is sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

The gun locks and educational materials are being delivered to police agencies in Maryland between Monday, December 29th and Tuesday, January 6th. The program is distributing 20-million gun locks nationwide.

NY: NYC Mayor makes promises he cannot keep Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Despite the nationwide terrorism alert, the pilot of a small plane breached restricted airspace and circled the Statue of Liberty, and a man stole a bus and drove it to Kennedy Airport." "Nevertheless, Michael Bloomberg said the city is well protected for New Year's Eve, when revelers will jam Times Square."

MO: Concealed Guns: A big issue in '03 will be one in '04, too
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Few things sparked such passion as concealed guns in 2003, and the same may be said about 2004."

"Should the Supreme Court side with a St. Louis circuit judge and strike down the law, supporters are likely to mount a campaign for a constitutional amendment specifically authorizing concealed guns."

"Should the Supreme Court uphold the law, opponents may try to raise new grounds to block it from taking effect. At the very least, there are sure to be local debates across the state, as cities and counties and schools and businesses decide whether to limit or allow hidden guns on their premises."

UK: Ex-sheriff criticises law over burglaries
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A former high sheriff of Kent, who has been burgled three times, has criticised the law for not protecting homeowners." ...

"During one of the raids, Mr Baker White used his shotgun to fire a warning shot in the air to scare of the burglars - and as a result the police confiscated the weapon." ...

"The police cannot have it both ways - they cannot tell us that we are not allowed to defend ourselves in our own homes and then are unable to give us security." ...

"The gun and certificate were returned three months later, but in another burglary the 71-year-old was attacked."

"He said he felt he could not use the gun again when the burglars forced their way in."

Australia: Yet another gun control failure
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Two hungry thieves have been arrested by police after threatening a Sydney convenience store worker with a pistol and stealing a number of pies.

The man and the youth entered a store in George Street in the city at about 12.40am (AEDT) this morning and stole the pies, NSW Police said.

The pair left the store and ate the pies.

They then returned to the shop and when questioned about the theft, the man threatened the staff member with a gun, police said.

After a reported sighting of the men in nearby Belmore Park, police arrested the man and youth and recovered the pistol.

MD: Pizza delivery driver near death after robbery
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A pizza delivery driver is battling life-threatening injuries after being shot in a Dec. 28 robbery.

According to The Associated Press, police in Prince George's County, Md., believe two suspects approached the driver just as he completed a delivery at a residence and was returning to his car. One of the two suspects then drew a gun, robbed the driver and shot him multiple times. Both suspects fled the scene.

The driver's name and place of employment have not been released.

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Anyone taking bets on his place of employment having a mandatory disarmament policy?