Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Urgent Action: California Legislature Pushes Junk Science Again (CCRKBA)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"AB 1471 ... would amend the current handgun 'safety' act by requiring the chambers of all semi-automatic pistols sold in the state to have a unique serial number etched into the pistol's chamber. Upon firing, the number would be imprinted on the cartridge case, thus allowing police to track the case back to the firearm�s registered owner."

"Sounds like a simple, common sense crime-fighting tool, however� Most firearms used by criminals are stolen, and criminals don't bother to register stolen guns. In fact, criminals are exempt from firearm registration by a U.S. Supreme Court decision (U.S. v Haynes, 1968). In addition to that, the technology is easily defeated in a number of ways ..." ...

Our Guard now works for the crown
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Boiled down, it goes: 'The Founding Fathers said the people have a right to bear arms to form a militia, but years ago the militia was replaced by the National Guard, so people don't need to bear arms for that any more. Maybe you can still have a hunting rifle, but all that Second Amendment stuff is out of date now ..." ...

"The point, in the real world, is that the National Guard is now entirely answerable to Washington. It forms part of the army of the crown, and the crown no longer feels the need even to retain the convenient myth that these are 'state' troops, helping to preserve any level of state sovereignty by offering any counterweight to the overwhelming power of the central capital." ...

Forum: Gun laws embolden criminals
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Alex Gerber ('The Gun Culture,' Commentary, May 13) decried the 'absurd contention' that if some Virginia Tech students were armed there would have been far fewer victims. Yet recent examples abound where private citizens with firearms stopped unhinged murderers, such as the Appalachian School of Law, and public schools in Pearl, Miss., and Edinboro, Pa. It is no coincidence that mass murderers typically choose 'gun-free zones' rather than shotgun ranges for their crimes."

"No one advocates arming all students: Just refrain from disarming those who have legally qualified for concealed carry permits. The empirical evidence refutes Mr. Gerber's premise ..." ...

College May Face Legal Problems if They Allow Guns on Campuses, Report Says Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Website: http://www.nysrpa.org	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A new report from the Brady Campaign to Combat Gun Violence says colleges may have legal problems if they allow students to carry weapons on their campuses." "Courts have long recognized an obligation by colleges and schools to provide a 'safe environment' for students. Courts have found, in many previous cases, that colleges were liable in attacks that occurred on campuses." ...

NY: Tenant shoots suspect during home invasion
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Shots were fired during a daring broad daylight burglary attempt Tuesday."

"Police say the incident happened on Sharon Avenue, where a tenant opened fire at a burglary suspect." ...

"... His tenants told Eyewitness News that a man walked right into their apartment around 11:30 Tuesday morning, armed with a pistol."

"That's when the tenants says they grabbed a shotgun to defend themselves. Police say the female tenant then fired a shot that hit the suspect in the shoulder. That's when he supposedly ran off." ...

FL: Evil always runs from might
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I was saddened to read Michael Mayo's Thursday commentary about the shooting death of restaurateur Wai Ho Ng. ..."

"... As we work through our grief, we can begin to speculate on what could have been done to prevent such senselessness. Michael's piece turns to what he calls the 'depressing question,' whether the [NRA] may actually be right in its support and advocacy of the Second Amendment."

"I think the truth lies in the answer to the following question: Would the assailant in this case have entered Ng's restaurant with the intent to rob and kill if he thought there was a good chance of meeting armed resistance? The answer in the vast majority of these cases is clearly no. Evil always runs from might." ...

MA: Senior citizens learn to fight back with their canes
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Salvatore DiStefano has had two knee replacement surgeries and walks with a cane. Until last week, he never thought about using the walking stick to fend off an attacker."

"Senior citizens are much more capable of defending themselves than they may realize, especially if they are armed with a cane and know how to use it, said Larry Giordano, a black belt in karate who has taught self-defense to people of all ages in the Merrimack Valley for 40 years."

"DiStefano, 80, said Giordano's tips have given him more confidence when he is walking alone." ...
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Submitter's Note: Not as much confidence as a .45 would give you, but since MA requires a permit to carry so much as a can of pepper spray I suppose we should be grateful that they haven't taken away your cane.

Don't let your children be victims of the 'Culture of Sheep' (BFA)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Earlier in May I recounted a story from my youth in 'Time for the sun to set on the Culture of Sheep', where I complained of having been punished for defending myself. When it comes to the 'Culture of Sheep', I had barely scratched the surface in my disdain for what it has done to my country. My desire to examine and discuss how to undermine this national disease of indoctrinated weakness aimed at all of us is without bounds. This is a complex subject and I have truly puzzled over how, from where we began as a nation, did we arrive at this sad state? Let's face it friends - many people in this country are so wimpy they're afraid of a sharp stick, let alone a gun!" ...

The media and guns � things they should know (BFA)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"As firearms and self-defense activists, we see a lot of news stories that involve guns. Unfortunately much of it involves the misuse of firearms. Even more unfortunate is the inaccurate reporting of firearms use and misuse in these stories."

"Many of us read the mainstream media reports and wonder if the media has an agenda to make any use of a firearm sound bad. I suppose some do, but I think much of it is not intentional. Most reporters, and indeed most of the public, are uninformed about firearms terminology. I believe they tend to write stories the way they have seen other reporters write them. Of course, reporting using a flawed model, only results in worse reporting." ...

Michael Bloomberg's War on Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Mayor Bloomberg might be a centrist in liberal New York City, say critics, but to most Americans his views are extreme, as evidenced by his no-holds-barred war against guns."

"'Our most urgent challenge is ending the threat of guns and the violence they do�.,' re-elected Mayor Bloomberg declared in his January 1, 2006, Inaugural address. 'Now we have a duty�one that rises above all partisan politics, and one we will pursue relentlessly: And that is to rid our streets of guns, and punish all those who possess and traffic in these instruments of death.'"

"Bloomberg's determination to 'punish all those who possess' firearms does not easily square with the U.S. Constitution's Second Amendment ..." ...

Kansas Congressman Rebukes Mayor on Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Rep. Todd Tiahrt is Mayor Bloomberg's bogeyman, the congressional embodiment of what the mayor says is a powerful lobby allowing illegal guns to flow onto the city's streets."

"As part of his national campaign against illegal guns, Mr. Bloomberg has targeted Mr. Tiahrt aggressively, even running television ads in his Kansas district that tell voters that a law their congressman sponsored is helping criminals, not the police."

"The veteran Republican lawmaker has stayed mostly quiet in the face of the onslaught, but now he is fighting back. In a 30-minute interview in his office last week, Mr. Tiahrt accused Mr. Bloomberg and his aides of negotiating in bad faith, and he says the ... mayor is putting politics over police safety." ...

AZ: Concealed guns at Capitol stir conflicting proposals
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Two bills that would loosen penalties for carrying a concealed weapon have been vetoed, but the gun debate continues at the state Capitol."

"Sen. Karen Johnson, R-Mesa, totes her .22-caliber handgun into the Capitol every day, despite a policy that requires those entering the building to check their weapons with security."

"In the House of Representatives, minority Democrats are agitating for a 'weapons-free' building, even as the speaker of the House insists it already is."

"And a bill that would allow gun owners to bring their weapons into a public building if the building doesn't provide a secure locker is awaiting action in the House." ...

CA: Sacramento City Council Proposes Anti-Gun Ordinances
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Two ordinances taking aim at our Second Amendment rights are heading to the Sacramento City Council for its consideration and could be voted on any day."

"The first would require that the purchaser of ammunition be subject to unnecessary forms, fingerprinting, and a background check for each and every retail purchase."

"A second ordinance would dictate that a lost or stolen firearm must be reported to law enforcement within 48-hours of the discovery. The gun-owner must report the make, model, and serial number of the firearm, as well as how the firearm was lost. Failure to do so within the 48-hour timeframe would be grounds for prosecution." ...

OK: Judge applauds courthouse gun law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A new law specifying that district judges can have guns in courthouses is 'important and wise legislation,' said a Tulsa judge who made headlines when he armed himself during a court commotion a year and a half ago."

"The law, signed last week by Gov. Brad Henry, 'will greatly enhance court house security for all the citizens,' Tulsa County District Judge Tom Thornbrugh said."

"The law clarifies what had been the common understanding of the law and adds the component of requiring a judge who wants to keep a firearm at the courthouse to have appropriate training, he said."

"The law requires a judge to possess a concealed handgun license if he or she is to have a gun on the job." ...

OK: Henry vetoes hunting- and fishing-related bill
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A bill that would have caused Oklahomans to lose their hunting and fishing licenses if they hunted or fished without permission on land used for farming, ranching or forestry has been vetoed by Gov. Brad Henry."

"Senate Bill 95 would have removed the requirement that the land must be posted 'no hunting' or 'no fishing.'"

"'I have vetoed this bill because it is overly broad in its application and prohibits long-standing outdoor recreation and hunting practices and traditions,' Henry said. 'In addition, because of the overbroad impact of this legislation, well-intended persons could be deemed criminals when they enter land belonging to another for some legitimate and innocent purpose.'" ...

NY: Leaders seek gun control compromise, drop death penalty bill
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"Legislative leaders found potential compromises on gun bills today, but no life for a death penalty."

"Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno accused Assembly Democrats of wanting to outlaw all guns while the Democrats accused the Republicans of standing in the way of gun-safety measures."

"The two parties then began what's almost unheard of in Albany - public negotiation."

"Assembly-pushed gun trafficking and gun safety measures will now go to legislative staff for possible compromise along with other issues [including] expanding the state DNA data bank to include all convicted criminals." ...

IN: Lawmakers exempt from regulation
Submitted by: Daniel L. Moulder

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"Pistol-packing tourists at the Statehouse soon will have to leave their guns at home."

"Lawmakers and judges, however, will be exempt from new Statehouse security restrictions that go into effect June 4."

"The Statehouse -- which includes the governor's and lieutenant governor's offices, the legislature and the Indiana Supreme Court -- has been wide open, with no metal detectors and numerous entrances."

"Under the new policy, guns will be banned, and visitors will have to pass through metal detectors. Bags will be scanned by X-ray machines. ..."

"... the new rules do not apply to legislators or judges who, as members of separate branches of government, set their own rules." ...

NY: Gun violence bills proposed in Albany
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"With a steady stream of shootings on city streets, one Albany council member is fighting an uphill battle to pass two bills to address violence in the city."

"Councilman Dominic Calsolaro has proposed a Gun Violence Task Force appointed by the Common Council and, on Monday, he introduced legislation to require the city to provide legislators with data on gun crimes."

"'There is no reason this information shouldn't be readily available to us and to the residents of this city,' Calsolaro said."

"Mayor Jerry Jennings said the city is making efforts to reduce gun crime, but he did not support either bill." ...

AZ: What every presidential candidate should know about gun owners
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"... I won't pretend gun owners are a homogeneous group � anything but � but we do share some characteristics and opinions that wannabe presidents should know about:"

"Responsible gun owners consider guns as tools. We don�t own fully automatic weapons. We use guns for hunting, target shooting and self-protection, not necessarily in that order."

"We apply for and receive concealed weapons permits, but it's not because we plan to carry a gun around. We want be able to legally transport guns in our vehicles without leaving them in plain sight, as the law requires. We store most of our guns in safes, but often keep one nearby at night, because we are responsible for the safety of our families." ...

OR: Ore. lawmakers pass bill to keep concealed guns from offenders
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"It's going to be tougher for some to get a concealed handgun licenses in Oregon."

"Governor Kulongoski is expected to sign a bill that would ban sex offenders, people convicted of drug crimes and those who leave the military with dishonorable discharges from getting the licenses." ...

"Concealed weapon permits are issued on a county-by-county basis in Oregon. ... you can apply for and receive a concealed gun permit if you are a US citizen, at least 21 years old and complete a gun safety course."

"Felons or those with misdemeanor convictions within the prior four years are NOT eligible."

"Though it adds new restrictions, the bill drew no criticism from the executive director of the Oregon Firearms Federation."

TN: Trooper charged with shooting mother in foot
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A state trooper has been charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment after allegedly shooting his mother in the foot during a domestic dispute in Chester County.

The TBI said Terry Rainey is being held at the Madison County Jail after the shooting on Saturday night.

Investigators said the shot was fired during an altercation with his father at the parents' home in Enville, about 30 miles southeast of Jackson. The nature of the argument was not immediately known.

The mother was treated and released from the hospital.

Rainey was placed on administrative leave with pay pending the investigation.

TN: Trooper Suspended After Traffic Stop With Porn Star
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Tennessee Highway Patrol placed a state trooper on paid leave as it investigates allegations that he had sex with an adult performer during a traffic stop."

"Actress Barbie Cummings said trooper James Randy Moss pulled her over for speeding on May 7 ..."

"Moss found alcohol and some prescription painkillers inside of her car."

"Cummings said she told Moss what she did for a living. Then the pair allegedly went to a nearby secluded area where Moss took several pictures and video of Cummings."

"Cummings' account of what happened appeared on her Web site and blog. One of the trooper's co-workers reported Moss."

"Cummings met with investigators and turned over the photos and video taken by Moss." ...

NY: 'Abuse of overtime' by police
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"This village's police department wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars by paying officers for unnecessary or unauthorized overtime shifts and, possibly, shifts they never worked, according to the mayor's summary of an internal investigation report."

"A majority of the Village Board voted to not release the report to the public, but Mayor David McFadden and Trustee Christopher Hansen disagreed ... "

"McFadden said the report 'contains verification that there was abuse of overtime,' from 2001 to 2005. This very small, very rich village's internal investigation of its police department is part of a series of inquiries into former Deputy Chief Robert Culhane, who ran the department from July 2002 until last spring." ...

NY: Officer makes her mark as firearms guide
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"The City of Poughkeepsie Police Department is making history."

"The new firearms instructor, Michelle Digilio, is the first female to fill the position since the department's establishment."

"'That's what's so neat about it, plus she's always been really good with firearms since she came on the job,' Detective Sgt. Greg Hosier, who runs the firearms division, said. 'She's a nice addition to the department.'" ...

PA: Selling Confiscated Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"What were Upper Darby police thinking when officers sold seized firearms to shops with a reputation for peddling guns that end up being used in crimes?" ...

"Pennsylvania law allows police departments to sell confiscated guns. But Montgomery County police destroy the firearms they seize. So do authorities in New Jersey's Camden County. ..." ...

"Federal authorities are investigating whether any Upper Darby police officers personally profited from selling confiscated guns. In addition, Delaware County has referred the matter to the state attorney general."

"If illegal conduct did occur, then it's not enough simply to learn what those officers were thinking when they sold seized guns. They need to be held accountable."

VA: A compromise on gun control
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "As a responsible gun owner and a logical person, I am writing to say that -- because I value life, the right of all Virginians to a safe commonwealth, and my personal right to keep and bear arms -- the time has come for some enhancements or additions to the laws that govern access to firearms."

"Obviously, a system of uncontrolled access to guns ceased to work years ago. However, our Constitution gives us the right to bear them. This is a contentious issue ..."

"Contention aside, the time has come for compromise. ... Whether you want unrestricted access to all guns, or you want all guns gone forever, take a breath and understand that both of these goals are unrealistic and will likely never happen." ...

VA: So do away with the First Amendment, too
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I've always known The Roanoke Times was a liberal paper, and though I disagree with its agenda I would defend its right under the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights to go to press and have the right of freedom of speech. Yet I see that Tommy Denton believes that the Bill of Rights is outdated and no longer appropriate, since he disagrees with the Second Amendment ('The Second Amendment is what it is, alas,' April 15 column)."

"Since his socialistic view is to do away with the Second Amendment, then it's only fair that the First Amendment be done away with, too. Since we have the Internet, there is really no need for the press -- just look at all the trees that are wasted in the production of newspapers. ..." ...

NY: NRA offers advice on kids, guns & big game
Submitted by: New York State Rifle & Pistol Association
Website: http://www.nysrpa.org

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"National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre is the man when it comes to protecting the rights of citizens to bear arms. And when you have the man looking you squarely in the eyes, you have to ask the question nearest and dearest to your heart." ...

"What advice would LaPierre have for those gun clubs and other outdoor organizations which are trying to lower the hunting age for big game in New York? Every annual attempt to lower the big-game hunting age has been met with defeat." ...

OR: Second Amendment deserves honesty
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The letter of Peter Ronai requires a response. The factual history of the Second Amendment is entitled to accuracy, not intellectual dishonesty. His statements regarding the National Guard show indoctrination, certainly spread in recent years by willing accomplices in our media, and a naivete or purposeful political agenda, contrary to our Bill of Rights."

"The National Guard is a rather recent product of our federal government -- far in time after the creation of our Bill of Rights. And to all those interested, see the Federalist Papers -- a series of essays published after the Constitutional Convention of 1789, in which the merits of our new Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, were discussed ..." ...

IN: Gun bans fail to reduce violence
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Many Americans believe stricter gun laws give society the opportunity to prevent terrifying incidents such as at Virginia Tech. Gun policies rarely change because they are not debated enough until assassination attempts or successes of prominent individuals or mass murders actually occur."

"The thought that more guns must mean more violence is not necessarily true ..."

"Much truth lies in the idea that the safety of all citizens increases as the number of guns in society grows."

"Statistics collected by Harvard University show that gun bans have failed to reduce violence in other countries. In England ... the violence rate has continued to increase despite the restrictive gun laws." ...

GA: Readers respond to letter about gun laws
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Editor�s note: The following letters are in response to a letter, titled 'Let's help law enforcement, not hinder them,' published in our May 16 edition and on our website. To read 'Let's help � ' click here."

"Dear editor:"

"The author of this piece is so way off base I honestly don't even know where to begin correcting his mistakes, but I�ll try one topic he mentioned."

"Let's take handgun hunting and go from there." ...

"Dear editor:"

"The author is wrong on so many levels. Maybe he should read U.S. Code, Title 10, Chapter 13, Section 311, that clearly defines the militia. ..." ...

WI: Do gun laws need to go back to local control?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The shooting death of a four year old Milwaukee girl last week is evoking anger, frustration and a call for gun law changes."

"Governor Doyle says he favors going back to a system where local communities could have tougher gun laws than the state. Jim Fendry with the Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement says it didn't work then and it won't work now." ...

"The theory behind local control is that high crime areas, such as Milwaukee, could get tougher on guns in an effort to curb crime such as the drive-by shooting of a 4-year old jumping rope."

"But Fendry says no matter how many gun laws you have people who commit crimes like the drive-by shooting aren't going to pay attention to laws anyway." ...

NY: Defining a 'militia'
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Re Lawrence Burke's letter Monday, 'We Are Free to Have Guns': Try reading the Second Amendment before using it as an excuse to get guns, guns, guns.

Here's the whole thing: "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."

You think some 18-year-old in a gun store is anywhere close to a 'well-regulated militia'?

Regulation to me means, in part, training and licensing, as with cars -- cars can kill, but guns are designed to kill.

--J. Andrew Smith, Bloomfield

OH: OSU Pistol Club takes aim at gun education
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Gunshots rang out from several .22-caliber pistols during the Ohio State Pistol Club's weekly meeting at the firing range in Converse Hall Thursday evening."

"The group exists to promote fundamentals of firearms safety, maintenance and marksmanship and to spread awareness about the importance of responsible gun use, said Evan Peck, president of the organization."

"'Really, our mission statement is familiarization and safe handling of firearms of all forms,' he said. 'I firmly believe that the most dangerous person is someone that picks up a gun and has no idea what to do with it or what it's used for. Or even worse, they don't know how it works. That's how people get hurt.'" ...