Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Public comment extended for national parks gun rule change
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The period for public comment on a controversial rule change that would allow loaded guns in national parks has been extended to August 8 after pressure from congressional leaders." ...

"The comment period was scheduled to end on June 30, but the chairs of the Senate and House national park subcommittees sent a letter to the Secretary of the Interior days before the deadline requesting an extension ..."

"The letter ... stated that 'the Department's proposal is ardently opposed by current and former park ranger professionals ...'"

"The letter also mentioned that the public needed time to analyze the Supreme Court�s decision in support of an individual's right to bear arms against a Washington D.C. gun ban." ...
-------

KABA Note: You can comment here. Click the icon beside "Add Comments"

Why Do We "Keep and Bear Arms"? Part 2
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Did it work -- the Washington, DC, gun ban, that is?"

"The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, struck down the ban ..."

"The New York Times, in an editorial condemning the Supreme Court case, says: 'Thirty-thousand Americans are killed by guns every year ... The Supreme Court on Thursday all but ensured that even more Americans will die senselessly.'"

"Really?" ...

"The hand-wringing New York Times editorial fails to ask the following questions: How many Americans use guns to defend themselves? Of that number, how many believe that but for their ability to use their guns in self-defense, they would be dead?" ...

'Bill of Rights' always was meant to protect rights of individuals
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The Supreme Court decision in District of Columbia v. Heller ... vindicates the arguments of those of us who always have understood that the whole purpose of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution ... was to protect individual freedoms. This does not preclude some reasonable limitations, as also is true of First Amendment freedoms regarding religion, speech, press and peaceable assembly."

"The significance is the acknowledgment of the principle that the Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms ... is an individual right; and that 'a well regulated militia' was understood by the framers as meaning all able-bodied, law-abiding citizens, having their own arms, capable of being 'properly formed' into local units." ...

Guns Reduce Crime
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"This is a rebuttal to the column by the director of the New England Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Cathie Whittenburg, ... I am a veteran, constitutionalist, former congressional candidate, selectman and now private citizen."

"Our visionary forefathers knew what they were doing to protect us by law, from tyrants and aggressive governments. ... That's why they wrote our Constitution and Bill of Rights, for our protection and freedom. Whittenburg's doublespeak column clearly is a slam against common sense principles, veterans and groups like the National Rifle Association. She sidesteps responsibility, attempting to scam readers with ... with continued attempts through controls and restriction to void our Second Amendment. ..." ...

FACE OFF: Supreme Court gun ruling protects law-abiding citizens' rights
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"In June, when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Washington, D.C.�s 32-year-old gun ban, gun enthusiasts hailed the historic ruling as, 'a great moment in American history' as Wayne La Pierre, vice president of the NRA, said."

"At the same time, liberals like D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty, lamented that the ruling would 'lead to more handgun violence.'"

"While I sympathize with the D.C. mayor, I fail to see what impact the tough ban has had on gun violence. In fact, statistics show that the only effect the ban had was that law-abiding citizens could not defend themselves in their own homes." ...

Court's gun ruling: A new opening for controlling misuse of guns?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"With a Supreme Court ruling this term affirming a Second Amendment right for individuals to keep handguns, the focus of those who seek to limit gun violence now shifts to laws dealing with background checks, keeping track of who has access to weapons and other piecemeal restrictions." ...

"Now, however, technology has changed some of the specifics. Efforts from the '70s that focused on licensing and registration have given way to legislation in the '00s mandating mechanisms that stamp cartridges with guns' serial numbers and guns that only fire if the weapon's key matches the owner's fingerprint. Neither technology is yet in use, but both are expected to be widely available within a few years, according to the Brady Campaign ..." ...

Guns and the Supreme Court: Dead wrong
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The Second Amendment to the Constitution 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.'"

"Recently, the U.S. Supreme Court was asked for the first time since 1939 to apply those words to a law passed by the District of Columbia banning the possession of a handgun by anyone other than a trained law enforcement officer."

"Before examining with you what the Court decided, allow me to share a few additional words. They were spoken through tears over the telephone some 16 years ago: 'Doug,' said my wife Carol, 'someone has shot our brother Michael.'" ...

FACE OFF: NRA can now stop opposing common sense gun laws
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

... "The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution consists of just one sentence; 27 words that have created one of the most contentious debates in American politics. At issue: whether the framers intended to give individuals (in the historic context, land-owning white men), the right to own guns, or whether the idea was to protect the right of states to form armed militias."

"On June 26, the Supreme Court decided to settle the matter ... the court's four conservatives: John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas, joined by the 'swing justice,' Anthony Kennedy, decided in favor of individual rights. So I guess we're all in the militia now." ...

Heller Week Two � The Conundrums Continue on Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"This is part of my series of articles on legal and other issues surfacing in light of the United States Supreme Court�s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller ..."

"This week has shown the laws of unintended consequences at play, where various stakeholders have had to come to grips with ideological issues that they would rather avoid, yet are being forced make tough choices. A fascinating example of this ... involved a discussion of the Heller case and its implications for the future with Robert Levy, LA Chief of Police William Bratton, Paul Helmke of the Brady Campaign, Chuck Michel who is California based attorney for the NRA, and former Guns & Ammo magazine editor Whit Collins. ..." ...

AR: Neighbor killed after threats, home invasion
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A Prairie Creek resident shot and killed a neighbor who had kicked in his door Tuesday evening and tried to assault him ..."

"Johnny Hawthorne shot Mekin Kantaphone with a handgun once in the head in self-defense inside Hawthorne's home ..."

"The prosecuting attorney's office will decide whether the shooting was justified ..."

"Kantaphone, 34, sent threatening text and voice messages to Hawthorne, 25, earlier in the day ..."

"'He was threatening to beat him and kill him,' [Capt.] Sydoriak said."

"... Kantaphone was a weight lifter who was much larger than Hawthorne, Sydoriak said. Kantaphone recently worked as a mechanic for American Airlines. He exercised regularly at World Gym in Bentonville." ...

FL: Woman, .357 blazing, chases intruders from home
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Firing a .357-caliber handgun until it was empty, an Ocala woman chased two intruders from her home in the 3800 block of Southeast 68th Street on Wednesday morning." ...

"... Nash, who was coming out of a bathroom at the time, saw one of the intruders holding a nail gun near the television set in the living room."

"The man demanded money. At the same time Nash saw that the second suspect, armed with a handgun, was also in the living room. The one with the nail gun hit Nash on the head, and when he fell down both men began beating him."

"Hunley came into the living room, saw what was happening, returned to her bedroom for a .357-caliber handgun and fired a warning shot into the ceiling." ...

MN: Estranged boyfriend attacks girl's dad, abducts her
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Police were on the hunt for a 15-year-old girl dragged kicking and screaming from her northeast Minneapolis back yard Thursday by a former boyfriend who had just cold-cocked her father, leaving him hospitalized."

"Police were looking for Tony Montez McGee, 19, the subject of a restraining order taken out on behalf of the girl, Alison Leigh Traefald."

"'I am afraid of Tony. He threatens to kill me, my family or that he will burn down my house if he doesn't get his way,' Traefald wrote ... requesting a restraining order. The order was issued against McGee."

"That order ... didn't stop McGee from attacking Wesley Traefald and leaving him motionless in a puddle of blood on the back step of his Minneapolis duplex ..." ...

'High Noon' in Atlanta
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"IN MORE rational times, giving people permission to pack heat in an airport that hosts 84 million passengers a year would seem ludicrous. But these are not reasonable times in America when it comes to gun rights - and wrongs."

"The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that supported the individual right to own a gun for self-defense and hunting has made some gun fanatics eager to keep pushing the outside of the envelope, even if that means carrying a handgun into a bustling Georgia airport."

"Of course the notion of allowing concealed firearms in the crowded terminal area of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International is fraught with many dangers for the traveling public, but it could happen. If it does, blame it on the Supreme Court." ...

IL: Gun issue approved by Winnebago County Board for Nov. 4 ballot
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"In four months, Winnebago County voters will be able to decide if they want concealed carry firearm legislation."

"Winnebago County Board members voted 21-5 Thursday to put an advisory referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot that asks: Shall the General Assembly enact legislation to permit the carrying of concealed firearms?"

"Board member Pearl Hawks, D-6, said she opposed the resolution because people aren't out hunting animals, they are 'looking to harm another human being.'"

"If voters approve the referendum, Hawks said, she expects it will have a negative effect on the community and result in increased gun violence." ...
-------

Submitter's Note: At least Pearl's constituents now know what she thinks of them.

KY: Officer Goes Extra Mile For Family's Safety
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A couple thanks a Covington Police officer for the gift of safety."

"The officer couldn't bear to watch the couple drive away with their three-month-old daughter in a car riding on old, unsafe tires." ...

"But Mary and Matt saved for a month, coming up with the money for just two new tires."

"Covington Police Officer Keith Parker couldn't drive off knowing this precious cargo was in danger every time the car was on the road."

"'He says, 'I'll make you a deal. Meet me up there at 1:30 and you buy two, I'll buy two,' said Stone." ...

"Covington Police tell us Officer Parker is a 20 year veteran with a history of good deeds and a history of keeping them quiet." ...

TSA vs. passenger tussle caught on tape, now focus of lawsuit
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A New York woman has filed a $10 million lawsuit stemming from her arrest at Washington's Reagan International Airport last year, an arrest she says was unwarranted and abusive."

"Police say 31-year-old Robin Kassner was obstructing justice."

"Security cameras captured the incident and the video has now been made public."

"Surveillance video from inside Reagan National Airport shows Robin Kassner standing with a TSA agent who sorts through her bag."

"Moments later, a Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority police officer steps in and pulls Kassner to the ground." ...

"But the police department says Kassner was not cooperative and the video from the February 2007 incident doesn't tell the full story." ...

IN: Ex-Merrillville officer charged with fondling teen
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A Merrillville police officer fired last year has been charged with sexual battery against a 16-year-old girl he pulled over."

"Brian Harpp of Merrillville faces felony counts of criminal confinement and sexual battery and a count of misdemeanor battery. ..."

"Harpp could not be located for comment Friday, but he denied the charges to state police and said the girl was never inside his squad car."

"The girl told investigators that Harpp stopped her last July on U.S 30 near Interstate 65 and asked some suggestive questions. She said he then told her to get in his squad car and that he touched her in a sexual manner."

"The town's police chief says Harpp was fired because he wasn't a proper fit for the department."

IN: Ex-Mich. City officer sentenced for misconduct
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

FULL TEXT BELOW:

A former Michigan City police officer has been sentenced to three years probation in a case that began when he was accused of engaging in a sexual act with a female prisoner.

Forty-five-year-old Ronald Fargo of LaPorte pleaded guilty last month to charges of official misconduct and false reporting in a plea agreement under which a sexual misconduct charge was dismissed. A judge sentenced Fargo on Wednesday.

Prosecutors accused Fargo of misconduct with the 35-year-old prisoner as he was transporting her to the police station. He resigned from the department in 2006 after 15 years on the force.

OH: Buckeye Firearms Assoc.'s Ken Hanson receives NRA-ILA Defender of Justice Award
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The National Rifle Assocation's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) has awarded Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair Ken Hanson, Esq. with its Defender of Justice Award."

"The award, which was given at the NRA's Annual Meetings in Louisville, KY, recognizes Hanson for his extensive pro-bono work to improve and defend gun rights."

"Attorney Ken Hanson is a former assistant prosecuting attorney, and former public defender."

"As Buckeye Firearms Association Legislative Chair, Hanson has had nearly weekly involvement with legislation, legislative aides, representatives, senators, attorney general�s office and the general media on firearm issues, legislation and cases." ...

IL: Rally for gun rights in the Loop
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Proponents of gun rights gathered in the Loop Friday to push legislation legalizing concealed weapons in Illinois. Among the speakers at the rally was a Texas state representative whose parents were among 23 people gunned down at Luby's cafeteria in 1991."

"Recent rallies ... have been demands for gun control laws following fatal shootings of Chicago children. Thursday, the plaza was full again, but the message was from those demanding the right to bear arms."

"In a show of support for responsible gun ownership, about 200 chose the plaza of the Thompson Center for what they called a Second Amendment freedom rally. The rally comes after a recent decision by the Supreme Court Allowing handguns in Washington D.C." ...

NY: Shoot to Win
Submitted by: RPA-PAC
Website: http://www.rpa-pac.org

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Many of the best shooters in the state are competing this weekend in the 147th annual Empire State Trap Shooting Championships in Bridgeport."

"The competition, which expects to draw nearly 700 male and female shooters, is being held on the grounds of the New York State Amateur Trap Shooting Association on Bull Street. Preliminaries started Tuesday and have been underway all week. Finals are set for Saturday and Sunday."

"Keith Welch, of Fullerton, president of the state association for the past six years, talked earlier this week about the competition and sport of trap shooting. Welch is among four people being inducted this weekend into the state Trap Shooting Hall of Fame." ...

CA: Challenges Coming to California Gun Laws
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"When the U.S. Supreme Court agreed last year to hear a Second Amendment challenge to Washington D.C.'s ban on handguns, gun rights groups called it a step towards challenging California's gun laws. Last week, the court overturned the D.C. ban. But gun control groups and others say the court's ruling was too narrow to overturn any state laws. Meanwhile, some in the gun-rights movement are urging people to be careful about what lawsuits they file in the wake of Heller vs. D.C."

"One thing no one contests is that the June 26 ruling in Heller vs. D.C. was a major victory for gun rights groups. ..." ...

NV: ACLU backs gun rights
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"The American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada has declared its support for an individual's right to bear arms, apparently making it the first state affiliate to buck the national ACLU's position on the Second Amendment."

"The state board of directors reached the decision following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the Second Amendment protects the rights of individuals to own handguns."

"'The Nevada ACLU respects the individual's right to bear arms subject to constitutionally permissible regulations,' a statement on the organization's Web site said. 'The ACLU of Nevada will defend this right as it defends other constitutional rights.'" ...

IL: Bought a new gun? Be careful
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"In the wake of five heinous killings in the Sauk Valley, who can blame residents for doing everything they can think of to improve their own personal safety?" ...

"As the manhunt for multiple-homicide suspect Nicholas Sheley unfolded, local firearms dealers recorded a startling increase in gun and ammunition sales."

"People clearly wanted to be proactive about their own safety. ..."

"However, we respectfully request that all new handgun owners be sensible and exercise caution."

"As soon as possible, seek out qualified instruction so you understand fully how your gun works ..."

"Just as important, the gun must be stored in a secure place where youngsters or thieves can't get their hands on it." ...

IL: Chicago Self Defense Advocates Stage Booming Second Amendment Rally
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"Chicago activists staged a Second Amendment rally today because Mayor Daley, the proverbial ostrich, continues to keep his head stuck in the sand regarding the need for women to be able to protect their children and grandchildren (and men, too)." ...

"Nevertheless, there are pictures aplenty. Estimates are that some 300 people turned out for the Friday midday rally. And it wasn't a Midwest 'whitebread' crowd. Men, women and children of all races were on hand to demand that the Windy City -- and Illinois -- restore their basic human right of self defense. The rally was co-sponsored by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA) and IllinoisCarry.com. ..." ...

UK: Teenager among four people fatally stabbed in London
Submitted by: Pastor Guest
Website: http://www.stepstowardthemark.com/

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"A teenager is among four victims of separate fatal stabbings committed in London over the past day."

"His death brings the number of teenagers killed in the capital this year to 20 and comes after the Metropolitan police announced that knife crime had become their number one priority."

"Two people � a woman aged 26 and a 34 -year-old man � have been arrested after the incident, which occurred during a confrontation at a bedsit in Gloucester Road, Edmonton, north London."

"The alleged murder was one of several knife attacks that took place across the capital in the past 24 hours." ...

UK: Action pledged on knife crime after five killed in a day
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

There are no comments on this story
Post Comments | Read Comments

"New measures to tackle youth and knife crime will be announced next week after five people were stabbed to death within a day."

"Four men were killed in London within 16 hours of each other and another died in West Bromwich. A sixth man is fighting for his life."

"Downing Street suddenly released a statement from the Prime Minister promising action after he had spoken to Sir Ian Blair, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, about yet another bloody day in the capital."

"Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, is expected to confirm plans for new parenting programmes in areas with the most problems, fresh powers for the police to control gangs and shock warnings to youngsters about the dangers of knives." ...