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John Longnecker: 2008 Candidates: Now Is The Time To Repeal All Gun Laws
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Here is an excerpt from a piece written by Sandy Froman of the National Rifle Association of America, May 3, 2007: 'To paraphrase from my previous column, there are two main conflicting views of the Second Amendment: the individual rights view and the collective rights view. ...'"
"'But who decides which view is correct? Only the courts have the power to do that.'"
"Do they? Perhaps and perhaps not. Maybe it’s all a non-issue. Here's why."
"Please note that ... the 80 million gun owners (and perhaps more), all are constituents, all are probably adults, most if not all are voters ... This makes gun owners a most significant bloc for 2008 candidates ..." ... |
A healthy dose of paranoia?
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"We all like to think we’re open-minded. Not so open-minded as to let our brains slip out, naturally, but willing to judge others on their merits and to presume those folks are people of good will." ...
"Or take today’s main example, gun control. Most people who want to ban Americans from owning guns simply wish to halt the killings. And — contrary to what a letter writer from Tecumseh wrote a few weeks ago — I don't seek to mislead people into thinking any gun control advocate would want to storm our houses in the middle of the night and take our antique firearms."
"At least, I didn't until a few weeks ago. Tecumseh letter writer, meet Dan Simpson." ... |
We are all Hokies nowadays
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"While it is hard to believe almost a month has elapsed since Seung Hui Cho killed 32 people affiliated with Virginia Tech, the media's attention span has drifted again. The latest self-promoting behavior of Paris Hilton already has moved this tragedy off of the front page." ...
"The primary problem gun prohibitions create is exemplified by the results of Cho's actions. He was 'packing serious heat' April 16. It is highly probable he counted on no one with comparable firepower in the dormitory and in the classroom building. No one could have stopped the rampage, but someone packing a concealed, legal gun could have mitigated the final body count." ... |
All or Nothing
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"The tragic Virginia Tech massacre has sparked a national debate over gun control. ... addressing the gun issue is the most practical way to prevent similar tragedies in the future."
"For a generation, the gun debate has centered around three alternatives: liberal, conservative, and libertarian. The liberals say: We can reduce gun-related crimes by reducing the availability of guns. The conservatives say: There are already too many gun-toting criminals out there, and therefore ordinary people must be permitted to carry firearms for self-defense. Finally, libertarians say: Why not just let each private school, firm, factory, and church decide its own weapons policy? ..." ... |
DC: Decision on District's gun laws just for city
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Legal analysts and advocates from both sides of the gun debate say the court's decision to overturn the District's handgun ban will have little impact nationwide, regardless of the outcome of a possible Supreme Court battle." ...
"'The fallout beyond Washington wouldn't be that great,' said Matt Bennett, spokesman for Americans for Gun Safety ..."
"'The court was clear in stating that most other gun laws would be appropriate,' he said. 'In those cities you'd be going from an outright ban to a pretty high bar for getting licenses.'" ...
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Submitter's Note: STAUB v. CITY OF BAXLEY, 355 U.S. 313 (1958) "...an ordinance which ... makes the peaceful enjoyment of freedoms which the Constitution guarantees contingent upon the uncontrolled will of an official ... is an unconstitutional censorship or prior restraint upon the enjoyment of those freedoms." |
Lautenberg : Bill would close gap in gun law
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"The federal government would be able to prevent known or suspected terrorists from buying guns or obtaining firearm permits if legislation by Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-Cliffside Park, becomes law."
"Lautenberg's measure ... would give the Department of Justice explicit authority to prevent those on the government's terrorism watch list from obtaining weapons or permits." ...
"The legislation marks the culmination of more than two years of lobbying by Lautenberg ... The impetus came from a January 2005 report by the Government Accountability Office ... which showed 35 people whose names were on the terrorism watch list were able to buy guns because they didn't meet any of the nine disqualifying criteria." ... |
The gun culture
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"April 16, the day the worst peacetime shooting in American history took place at Virginia Tech, will not be soon forgotten. But normalcy is slowly returning. ..."
"The issue of gun control in our country will apparently again be glossed over. ..."
"Ours is a country, unique among industrialized societies, that has become insensitive to murder. How else to explain the 'American gun culture' that tolerates some 14,000 firearm murders, including 400 children, in 2005 ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Alex wrings his hands over the firearm murder of 400 'children (up to 15 years old) but is strangely silent about the fact that twice that many were murdered without firearms. |
PRO: Guns on campus: Should possession of guns be legal at colleges and universities?
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"I cannot help but think that things could have been different at Virginia Tech. As a Tech student and a concealed handgun permit holder, I have requested that the university allow me ... the ability to carry a legally licensed firearm as a means of self-defense without fear of expulsion or termination from employment."
"The associate vice president for university relations, Larry Hincker, responded to my plea, writing that 'guns don't belong in classrooms. They never will. Virginia Tech has a very sound policy preventing same.'"
"It is striking how this policy forces us, as students, faculty and staff, to believe that an individual who is bent on causing irreparable harm will not do so because it is against university policy." ... |
CON: Guns on campus: Should possession of guns be legal at colleges and universities?
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"The last thing America needs is to be increasing the number of guns in the hands of civilians."
"It's bad enough that the civilized world is condemning America's pathetic gun culture in the wake of the massacre of students and professors at Virginia Tech by a crazed gunman who was able to buy a Glock 19 machine pistol and a Walter P22 even though he had a documented history of mental illness."
"Some people are now suggesting that America needs more guns in the hands of civilians, not fewer. The suggestion is pure madness." ... |
NC: Self-defense may have been factor in man's shooting death (third item)
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"One man was apparently shot to death early Saturday morning, and police believe the person who killed him may have been defending himself or herself. Officers responded to 3020 Rockingham Lane at about 3:26 a.m. and found the man's body. Police have not released the man's name, pending his family's notification. Maj. Wendell Rummage said the man had lived in Concord for just a few months."
"The man appeared to have been killed with a handgun, but investigators are waiting on the medical examiner's report before making a final determination. Police interviewed at least one witness but found reason to believe that the slaying was in self-defense, Rummage said. No one has been arrested and police aren't seeking any suspects." ... |
OH: Lunch wagon driver defends life when armed robbers attack (BFA)
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"The Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that a Hamilton County business man was able to defend his life when attacked by two armed robbers."
"From the Cincinnati Enquirer:"
"Cincinnati police Lt. Chris Matzen said two men tried to rob the driver of the lunch wagon ..."
"During the attempted robbery, one suspect fired shots. Police did not release the robbery victim's name."
"Matzen said the lunch wagon driver then pulled out a .45-caliber handgun and shot one suspect in the leg. The man was in critical condition at University Hospital ..."
"Police said the lunch wagon driver has a permit to carry a concealed weapon." ... |
VA: Police warn residents to stay vigilant
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The Eggman
Website: http://www.the-eggman.com
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"'Be very observant of your surroundings' is the best advice for avoiding dangerous situations, a spokesman for the Danville Police Department said Friday in light of three armed robberies that occurred within four hours."
"However, if you are approached by someone with a gun, don't be a hero, Danville Police Lt. John Henderson said."
"'You want to be compliant and look for possible avenues of escape,' he said. 'Keep thinking about how you can escape. Look for the first opportunity.'" ...
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Submitter's Note: I have no need to be a hero, but I refuse to be a victim. |
TX: Could schools benefit from teacher-staff militias?
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"In the weeks since the Virginia Tech shootings, I doubt there's a classroom teacher in America who hasn't wondered privately, 'What would I have done? Could I have saved my students from becoming murder victims?'"
"The sound of gunshots ringing in a school hallway surely would chill the blood. But even with chilled blood, a teacher needs to take action. What should that action be? I've been giving this a lot of thought lately." ...
"But now I'm brainstorming: What if schools developed a system of trained teachers or other staff members who had access to a few strategically placed locked weapons vaults? This sounds crazy, I know. I'm just thinking out loud." ... |
CO: Opinions mixed on guns on campus
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Police at the University of Northern Colorado and the University of Colorado say allowing concealed weapons on campus is more trouble than its worth, but Colorado State University is sticking to its policy that allows permit-holders to carry their guns."
"CSU doesn't allow guns in its dormitories, instead forcing students to store their weapons at the police department, but three years ago reaffirmed its concealed-carry policy. The university will review the policy because of the Virginia Tech shootings, though there's no timeline for the review." ... |
Statement by New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg
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New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
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"Congressman Chaka Fattah releases the following statement received from Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the Office of the Mayor of New York City, in response to Fattah's leadership to repeal the so-called Tiahrt Amendment that restricts law enforcement's access to crime gun trace data. Mayor Bloomberg is founder and co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, and Congressman Fattah is a member of the Congressional Task Force on Illegal Guns." ... |
GA: Law alters self-defense pleas
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"It's been almost a year since a new law broadened protection for Georgians who use deadly force to protect themselves and their property against attackers."
"Often referred to as the 'stand your ground' law, the measure has since cropped up in court cases for people arguing they were justified for killing in self defense and provided additional cover for those involved in a rash of home invasion shootings in Augusta." ...
"Some advocacy groups had contended that the existing law provided adequate protection for people if they were attacked or their homes were broken into. The law, with its expanded protections, has led to a shoot-first, ask questions later mentality, critics say." ... |
NY: NYPD officer arrested in domestic affair
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"An off-duty New York City police officer was arrested Saturday in Elmhurst after an argument with the mother of the officer's 2-year-old child turned briefly dangerous, police said."
"Police said the officer, Anthony Mahepath, 36, and his child's mother were having a dispute when she went to take the 2-year-old girl from the backseat of his car. Just then, police said, Mahepath tried pulling away. Mahepath was arrested, charged with harassment and reckless endangerment and suspended from the force. Police described the dispute as 'domestic in nature' and no one was hurt." ... |
MN: Small-town chief, Big Apple mayor join in gun effort
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Scott Knight, police chief of lovely Chaska, is becoming one of the best-known cops in the country."
"He's done this by saying what most of us already know: American efforts at controlling guns are tepid and irrational. The only people who don't buy into this message are some members of the National Rifle Association and the members of Congress they control."
"A few days ago, Knight, a 31-year member of his department, was in New York City having a meal and a news conference with the city's mayor, Michael Bloomberg. Early next week he'll be in Washington, D.C., chatting with members of Congress and working with a committee he heads for the International Association of Chiefs of Police." ... |
OR: Gun requests increase with uncertainty
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson and firearms instructor Mike Sweeley will be the first to tell you that the reason to buy a gun is so you don't have to shoot anyone."
"Both have been busy this month outlining gun owners' rights to local residents as the county faces possible budget cuts that could wipe out the bulk of sheriff's patrols and reduce the jail to a paltry 30 beds."
"Rich and Kristi Tyler spent their Saturday taking Sweeley's concealed handgun class at the Josephine County Sportsman's Park in Merlin."
"The couple lives nearly three miles outside Grants Pass and could be affected by the loss of sheriff's patrols." ... |
NH: Skiier Bode Miller's cousin kills N.H. officer, then is killed by passer-by
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"A cousin of skiing star Bode Miller fatally shot and ran over a police officer, then was killed by a passer-by who grabbed the officer's gun."
"Liko Kenney shot Cpl. Bruce McKay four times and ran over him after a traffic stop Friday evening, state Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said. Gregory Floyd [a former United States Marine], who was driving by with his son, grabbed McKay's gun and shot Kenney when he refused to put his gun down, Ayotte said." ... |
CA: Sheriff's gun policy assailed
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"To some local residents' dismay, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown doesn't believe the public is made safer by permitting more people to carry loaded and concealed weapons."
"And he cites a 2005 handgun murder that climaxed a road-rage incident in Buellton as evidence of why he feels that way."
"'Philosophically, I probably tend to be more conservative in issuing concealed-weapons permits' than were his recent predecessors, said the first-term sheriff who took office in January. ..."
"'I don't subscribe to the theory that it's safer in public if you have large numbers of armed people running around,' Brown added during an interview at his Sheriff's Department office near Goleta." ... |
MI: Handgun course for women offered at Paulding
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Bruce W. Krafft
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FULL TEXT BELOW:
A handgun course for women based on the National Rifle Association's "First Step" pistol program is scheduled for Tuesday, May 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (EDT) at the Sucker Creek Range.
The Ontonagon Valley Sportsmen's Club is offering the course, which is ideal for beginners, as well as those who want to refresh their skills.
There's no charge to participate, however women who are interested in attending should call the OVSC at 827-3424.
The course is located west of Paulding on Sleepy Hollow Road, a mile west of the Choate Road intersection.
Range firearms and ammunition will be available, or participants may bring their own.
Lunch will be provided. |
NY: Youngsters Gobble Up Hunting Opportunities
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"NEW York established a special youth hunt for turkeys in 2004, and since then, more than 5,000 junior hunters have taken to the woods each year with an adult companion to take advantage of this great opportunity."
"Last spring, despite the rainy weather, it was the best youth hunt since its inception with 6,000 junior hunters harvesting more than 1,300 turkeys."
"This spring looks as if it may surpass last year's numbers, at least if you go by the young hunters who took part in the Shelter Rock Rifle and Pistol Club spring turkey hunt. " ... |
MI: Women learn fine points of firing pistols
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"For Julia Povarinets, the intruder who broke into her Southfield home prompted her to buy a handgun. It's for safety, she said, and soon she'll be able to carry that protection with her."
"Povarinets was one of 16 participating Saturday in the Wayne County Sheriff's Office's first women-only gun safety class for those seeking permits to carry concealed weapons."
"Povarinets, 35, remembers how violated she felt in September when her home was burglarized when she wasn't home."
"'It made me think of what would have happened if I were there,' she said."
"Saturday's daylong course gave information on the regulations of having a CCW permit as well as provided time on a gun range in Westland." ... |
VA: Advocates to Give Away Guns to Protest Bloomberg's Lawsuits
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New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org
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"A gun-rights organization is planning to hold a 'gun giveaway' next week inside a Fairfax County government building to protest New York Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's efforts to crack down on illegal gun sales in Virginia."
"On Thursday at the Mason District Government Center in Annandale, the Virginia Citizens Defense League will hold a drawing for a semiautomatic pistol, a hunting rifle and ammunition to raise money for two gun shops that Bloomberg has filed suit against."
"And because it's Virginia, many people at the 'Bloomberg Gun Giveaway' will probably be armed. League members routinely lobby the Virginia General Assembly with guns on their hips." ... |
NJ: She tells judge: Killed her by sitting on chest
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"A woman has pleaded guilty to killing her 83-year-old former neighbor by sitting on her chest while robbing her Hoboken home two years ago."
"Balinda Vega, 30, now of Union City, pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated manslaughter in the 2005 killing of Anne Pereira in Pereira's apartment in a Hoboken public housing complex where both had lived, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Salvator Rozzi said yesterday."
"The autopsy on Pereira showed she died of suffocation and had suffered numerous head and body injuries, including broken ribs, Rozzi said." ...
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Submitter's Note: But at least she didn't use a gun! |
LA: Ammunition hard to come by
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Law enforcement agencies are finding it harder to get something they cannot do without — ammunition."
"The military’s increased demand for ammunition has put a strain on manufacturers, people in the business say. And a rise in the cost of raw materials has caused ammunition prices to skyrocket."
"'We've been informed by manufacturers that the military is placing huge orders for certain calibers of ammunition,' said Cpl. Robert Knight of the Baton Rouge Police Department's Firearms Training Unit. 'The ammunition plants are working 24/7 to meet the orders, and any surplus ... on hand is now gone.'"
"Law enforcement agencies and the military are competing against each other for .223-caliber and 9 mm ammunition, experts say." ... |
OR: Group Collects 124 Guns
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Bruce W. Krafft
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"Cease Fire Oregon held their annual gun turn-in Saturday and collected even more weapons than last year."
"Portland police were on hand to collect the community's unwanted weapons, no questions asked. In return, participants received a $50 gift certificate."
"There are many reasons why people turned in guns. Brent Somner turned in a 22-caliber pistol used for hunting simply because he doesn't hunt anymore."
"'There is a choice. I'm definitely against mandating any type of gun control. But this allows people an option to get rid of guns ...' Somner said."
"A total of 124 guns were collected. ..."
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Submitter's Note: I wonder how many of those "no questions asked" guns had a body on them? |
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