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WA: Farmers now required to have a license for 'bird bangers'
Submitted by: Anonymous

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Brad Klingele would trust his 13-year-old son to use his bird-scaring gun in the cherry orchard.
But to pack the noise-making gun, which looks more like a toy, Klingele will have to get a federal license and provide his fingerprints and photo identification.
To keep explosives out of the "wrong hands," the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is now requiring farmers who use them to get a license.
ATF gave the contraptions an acronym -- EPCD, for explosive pest control devices -- though farmers typically call them bird bangers, shell crackers or other variations of trade names.
Whatever they're called, many who use the guns to protect their fruit are not happy about the additional regulation.

An open letter to NRA�s Wayne LaPierre on �Project Gunwalker�
Submitted by: David Codrea
Website: http://www.davidcodrea.com

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"Why isn�t every single office-holding recipient of NRA generosity on record demanding full and open investigations into how the Gunwalker scandal came to be, who authorized it, what damage has been done, what dangers still exist, and who is behind the evident cover-up? What reason do any of these beneficiaries of gun owner trust and benevolence have for not being vocal and tireless leaders in demanding something they owe us anyway�the truth?"

Walmart proudly supports MAIG
Submitted by: GunPoliticsNY
Website: http://www.gunpoliticsny.com/

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The PolitickerNY has updated their story on Walmart selling guns with a position statement from a Walmart spokesman: "... Steve Restivo, the director of community affaris for the big box retailer, points out that Walmart will not sell any guns or ammunition should they open a store in the five boroughs. "Walmart will not sell firearms in any future New York City store. We're proud of our participation in 'Mayors Against Illegal Guns' and will remain committed to the safe and responsible sale of firearms in areas of the country where they are sold." ..."

Project Gunwalker updates on Armed American Radio Submitted by: David Codrea Website: http://www.davidcodrea.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"I had the pleasure of returning to Armed American Radio last night to update host Mark Walters and special in-studio guests author Kathy Jackson and Armed Citizens Legal Defense Network founder Marty Hays on the latest 'Project Gunwalker' developments. " Submitter's note: Includes link to listen at show archive.

Breaking News: Holder to appear before House committee tomorrow Submitted by: David Codrea Website: http://www.davidcodrea.com	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"'Tomorrow, Attorney General Eric Holder will testify before the House Judiciary Committee,' an email sent this afternoon by the Deputy Press Secretary, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform announces..." Submitter's note: Includes link to the 5/3 scheduled 10:15 am EST webcast.

AZ: Arizona Governor Vetoes Firearms Bill
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Late in the evening of Friday, April 29, 2011, Governor Brewer vetoed SB 1201, the AzCDL-requested bill that would have required state or local government offices wanting to ban firearms to provide security measures that ensure no one is capable of bringing in a firearm without detection.

The Governor�s veto means that for at least another year, all a state or local government office needs to do to disarm the law-abiding is to put up a �No Firearms� sign. Meanwhile armed criminals can continue to enter these facilities undetected.

We believe the governor�s recent vetoes of SB 1201 and SB 1467 (Campus Carry) have more to do with politics than principles.

MN: High-profile gun bill advances in the House
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Although current state allows for the use of deadly force under certain conditions, Cornish�s bill would significantly change the law.

For instance, it broadens the definition of dwelling to include all buildings on a person�s property, and also includes tents, motor homes, hotel rooms.

It establishes a rebuttal presumption so that the person using deadly force is presumed to possess a reasonable belief that they�re facing imminent threat of great bodily harm or death.

It reverses the burden of proof in self-defense cases, so the defender no longer needs to prove their innocence, but prosecutors need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defender did not act lawfully.

CA: Legal setback for Alameda County gun show backers
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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A federal appeals court panel ruled Monday that gun show promoters have failed to show that a ban on firearms at the Alameda County Fairgrounds violates their right to keep and bear arms.

Rather than dismissing the promoters' 12-year-old lawsuit, however, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco gave the plaintiffs another chance to produce evidence that the ban unreasonably restricts law-abiding citizens' ability to obtain guns for self-defense.

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Monday's ruling also sets new standards for review of gun control laws in the nine-state Ninth Circuit.

The court said laws that impose "substantial burdens" on the right to keep and bear arms are constitutionally suspect.

TX: Sheriff: Home invasion victim shot 2 gang members dead
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Trevi�o said Monday he does not expect to file charges against an unidentified individual who reportedly shot two armed gang members during a home invasion Saturday.

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Investigators believe the brothers, armed with handguns, kicked in the front door and assaulted four residents, one of whom reportedly shot at them with a handgun kept on the premises for protection.

CA: Guns in church a recipe for disaster
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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But those supporting complete freedom when it comes to firearms want to include churches on their list where it is legal to, as the expression goes, "pack heat." And they have won a significant victory at least in Virginia, where the attorney general has decided that protecting oneself comes first and worship comes second. It seems utterly antithetical to the teachings of a religion like Christianity where love and peace and turning the other cheek are the guiding principles.

MD: Gun dealers oppose theft check
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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But Scharf, owner of Scotts Gunsmithing in Glen Burnie, doesn't want to pay a dime to report it, let alone the $450 license county police demanded.

"I've already got all these licenses that we have to do business," Scharf said. "To me, it seems like the county is just after money."

Scharf got the ear of Councilman Jerry Walker, a self-proclaimed "Second Amendment guy," who has introduced legislation to exempt gun dealers from the reporting laws. Walker pointed out state and federal laws already require reporting the sale of firearms by dealers, so another layer of regulation should be eliminated.

House Judiciary meets Tuesday and Holder may be on hot seat
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Attorney General Eric Holder will likely be on the hot seat Tuesday before Rep. Darrell Issa and the House Judiciary Committee when the California Republican reportedly �will press� him about Operation Fast and Furious, the �botched gun tracking project� that has resulted in the death of one federal agent and a flood of guns allegedly allowed to be taken to Mexico, according to sources on Capitol Hill.

This column and others will be watching when the committee convenes at 10:15 a.m. in Room 2141 in the Rayburn House Office Building. It will be webcast live here. My colleague, David Codrea, writes about it here.

�Say �Ahhh.� Does Daddy Have A Gun?
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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What is it with pediatricians? Why are they so nosey; so politically correct? Why can�t they just treat their young patients and quit bothering the kids and their parents with invasive questions on matters having nothing to do with the practice of pediatric medicine?

Legislators in Florida finally have had it with nosey pediatricians asking children improper questions relating to whether their parents have firearms in the home; and they have acted to stop the practice.

Rifle Sale Reporting Requirement Reintroduced for Border States
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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The Obama administration on April 29 announced it will seek another round of comments on its proposal to require gun dealers in four states on the U.S.-Mexico border to report the sale of multiple rifles.

Under the proposal, dealers would have to report sales of two or more rifles to the same person at one time or during any five business days if the rifles are semi-automatic, have detachable magazines and are a caliber greater than .22.

PA: BB-gun target practice fueling weapons rules in Parkside
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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A proposed gun-control law that was defeated by a 5-2 council vote in September will be on the agenda again for discussion and another vote at the May 25 council session.

Under the heading of Ordinance 495, the tabled proposal reads: �It shall be unlawful and it is hereby prohibited for any person or persons to discharge any shotgun, rifle, gun, pistol, revolver, BB gun, or other firearms in the pursuit of game or for the purpose of amusement for himself or others within the limits of Parkside.�

The firing of blanks would be regarded the same as firing live ammo in the eyes of this law, it was noted.

OR: Oregon sheriffs say guns, medical pot don�t mix
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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Cynthia Townsley Willis, a retired school bus driver and grandmother of four, carries a spray bottle of marijuana-infused skin oil in her purse to treat her frequent, painful muscle spasms. Her Walther P22 pistol most often gets slipped into a shoulder holster under her jacket � driving the lonely roads that traverse the hills and dense woodlands of the Rogue Valley, who knows when she might need it?

Here in the pot belt of rural southern Oregon, possibly the only thing more ubiquitous than marijuana is guns, and Willis, who is legally registered with the state as a medical marijuana user, feels better when she has both.

NJ: Second Amendment Foundation Fundraiser Event
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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In our continuing effort to move the issue of gun rights forward, we are pleased to announce that we will be holding a fundraising event to benefit the Second Amendment Foundation in part to assist with funding the landmark second amendment case against NJ.

June 5th (Sunday)
10AM � 3PM
Ringwood State Park / Thunder Mountain
Shotgun competition
Raffles, auctions and other fun stuff to do
BBQ (burgers, dogs, chicken, etc. by Westwood Prime Meats)
Price: $100 all included � food, ammo, the whole thing.*
Ringwood state park charges $10 per car for parking.

Please book by going to our main site and clicking on the event...

NRA Drops King & Spalding as Clement Fallout Continues
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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In a letter dated today to King & Spalding chairman Robert Hays, NRA general counsel David Lehman said the firm's decision was "indefensible" but emphasized that the NRA's action in dropping King & Spalding is "not motivated by any position on the statute itself." The NRA is a "single issue organization" focused on the Second Amendment, Lehman wrote. But he said that in retaining outside counsel, "we expect them to zealously advocate for our interests and not abandon the representation due to pressure from those who may disagree with us."

Gun Law Expert Commends U.S. Team for Osama bin Laden Take Out
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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"America rightfully commends the United States military intelligence team which so professionally took out Osama bin Laden," gun rights expert John M. Snyder said here today.

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He noted that, "At the same time, however, we must realize that terrorists may and probably will be motivated to attack American targets, including targets within the United States.

"In this situation, Americans can be glad we enjoy the individual Second Amendment civil right to keep and bear arms. We may have to rely on that right now more than ever to be able to protect life and property from those who would do us and our loved ones harm."

Mayors Against Illegal Guns � A Reality Check
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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I have been doing a bit of research on Bloomberg�s group, Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

They claim a membership of 593 mayors. Of these, 399 (over 67%!) are in only four states � New Jersey (40), New York (108), Ohio (71) and Pennsylvania(180). If you throw in California (21) and Florida (36), they account for 456 (over 76%) of their alleged membership.

There are approximately 8,291 mayors, nationally, of localities with over 30,000 citizens. Even disregarding the fact that a fair number of Bloomberg�s group are not even included in that count, due to small constituencies, this means that fewer than 7.2% of the nation�s mayors agree with his goals and methods enough to allow themselves to be counted among his supporters.

NRA defies hopes for gun control in America
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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After the deadly shooting in Tucson, Arizona earlier this year which claimed six lives and injured a congresswoman, gun control advocates were convinced they'd have some weight behind their argument for tighter gun laws in the United States, and they say the US president is finally speaking up.

But there appears to be little tangible change to the gun culture in America. If anything, one of the most formidable political lobby groups, the National Rifle Association, appears to be more confident that it's winning the fight against gun control.

CA: Gun Show Hosts Can Reload Alameda Suit
Submitted by: Mark A. Taff
Website: http://www.marktaff.com

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The 9th Circuit on Monday gave new life to a long-running dispute over a California county's ordinance that could ban gun shows on its property, finding that several U.S. Supreme Court decisions over the last six years call into question whether the ban violates the Second Amendment.

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While the ordinance did not specifically mention gun shows, the Nordykes citied public comments made by county officials that they claimed revealed the law's real purpose. The county maintained that it passed the ordinance to combat an increase in gun violence on county property.