Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

MN: Don't listen to fearmongers on gun law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com

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"Let's examine the fearmongering arguments made by lawmakers already trying to repeal Minnesota's new carry law."

"If one were to accept that there will be mass bedlam because of this new law, we would also have to accept as fact that 34 other state governments that have shall-issue statutes are casting a blind eye to a major public safety concern. Would 34 other states really look the other way while the public safety was being endangered the way the fearmongers predict? Of course not."

Memorial Day Remembered Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Today is Memorial Day. Please take a moment to at least acknowledge and remember that better men and women than us have bought us the luxury of freedom and liberty with their blood and sacrificed their futures for future generations. It is right and just that we acknowledge that. And while you're at it, please tell any veteran you might encounter, 'Thanks for your service.' "

MN: Pawlenty open to modifying gun law
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Calling parts of Minnesota's new handgun permit law 'unwise,' Gov. Tim Pawlenty's top adviser said Monday that the administration would be open to making revisions to it in the future."

"The law, due to take effect Wednesday, is expected to increase the number of permits to carry a pistol in public from about 12,000 currently to as many as 90,000 in a few years. The Legislature approved the bill in April and Pawlenty signed it within hours of it landing on his desk."

NC: Grocery shootout ends in death
Submitted by: G. Hughes

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"Teresa and her husband, Ricky A. Thompson, arrived within minutes, armed. Ricky Thompson confronted the intruder inside the store, authorities said."

"A gunfight broke out. The two men fired across the small aisles, moving around the store as bullets ricocheted."

"Thompson, 43, a well-known mechanic and firefighter in Seven Springs, was struck in the chest and killed."

"The burglar was hit at least four times. He fled the store, carrying a canvas duffel filled with batteries, a loaf of bread and other goods. Outside the store, Ralph Casey fired a few shots as the man ran from a side door and darted between parked vehicles."

MN: Driving while armed and other topics [Letters]
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com

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Fourth, fifth and sixth letters on page.

"The new closing time for bars in Minnesota will surely complement the new Personal Protection Act."

"While we crack down hard on drivers under the influence, because we all acknowledge that a motor vehicle can be a deadly weapon when in the hands of a person under the influence, we have no problem putting a gun in those same hands."

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The writer is either misinformed or simply ignores the part of the new law which imposes a .04 BAC limit (half of what you need for a DWI).

MN: A regular utopia of firearms freedom
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com

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"Imagine a call-in radio show featuring a national gun lobbyist answering questions about Minnesota's new carry law. Let's listen in:"

"I want to thank you all and especially Gov. Pawlenty for rushin' this bill through. Those other states we lobby are just too deliberative; they spend too much time readin' bills. Your guv signed it minutes after it passed. And if Minnesotans arm themselves just as fast, you can be a regular utopia of firearms freedom, like Mogadishu or Yemen."

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And this bit of ignorance was actually written by a member of the Minnesota Senate. This is an elected official, who obviously considers his constituency to be an ignorant, inbred herd of hicks, who are only to be trusted to elect paranoid hoplophobes like him to positions of power and privilege, but not to be trusted to be responsible for their own safety. Here's his email for feedback: sen.wes.skoglund@senate.mn

Keeping peace / Firepower for the masses
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com

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"You've gotta wonder what those U.S. House Republicans are waiting for. Fond friends of the NRA that they are, it's no great surprise they've decided not to renew the federal ban on semiautomatic weapons. These folks see the ban's expiration as the end of an irksome era. Only one thing about their decision doesn't make sense: If they really want to make sure Americans are well-armed, why aren't they aiming for more than assault rifles?"

MN: Many sheriffs' offices scrambling to figure out how to handle new gun law Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Minnesota sheriffs are scrambling to comply with a new state law that requires them to screen tens of thousands of people who are expected to seek permission to carry handguns." "While backers of the law say it won't be a burden on counties, some sheriffs say the cost of processing gun permits will exceed the fee the state allows counties to charge." ...

MN: Armed are fearful [Letter]
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdec.com

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One from bottom.

FULL TEXT BELOW:

A May 20 letter writer refers to people opposed to the conceal and carry gun law as fear mongers. He has it backward.

The folks who feel compelled to arm themselves in civil society must be fearful all the time; someone might attack at any moment; that guy's looking at me funny; doom around every corner. The guns are for protection from, well, everything.

This sounds a bit like paranoia. And paranoia has been classified as a psychotic condition or at least a neurotic condition that often leads to psychosis, especially when cultivated and encouraged.

Backfire Democrats discover that gun control doesn't win elections. Submitted by: Robert Lewis	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"It's no surprise that Republicans in Congress aren't eager to renew the ban on certain semiautomatic firearms due to expire next year. What's more interesting is why Democrats aren't raising much of a fuss about it." ------- My Letters to Editor of the WSJ are selected for printing, often. They present an ideal vehicle for getting the word out about Keep And Bear Arms.

NY: Two groups join forces to present a women in the outdoors program Submitted by: RPA-PAC Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Women have a choice of 11 outdoors activities during a National Wild Turkey Federation Women in the Outdoors program at the Erie County Conservation Society on Miller Avenue in Chaffee on June 7."

Bush Pays Tribute to Fallen U.S. Soldiers Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Today, we recall that liberty is always the achievement of courage and today we remember all who have died, all who are still missing and all who mourn." "Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said continuing threats to America's freedom 'will be met with the same courage and the same commitment and like the foes of times past, they too will be defeated.' "

LA: Suspect Identified in La. Serial Killings
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"After examining DNA from more than 1,000 people, police issued a murder warrant Monday for a man described as the prime suspect in the killings of five women in south Louisiana, saying his DNA linked him to one of the deaths."

"Derrick Todd Lee, 34, was charged in the warrant with murder and aggravated rape in the killing of Carrie Yoder, 26, a Louisiana State University graduate student who became the serial killer's fifth victim in March."

High Cost of Defense Plan Gets Little Discussion Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"It took a House Armed Services subcommittee a shade under 11 minutes on May 7 to approve $1.7 billion more than the Pentagon had requested in its 2004 budget for bombers, missiles, transport planes and a variety of Navy and Marine Corps programs."

Good for the Soul, Works for the Wallet
Submitted by: Charlie McMillion

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"The Domini index has another approach. It automatically excludes companies that make alcohol, tobacco or firearms;" ...

From Domini's site:

"In addition, due to the tremendous damage to our society caused by firearms, we will not invest in any firearms manufacturers. Domini Social Investments will not invest in any company deriving identifiable revenues from the manufacture of firearms or small arms ammunition."

'Security first' lapses Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Democrats' biggest challenge in 2004: Convince independent and swing voters that their party can protect the United States." "That's going to be a hard, if not impossible, sell." ------- Especially since most Democrats don't even trust the American populace to possess firearms.

GA: Woman set on fire during argument at gas station
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"A woman has been charged with aggravated battery for allegedly dousing another woman with a half-gallon of gasoline and setting her on fire during an argument at a gas station."

"Anjail Durriyyah Muhammad of Gadsden, Alabama, was charged with aggravated battery, a felony punishable with up to 20 years in prison. She was being Monday held in the Cobb County jail."

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Of course, if this woman had used a gun to put her victim in the hospital, she would be given an additional minimum of five years under Project Safe Neighborhoods. Apparently pouring gasoline over someone and setting them on fire is less heinous than shooting them.

AR: Jury awards more than $19 million in tobacco lawsuit Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"An Arkansas man was awarded more than $19 million Friday after a jury found that a tobacco company's defective product contributed to his wife's death." "The federal verdict includes $15 million in punitive damages against Brown & Williamson Tobacco Co. and $4,025,000 in actual damages in the 1999 smoking-related death of Mary Jane Boerner."

Cause and Effect: Linking Guns and Gun Violence
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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"People with guns in their homes are almost twice as likely to be killed by guns as people who do not keep them at home, researchers reported yesterday in The Annals of Emergency Medicine."

"And, the researchers found, people with guns are 16 times as likely to commit suicide using guns."

"The explanation may lie in the unforgiving nature of firearms, said the author of the study." ...

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Question is: are people who own guns more likely to be shot by their own guns? Isn't it possible that people who own guns tend to live in areas where they are much more likely to need them for personal protection?

And we're willing to wager that in the absence of guns, people who own sharp implements or automobiles will be more likely to use those tools to commit suicide.

UT: Visit a Gun Store [Letter]
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

I read your editorial in the May 19 Tribune about continuing the ban on assault rifles. How about those of us with these type of weapons who haven't shot anyone? We haven't banned booze because some people misuse it.

As far as an SKS being an assault weapon, it doesn't even meet the government's criteria unless it has been modified. In its true configuration it is a five-round semi-automatic rifle, not unlike many rifles that are carried each fall when folks go deer, elk or moose hunting.

Maybe your editor could take some time and visit one of the local gun stores and get smart about the many different kinds of weapons before figuratively blowing his/her brains out on the opinion page. The individual who shot the police officer from Roosevelt was on parole and thus could not legally possess a weapon. It looks to me like you want to throw the baby out with the bath water.

New Zealand: Pair arrested in spud gun case
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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"Two Timaru youths have been arrested for firing missiles from a spud gun at a Timaru house and vehicle over the weekend."

"The youths, both aged 19, will appear in the Timaru District Court on June 3."

"Timaru police sergeant Linn Koevoet said the pair were facing a number of charges, including firearm offences and willful damage."

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Firearms offenses?! Apparently a potato gun is now a firearm.

South Africa: We can stop gun violence
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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"The sound of a gun has become too frequent in our townships. In addressing the incidence of gun violence, the first step should be the acceptance of a collective responsibility towards stricter control of firearms. Each individual and sector of society has a role to play. We need to eliminate space for the minority of hardened gun-wielding criminals as well as those licenced firearm owners who handle, use or keep their firearms without regard to the required standards."

"When we all play our role towards stricter firearms control, in whatever small way each member of society can, the benefits are great. We will save innocent lives and makes our surroundings generally safer." ...

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Firearms control? Have these people learned nothing from the British?

Germany: 'Gun massacre' - to avoid French test Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW BERLIN - A 17-year-old Berlin schoolboy made hoax calls to police to say a student planned to stage a shooting spree at his school - in order to avoid a test in French, a court in Germany heard. The court ordered the youth to a semester of community service work for faking two calls to police last November.

India: Drunk cop passes out, drops gun
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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"A head constable posted at the Africa Day 2003 celebrations in Taj Palace Hotel yesterday was found lying on a pavement drunk. His 9-mm service revolver was next to him."

"Devendra was spotted by a passerby, who called the police. A PCR van identified him. Officials said Devendra was not in his senses and drunk."

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Please tell us again how only law enforcement and military should be able to possess firearms.

Restoring the Republic
Submitted by: LFA Editor
Website: http://www.libertyforall.net

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"How many of you vote Republican simply because you believe that they are fiscally responsible, pro-gun or pro-freedom? If you do then I have a few reasons you should stop voting Republican and start voting third party. Sure the Rush Limbaugh's and the Sean Hannity's of the world will tell you that you are wasting your vote and ask you questions like, "Don't you want to be on the side that wins?" But if you listen to these guys what are you really winning?"

9-11 can happen again
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Two Delta Airlines flight attendants recently told me that nothing of any substance has changed in the safety and security categories, and that as far as they could tell, another 9-11 could occur tomorrow. Security doors at airport terminals are routinely compromised, and the alarms go unanswered. Let me repeat that in case it didnt sink in the first time. Audible alarms are sounding in airport terminal buildings and they are being ignored!"

What is your constitutional IQ?
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"The Internet citizenship quiz that recently floated around resulted in several friends being embarrassed with less than perfect scores. Some inquired about the correct answers, since the memories of their Constitutionally enumerated rights and proper governmental structure had been lost. Now those individual rights, republican structure and the rule of law for American citizens are lost as well."

Hold Onto Your Brain: It's a Weapon
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"...the majority of violent crimes are being perpetrated by persons using their own body parts, carpentry tools and sporting items. If we add to this the 14.9% of violent crimes committed using knives and other cutting tools, we have a total of 73.8% of violent crimes being perpetrated using weapons OTHER THAN guns. Do the math. So whats next - a measure banning hands, fists and feet? Or perhaps well see new legislation banning wooden spoons (my grandmothers personal weapon of choice)."

You Don't Know Me, and I Have a Gun!
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Though you don't know me, there are a few things, however, you should know about me."

"The local police fingerprinted me. The fingerprint cards were submitted to the FBI and a criminal background check was performed. Before that, I had to pass state and local background checks. I had to present evidence to the court of approved training in firearms laws, safety and marksmanship before my application would even be accepted."

"I am not a felon, junkie, drug dealer, stalker or even a shoplifter since any number of indiscretions including alcohol or other drug abuse or even simple assault or a restraining order would disqualify me from holding a permit."

Chalice Of Malice - What Makes Him Tick
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"His behavior is beginning to resemble that of a middle-tier gun controller, an angry vengeful individual whose seething hatred for the Founders, the populace, and the Bill of Rights was brought on by a horrific personal experience of gun violence. A family member was seriously injured, or crippled, or killed, and the gut wrenching horror and emptiness then foments into self-pity and finally into seething hatred." ...

NY: Store Workers Shoot Robber, But Arrested For Unlicensed Gun Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Two would-be bandits tried to hold up a bodega in Harlem. But they were foiled by two store workers -- one of them armed with a gun. Now those workers are in trouble." ------- Apparently one of the workers had the unmitigated gall to defend himself with a handgun without the permission of the New York nanny state!

MN: Gun-Totin' Armed Parishioners!
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"On May 28, Minnesota becomes the 35th state with a 'shall-issue conceal-carry' law. All of the other 34 states have seen violent crime rates drop after adoption of 'shall issue' laws. There is no demonstrable reason why Minnesota should stray from these nationwide numbers."

"BUT ... according to the Nordic tundra's religious left, and amply supported by the Minne-soviet Star & Sickle (Minneapolis Star Tribune), the resultant increase in 'conceal-carry' permit holders will see gun-toting parishioners terrorize their churches, as well as the Metrodome, Mall of America, U. of Minnesota, Minnesota State Fair and just about every other public venue!"

Nigeria: Police Gun Down Armed Robber, Parade Corpse Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Bauchi State Police Command has paraded the corpse of an armed robbery suspect shot dead by a patrol team along Bauchi, Kano road." "Displaying the corpse to newsmen at the state police command headquarters, Bauchi, yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Edwin Mkpa (DSP) said that other four suspected armed robbers had taken to their heels and escaped arrests."

NY: Armed Robber Was AWOL Soldier Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"An armed robber who was fatally shot by a clerk while trying to stick up a bodega in the Bronx was a soldier who had gone AWOL from the U.S. Army, authorities said."

MA: State fees set to tap your wallet
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Under the Senate plan, firearms dealers will now pay $100 for a license to sell guns, of which $50 will be placed in the general fund, with $25 going to the licensing authority and $25 to the Firearms Fingerprint Identity Verification Trust Fund."

"A similar arrangement is being made for stores selling ammunition. But it's not just stores that will pay more, so will gun buyers."

"They will pay $100 for a license to carry a firearm, $100 for a firearms identification card, $100 for a permit to buy a firearm, and another $100 if they are either a non-resident or resident alien."

"In all, a gun buyer could end up paying $400 to $500 just to get approval to buy and own a gun -- more than the cost of actually purchasing a handgun."

The smoking gun
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft
Website: http://www.idcwebdev.com

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The URL for this story was too lengthy for our Newslinks system. Click here to access this story.

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"The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) compares bullets and cartridge cases recovered at a crime scene using its National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, a collection of law enforcement agencies that compares crime scene evidence and connects seemingly unrelated cases."

"Illinois State Police, for example, were able to solve a cold shooting case in January of this year, after they arrested a 17-year-old who had a .25-calibre handgun that matched the markings on a bullet removed from the back of a woman's head two years ago."

"The ATF's system is powered by software and robotics hardware created by a Montreal company called Forensic Technology Inc."

Fretting over U.S. data collection Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The Pentagon promises to comply with federal privacy laws in developing and deploying a super surveillance system to identify terrorists. That's cold comfort to the system's critics and privacy experts who say that in fact few laws apply to what the government envisions."

A glance at Howard Dean Submitted by: Newslinks Admin	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Gun control: Favors Brady Law registration requirements, closing of gun-show loophole and ban on assault weapons. Would leave additional gun-control laws to states." ------- Ironically, Dr. Dean's website is: www.DeanForAmerica.com How you can be "For America" but despise the very rights guaranteed by America's Constitution boggles the mind.

The Federal Government Bully in State and Local Elections
Submitted by: Newslinks Admin

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"Do you think your federal tax dollars should be used to influence the outcome of state and local elections? Would you mind if an administration bureaucrat flew to your city- at taxpayer expense and on behalf of the federal government- to campaign against a local candidate or referendum you supported? Should certain candidates in your local election have the stamp of federal approval, much like a newspaper endorsement? Are state and local laws valid only if approved by the federal government?"

"These are troubling questions raised by the latest assault on states rights in Washington." ...