Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

UK: Plastic bullets - the safer alternative? Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The authorities have been under pressure to employ non-lethal methods when responding to incidents where people may be armed with knives, swords and weapons other than firearms." "But the firing of plastic bullets in Northern Ireland since 1973 has been controversial ... 14 people - including 7 children - have died after being struck by the theoretically non-lethal alternatives."

U.S. Senators defy Bush administration with Armed Pilots Bill
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Standing side-by-side with U.S. airline pilots, Senators on Thursday introduced legislation that would allow guns in the cockpit, defying a Bush administration decision not to allow pilots to carry firearms aboard planes."

"The logic of having an arm of some appropriate kind ... in the hands of a pilot or copilot in command absolutely makes sense," said Senator Frank Murkowski. "We're going to change the law," he promised."

Contact U.S. Officials

Israel: Armed Guard foils Attacker who Tries to Bomb Club
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The car wheeled sharply and barreled toward the crowded nightclub, a load of pipe bombs inside. A security guard opened fire, killing the driver and preventing what authorities said was the second of two major attacks targeting Tel Aviv in less than 24 hours."

"The guard thwarted the attacker's plan to blow up the "Studio 49" club, where about 200 people were dancing early Friday, said Tel Aviv police commander Yossi Sedbon. "A big tragedy was averted here," he said."

THE GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE? (It's Us!)
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"There's been a lot of discussion about the so-called "gun show loophole." The anti-gunners would have us believe that the average American gun show is a "one-stop shopping center" for criminals and terrorists, and that because not every exhibitor is an FFL dealer, unauthorized individuals can readily obtain guns at a gun show without undergoing a background check. I'll readily admit, the latter statement is probably true but, according to Department of Justice figures, highly unlikely." -- Peter Caroline, The Blue Press

U.S. Senators Smith, Miller Introduce Armed Pilots Bill S.2554 (GOA)
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"New Hampshire Senator Bob Smith (R-NH) has taken an important step toward protecting American aviation by utilizing pilots armed with firearms to defend themselves, their passengers, and their crew."

"The bipartisan Smith bill, S.2554, was introduced today with the cosponsorship of Democratic Senator Zell Miller (GA) and Republicans Jim Bunning (KY), Conrad Burns (MT), Frank Murkowski (AK) and Strom Thurmond (SC)."

Contact U.S. Officials

Police Push for National Gun Privileges
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Citing the terrorism threat, law-enforcement groups are urging Congress to pass a concealed-carry law that would allow police officers to carry their firearms anywhere in the United States, the Criminal Justice Funding Report reported March 27. "For too long, this has been considered a firearms issue," said Steve Young, national president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)."

See KeepAndbearArms.com/CopsOnlyCCW for more details.

Australia: Robberies Soar
Submitted by: Rick Schwartz

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"ROBBERIES across Australia -- including attacks on service stations, pharmacies and banks -- had jumped a staggering 83% over eight years."

"The increasing incidence of armed and unarmed robbery in Australia in recent years is cause for concern, not least because of the enormous psychological and physical impact that robberies have on victims," the report says.

--Surely this can't be the same Australia that has banned it's lawabiding citizens from owning guns...

MI: Police Union backs anti-gun/anti-2A Granholm for AG
Submitted by: louis deboer

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Michigan's Attorney General Jennifer Granholm, one of three Democratic candidates for governor, is picking up the endorsement of West Michigan's largest police officers' union." (Grand Rapids Police Officers Labor Council)

--Ms. Granholm is well know in Michigan for being anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment.

KABA NOTE: They also support HR218, The national cops-only concealed carry bill -- see KeepAndBearArms.com/CopsOnlyCCW

AZ: Arizona Legislative Update (NRA/ILA) Submitted by: dougc	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"SB1008, Arizona's Range Protection bill, was signed into law by Governor Jane Dee Hull (R). The bill provides shooting ranges with a defense against civil liability relating to noise disturbances if they operate in compliance with the bill's established standards. Contact Governor Hull at (602) 542-4331 and thank her for recognizing the value of protecting community shooting ranges."

Protest Vantage Travel's Support of the NRA (GunIndustryWatch)
Submitted by: dougc

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Please join Gun Industry Watch and Million Mom March for a protest on May 30, 2002 in front of Vantage Deluxe World Travel in Boston to decry Vantage's marketing contribution to the National Rifle Association (NRA)."

"The Vantage ad on the NRA website reads, "Support the NRA by planning a trip with Vantage Deluxe World Travel." ... Vantage does not offer travel discounts to NRA members, but instead, donates a portion of the trip proceeds directly to the NRA."

KABA NOTE: Contact Vantage (Toll free: 1.800.322.6677) to voice your opinion.

UK: Doctors urge rubber bullet ban
Submitted by: dougc

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Rubber bullets are unsafe and should never be used by authorities to control riots, doctors have warned."

"Researchers in Israel said the ammunition, which is supposed to be safer than live rounds and inflict only superficial damage, causes "significant" injury and death and should be banned."

"While rubber bullets have not been fired in the UK since the 1970s, they are used extensively by police forces across the world."

Sky marshal hiring deplete 'federal police' forces
Submitted by: Anonymous

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The aggressive recruiting to fill the ranks of federal sky marshals is draining veteran officers from federal police forces charged with protecting everything from sensitive government facilities and landmarks to our nations borders. The officers are bolting other agencies in favor of the sky marshal program in such large numbers that the situation is nearing a crisis, some members of Congress said."

CT: Taking Aim At Guns, Drugs
Submitted by: dougc

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"More Violence As City Federal Officials Work Toward Stiffer Sentences For Criminals"

"Hours after a gunman shot four rivals Thursday in what police say was an act of retaliation in an ongoing drug feud, city and federal officials vowed to help Hartford by cracking down on those who traffic in guns and drugs. It was the second time this week that gunfire shattered the predawn quiet of Hartford's North End."

MN: Chaudhary to try again for lifetime gun ban for violent felons Submitted by: dougc	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Senate sponsor of a bill that would ban people convicted of violent felonies from owning guns in the state said Thursday that he would renew his effort next year." "Chaudhary, who is running for reelection, said gun lobbyists derailed the bill by threatening to include an amendment that would have expanded the rights of gun owners to carry and conceal weapons."

KY: Police Raid victim's widow to get at least $400,000
Submitted by: Anonymous

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The wife of the elderly man killed when Lebanon police raided the wrong house will receive at least $400,000 in her settlement with the city."

"Thinking his home was being robbed, John Adams fired a shotgun at the officers before they shot and killed him. Police Lt. Steve Nokes, head of Lebanon's narcotics unit, was fired for supervising the raid, but was later acquitted on related criminal charges."

OH: Bank robbery suspect is no match for 11 students
Submitted by: dougc

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A crash course in law enforcement wasnt required for graduation last night from Central Catholic High School, but 11 seniors received passing marks in the subject from Toledo police Chief Michael Navarre and Officer Anthony Duncan."

"The seniors were eating lunch in the schools parking lot about 1:15 p.m. Tuesday between practices for their baccalaureate when they sprang into action and helped apprehend an armed bank robbery suspect."

PA: Wayne County Courthouse To Be 'Gun-Free' (except for criminals) Submitted by: dougc	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"There will be no guns in the courtroom under the new security regulations, according to Sheriff Charles Morelli, a member of the Wayne County Courthouse Security Committee. And the no-gun rule includes any Pennsylvania State Police who might be present in court."

Pistol packin' pilots
Submitted by: Doug Locke
Website: http://www.armedamerica.net

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"It was a smear of the worst kind: President Bush could have and should have done more to alert the nation to the al Qaeda terror attack on Sept. 11, 2001. The unfounded allegation had predictable effects: Democrats, desperate to damage a popular president in an election year, issued a flurry of hyperventilated calls for a "Bipartisan, Blue Ribbon Panel" to investigate who knew what and when, and "make recommendations so this doesn't happen again."

UT: Judge says 'Gun Ban Is Lawful' Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"K.L. McIff, chairman of the Board of District Court Judges, said in an interview he did not defy the law, as Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and some lawmakers have charged, when he ordered that gun lockers be removed from the Richfield courthouse earlier this month or when the board voted on Monday to continue its longtime policy of banning guns in courthouses."

TN: Pistols Abound Around K-Town
Submitted by: Randy Hudson

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Those who carry them, shoot them, or just keep them around the house, are mostly defense-minded people."

"My feeling is that everybody ought to have a handgun," Wiest says, "The criminals already have them, and the police can't be everywhere..." He's a true believer in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provides for the public's right to keep and bear arms." -- Barry Henderson, Metro Pulse

Bellesiles Responds to NEH
Submitted by: SASister

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

Followup of The Bellesiles Story...
It's interesting that this snake in the grass invokes McCarthyism and "gratuitous" behavior:

"Mr. Bellesiles responded to the NEH action in an email sent to the Chronicle of Higher Education (May 23, 2002): 'They simply made a political decision that should send chills through academics everywhere. The spirit of Joe McCarthy stalks the halls of the NEH.' He said the NEH's action was 'completely gratuitous'."

Skill level of new Air Marshals in doubt
Submitted by: Anonymous

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The government has cut training for federal air marshal applicants and put new hires on flights without requiring the advanced marksmanship skills the program used to demand, USA TODAY has learned."

"On Tuesday, Transportation Security Administration head John Magaw cited the expertise of marshals in explaining his opposition to allowing pilots to carry guns. "The use of firearms aboard a U.S. aircraft must be limited to those thoroughly trained members of law enforcement," he said."

U.S. Constitution Promises Gun Ownership For All Submitted by: dougc	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The column by Jack Anderson on May 10 is another attempt to convince the public our Constitution does not guarantee an individual right to firearms' ownership. Anderson pleads for "reasonable controls" on law-abiding citizens and cites statistics, various court rulings and quotations to buttress their argument."

Japan's World Cup goal: Calm the hooligans
Submitted by: serinde
Website: http://www.progunwomen.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Schools plan to close, families will keep their children indoors, and barbers are considering lockdowns so their scissors don't become deadly weapons."

"Items to be used by police: a sort of pole-mounted wire noose to encircle attackers' ankles, special guns that cast large webs over intended targets, beefed up K-9 units, new Plexiglas riot shields, oversized handcuffs, huge digital signs that read in several languages: "We are the police. Calm down."

TX: Officials praise A&M's 'homeland security' plan
Submitted by: serinde
Website: http://www.progunwomen.com

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Federal officials are enthusiastic about Texas A&M Universitys plans to establish [The Integrative Center for Homeland Security]."

"A&Ms advantage is that it isnt starting from scratch ... Already, researchers are studying such issues as health and transportation as they relate to terrorism and homeland security. The university also houses the countrys premier training facility for emergency personnel."

WA: Creator of personal-data website sues over Censorship Submitted by: Anonymous	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Sheehan is being targeted only because he is criticizing police departments and officers, Garella said. On the other hand, if someone wanted to use the same information to send a thank-you note to a police officer, this law would not apply, she said." --Perfect example of the protected class protecting its enforcers.

MD: Glendening takes shot at hunting Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Steven Christian of the Maryland Hunter Alert group says he would like it a lot better if Gov. Parris N. Glendening were honest enough to say, "I do not like hunting, and that is why I vetoed this [Sunday hunting] bill." KABA NOTE: Inotherwords, he let his personal "feelings" get in the way of his JOB and responsiblity as Governor. What a jerk.

Flight Attendants Back Pilot Gun Bill in Senate Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Flight attendants joined pilots on Thursday in calling for flight deck crews to be allowed to carry firearms to prevent attacks like the Sept. 11 hijackings, a position opposed by the Bush administration." "Flight attendants have long objected to such a measure because previous proposals included little or no plans to help them defend the passenger cabin in the event of a hijacking."

WI: Mini-mart manager faces federal gun charge Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The manager of Quick Stop foods, who decorated the store with pictures of himself holding assault weapons, was charged with illegal gun possession Wednesday in federal court." "Questions about whether Ramzi Hinnawi is an American citizen prompted Magistrate Judge Patricia J. Gorence to postpone a decision about his bail until this afternoon."

CT: 5 indicted as anti-gun experiment spreads out
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Police and federal prosecutors announced five additional indictments Thursday under a joint gun violence initiative and also unveiled plans to replicate the home-grown program in two other Connecticut cities and beyond."

"In separate press conferences in Hartford and Bridgeport, the U.S. attorney's office announced the start of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing gun violence though collaborations between local and federal law enforcement agencies."

Gunpowder-started Fire extinguished at gun club
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Firefighters quickly defused an above-ceiling fire at the Massasoit Gun Club, Abraham Road, reported at 9:35p.m. Thursday.
"It was a very minor fire," said Fire Battalion Chief Stephen Camille. "A little gunpowder residue got a couple of pieces of wood" ignited above the club's lead ceiling, he said. "Not much damage at all."

KABA NOTE: Posted as a reminder to be careful with your powders! We are very glad to hear this incident was gotten under control.

CBS News: Gun Gang Shoots Back
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The May 9 Against the Grain commentary, "Gunning Down the 2nd Amendment", attracted some serious incoming artillery."

"I suggested that the debate over the meaning of the Second Amendment will never be settled and that it obscures rather than illuminates real issues relating to guns in modern America. I didnt take sides in the interminable debate over whether the Constitution grants individuals or only a collective "militia" a right to bear arms." -- Dick Meyer, CBS News

What if gunless pilots went on strike? Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A leader of the Airline Pilots' Security Alliance says he personally opposes a strike to force the government to allow firearms in the cockpits, but he has heard rumblings about the possibility from others." "The group yesterday held a joint press conference with Sen. Bob Smith, R-N.H., in support of legislation he introduced to mandate that the government allow pilots to carry guns."

What Pilots Have Been Trying To Tell Us Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The pilots I've talked to, many of whom being ex-military and therefore being familiar with guns, combat, and confrontation, all have tried to keep cool about this. They've contained their anger when told they need to have their own bags searched (even though they're flying the plane)."

NEH and Newberry disagree on Bellesiles grant Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The controversy over historian Michael A. Bellesiles, who is under investigation by Emory University over allegations that he faked research for his 2000 book, Arming America: The Origins of a National Gun Culture, has ignited a secondary skirmish between the National Endowment for the Humanities and Chicago's distinguished Newberry Library."

WV: The Art of The Firearm
Submitted by: dougc

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Its never been widely publicized, but one of the nations most famous and fascinating firearm collections resides in a Huntington art gallery. For nearly 50 years, the Herman P. Dean Firearms Collection has occupied a quiet but honored place inside the Huntington Museum of Art."

This is one of the collections that gives the museum its national name, says curator Jenine Culligan. This is the exhibit people at other museums know about.

WA: Granite Falls man sentenced for fatally shooting neighbor in self-defense
Submitted by: Anonymous

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"the fact that the gun was there and readily available was a prime reason for the death, Snohomish County Superior Court Judge George Bowden said Wednesday. "It underscores the danger of an armed society," ... Bowden said he doesn't consider the killing of Frank self-defense."

KABA NOTE: Because he was prepared to defend himself, it "wasn't self-defense"? Obviously the "judge" would have rather seen the man bullied, harassed and beaten.

Thoughts on Administration's Second Amendment Stance
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"I might be suggesting that the other side are sore losers? Like I said earlier, it is your character that is important, and that doesn't start to show through until you go through some bad times, LIKE LOSING. I don't mean to rub it in, but they did lose a very large tract of ground. Like maybe the entire country. Now is the time for a mass attack upon the other side." -- Rich Alba, CalNRA Contributing Editor

NYC: Mother of Wendy's Slay Victim Sues Gun Manufacturer Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The mother of a Queens woman killed in the Wendy's massacre has filed a federal lawsuit against the manufacturers and sellers of the gun that killed her daughter." "The negligence complaint, filed on behalf of Joan Truman Smith in Brooklyn federal court Wednesday, holds Bryco Arms-B.L. Jennings and its distributors responsible for the death of Anita Smith."

MA: Selectman is arrested with gun out-of-state Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
I don't think I'm guilty of a damn thing, he said. My weapon was in my possession and it was where no one could see it. Mr. Gould said he could have said nothing and avoided any problem, but was being honest in admitting he had the gun. He added that he was not arrested on the spot but drove himself to the state police barracks."

Law Enforcement Alliance Supports Arming of Pilots
Submitted by: Doug Charette

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA.org), one of the nation's largest coalitions of law enforcement professionals and crime victims, announced Thursday it supports arming pilots in cockpits."

"The group also criticized Undersecretary of Transportation John Magaw's announcement this week that no commercial pilots will be armed. Undersecretary Magaw and Transportation Secretary (Norman) Mineta need to put aside their anti-gun hysteria and listen to reason."

Brady Bunch Praises Legislation to Improve Background Checks Submitted by: Doug Charette	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence united with the Million Mom March, today praised Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.) for introducing legislation to improve the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) by requiring states to provide the FBI with all relevant records necessary to conduct criminal background checks, including mental health records."