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Status Report & Chapter List for Absolved by Mike Vanderboegh
Submitted by: Mike Vanderboegh

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"A quick update from Mike:"

"Guys, this is the updated chapter list in order as they will appear in the book (at least as of 2 September 2008). If you want to post it as a teaser, go ahead."

"I am shooting for completion by 1 October, and hope to have some copies to distribute at Knob Creek, 9-11 October."

"Mike" ...

"Here's the list of chapters published thus far, courtesy of David Codrea:" ...

Guns and Suicide in the United States
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"This past June, in a 5-to-4 decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, the Supreme Court struck down a ban on handgun ownership in the nation's capital and ruled that the District's law requiring all firearms in the home to be locked violated the Second Amendment. But the Supreme Court's finding of a Second Amendment right to have a handgun in the home does not mean that it is a wise decision to own a gun or to keep it easily accessible. Deciding whether to own a gun entails balancing potential benefits and risks. One of the risks for which the empirical evidence is strongest, and the risk whose death toll is greatest, is that of completed suicide." ...
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Submitter's Note: As pointed out here, "firearm availability measures are significantly and positively associated with rates of firearm suicide, but have no significant association with rates of total suicide." ...

Have more faith in democracy
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In striking down the District of Columbia's gun control law, the U.S. Supreme Court raised the question whether constitutional rights are necessarily good ideas. ..."

"Whatever the merits of gun control today, researching the history of the Second Amendment ... hardly seems a sensible way of deciding the issue. It is arguable as the 5-4 split on the Supreme Court indicates that the Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual right to possess guns; "bear arms" has a military ring."

"If democracy is the norm, only policy choices clearly precluded by the Constitution should be struck down by the courts. The view of elected legislators should prevail in cases of doubt. ..." ...

TX: Thumbs down to guns in school
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Recently a small school district in Texas, Harrold ISD in eastern Wilbarger County, decided to allow teachers and administrators to carry weapons."

"Voters in this week's Democrat online poll voted almost two to one against that decision." ...

"Two teachers were among those asked about the new policy in Harrold schools."

"'I think that inspiring through fear goes against everything we're trying to do,' one educator said. 'I try to inspire my students through the value of education, and if I were to stand in front of my class with a holster on my hip, that would be lost.'" ...
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Submitter's Note: In Texas concealed means concealed. It is unlawful to expose your weapon even momentarily or accidentally, so this teacher would be arrested for "a holster on my hip".

NY: Taxi Drivers, Gun Violence and a Call for Change
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Four recent crimes drove Councilman Joseph Addabbo, Mothers Against Guns (MAG), the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, and a victimized cab driver named Enois Melbranche to denounce the outbreak of violence and call for tougher gun restrictions."

"Melbranche was shot in the face while driving his cab in Bedford-Stuyvesant ... on August 7. ..." ...

"The reign of gun violence did not end there for the month of August. On the 22nd, another cab driver was shot in the face while driving a taxi in Elmhurst. On the 25th, a woman was robbed and raped at gunpoint in Ozone Park. And on the 27th, another cab driver was shot in the Bronx."

"Those who gathered last week argued that this frightful bloodshed continues due to lax state gun laws in New York." ...

As Thompson and Lieberman praised Palin, six died by gunfire
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Spree killings have always been a part of our history taking the lives of innocent people as those that use these lethal weapons brandish them. Yet McCain has chosen as his VP pick a member of the NRA in Sarah Palin."

"As Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman sang her praises, on Tuesday night, someone ... went on a shooting rampage killing six and wounding two." ...

"Those who lost loved ones in these killings need to hear what her plan is to keep the guns out of the hands of the mentally ill for all of our sakes. While her being a member of the NRA is appealing to some, those that die at the hands of these weapons do affect all of us. We only have to remember the images coming from Virginia Tech to know that." ...

OH: Warren city councilman holds suspect at gunpoint
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Warren Tribune-Chronicle is reporting that a Warren city councilman held a bloody trespasser at gunpoint outside his home late Saturday night until Warren and Howland police arrived."

"From the story:"

"Bob Dean, D-at large, said he was getting ready to go to a party Saturday night when he noticed someone near the shed in his back yard ... at 11:43 p.m."

"Thinking it might be connected to the rash of shed break-ins in the city, Dean said he grabbed his gun, for which he has a conceal carry permit, 'and told him in graphic language to get on the ground.'" ...

"Dean said he had to hold the gun on the man for several minutes until Warren and Howland police officers arrived."

NC: Police: Homeowner Shot, Killed Burglar In Northwest Charlotte Submitted by: RPA-PAC Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
FULL TEXT BELOW: A northwest Charlotte homeowner shot and killed an intruder in his home Tuesday afternoon, police said. Officers said the man arrived at his Toddville Road home and saw a strange car in the driveway. He found the door kicked in and shot the burglar inside, police said. The suspected burglar died and the homeowner is currently being interviewed by police.

SC: Home Invader Shot Twice, Deputies Say
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Greenville County deputies said they are investigating a home invasion that ended with an exchange of gunfire between the resident of the home and the burglar.

The break-in happened at 669 Rutherford Road at the Magnolia Place Apartments just before 5:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Investigators said someone forced their way into one of the apartments. They said once the burglar was inside, the resident of the apartment opened fire, hitting the burglar twice. The burglar also opened fire, they said.

The intruder was taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The resident was not injured.

Neither the name of the victim nor the injured person was released.

IN: Homeowner ready for burglar's return Submitted by: Daniel L. Moulder	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A convicted burglar made a mistake when he returned to the scene of his latest crime, city police said." "Michael E. Boykin, 50, Muncie, allegedly was making his second trip of the day into the home of Mike Angel, in the 2100 block of West Jackson Street, on Sunday night when the homeowner, armed with a gun, apprehended the intruder and held him until police arrived." ...

VA: Robbery thwarted by pharmacist with gun
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Henry County Sheriffs Office is looking for a man who attempted to rob Harders Pharmacy in Bassett on Saturday morning."

"A white male, with his face partially covered, entered the store on Fairystone Park Highway at about 10 a.m. and demanded that the pharmacist give him all the OxyContin and pain pills in the store ..."

"The pharmacist pulled a handgun and the would-be robber ran out of the store and got into the passenger seat of a vehicle parked across the street, authorities said."

"The driver then pulled out and backed up the street toward Riverside Drive, the release states." ...

NRA Takes Aim Online at Obama
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"With the political world atwitter over John McCain's vice presidential pick ... one interest group is trying to refocus attention on another heated issue gun rights. The [NRA] has launched a new Web site focused on Barack Obama's record on gun rights."

"The message of the new site, GunBanObama.com, is not subtle. According to the NRA, Obama would be 'the most anti-gun president in American history.' And it provides a list of fact sheets, news articles, and quotes by Obama to underscore their point."

"NRA officials say the site was launched to clear up any misperceptions among ... gun owners about Obama's stance on the Second Amendment, which they say his campaign has deliberately obscured." ...

LaPierre reminds delegates of need to protect gun freedom
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Wayne LaPierre, the longtime chief executive officer of the National Rifle Association, gave a treatise on rights and freedoms to the Washington delegation this morning through the prism of guns and the second amendment."

"'When I look at the NRA I see a freedom organization,' LaPierre said."

"He argued that, because of the Constitution's 2nd Amendment, the right of Americans to bear arms 'has to still be defended in this country.'"

"LaPierre touted the success the NRA has had in defending that right by way of political action, which includes leading 40 states to enact 'right to carry' laws and 46 states with hunter harassment bills." ...

Keep bringing it up Palin's NRA membership
Submitted by: Gun Legislation & Politics in New York
Website: http://blog.nysrpa.org

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"The lamestream media keeps bringing up the fact that Sarah Palin is a Life Member of the NRA, like its a bad thing. ABC has the latest smear attempt:"

"' she faces questions over the firing of a longtime local police chief. After taking over as Mayor of the small town of Wasilla, Palin fired the longtime local police chief. In his 1997 lawsuit, Stambaugh also alleged that his stand on restricting concealed weapons upset the NRA. 'Mayor Palin has stated on several occasions that the National Rifle Association encouraged her to fire Chief Stambaugh because of his stance against the concealed weapons legislation,' the lawsuit claimed '"

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KABA Note: As pointed out elsewhere, by attempting to restrict concealed carry, Stambaugh was violating state law. So what should a mayor do with a law-breaking 'top cop'?

Gun advocates, check again
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Second Amendment is apparently an issue that is leading some voters to support Republican John McCain for president, as evidenced by the rally for gun rights and McCain's campaign in Grand Junction recently."

"While I generally vote Democratic and am a firm Obama supporter, I too consider the right to bear arms an essential constitutional right and would also be concerned if Obama opposed the second amendment."

"However, he doesn't."

"Barack ... is on record numerous times affirming that the right to bear arms is 'an individual right.' He also acknowledges the importance of hunting to America's sportsmen and women ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: He is also on record as calling the DC gun ban constitutional and a 'reasonable restriction'.

NH: NH firarms coalition gives Bob Clegg an 'A'
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"2nd District Congressional Candidate and State Senator Bob Clegg has received an 'A' rating from the NH Firearms Coalition. Using questionnaire responses and known voting records and public records, the NH Firearms Coalition graded each candidate in a primary race in New Hampshire based on their known support of Second Amendment Rights. Primary opponent Jennifer Horn was given a 'D' by the group, defined as: 'Expected to always vote against gun owners' civil rights.'"

Using Bob's substantial voting record and public actions over the years, the NHFC issued an 'A' rating signifying Bob Clegg is a 'Solid 2nd Amendment supporter' according to the coalitions recent 'On Target' ratings release." ...

NY: Soares foe takes tough gun stance
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"District Attorney David Soares and new challenger Roger Cusick are at odds over an old issue: gun violence."

"Cusick promised Tuesday that if elected, his office would almost never offer plea bargains in gun cases."

"Plea bargains enable defendants to admit guilt to lower offenses in exchange for lesser penalties. In a statement, Cusick ruled them out 'to anyone who uses a gun while committing a crime in Albany County, or is caught possessing an illegal gun.'"

"His only exception was for cases involving youthful offenders." ...

CO: Cop teaches gun class
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The firearms classes he offers are not through the Kremmling Police Department, but Bob Dillon's experience as a police officer is beneficial to his students."

"'I just believe in armed citizens,' he said. 'I always have and always will.'"

"Dillon, 52, formed the corporation, 4BarD Enterprises Inc., last May, and already the number of people signing up for the Basic Concealed Carry course this year has doubled."

"About 230 people already signed up to take the course this year, compared to the nearly 100 students who registered last year."

"'It snowballed,' he said, adding that his children help him out a lot. 'It's becoming more than I can do on my own.'" ...

SC: Sheriff Lott's New Toy
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Richland County, South Carolina Sheriff's Department (that's them above) just obtained an armored personnel carrier, complete with a belt-fed, .50-cal turreted machine gun. Sheriff Leon Lott has charmingly named the vehicle 'The Peacemaker,' and insists that using a caliber of ammunition that even the U.S. military is reluctant to use against human targets (it's generally reserved for use against armored vehicles) will 'save lives.'"

"Can we call this overkill, yet? Is there any weapon people like Sheriff Lott would consider inappropriate for use against American citizens?" ...

FL: Fort Lauderdale police officer's pay per year for no work: $110,249
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"For almost two years, a Fort Lauderdale police officer has collected a paycheck, pension and benefits at $110,249 a year."

"He has done no work."

"Officer Sharif Samer Masri's job since October 2006: stay home, check in with the police department every day and take no "official police action." He can't wear a police uniform, carry a gun, drive a cruiser or enter the department without an escort ..."

"Masri's wife ... was the target of a criminal investigation into allegations she bilked the city police health insurance fund. Amy Masri, a dentist, was sentenced in May. The police department is still looking at Sharif Masri ... But he was cleared in June of any criminal wrongdoing, by the State Attorney's Office." ...

MO: Officer's Gun Accidentally Fires During Arrest
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A police officer's gun accidentally went off during an arrest on Tuesday night, police said.

Investigators said someone called police after spotting people with a gun at a strip mall in the 11900 block of Blue Ridge Boulevard in Grandview.

Officers arrested two people at the scene for outstanding warrants.

While they were putting one suspect in a police car, one of the officer's guns accidentally fired into the ground, police said.

Both the officer and suspect suffered minor injuries when asphalt ricocheted up and hit them.

Mexico: 6 Mexican cops jailed in Oregon man's death
Submitted by: none

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"Mexican prosecutors are taking the unusual step of jailing six policemen from the resort town of San Jose del Cabo for what they say could be 30 days or more while they investigate how and whether a vacationing Oregonian was beaten to death in officers' custody ..." ...

"Botner, a father of three who was vacationing with his wife after returning from a commercial fishing trip, reportedly suffocated on his own blood Aug. 27 in a San Jose del Cabo jail. He was arrested in a condominium parking lot that day when he reportedly got into a fight."

"Botner's wife, Kym, said she believes her husband was beaten to death while handcuffed and in police custody. After viewing postmortem photos, Kym Botner said someone at the jail 'just mutilated' Sam." ...

MT: A disservice
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The IR has done a disservice to all gun owners in printing the August 29 'Your Turn' screed by Ray Schoenke of the American Hunters and Shooters Association. AHSA was created by anti-gunners to provide camouflage for like-minded politicians who use AHSA endorsements to claim support by a hunter's group."

"Mr. Schoenke has donated to anti-gun politicians ... In 2000, he donated $5,000 to Handgun Control, Inc. (now the Brady Campaign) and the Ray and Holly Schoenke Foundation also made donations to the Brady Campaign. ..."

"Claiming political bias by the NRA is a non-starter; incorporated in 1871, the NRA is dedicated to hunter safety education and firearms training for military and law enforcement. ..." ...

MD: Put private gun ownership in context
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I had the opportunity to read [state Sen. Ulysses Currie's Aug. 21 letter to the editor ...] regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the District [of Columbia] vs. Heller case. I found [his] opinions on private gun owner ship deeply disturbing. ..."

"In spite of the District of Columbia's 32-year prohibition on firearms, they have consistently ranked among the worst cities in the country for gun violence and murders. What we find is a disarmed law-abiding populace, plagued with an underworld of gangs that don't seem to have any more difficulty in getting guns as they do getting drugs. ..." ...

MD: Gun-control laws are ineffective
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"As usual, the know-it-all attitude is typical of a liberal socialist Democrat ['Ulysses Currie: Court decision on guns blind to consequences,' Letters to the editor, Aug. 21]. How does he know what the framers of the constitution were thinking? Dozens of quotes and writings of Thomas Jefferson, the most well known of the framers, indicate that he supported private gun ownership. If you consider the introductory phrase of the second amendment, it is just that, an introductory phrase, and is not germane to the meaning of the amendment."

It is obvious that gun-control laws do not work. Mr. Currie proves that by his mention of 'glut of illegal handguns.' If gun-control laws worked, these weapons would not exist. ..." ...