Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Firearms Industry Offers Rebuttal to Anti-Gun Columnist Susan Estrich
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "In her op-ed last week ('The responsibility is ours,' May 25, 2010), Susan Estrich claimed that crime in Mexico was attributable to 'American assault rifles, bought at gun stores on the border' and that 'Eighty percent of the 75,000 assault weapons seized by Mexican authorities were traced back to the United States.' Let's clear this up right now."

"Investigations and regulatory compliance inspections by the [ATF] into firearms trafficking along the Southwest border have confirmed that firearms retailers are law-abiding businessmen and women who are playing a key role in detecting and deterring illegal purchases of firearms." ...

Wrong Conclusion
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"When an editorial contains this statement, you know you are in trouble:"

"'The latest data comes from the Violence Policy Center ... It crunched the numbers and found an unsurprising correlation between the rate of firearms deaths, the level of gun ownership and the strictness of gun laws.'"

"This is from the MWDN, and our fearless blog leader, and have you ever run across a group with the word 'violence' in it that isn't opposed to the constitutional right to bear arms? Why is it that people who claim to despise violence are generally anti-American goons, who won't be happy until a tax-fatted government has all of the unarmed (but stuffed fully of mandatory health insurance) people under its boot? ..." ...

Arizona in the Fed's firing line - Oh well
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On Janet Napolitano's watch as Governor of Arizona, she vetoed the Concealed Carry bill in restaurants that serve alcohol on two different occasions. ..."

"Along comes Obama and asks Napolitano to be Homeland Security Secretary, which she quickly accepts and off to DC she goes. She is replaced by the then Secretary of State for Arizona as there is no provision in the law here for a Lt. Governor." ...

"Arizona then passes numerous gun laws. The restaurant carry bill, relaxing the requirements for carrying a gun, transporting a gun, and clarifying numerous ambiguities in the gun laws. This immediately puts Arizona in the limelight nationally with the typical mantra of 'Streets of Blood'." ...

GOP to attack Kagan's gun control work for Clinton
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Get ready for the next Republican attack line on Elena Kagan: 1990s gun control issues."

"Kagan had a hand in multiple gun control measures during her stint in the Clinton administration, according to info from newly released Clinton library documents that was sent my way -- and I'm told Republicans will grab on to the revelations to paint her as hostile to the Second Amendment." ...

"But Bruce Reed, who worked directly on these issues with Kagan, argues in an interview that she's in no way hostile to the Second Amendment."

"'In all these cases, Clinton had already settled views on these questions,' Reed tells me. "Our job was to make sure the government's policy reflected what he wanted. ...'" ...

Praxis: The semi-auto base of fire weapon
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "I have mentioned before in these pages that I was given a Yugoslavian SKS parts gun and that I am re-working it into a semi-auto base of fire weapon by modifying it to use AK mags, adding a bipod (which attaches to the bayonet lug -- bye bye pig sticker), etc. Why on earth would I do this? The project is a proof of concept experiment."

"Based upon anecdotal evidence, it seems to me that the SKS remains the most common semi-auto rifle in militiamen's (and women's) hands today. And the 7.62x39 likewise remains the most common caliber found, in both AK's and SKS's. There are millions of SKS's out there, with the Yugoslavian M59/66s representing the latest (and perhaps last) big influx of the many Simonov variants." ...

The Terror Of The Situation: Watching America Unfold
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Borrowing a term from a 20th century mystic, (G.I. Gurdjieff), we find ourselves caught in a world of illusion. We believe what we are told, as it is easier than trying to figure out answers to the tough questions confronting our peace of mind and tranquility. We go about our daily activities not even realizing that we are sleepwalking, we are not consciously aware that we are not consciously aware." ...

"The Second Amendment allows people to own and use guns. In 2008, there were 9,369 homicides by gunfire in the US, while in the UK, where guns are prohibited, the number was 14. Hey, if some one does not agree with your thinking, we can just shoot 'em." ...
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Submitter's Note: Unmentioned are the overall violent crime statistics in which the UK leads the US by 200 - 400%. In addition, while the number of 'gun homicides' is higher in the US we do have almost five times the UK's population. And when you take guns completely out of the equation and just look at overall homicide rates, the US is still much higher than the UK. This is not a good thing, but it indicates that evil guns are not forcing their hapless owners to go on killing sprees.

Freedom Action Conference - August 12-14, Valley Forge, PA
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I don't usually promote specific events, but the Freedom Action Conference that will convene at Valley Forge, PA, August 12-14, at the Dolce Hotel, is one you should consider attending if, like Howard Beale in the movie, 'Network', you're mad as hell and aren't going to take it anymore."

"It will feature three days of speakers who will train attendees and provide hands-on knowledge about how to end federal and UN attacks on individual freedoms, states rights, local loss of control, Second Amendment rights, and other issues that affect you and everyone else right where you live." ...

IL: Suspect tries to break in house, shot by resident
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A man allegedly fleeing Chicago Police apparently picked the wrong house to hide in early Thursday."

"Aaron Marshall, 26, was shot in his side by a resident as he broke through a window of a home ... as police chased him on foot, officials said."

"The homeowner will not be charged ..."

"Marshall ... was charged with criminal trespass to a residence, possession of a controlled substance, failure to stop at a stop sign and driving on a revoked license."

"Police chased Marshall on foot after stopping him for a traffic violation ..."

"Marshall is accused of dropping suspected narcotics during the chase ..."

"Marshall then 'crashed though' a window and was was shot by a resident of the home, police said."

Has national park carry saved its first lives?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "None of this, obviously, proves the hikers' claim of legitimate self-defense, but I think it lends some credence to it, and to the assertion that one or both hikers would very likely be dead if they'd both been unarmed, as the law had required until this February. When the national parks rule change was being debated, opponents of the change heaped ridicule on the idea of needing to defend oneself in national parks. The Violence Policy Center's Josh Sugarmann, for example, brought out the following quote:"

"... There is simply no need for it, given the extremely low risks that visitors face in national parks compared with everywhere else." ...

Gun control after Cumbria shootings
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Madam, � In light of the recent shooting tragedies at Cumbria, I urge your readers to exercise caution in jumping on the gun control bandwagon. I reside in the United States, where homeowners have successfully prevented rapes, robberies and homicides in their homes, thanks to their Second Amendment right to bear arms.

Burglary rates in this country are lower than they are in Western Europe for the same reason, and the assertion that greater gun control necessarily leads to greater crime control is a myth that is causing too many law-abiding European citizens to become unnecessary crime statistics. � Yours, etc,

KEVIN JAMES O�MAHONY,

St Mary�s Road,

Lafayette,

California, US.

Sharron Angle The Best Choice For Nevada Gun Owners and The Country
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Nevada Republican primary race for the U.S. Senate continues to shift dramatically."

"A brand new poll ... now shows pro-gun Sharon Angle, who is endorsed by Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund, in first place with 33 percent, followed by Danny Tarkanian at 26 percent and Sue Lowden at 25 percent."

"The three are battling it out for the right to take on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in November."

"Reid�s anti-Second Amendment antics are well known. ..."

"But one of the Republican candidates is not without Second Amendment problems of his own. Less than four years ago, when he ran for Secretary of State, Danny Tarkanian received a glowing endorsement from a leading anti-gun group." ...

Behar Defends McGinniss's 'Nazi' Attack on Palin, Palinites Are 'Very Dittohead-ish & Carry Guns'
Submitted by: none

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"On Wednesday's The View on ABC, co-host Joy Behar defended author Joe McGinniss's decision to purchase a home right next door to Sarah Palin as he plans to write an unauthorized biography of her, and his recent comments on NBC's Today show comparing her criticism of him to the behavior of Nazi troopers of the Third Reich. Behar found no agreement from the other co-hosts, and faced stiff resistance from Elisabeth Hasselbeck, in particular. Behar: 'He's not saying she's a Nazi. He's saying the tactic was Nazi-like. ... This is the inference Ms. Palin put on her Facebook: 'Wonder what kind of material he'll gather while overlooking Piper's bedroom?' ... so now she writes something like that, she unleashes hatred among the Palinites who are very dittohead-ish and carry guns...'" ...

NJ: Chris Smith � Anti Gun Congressmen Up for Re-election
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Attention New Jersey readers. As a gun rights supporter, I have some good news�and some bad news."

"In a year with so many attacks on your Second Amendment rights, I hate to give you bad news, but I feel you deserve to hear the truth."

"Congressman, Chris Smith of New Jersey, has voted rabidly anti-gun."

"At virtually every opportunity, Congressman Chris Smith has voted with the gun control crowd. The truth is, Chris Smith is gun-banner Sarah Brady's best friend. ..." ...

"But, there is a silver lining to this black cloud."

"You see, Republican Alan Bateman � the other candidate in your race � has returned his Candidate Survey in 100% support for your gun rights." ...

AK: Does Congress Remember Oath Includes "Support & Defend the Constitution"?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "[Brenda Krueger Huffman]: You have a judicial background and are a strict constitutionalist. Do you think those in Washington are upholding their oath to support and defend the US Constitution?"

"[Joe Miller, Challenger for US Senate Seat for Alaska]: Many are not. ... Usually, Congress justifies its most egregious power grabs by misconstruing the Commerce Clause. The original purpose of the Commerce Clause was to ensure the free flow of goods and services between states. ... The Commerce Clause has also been used to justify enactment of federal gun control laws. Yet the only constitutional provision relating to guns is the Second Amendment, protecting the individual's right to keep and bear arms. ..." ..

Harry Reid�s Push To Nationalize ALL Cop/Firemen Unions
Submitted by: none

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"Senate Democrat Majority Leader Harry Reid is quietly trying to nationalize rules governing every police, fire and first responder union in the nation. Through ... [H.R.413] Reid wants all first responders represented by collective bargaining rules emanating from Washington D.C. Naturally he thinks that it is necessary as a matter of national security."

"Reid is pushing this monstrosity as a major sop to his union supporters who will greatly benefit from nationalized rules for police and fire unions. This plan would replace with federal rules all state laws on collective bargaining between state and local governments and their first responder unions and would greatly empower unions to dictate pay scales and benefits on a national level." ...

CA: Proposed Open Carry ban has both sides up in arms
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "AB 1934, the bill that would ban open carry in public, still needs to pass through the state Senate and the governor's office before it's enacted into law. However, it's already been the trigger for a number of vocal and opposing viewpoints around the blogosphere-viewpoints that are rooted in a historical debate that boils down to the question: do guns in the hands of citizens promote or threaten personal and public safety? It's a question that the United States has been dealing with since the formation of the country, and it's one that we keep rehashing." ...

CA: Assembly advances two gun bills
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Bills that would ban lead shot in state wildlife areas and require registration of newly purchased rifles and shotguns passed the state Assembly on Thursday."

"Both bills, which overwhelmingly passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly, drew the ire of local gun shops owners and state hunting and sporting groups."

"'I doubt very seriously this is going to help in any way, shape or form to keep crime down,' Rich Howell, manager of Olde West Gun and Loan in Redding said Friday of AB 1810, the so-called 'long gun' registration bill." ...

"The other gun-related bill to pass the Assembly on Thursday was AB 2223, which would ban the use of lead shot in California's 667,000-acre network of state-owned wildlife management areas." ...

Obama administration's ATF Reverses Interpretation of Gun Control Act; Redefines 'Transfers' of Firearms
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Reversing an interpretation of the Gun Control Act that has been on the books for more than four decades, ATF today posted a ruling declaring any shipment of a firearm by a manufacturer (FFL) to any agent or business (e.g., an engineering-design firm, patent lawyer, testing lab, gun writer, etc.) for a bona fide business purpose to be a "transfer" under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As a consequence, legitimate business-related shipments will now require the recipient to complete a Form 4473 and undergo a Brady criminal background check. In many instances, these requirements will force shipments to a third party, thereby lengthening the process and the time that the firearm is in transit." ...

DOJ report says ATF unprepared for WMD response
Submitted by: David Codrea
Website: http://www.examiner.com/x-1417-Gun-Rights-Examiner

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... "Bottom line?"

"'The Department is not prepared to fulfill its role, assigned to it under the National Response Framework�s ESF-13, to ensure public safety and security in the event of a WMD incident.'" ...

"Meanwhile, we can all sleep a little more soundly tonight knowing we're well protected from the Airsoft Menace and that firearms transfers have been arbitrarily redefined to create industry-wide problems where none existed before. ..." ...

Are Cameras the New Guns?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In response to a flood of Facebook and YouTube videos that depict police abuse, a new trend in law enforcement is gaining popularity. In at least three states, it is now illegal to record any on-duty police officer."

"Even if the encounter involves you and may be necessary to your defense, and even if the recording is on a public street where no expectation of privacy exists."

"The legal justification for arresting the "shooter" rests on existing wiretapping or eavesdropping laws, with statutes against obstructing law enforcement sometimes cited. ..." ...

"Carlos Miller at the Photography Is Not A Crime website offers an explanation: 'For the second time in less than a month, a police officer was convicted from evidence obtained from a videotape ..." ...
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H/t to David Codrea.

IL: All charges dropped against cop in fatal crash
Submitted by: jac

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"With a judge's earlier ruling that Chicago Police Officer John Ardelean had been arrested and detained without probable cause, Cook County prosecutors today dropped all charges against him in a crash that killed two people."

"The 36-year-old officer was charged with drunken driving and reckless homicide after his SUV broadsided a car on Thanksgiving 2007. " ...

"Minutes after the case was dropped, the relatives of Erick Lagunas, one of the two men killed in the crash, milled disconsolately in front of the courthouse, their eyes wet with tears." ...

"[Mayra Lagunas, a cousin of Lagunas] said that while the family believes prosecutors did everything they could, it was not enough to overcome what they believe was a case of Ardelean's fellow officers covering up for him." ...
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KABA Note: "Forget it Jake, it's Chi-Town."

NY: Ex-cop Wilfredo Rosario faces seven years in prison for sexually abusing two women
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

An ex-cop was convicted Wednesday of sexually abusing two women who he promised jobs and child-care program applications. Now he faces a rape trial.

Wilfredo Rosario, 41, faces up to seven years in prison when he's sentenced July 1. He was also convicted of unlawful imprisonment and official misconduct.

"I think he's ... disgusting," a female juror said after the verdict. Rosario was fired in January by the NYPD for propositioning a teen for sex.

In the upcoming rape trial, he is accused of sweet-talking his two victims while in uniform, getting their contact information and then reaching out to them later and attacking them, prosecutors said.

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H/t to David Codrea.

TX: City of Beaumont accused of withholding evidence, plaintiffs want sanctions
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A local couple who sued the city of Beaumont after their teenage daughter and a police officer collided on a roadway has filed a motion for spoliation against the city, alleging officials refuse to hand over crucial evidence."

"Jay and Valerie Brocato, on behalf of their minor daughter, Macy, filed suit against the city in March 2009 claiming police Officer Lance Carmouche 'was swerving in and out of traffic at a high rate of speed without his audible and visual warning systems' turned on to alert other motorists."

"On June 1 a hearing was held on the Brocatos' motion for spoliation jury instruction, which accuses the city of refusing to hand over Officer Carmouche's police cruiser's 'black box' and GPS system." ...

IA: Former Officer Sentenced In Attempted Sexual Assault Case
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A former Des Moines police officer convicted of trying to attack a woman in his squad car was sentenced Tuesday."

"Maynard Richardson pleaded guilty to two serious misdemeanor charges after prosecutors agreed to drop a more serious felony charge."

"In a written plea entered in May, Richardson pleaded guilty to the charges of non-felonious misconduct in office and false imprisonment. Both charges are aggravated misdemeanors, with a maximum penalty of one year in prison. In exchange, prosecutors have dropped the charge of assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, a felony. The charge carries a maximum of five years in prison." ...

MI: ACLU alleges Detroit cops retaliate when challenged
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"'It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority' is a quotation often attributed to Benjamin Franklin."

"But two federal lawsuits filed Wednesday by the Michigan chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union say when it comes to dealing with police, citizens inspired by that line might find themselves charged with crimes."

"The lawsuits allege police retaliation, citing instances in which citizens doing nothing wrong were charged with misdemeanors after questioning the authority of Detroit officers who approached them."

"'The crimes they were charged with were completely made up,' said Dan Korobkin, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Michigan. 'They still had to show up for court.'" ...

PA: Local cop will face charges
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A suspended Kennett Square police officer accused of sexual assault was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and taken to Chester County Prison in lieu of $2 million bail." ...

"... Chester County Detectives have charged Santiago with more than 100 counts each of rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, indecent assault, statutory sexual assault and related offenses totaling more than 500 counts."

"On Aug. 14, 2009, the three female victims reported they were sexually assaulted by Santiago between 1991 and 2000 ..."

"The victims were reportedly as young as 10 years old at the time of the alleged assaults and the assaults continued throughout their teenage years ..." ...
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H/t to David Codrea.

KY: Williamsburg officer Nighbert to plead guilty in drug case
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A former Williamsburg police officer accused of conspiring to sell drugs plans to plead guilty."

"Kenneth Bradley Nighbert's attorney filed a motion Friday seeking a hearing for Nighbert to plead guilty. ..."

"Nighbert and six others are charged in federal court with conspiring to sell pain pills from December 2005 to May 2007. Nighbert was a police officer during part of that time."

"The alleged conspiracy ended after Nighbert was arrested on state charges of trafficking in OxyContin. He served a jail term on those charges."

"The federal indictment covers a longer period of time. It also includes an allegation that Nighbert burglarized a pharmacy while he was a police officer in order to get pills." ...