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John Longnecker: D.C. v. Heller: Militia, you say.. Part II
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The District of Columbia, which had gotten justice three times in adverse decisions that its gun ban was unconstitutional, does not debate, nor follow the law � it quarrels with a civil right. That quarrel involves defying the rulings handed them ... and other methods of trying the case in the media ..."

"Where framing-era language will reflect intent of the Founders, it is clear what Militia was not: it was not recognized as Military."

"The question in D.C. v. Heller asks whether D.C. Code provisions violate the Second Amendment rights of individuals who are not affiliated with any state-regulated militia, but who wish to keep handguns and other firearms for private use in their homes." ...

Don't Blame Liberals for Gun Control
Submitted by: clell

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"ANTI-GUN CRUSADERS seem worried about the advent of a Republican administration. Heaven knows why. Republicans, in recent years, have managed to do nearly as much damage to the Second Amendment as Democrats."

"In 1969, journalist William Safire asked Richard Nixon what he thought about gun control. 'Guns are an abomination,' Nixon replied. According to Safire, Nixon went on to confess that, 'Free from fear of gun owners' retaliation at the polls, he favored making handguns illegal and requiring licenses for hunting rifles.'"

"It was President George Bush, Sr. who banned the import of 'assault weapons' in 1989, and promoted the view that Americans should only be allowed to own weapons suitable for 'sporting purposes.'" ...

Acting ATF Director Michael J. Sullivan's ties to gun control groups
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"It should not surprise anyone that anti-gun Senator John Kerry demanded again that Senators Crapo, Craig and Vitter remove their holds from Acting ATF Director Michael J. Sullivan's confirmation. Kerry ... goes on to say 'I share with the administration real concern that a decent and professional law enforcement officer's nomination is in jeopardy.'"

"Sullivan in April 2007 touted the ATF's 'outstanding relationship' with IACP ... [a]n organization that has been exposed by the NRA as being in the pockets of a large gun control group. Fitting enough Acting ATF Director Michael J. Sullivan was one of the Keynote Speakers at IACP's Great Lakes States Summit on Gun Violence. ..." ...

Technology Risks Warping the Law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"If only D.C. residents had 'Star Trek' phasers permanently set to stun. The Supreme Court would find the constitutional challenge to the District's current gun bans so much easier to resolve."

"Think about how different the problem would look: People could protect themselves without killing anyone. The weapons couldn't be used for suicide, and children wouldn't get hurt. The city's concerns about the dangers of lethal firearms would be satisfied, while citizens would still have effective tools for self-defense."

"Science fiction fantasy? Yes, for now. But someday we'll have a perfect stun gun. And that technological improvement will significantly change the legal discussion of what 'arms' the Second Amendment protects." ...

Around the Square -- Second Amendment needs clarification
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Something that dates back to the founding of this nation was the writing of the Constitution in 1787. The Second Amendment to the Constitution has 27 words in it, and the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case for which the results could have a profound effect on the rights of Americans to bear arms."

"The Second Amendment reads: 'A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.'"

"As the wording reveals, the amendment relates entirely to the militia having the right to bear arms, and not to a private citizen." ...

I guess Brady Campaign *doesn't* like the SG position
Submitted by: Brent Greer
Website: http://thereadyline.blogspot.com

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"From today's Legal Times. (Registration required. I've put the major parts of the story in extended remarks below." ...

"Having followed the gun lobby down the private-rights road, the Bush Justice Department realized it leads to a dangerous cliff, and stepped back."

"At the same time, however, it stubbornly adheres to a reading of the Second Amendment that, if adopted by the Supreme Court, would limit the power of our elected officials, and law enforcement, to protect the public from criminal and political violence."

"The department�s brief may annoy the gun lobby. But, for completely different reasons, it should trouble the rest of the country as well." ...

FL: Frustrated thieves kill man because they can't drive his stick-shift car
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"An attempted carjacking turned deadly late Sunday night when car thieves shot the owner as he unloaded groceries."

"Kendel Williams, 38, later died at Orlando Regional Medical Center, according to Orlando police."

"Williams had just arrived at his west Orlando home around 11 p.m. in the 4600 block of Edgemoor Street when two men came up to him and demanded the car, said Lt. Jim Marchione."

"Neither of the men knew how to drive the car because it had a stick shift and instead shot the man, Marchione said." ...
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KABA Note: Just give them what they want, right Sarah?

TN: Retired Green Beret shoots intruder, gets court martial
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Retired Army Green Beret James T. (Smokey) Taylor got his court martial this weekend and came away feeling pretty good about it. Taylor ... was placed on trial by fellow [Special Forces Association] members under the charge of 'failing to use a weapon of sufficient caliber' in the shooting of an intruder at his home ... in November."

"The court martial, of course, was very much tongue in cheek. ... Taylor had been awakened in the early morning hours ... '... I got to the front door and this fellow had ripped my security door out of its frame. He said, 'you're going to have to kill me. I'm coming in.'"

"When a warning to leave went unheeded, Taylor brought his .22 caliber pistol to bear and shot him right between the eyes. ...

Yet more Zero Tolerance Idiocy
Submitted by: Dustin
Website: http://dustinsgunblog.blogspot.com/

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"Say Uncle & Bruce reported yet another example of Zero Tolerance Policy idiocy. A child was suspended for 3 days because he was writing with a pen that had a Glock logo on it in Georgia. Yes that is right - suspended for having the name Glock written on a pen. What exactly does that school administrator have against a perfectly nice Australian family name? The boy was suspended for 3 days on Friday Jan 18th, 2008:"

... So, my phone rings Friday afternoon. It's the vice principal from my son's school saying that he needs to discuss a serious situation about my son. When I asked him what was going on, he tells me that a pen bearing a Glock logo is forbidden ..." ...

TX: Teen's hand sanitizer gel sniff 'not a crime'
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"Denton County prosecutors decided Friday to wash their hands of a case against a Lewisville middle school student accused of trying to get high by sniffing his teacher's hand sanitizer."

"'It's not a crime. Hand sanitizer does not fall within that statute,' said Jamie Beck, first assistant district attorney in Denton County. 'The police agency brought it up mistakenly thinking it was.'" ...

"[Richard Ortiz, the father of the seventh-grader] said he couldn't believe that his son would have to go to court for smelling hand sanitizer. 'I think it's ludicrous,' said Mr. Ortiz, who blames overzealous police and prosecutors for initially pursuing the case." ...

TX: Tech needs intellectual diversity
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Not all Texas Tech students are conservative, but I would guess the majority of them would classify themselves as such."

"When most people think about college students, they think of large groups of liberal-leaning people ... When they think of a typical college professor, the image is quite similar." ...

"There are conservatives using the rights the First Amendment provides to defend the Second Amendment. With both sides of issues now being represented on campuses, the face of college students across the nation is changing from that of a one-dimensional group to a politically diverse, free-thinking body of informed citizens."

"This diversity of thought came about not by the ideas being forced on students ..." ...

IN: Like free speech, right to own firearm is protected
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Reading the commentary that Mike Westervelt wrote ... prompted me to write this letter."

"It is the person's right to own the firearm, even if it is an assault weapon. The assault weapons ban of 1994 did not keep people from owning assault weapons ... The question of whether a person should own a weapon like that is not a question at all, it is their Second Amendment right. And contrary to what Mike said, the Second Amendment does not rule out any weapons. There are special licenses to purchase certain firearms, but those people have the right to own assault weapons, bazookas, machine guns, etc." ...

"Firearm owners don't gripe at people about speaking their mind, but pro-gun control people sure do like to bash us." ...

Paul best choice for Republican voters
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Now that Fred Thompson has withdrawn from the presidential race, his supporters are left to find a new candidate to support."

"But who should it be? McCain wants amnesty for illegal aliens. Romney flip-flipped on abortion. Giuliani favors gun control."

"No, we need a candidate who is against amnesty and sanctuary cities/states, supports the Second Amendment, never wavered from being pro-life and is a true fiscal conservative."

"There is only one candidate who fits all these qualifications: 10-term congressman from Texas, Ron Paul."

"In fact, Paul's philosophy can be best summed up by one of Thompson's famous quotes, 'Is this something government should be doing? If so, at what level of government?'" ...

FL: Goodbye Rudy Tuesday
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Statement from Randall Terry, Founder of Operation Rescue:"

"'Rudy Giuliani's campaign is now in its death rattles. We hope to celebrate the funeral any day now.'"

"'I believe his drop in Florida is largely the result of pro-life, pro-family activists who have dogged him here for weeks, and exposed him for the fraud he is. ...'"

"'Rudy's plummet in the polls was surely the result of his pro-choice, pro-homosexual rights, anti-second amendment record. In short, he is not a true Republican. He never was, and short of a miracle involving the conversion of his soul, he never will be.'" ...

FL: Pasco County GOP Chairman Bill Hunting Supports John McCain For President
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"U.S. Senator John McCain's presidential campaign today announced that Pasco County GOP Chairman Bill Bunting supports John McCain for president."

"'I look for the candidate who understands the idea that with great freedoms come great responsibilities, which is why I am supporting John McCain,' said Bill Bunting. 'John McCain is an honorable man and a great American with strong commitment to second amendment rights, and I am proud to support him for president.'" ...

AL: Middle America's burden
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Since I have been a registered voter, I have, for the most part, voted Republican in every election (local, state and federal). My strong beliefs in the Second Amendment, as well as being against gay marriage, for tighter border security and the right to life, are just a few reasons why I consider myself a conservative voter."

"With that being said, I'm really disappointed in the way the GOP has turned its back on middle-class America. With oil prices continuing to rise, it is affecting everything from the cost of milk to getting back and forth to work." ...

VA: Anti-Gun Groups Ignorant Of Crime
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The 2008 Virginia General Assembly is barely four weeks old and nearly a dozen gun control bills have gone down in defeat in both the House and Senate."

"Gun Control groups have shamelessly used the Virginia Tech shootings to promote their anti-gun agenda mostly through the highly publicized Senate Bill 109, closing of the (nonexistent) gun show loophole."

"It was clear from the very beginning that the anti-gun crowd were ignorant of the causes of crime and not interested in sensible or respectful debate on this bill, which is no surprise. Even the blatant hostility shown by Sens. Henry Marsh, D-Richmond, and RichardSaslaw, D-Springfield, at the committee hearings could not save SB109 from going down to a 9-6 defeat." ...

A CHARGE to the GRAND JURIES, "Thus the will of individuals is still left free; the abuse only of that free will is the subject of legal punishment", 1799
Submitted by: GunShowOnTheNet.com
Website: http://GunShowOnTheNet.com/

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"...IT is of the utmost importance to a free people, that the just limits of their rights be well ascertained and preserved: for liberty without limits is licentiousness; and licentiousness is the worst kind of tyranny, a tyranny of all.--To preserve ourselves against this, and maintain true liberty, a line must be drawn between the rights of each; so well marked, as that it be known by all, and so well guarded, as that it cannot be passed by any with impunity. Thus every man will be free; for every man may exercise his rights to the extent of their just limits, and cannot go beyond those limits and encroach on the rights of others. My right to enjoy implies that no man shall disturb my enjoyment..."

The Coushatta Times, "had presented as many double-barrel shot-guns in their faces", Sept. 5, 1874
Submitted by: GunShowOnTheNet.com
Website: http://GunShowOnTheNet.com/

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"... it was reported and confirmed that the colored population were arming themselves and fast preparing . . . and prudence required that the ladies should be conducted home and the young men to take up arms..."

"...he was hailed by that gentleman in company with several others and requested to explain why so many armed men were in town..."

"...they were suddenly surrounded and over fifty men, supposed to be Texians, had presented as many double-barrel shot-guns in their faces..."

"...To defend our lives is the first law of nature; but, to defend the lives and chastity of our women -- which, even in the crude laws of old Rome was held inviolate and sacred..."

Bladensburgh, "a great body of people came into the town, with loaded arms", Aug. 2, 1775
Submitted by: GunShowOnTheNet.com
Website: http://GunShowOnTheNet.com/

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"...When I was employed with the company on Tuesday, a great body of people came into the town, with loaded arms, and expressed a resolution to tar and feather him, whatever might be the determination of the committee; and a lean horse was also brought, upon which he was to be set and drummed through the town. This so frightened the young man, that he got one of the horses belonging to the store, and rode off in such haste, that he carried away the key of the money drawer. As soon as it was known that he had gone off, two gentlemen were immediately appointed by the people out of doors, to ride after him, and bring him back, who were supplied with money and horses at my expence..."

NC: Officer charged with sex offense, kidnapping
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer was indicted Monday on a charge of first-degree sexual offense in connection with a Nov. 27 incident that occurred while he was on duty and responding to a call."

"Officer Joseph D. Anthony III, 39, turned himself in Monday night and bond was set at $10,000, said police officials. The officer is a nine-year veteran of the force, and was most recently assigned to the Eastway Division."

"Specifics of what occurred Nov. 27 were not disclosed, but investigators said the case did not involve rape." ...

NJ: Police officer charged in second child sex case
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Middle Township police officer was charged on Tuesday with sexually assaulting a second child."

"Walter Krych was arrested last Sunday on child sexual charges stemming from alleged incidents in July and November of 2002."

"Tuesday's charges were issued as a result of a second child accusing Krych of sexual assault in the Del Haven section in July 2003."

"Authorities said the assaults did not take place while Krych was on duty as a police officer." ...
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Submitter's Note: Krych is described elsewhere as a 14 year veteran of the force, so he was a cop, just not on duty when he [allegedly] raped those little girls.

VA: Officer Charged With Embezzlement
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Fairfax County detectives have charged a fellow police officer with embezzlement after officials accused him of falsely reporting hours on time and attendance records.

Police Officer First Class Mark E. Ours was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center on Monday.

Police said he has been placed on administrative leave with pay pending the results of an investigation.

Ours is a 10-year veteran of the department and was assigned to the Reston District Station as a school resource officer.

CA: Deputy Uses Taser on Fleeing Bicyclist
Submitted by: motoboy

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A Glenn County sheriff's deputy shot a man with a Taser gun for allegedly riding his bike at night without proper lighting.

According to a sheriff's spokesman, the bicyclist ignored warnings from the deputy he would use the stun gun, then fled on foot.

One probe struck the bicyclist, Omar Herrada Rivera, 39, but he did not receive a shock.

After being checked out at a hospital, Rivera was held in the county jail on suspicion of resisting arrest, riding a bicycle without proper lighting, riding under the influence of alcohol and using false citizenship government documents.

The sheriff's spokesman said the deputy's decision to use the Taser was proper.

AZ: Attacked by a cop on a dark road
Submitted by: Clell Adams

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"On the night of July 29, 2007, Dibor Roberts ... was driving home ... Along ... an unlit, unpopulated route through the desert, she suddenly saw flashing lights in her rearview mirror. Fearful of stopping on a deserted stretch of pavement, especially in light of reports she'd heard of criminals impersonating police, she decided to proceed to a populated area ... [as] recommended by some police departments. ..." ...

"... well before the populated area, Sheriff's Sergeant Jeff Neunum apparently tired of waiting ... He raced his cruiser in front of Roberts's car, forcing her off the road. He then smashed her driver's-side window with his baton ..."

"All of this because she was going 15 miles over the speed limit on a deserted rural road." ...

Canada: RCMP officer pleads guilty to possessing child porn
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A former North Vancouver RCMP officer pleaded guilty today to possession of child pornography.

Const. Andrew Ugrica was transferred out of North Vancouver detachment into the Integrated Tech Crime Unit at RCMP headquarters in Vancouver before he was charged last Aug. 10.

The RCMP never issued a news release at the time Ugrica was charged. He was suspended without pay.

Ugrica's lawyer, Jack Harris, said last December that his client intended to plead guilty to the charge.

The officer is scheduled to appear in North Vancouver provincial court on April 27 for a pre-sentencing report.

OH: Ohioans For Concealed Carry, NRA file Supreme Court Merit Briefs
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On Monday attorneys for Ohioans For Concealed Carry and the Ohio Attorney General's office filed Merit Briefs with the Ohio Supreme Court in our landmark case Ohioans For Concealed Carry v. City of Clyde. ... It's been nearly a decade since Ohioans For Concealed Carry has been a part of firearms litigation that has made it to the Ohio Supreme Court, last with Klein v. Leis, and we couldn't be more pleased with the merits of this case today." ...

"Last week the National Rifle Association filed a friend of the court brief co-authored by the very famous constitutional Attorney Stephen P. Halbrook, but the NRA's involvement in this specific litigation dates back to day one ..." ...

OH: The long-awaited return of the Gun Show to Columbus!
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"No, this isn't a flash back to 1989 and your eyes are not deceiving you! After many years absence a Gun Show is returning to Columbus Ohio proper! This March 5th, licensed dealers from across the country as well as participants from throughout Ohio will gather once again at Vet's Memorial in Downtown Columbus."

"What makes this show a special event is the fact that, thanks to arcane gun restrictions for many years, it wasn't feasible for Gun shows to be held in C-town. At one time, The Ohio Gun Collectors Association held their bimonthly shows at Vets Memorial. These shows were hugely popular ... Many don't remember that in fact the
convention hall was expanded just to support these Shows." ...

MA: Citizens group rekindles effort to stop violence
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"Seventeen years ago, they banded together to combat violence."

"Former gang members, lawyers, school officials, and business owners, they sought to form truces between warring gangs and stem Boston's skyrocketing homicide rate."

"Today, Citizens for Safety will announce its rebirth and its new members, an eclectic group that includes mothers of homicide victims, religious leaders, a former policeman, and a suburban mom. They will also announce their new mission: to track sources of illegal guns and learn how they end up in the hands of teenagers and criminals." ...

NY: Nassau right to focus on guns
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

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"The death of Abkeen Cochran, who was gunned down on a Hempstead street last Thursday, stands in stark contrast to the fact that the rate of violent crime in Nassau County is low and dropping. Any gun violence is too much. So it's welcome news that officials are targeting gun crimes, one category of offenses that ticked up last year. The goal is sustained crime reduction, which is the right target." ...

UK: BBC Radio 5 presenter threatened with a gun when testing safety of Britain's streets
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"BBC Radio Five presenter Shelagh Fogarty today described her terror at having a gun pointed at her face while filming in Liverpool on Saturday night."

"The breakfast show host was taking part in a special programme for the ITV1 Tonight programme to find out how safe Britain's streets are ..."

"While filming in Norris Green, an area of her home town Liverpool, a car slowed down as it past her, wound down a window and a gun was pointed directly at her."

"She believes had it not been for the sound of a police siren nearby and a CCTV van in the road, she may have been killed."

"Shelagh also revealed a gang of 40 thugs pelted her with glass bottles and stones in a frightening attack the previous night." ...

Canada: Gun body firing blanks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Canada's billion-dollar national gun registry doesn't keep up-to-date stats on the number of legal handguns in the country, the Sun has learned."

"Staff at the Canadian Firearms Centre told the Sun it would take 'days of research' requiring contact with regional offices across the nation to come up with a figure on the number of legal handguns in the country."

"And to make that figure public, the centre would require a Freedom of Information request, RCMP spokesman Nathalie Deschenes said."

"The last time officials counted handguns -- seven months ago -- there were 581,890 registered handguns in Canada and 218,986 handgun permits issued to individuals and businesses." ...