Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Which came first - the gun violence or the gun control? (BFA)
Submitted by: Buckeye Firearms Association
Website: http://www.buckeyefirearms.org

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"If ever there was a headline that made me do a double-take, it was a recent Associated Press article entitled 'Mass shootings more common since 1960s'."

"The thesis of the article, written in the days following Seung-Hui Cho's sick massacre of his fellow college students, is to ask 'What is it about modern-day America that provokes such random violence?'" ...

"As the AP looks back to the 1960's decade and compares it to modern America, it becomes clear there is another potential explanation for such instances of random violence - the drastic increase in gun control laws." ...

Illusion of Safety:The False Promise of Gun-Free Zones
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Recent news accounts of the bittersweet commencement exercises at Virginia Tech University refueled debate in my university neighborhood and reinvigorated our search for the real cause of the threat to our safety. The debate centered on the need to mandate gun-free zones on college campuses."

"Well, mandating college campuses be gun-free zones provides as much safety as holding your hands over your eyes. Danger is either there or it's not. Holding your hands over your eyes so you can't see danger has nothing to do with whether danger is approaching."

"... How could a fatal shooting happen in a place where guns are not allowed? The answer: Gun-free zones don't make college students or their campuses safe." ...

Consider What's Next for the Second Amendment (Cato)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) has the Second Amendment in his crosshairs. He faces a crucial choice over the next 90 days with major implications for residents in D.C. and across the country: Should the city ask the Supreme Court to review Parker v. District of Columbia ..."

"Sounds like a no-brainer. After all, the city has nothing to lose. If the Supreme Court overrules the appellate court, the mayor will be off the hook. ... On the other hand, if the Supreme Court affirms the lower court decision, D.C. will be no worse off ..."

"Why, then, is there any question about seeking review? Well, because politics and legal stratagems often play a role. ..." ...

Do we really need the Second Amendment?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"As a gun rights activist, it feels more than a little strange to say this, but I have recently come to the conclusion that if the Constitution is truly the supreme law of the land ... we don't really need the Second Amendment--at least on the federal level. Before my fellow gun rights activists cringe in horror at my blasphemy, allow me to explain."

"Part of the beauty of the Constitution is that it specifically forbids the federal government taking powers not explicitly granted to it within the Constitution. ..."

"In other words, not only are all federal firearms laws unconstitutional, they would continue to be so even if the Second Amendment were repealed."

Remington Arms Company, Inc. Announces Receipt of Required Consents in Consent Solicitation with Respect to Its 10 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2011 and Execution of a Supplemental Indenture
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Remington Arms Company, Inc. (the 'Company') today announced that in connection with the consent solicitation that it commenced on May 1, 2007 (as amended, the 'Consent Solicitation') relating to the $200,000,000 principal amount of its 10 1/2% Senior Notes due 2011 (CUSIP No. 759576AE1) (the 'Notes'), the Company has received the required percentage of consents necessary to amend the indenture governing the Notes. As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 17, 2007, the Company had received consents from holders of Notes representing a majority of the principal amount of outstanding Notes, excluding Notes owned by the Company or its affiliates." ...

Brady Campaign Urges Passage of Terrorist Gun Bill Submitted by: RPA-PAC Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, wrote to Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez yesterday praising a Justice Department legislative proposal that would help prevent suspected terrorists from purchasing firearms and urging passage of the related legislation by Congress." "The text of the letter, which was sent late Thursday, May 17, appears below." ...

PA: Charges dropped in case of Tarentum lawyer pulling gun on brother
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A lawyer will not face trial for pointing a pistol at his brother, also an attorney, two months ago in their Tarentum law office building."

"District Judge Linda Zucco ruled Wednesday that John Paz, 50, ... was justified because his brother, Jim, took a step toward him April 23 and was getting ready to fight him."

"The men's father, Frank Paz, 82, and a retired lawyer, testified that he broke up the confrontation, adding he didn't see a gun or hear threats." ...

"Authorities said John Paz had a permit to carry the gun, and was in his place of business, so he was not breaking any laws."

"After listening to the testimony, Zucco said it appeared to be a matter of self-defense." ...

TN: Man says he shot teen at motel in self-defense
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"South Precinct detectives believe Anthony Poole, 19, who was killed early Thursday at the Super 8 Motel on Harding Place, was shot in self-defense."

"The events began when Michael Darvin, 31, went to the Hamilton Inn ... late Wednesday and made a crack sale ..."

"While he was at the Hamilton Inn, he was robbed by three men. He returned to the Super 8, where he was staying. Less than an hour later, Darvin saw the three robbers in the hallway, he told police."

"The three men, at least two of them with guns, demanded that he allow them in his room. He pulled his own gun and shot two of them. He told police it was in self-defense." ...

MI: Kalamazoo man fends off attackers with handgun
Submitted by: Webmaster - MCRGO
Website: http://www.mcrgo.org/

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A Kalamazoo man was able to turn an attempted attack around because of his concealed weapons permit.

Police in Kalamazoo County say 32-year-old Brian Smith was approached by two men in their 20s as he was entering his home early Friday morning.

The two asked for directions, and one of them pulled a gun. Smith was able to reach his revolver and fired two rounds, hitting one of the men in the hand.

One suspect was arrested after he sought medical attention. The other is still on the loose.
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Submitter's Note: A MCRGO member able to turn an attempted attack around because of his concealed weapons permit.

OK: DA considering self defense in Lawton shooting
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Did a 71-year-old man shoot a long-time acquaintance in self-defense? ... the district attorney is at least considering the possibility he did."

"... Investigators say Wooten shot 51-year-old Titus Lawson in the head at Wooten's home ..." ...

"... 'An argument broke out in the house ... and the victim was asked to leave ...' ..."

"Captain DeBoard says Lawson did leave the home, but later returned ... 'He was met at the front door by a female occupant ...' DeBoard said. 'He argued with her and physically pushed her to the ground before entering the house.'"

"Once inside, cops say Lawson walked to a room where Wooten shot him ..." ...

"Detectives also tell 7-News that ... Lawson has a lengthy criminal past."

Time for a change?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Criminals are opportunistic. They prefer to hunt victims they believe cant fight back. Theyll watch out for police officers and security guards. Theyll size up bystanders and check for security cameras."

"Society does a good job of counting the number of crimes they commit. But those are easier numbers to get than the number of crimes that didnt happen because a criminal worried that a potential victim was armed and dangerous - to the criminal."

"The April 16 massacre of 32 Virginia Tech students and teachers has renewed the debate over weapons on campus. Virginia law allows colleges to prohibit students, teachers and employees from carrying concealed weapons, but the prohibition doesnt extend to campus visitors." ...

OH: Properly trained people can use guns in self-defense (BFA)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"It wasn't quite at the level of Toledo Blade editorial board member Dan Simpson's tirade against the Constitution, but an April 30 editorial by Springfield (OH) News Sun editorial page editor Tom Hawkins entitled 'More guns not the answer to violence' got pretty close." ...

"We typically enjoy responding to these types of editorials, but in this case, a Springfield News Sun reader beat us to the punch. No use reinventing the wheel, especially not when James R. Stouffer, an NRA-certified training counselor, pistol instructor, personal protection instructor, chief range safety officer and Refuse To Be A Victim instructor has done such a magnificent job!" ...

FL: Student charged with bringing gun to West Port remains in custody
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A 16-year-old West Port High School student who was arrested by Ocala police on Wednesday on charges of having loaded .22-caliber handgun in his bag at school was ordered today to remain in the Juvenile Assessment Center." ...

"The teen, who told police he wasn't going to hurt anyone with the .22-caliber pistol, was charged with possession of a firearm on school property, a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison."

"When Ocala police School Resource Officer Joe Brown located Scott, the gun had eight live rounds in the magazine, but none in the chamber. The gun belongs to the boy's mother." ...

OH: Two arrested at Conner MS
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"... two Conner Middle School students have been arrested this week: one for bringing a gun to school, the other for an alleged death threat." ...

"On Monday, a 14-year-old, eighth-grade boy was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon on school property, two counts of carrying a concealed deadly weapon and two counts of terroristic threatening in the second degree."

"He brought a .25-caliber pistol to school May 11, according to the sheriffs department. Scheben said the boy showed the unloaded gun to kids on the playground and pointed it at two students in the restroom - but nobody came forward until Monday, three days after it happened." ...

VA: Student with loaded gun arrested at JFHS
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"For the second time in less than a week, Bedford County school officials were forced to enact their emergency action plans in response to a situation involving a gun ..."

"On Thursday, Jefferson Forest High School encountered what turned out to be a very tangible threat to its student body in the form of an armed student. ... the student was in possession of a Ruger .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol and two fully loaded clips of ammunition."

"That 18-year-old JF senior, John Thomas Hess, was arrested Thursday afternoon at the school after it was discovered he had the semi-automatic handgun on campus. He was charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds, which is a class 6 felony." ...

Canada: All guns are not toys
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"News stories for the past few weeks have carried accounts of the terrible killings at Virginia Tech and over the past week, a number of incidents where guns have been brought to schools in Atlantic Canada." ...

"Some may say, Well, those were not real guns; just air guns; toys'."

"I am afraid there is no such thing as a toy when any kind of gun is brought into a school - especially by students old enough to know the difference. Old enough to know better."

"We need only return to the recent accounts of Columbine High School ... on the heels of Virginia Tech, we have air guns brought into a local school.

"This is not the first time either. It simply boggles my mind. In fact, it goes deeper than that; it sickens me." ...

Canada: Amherst student kicked out for year
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A 17-year-old Amherst Regional High School student who was charged after bringing an air pistol to school in early May won't be returning to classes this year."

"Schools supervisor Scott Milner says the student has been suspended until September and may never return to classes at the Amherst school." ...

"The student ... has been charged with possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace and will appear in court next month." ...

"The Grade 11 student, whose name is protected by the Youth Justice Act, was apprehended without incident after students told school officials they saw what looked like a handgun."

"The gun turned out to be a life-like pellet handgun."

CA: Bullet Cartridges Could ID Criminals
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Gun shots rang out in a House office basement Friday as a Capitol police officer fired a semiautomatic pistol into the chest of a man-sized paper silhouette."

"Had the paper target been a real victim, and Capitol Police Sgt. William P. Siko a criminal, investigators might have found enough evidence for a conviction in the bullet cartridges left at the scene, gun control advocates said."

"Siko helped demonstrate for lawmakers a technique called 'microstamping,' whereby identifying information from a gun is transferred onto bullet cartridges." ...
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KABA Note: An excellent reason to police your brass at the range.

NJ: New ordinance would regulate firearms use in Tabernacle
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Township Committee has introduced an ordinance to regulate the use of firearms on private property in the township."

"The ordinance introduced Monday prohibits a person from discharging any fire-arm, or transporting or possessing any loaded fire-arm, within 450 feet of a structure not on that person's own property."

"However, the ordinance does not apply to those residents who have received written permission from a property owner for the use of a firearm within distances closer than 450 feet." ...

"Mayor Noble McNaughton said some residents complained that the sound of gunfire had become a nuisance and, in some instances, weapons were being discharged recklessly and within 150 feet of another property." ...

CO: Ritter Signs Carry Permit Restriction
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gov. Bill Ritter signed 16 bills on Thursday, including one barring Colorado residents from obtaining concealed weapons permits from other states."

"Out-of-state visitors will be allowed to use permits issued by their home states, and not a third state ..."

"House Majority Leader Alice Madden (D-Boulder) said she sponsored the bill because she was concerned people denied permits in Colorado could get them elsewhere."

"Dudley Brown, spokesman for Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, said the bill could prevent some people who travel from defending themselves and their families when they are in Colorado." ...

"Colorado permit holders must apply in person ... The permit costs $152.50 and lasts for five years." ...

AZ: Concealed Weapons Bill Vetoed
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A state lawmaker says she may try again next year after her concealed weapons bill was vetoed."

"Senator Karen Johnson's bill would have eliminated jail time and cut the maximum fine from $2,500 to $300."

"In her veto message, Governor Janet Napolitano said criminals like gang members, often carry weapons without a permit. Johnson said her bill took that into account."

"'With a law-abiding citizen it would make it a petty offense, but if it was in the commission of a crime then the penalty would be stronger ...' Johnson said."

"Johnson would like to see the permit requirement dropped completely ..."

"Next year, Johnson said she might propose making violators get a permit if they're caught without one."

NV: Liakopoulos suggests ban on guns at meetings
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Nye County Commissioner Peter Liakopoulos wants a little more security for public meetings at the Bob Ruud Community Center, following an incident after the last county commission meeting when a man carrying a gun engaged in a heated argument with him."

"The incident resulted in a citizen citation for battery filed by Sam Jones, 54, who claimed he was bumped by Liakopoulos, 51, who was the only commissioner who didn't make the trip to Tonopah but participated in the meeting by video-conference." ...

"Liakopoulos added he has been a lifelong supporter of the Second Amendment, the right to bear arms. But he suggested commissioners look at instituting a ban on carrying guns ... when those meetings are in progress." ...

IL: County Versus State (second item)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In the state of Illinois there is an interesting little battle coming up that could well have far-reaching effects within the hunting community."

"Pike County, Ill., is known nationally for the quality of its deer hunting. Naturally, the county derives a large part of its annual income from the hunters who visit there."

"The county has recently taken a stance against Illinois legislators who seem intent on passing progressively restrictive gun laws."

"Last month, Pike County's commission passed a resolution which states that the county will not recognize legislation that infringes on the right to keep and bear arms as is guaranteed under the second amendment of the Constitution." ...

Memo to Executive Board, Board of National Trustees, State Lodge Presidents, Secretaries and Officers on Tiahrt Amendment (FOP)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Fraternal Order of Police has been on the receiving end of numerous politically-oriented attacks by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his 'law enforcement spokesperson' John Feinblatt because of the FOP's support of the [ATF] on the issue of disclosure of firearms trace data."

"Mayor Bloomberg has assembled a coalition of his colleagues and is engaged in an effort to repeal what is known as the 'Tiahrt Amendment' ... The FOP supported that language then and we continue to do so because the release of such data to non-law enforcement entities -namely civil litigants- could compromise the safety of law enforcement officers and the integrity of law enforcement investigations." ...

MO: Jury finds Lincoln County deputy not guilty
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Boone County jury found a Lincoln County sheriff's deputy not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting deaths of two men in a pickup during a traffic stop in 2005."

"The verdict, after about three hours of deliberation, was met with quiet crying by the family ..." ...

"'At the time everything was happening, I certainly thought I was doing everything to the best of my ability,' [Sgt.] Forler answered, adding that he didn't believe he made a mistake."

"[Special prosecutor] Zoellner then asked that whether Forler thought he made a mistake looking back on the situation and knowing what he knows now."

"'Looking back, my mistake was to go to work that day,' Forler said. 'I wish I would have stayed home.'" ...

ID: Confrontation With LEO in Post Falls Idaho
Submitted by: ChareltonHest
Website: http://www.atfabuse.com

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"Yesterday (April 17th), at approximately 5:00 PM, I was walking to my church's Tuesday Night Bible Study wearing a suit and tie. I was carrying a holstered sidearm, in plain view, so as to remain in compliance with Idaho Code 18-3302."

"When I reached 9th and Idaho, a few squad cars pulled up behind me and Officer Jason Dewitt exited his car while ordering me to stop. I stopped, turned around and stood still while Mr. Dewitt approached me and took my sidearm from its holster. ..." ...

"Realizing that they lacked probable cause for an arrest, they told me that I was no longer detained but that my firearm would not be returned until I provided proof of my age. ..." ...

MD: Washington gun charge will be investigated
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Former Prince George's police official Keith Washington will be investigated by a grand jury after a county judge ruled there was enough evidence to examine allegations that Washington pulled a handgun on a real estate appraiser."

"A grand jury could pass down an indictment in the next 30 days for an April 5 incident in which Washington, the county's former deputy homeland security director, threatened Kevin King, the appraiser, with a handgun after King accidentally knocked on the front door of Washingtons Accokeek home. Washington also has been suspended without pay from his job as a police corporal."

"Kings allegations came four months after Washington allegedly shot two furniture deliverymen in his home, claiming self-defense. ..." ...

IN: Gun ban argument weak
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"This letter is in response to Chris Dugard's letter (Gun Laws should be strengthened). He advocates banning guns. There are some obvious holes in this argument. First, look at the historical success of banning anything that is culturally established. Prohibition first comes to mind. That was incredibly successful wasn't it?" ...

"As far as your comparison with Singapore, while it's true that they have banned guns there, they will also cane you if you spit out your gum on the sidewalk. I repeat, cane you!"

"Finally, there are people who need protection. It's not the job of the police to protect individuals pro-actively. ..." ...

UT: Utah Mall Shootings Lead to Indictments
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"Four men are accused of helping a teenager illegally obtain weapons that were used in a shooting rampage on Feb. 12 at a Salt Lake City mall, the United States attorney for Utah said Thursday."

"Six people were killed, including the 18-year-old gunman, Sulejman Talovic."

"One of the accused men, Westley W. Hill, 38, of West Valley City, an employee at Sportsmans Fast Cash pawn shop in Salt Lake City, faces federal charges for an illegal sale of a 12-gauge gun to Mr. Talovic on Nov. 13. The weapon cannot be sold to anyone younger than 21 years old because it is not considered a rifle or a shotgun , officials said. That gun was used to kill four people during the rampage." [emphasis added] ...

VA: Second Amendment guards against tyranny
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Some suggest that protection is best left to professionals: the police, the military, the government."

"The police are not always where they are needed and their response time isn't always Johnny-on-the-spot. Even when they do arrive, they are often in the retaliatory and not the prevention business. Criminals know that in gun-free zones, they will encounter no resistance and can wantonly commit crimes, including murder, at will."

"The problem is that gun bans disarm only citizens who obey the law while leaving criminals free to prey on the populace. A gun makes the most petite woman the equal of the largest thug; the oldest, most venerable professor with the most callous killer-student." ...

VA: The Virginia Citizens Defense League ruins a sound idea
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"ON THE WALL of a Phnom Penh prison where the Khmer Rouge warehoused enemies of the new order before marching them out to the killing fields, ... 'Thus the fate of a disarmed society.' That graffiti wisdom might have been written by a member of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, which calls gun ownership 'a fundamental human right.'" ...

"The raffle per se doesn't appall us like it does many of the gentle souls of Northern Virginia's press and political corps, but the league's basic philosophy--that all gun restrictions are bad, and gun hawkers accused of violating them are automatically victims--repels. Philip Van Cleave, VCDL's president, says, 'If I do something wrong with a gun, put me in jail. If I don't, leave me alone.'" ...

TX: Protecting the Second Amendment Rights of Foster Parents
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"When a couple decides to become foster parents and take in some of our state's most troubled kids, they don't give up their right to free speech. Nor do they give up their right to worship. So why is it that some State bureaucrats want them to give up their Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms?"

"Sound far-fetched? That's exactly what some ill-advised bureaucrats have tried to do in one recent case in Texas. A foster parent ... was told that he either had to get his firearms out of the house or get kicked out of the foster system."

"In a time when the state's foster care network is struggling to find enough good homes, bureaucrats were pursuing their anti-gun agenda to the detriment of children." ...

VA: Noise from gun club disturbs the peace
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"How interesting. Reference A.S. Kenley's letter, 'NRA works to protect rights for all,' May 14. The letter obviously refers only to gun owners, not the general populace. The only rights the National Rifle Association recognizes are Second Amendment rights, and its right to deny everyone else any rights whatsoever."

"A recent Daily Press editorial referred to the '...normal expectation of home, namely peace, quiet and safety.' Since Second Amendment rights seem to supersede every other right, it may explain why the neighborhood surrounding the Lafayette Gun Club has no right to expect peace and quiet." ...
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KABA Note: What the writer fails to mention is that the gun club, founded in 1948, was there first.

VA: Hundreds Turn Out for 'Bloomberg Gun Giveaway' in Annandale, Va. Government Building
Submitted by: Tomahawk

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"Openly armed firearms enthusiasts packed a normally sedate government building Thursday night, hoping to win a pistol or rifle and at the same time send a defiant message to gun-control advocates, especially New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg."

"The Virginia Citizens Defense League, a gun-rights group, organized the 'Bloomberg Gun Giveaway' in large part to thumb its nose at Bloomberg, who accuses some shops of allowing illegal purchases of firearms that later were used in crimes in his city." ...

"Two guns were awarded Thursday, a Para-Ordnance pistol and a Varmint Stalker rifle, each worth about $900. The winners did not immediately receive the weapons _ they will still be required to undergo federal and state background checks." ...

AL: Children with guns: a recipe for tragedy
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"FOUR YOUNG people in southwest Alabama -- three of them children under 15 -- have been killed since December in incidents involving guns. Two others -- children ages 4 and 5 -- were injured."

"Four times, students have been caught with guns at public schools ... an elementary school, two middle schools and a high school."

"These tragedies and near-tragedies should concern every responsible adult in Mobile and Baldwin counties. ..." ...

"Clearly, adults have to do a better job of keeping guns out of the hands of children." ...

"Even if a household has no guns, children need to learn that guns are not to be touched except in supervised situations of hunting or target shooting, and only after proper training." ...

DE: Give gun buyers mental stability test
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I am a Virginia Tech alumnus. I graduated in 2005 ..." ...

"I understand some facts about the history of gun control in the United States. One is that 31 percents of adults own a gun in the United States. I know the National Rifle Association has a lot of lobbying power. I know that gun control has been an issue in this country since its birth. ..."

"Guns can be a good thing. Thomas Jefferson believed that every citizen should be armed. ..."

"I think gun buyers or owners should be required to take a mental stability test."

"Recent events make us think about other school shootings. Is there a pattern?" ...
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Submitter's Note: The pattern is that these shootings took place in "gun free" zones.

OR: The problem is us
Submitted by: James A. Farmer

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"Recently the evening news covered America's worst school massacre ever, following more than 30 such massacres nationwide since 1997. Isn't it weird how no other country in the world seems to have this problem? Why only America? What makes us so callous and evil?"

"Why, indeed. We give our children fake guns starting at age 3, so they can pretend to kill their buddies and neighbors. Dozens of magazines depict gun ownership as more patriotic than Old Glory and the Declaration of Independence. Our so-called leaders gleefully grab millions in 'donations' from right-wing gun associations which constantly promote (and try to legitimize) private ownership of 60-bullet-capacity military weapons. What sane person needs weapons like these? I wish I knew." ...

Japan: Outbreak of Violent Crime Unnerves Japan
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"A mother beheaded by her son. A baby who suffocated after being stuffed by his parents in the baggage compartment of a motorbike while they went gambling. A murderous shooting spree during a hostage standoff."

"An outbreak of violent crime this week has triggered soul-searching and outrage in Japan ..." ...

"In January, Tokyo was on edge after a woman confessed to cutting up her husband with a saw ..."

"The recent surge in high-profile violent crime has spurred debate over tougher gun control rules, calls for strengthening the moral fiber of younger generations ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Decapitation, parricide, baby smothering, dismemberment, and a shooting. Yet only the shooting prompts calls for tighter regulation of the instrument used.

Japan: Gunman in Japan Standoff Surrenders
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"A former gangster surrendered Friday night after a shooting rampage at his home that left one policeman dead and three other people -- including his son and daughter -- injured, police said."

"The surrender ended a tense, daylong standoff as nearly 200 police in body armor surrounded the building." ...

"The use and possession of guns is relatively alien to the Japanese public. Handguns are strictly limited to police and other professionals such as shooting instructors." [emphasis added] ...

"Amid the standoff, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki urged government officials to step up gun control measures." [emphasis added] ...