MIAMI Scott Hidnert was driving out of his office parking lot at 720 NW 102nd St. on Thursday evening when he claims a would-be robber pulled the trigger of his weapon, but the gun jammed.
No words were exchanged. Hidnert snapped open his glove compartment, grabbed his handgun, opened the driver's side-door and fired ''several shots,'' according to Jonathan Bennett, office manager of the Traffic Ticket Office, founded by Hidnert.
Another robber, lurking beyond the gate of the parking lot, disappeared into the night.
''I'm lucky to be alive,'' the lawyer said. Hidnert has been called the ''granddaddy'' of ticket defenders. He founded a firm called Ticket Busters in 1992, one of the first to focus on misdemeanors such as speeding and running red lights. The firm's name changed to Traffic Ticket Office three years later.
Last year, a new Florida law was enacted that loosened the standard for self-defense, allowing threatened citizens to shoot first even if attackers don't show a gun. ''I don't expect any charges. He had a gun and was aiming at me,'' Hidnert said. ``If his gun didn't jam, he would have shot me.''
Miami-Dade police spokesman detective Roy Rutland declined to discuss charges. ``The entire case is still under investigation.'' Said Miami-Dade State Attorney's spokesman Ed Griffith: ``As part of the normal procedure, we always review all of the details.''
Miami-Dade's homicide bureau didn't release the name of the slain robber
Saturday, March 3, 2007
Guns in homes
We need right to defend ourselves, not run
Re: "Bills would arm owners with right to use deadly force – Legislature: Residents would not have to try to flee first," Wednesday news story.
Marsha McCartney says people defending themselves are not going to jail – "That's just not the case," she says – but that's just not true.
Many Texans who have defended themselves from criminals bent on violent actions found themselves held up to scrutiny as suspects and had to expend funds to defend themselves. Ms. McCartney conveniently forgets that they exist.
Gordon Hale III was arrested for his self-defense shooting of Kenny Tavai and had to wait for a grand jury to no-bill him. Four other Texans were acquitted at jury trial, people who would not have had to go through what they did if this "castle" law were in effect.
The Rev. Peter Johnson says, "The solution to violence is not more violence," and he may be right, but the only response to a violent attacker is adequate self-defense, not retreat.
Texans need the right to defend ourselves, not the obligation to run away.
Jim Longley, Allen
Many law enforcement officials don't support it
Your article failed to mention the numerous district attorneys, police chiefs and other law enforcement officials who oppose this "castle" bill.
You also failed to mention all the Texans who know that you don't fix something that isn't broke. No one is in jail for acting in what a jury decided is legitimate self-defense. This law represents a dangerous step backward in public policy. It encourages the use of deadly force and empoweres potentially dangerous people.
It creates a loophole that allows a shooter to use deadly force as a first resort, rather than a last resort
Lori Jefferson Foster, Dallas
'Shoot-first' characterization is a scare tactic
Marsha McCartney of the North Texas Brady Campaign relies on scare tactics by referring to this bill as a "shoot-first bill." She paints a picture of homeowners basically firing at will at anyone coming on their property.
Regardless of what she wants us to believe, House Bill 284 does not change any of the required legal justifications for using deadly force in self-defense. The legal justification must be met, or that person would be subject to prosecution.
Similar scare tactics were used against the current concealed handgun license bill. Opponents offered images of carnage in the streets; none of those dire predictions came true.
Phillip Herbst, Rockwall
Re: "Bills would arm owners with right to use deadly force – Legislature: Residents would not have to try to flee first," Wednesday news story.
Marsha McCartney says people defending themselves are not going to jail – "That's just not the case," she says – but that's just not true.
Many Texans who have defended themselves from criminals bent on violent actions found themselves held up to scrutiny as suspects and had to expend funds to defend themselves. Ms. McCartney conveniently forgets that they exist.
Gordon Hale III was arrested for his self-defense shooting of Kenny Tavai and had to wait for a grand jury to no-bill him. Four other Texans were acquitted at jury trial, people who would not have had to go through what they did if this "castle" law were in effect.
The Rev. Peter Johnson says, "The solution to violence is not more violence," and he may be right, but the only response to a violent attacker is adequate self-defense, not retreat.
Texans need the right to defend ourselves, not the obligation to run away.
Jim Longley, Allen
Many law enforcement officials don't support it
Your article failed to mention the numerous district attorneys, police chiefs and other law enforcement officials who oppose this "castle" bill.
You also failed to mention all the Texans who know that you don't fix something that isn't broke. No one is in jail for acting in what a jury decided is legitimate self-defense. This law represents a dangerous step backward in public policy. It encourages the use of deadly force and empoweres potentially dangerous people.
It creates a loophole that allows a shooter to use deadly force as a first resort, rather than a last resort
Lori Jefferson Foster, Dallas
'Shoot-first' characterization is a scare tactic
Marsha McCartney of the North Texas Brady Campaign relies on scare tactics by referring to this bill as a "shoot-first bill." She paints a picture of homeowners basically firing at will at anyone coming on their property.
Regardless of what she wants us to believe, House Bill 284 does not change any of the required legal justifications for using deadly force in self-defense. The legal justification must be met, or that person would be subject to prosecution.
Similar scare tactics were used against the current concealed handgun license bill. Opponents offered images of carnage in the streets; none of those dire predictions came true.
Phillip Herbst, Rockwall
‘Worried’ farmer to lose guns
This is in Australia where there is strict gun control, confiscation and licensing. See how easily a citizen becomes a criminal - USA next?
A FIFTH generation Table Top farmer has lost firearms estimated to be worth $20,000 after failing to safely store them.
Terence Robert Wright pleaded guilty in Albury Local Court yesterday to charges of failing to safely keep a prohibited weapon and failing to safely keep a non-prohibited weapon.
Twelve other charges were withdrawn by police prosecutor Sgt Bob Hanzic.
Wright was placed on a 12-month bond without conviction on the two charges.
Magistrate Tony Murray was told Wright, 56, of “Dundooga”, had seven firearms dismantled and secreted in the roof of his house in an attempt to hide them from his son.
Wright left some gun parts in his gun safe and put other parts elsewhere.
Wright was concerned about his son or his son’s de facto having access to the guns because there was an ongoing dispute between them.
But Mr Murray said it was a poor judgement call by Wright to adopt the approach he did.
“The penalties provided by the legislation are quite severe,” Mr Murray said.
Under the legislation the firearms had to be forfeited and that was a severe penalty in itself.
Barrister Guy Newton told the court Wright had tried to protect his son and his son’s partner and the circumstances of the case were “somewhat exceptional”.
He said Wright has been using firearms from a young age and they were essential in his occupation as a farmer.
The loss of a firearms licence would be a significant penalty.
Kangaroos were causing problems and cockatoos recently attacked a grain storage bunker causing $50,000 to $60,000 damage.
Wright has a 1200ha property running sheep and cattle.
Mr Newton said Wright had no previous convictions.
Wright was suspended from possessing and using a firearm when the guns had been seized on March 20 last year.
One of the guns seized, a .22 rifle with a scope, was given to him on his 12th birthday.
Mr Murray said it was his opinion that the NSW Police Commissioner should not take any action on Wright’s firearms licence and he should retain it.
Guns, a million rounds and a tunnel in Norco
NORCO - Neighbors who lived alongside him for years say they never saw Thomas McKiernan roll up the garage door of his Norco home.
Now they know why.
On Friday, authorities found more than 125 rifles and handguns, about a million rounds of ammunition and 60 pounds of gunpowder stockpiled in McKiernan's home on the 1800 block of Pali Drive -- enough to level several houses in the quiet Norco neighborhood under the wrong circumstances. They also discovered a tunnel beneath the garage.
The cache was found after a fire Thursday.
As Riverside County sheriff's investigators uncovered the arsenal, along with reserves of food and water, they began to develop a profile of the 62-year-old retired machinist, who was identified as the home's owner by neighbors and property records.
"We're possibly dealing with a survivalist," said Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez, a Riverside County Sheriff's Department spokesman.
McKiernan, who, officials said, punched and kicked rescue workers to get into the burning house, is being held for a mental evaluation, Gutierrez said. McKiernan has not been arrested.
Police evacuated the entire neighborhood Thursday as firefighters worked to put out the blaze amid bursting rounds of live ammunition.
Fire crews discovered an eight-foot deep tunnel 30 feet from the middle of the garage to a spot beneath the main house. Local and federal officers pulled three barrels out of the tunnel using hooks and poles, said Norco Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank deBoer. They contained rice, water and cooking oil.
Investigators worked into the evening Friday to locate and remove weapons found in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Two locked safes, reinforced with chains, had yet to be opened, he said.
It will take days for deputies and agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to catalog or destroy the guns and ammunition, Gutierrez said. It could be days before officials decide whether to charge McKiernan.
The only illegal items investigators have identified so far are five assault rifles, several high-capacity magazines and the 60 pounds of gunpowder. It is illegal to possess more than one pound of gunpowder, Gutierrez said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Authorities condemned the house because of the tunnel.
On Friday, two-thirds of the driveway leading to McKiernan's modest, shingle-roofed home was filled with ordnance. Cardboard boxes and green metal, military-style containers of ammunition were stacked next to canisters and cookie tins packed with gunpowder.
The ammunition ranged from .22 caliber bullets for small arms to .30 caliber rounds used in high-powered military rifles.
It's not uncommon for collectors to have dozens of guns, but storing that much ammunition is hazardous, said Mike Raahauge, who owns a shooting range in Corona. (Probably left over from the feared infamous Y2K scare)
"You can shoot 500 rounds of shotgun shells in a normal day of hunting or shooting," he said. "But a million rounds - holy Toledo! No normal person would have a million rounds of ammo in their house."
Neighborhood Reaction
Residents -- many of them retirees -- of the quiet neighborhood said they were thankful the damage wasn't worse.
Gary Eppler spotted the smoke and flames coming from McTiernan's roof. While his wife called 911, Eppler banged on his neighbor's door, but got no response.
The screen door was unlocked and he entered. McTiernan was lying on a couch in the living room, seemingly passed out, Eppler said. A small fire extinguisher was within reach.
Eppler helped a staggering McKiernan outside.
"But he went around back and said, 'I've got to save my house.' I don't know what he was doing around there."
According to police and neighbors, it took three deputies to restrain McKiernan, who rambled anxiously after his struggle with firefighters.
Neighbors describe McKiernan as a quiet, soft-spoken man who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years with no trouble. They said he is a military veteran who sometimes went to a nearby shooting range for target practice with his son, who they said is in the military.
Pali Drive resident Sylvia Madruga described McKiernan as a nice, friendly man with a passion for discussing politics.
"He wasn't radical or anything like that," she said. "He had the same feelings that everyone had, he was tired of the liars in the government, and a government that doesn't listen to its people."
According to Madruga, raised his five children at the home. One of his sons was serving with the Marines in Afghanistan, Madruga said.
Madruga said McKiernan was a voracious reader of politically-themed novels and once borrowed a copy of a book based on the life of FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover.
"He was very well read," she said. "He felt that the government was not doing enough to protect and secure our borders."
Profile of a Survivalist
On the surface, McKiernan fits the profile of a survivalist, said James Houston, a criminologist and professor of criminology at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
"Neighbors always describe them as quiet and helpful," said Houston. "It has to do with their strong sense of isolation."
They are working-class individuals who tend to share a distrust of the government and lean politically to the right, Houston said. Survivalists struggle to understand the cultural and technological changes happening today.
The idea that the government is not doing enough to protect them from crime or waves of illegal immigration is often why they stockpile weapons and supplies, he said.
Many survivalists are susceptible to the idea of "culture wars" played up in the media, Houston said.
"Some people to take it to heart, and they have guns to prepare themselves for when the time comes," Houston said.
Reach Sarah Gordon at 951-893-2114 or sgordon@PE.com.
By GREGOR McGAVIN, SARAH GORDON, LAURA RICO and PAIGE AUSTIN
The Press-Enterprise
Now they know why.
On Friday, authorities found more than 125 rifles and handguns, about a million rounds of ammunition and 60 pounds of gunpowder stockpiled in McKiernan's home on the 1800 block of Pali Drive -- enough to level several houses in the quiet Norco neighborhood under the wrong circumstances. They also discovered a tunnel beneath the garage.
The cache was found after a fire Thursday.
As Riverside County sheriff's investigators uncovered the arsenal, along with reserves of food and water, they began to develop a profile of the 62-year-old retired machinist, who was identified as the home's owner by neighbors and property records.
"We're possibly dealing with a survivalist," said Sgt. Dennis Gutierrez, a Riverside County Sheriff's Department spokesman.
McKiernan, who, officials said, punched and kicked rescue workers to get into the burning house, is being held for a mental evaluation, Gutierrez said. McKiernan has not been arrested.
Police evacuated the entire neighborhood Thursday as firefighters worked to put out the blaze amid bursting rounds of live ammunition.
Fire crews discovered an eight-foot deep tunnel 30 feet from the middle of the garage to a spot beneath the main house. Local and federal officers pulled three barrels out of the tunnel using hooks and poles, said Norco Fire Department Battalion Chief Frank deBoer. They contained rice, water and cooking oil.
Investigators worked into the evening Friday to locate and remove weapons found in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Two locked safes, reinforced with chains, had yet to be opened, he said.
It will take days for deputies and agents with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to catalog or destroy the guns and ammunition, Gutierrez said. It could be days before officials decide whether to charge McKiernan.
The only illegal items investigators have identified so far are five assault rifles, several high-capacity magazines and the 60 pounds of gunpowder. It is illegal to possess more than one pound of gunpowder, Gutierrez said.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Authorities condemned the house because of the tunnel.
On Friday, two-thirds of the driveway leading to McKiernan's modest, shingle-roofed home was filled with ordnance. Cardboard boxes and green metal, military-style containers of ammunition were stacked next to canisters and cookie tins packed with gunpowder.
The ammunition ranged from .22 caliber bullets for small arms to .30 caliber rounds used in high-powered military rifles.
It's not uncommon for collectors to have dozens of guns, but storing that much ammunition is hazardous, said Mike Raahauge, who owns a shooting range in Corona. (Probably left over from the feared infamous Y2K scare)
"You can shoot 500 rounds of shotgun shells in a normal day of hunting or shooting," he said. "But a million rounds - holy Toledo! No normal person would have a million rounds of ammo in their house."
Neighborhood Reaction
Residents -- many of them retirees -- of the quiet neighborhood said they were thankful the damage wasn't worse.
Gary Eppler spotted the smoke and flames coming from McTiernan's roof. While his wife called 911, Eppler banged on his neighbor's door, but got no response.
The screen door was unlocked and he entered. McTiernan was lying on a couch in the living room, seemingly passed out, Eppler said. A small fire extinguisher was within reach.
Eppler helped a staggering McKiernan outside.
"But he went around back and said, 'I've got to save my house.' I don't know what he was doing around there."
According to police and neighbors, it took three deputies to restrain McKiernan, who rambled anxiously after his struggle with firefighters.
Neighbors describe McKiernan as a quiet, soft-spoken man who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years with no trouble. They said he is a military veteran who sometimes went to a nearby shooting range for target practice with his son, who they said is in the military.
Pali Drive resident Sylvia Madruga described McKiernan as a nice, friendly man with a passion for discussing politics.
"He wasn't radical or anything like that," she said. "He had the same feelings that everyone had, he was tired of the liars in the government, and a government that doesn't listen to its people."
According to Madruga, raised his five children at the home. One of his sons was serving with the Marines in Afghanistan, Madruga said.
Madruga said McKiernan was a voracious reader of politically-themed novels and once borrowed a copy of a book based on the life of FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover.
"He was very well read," she said. "He felt that the government was not doing enough to protect and secure our borders."
Profile of a Survivalist
On the surface, McKiernan fits the profile of a survivalist, said James Houston, a criminologist and professor of criminology at Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
"Neighbors always describe them as quiet and helpful," said Houston. "It has to do with their strong sense of isolation."
They are working-class individuals who tend to share a distrust of the government and lean politically to the right, Houston said. Survivalists struggle to understand the cultural and technological changes happening today.
The idea that the government is not doing enough to protect them from crime or waves of illegal immigration is often why they stockpile weapons and supplies, he said.
Many survivalists are susceptible to the idea of "culture wars" played up in the media, Houston said.
"Some people to take it to heart, and they have guns to prepare themselves for when the time comes," Houston said.
Reach Sarah Gordon at 951-893-2114 or sgordon@PE.com.
By GREGOR McGAVIN, SARAH GORDON, LAURA RICO and PAIGE AUSTIN
The Press-Enterprise
NEWLY REVAMPED NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT
Striving to Better Meet Your Needs
2007 marks the 14th year of the Friday NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert. Those of you who have been receiving the Alert since its inception, probably remember when the weekly Alert was transmitted exclusively via fax!
We've certainly come a long way from where we began in 1993, and we have always tried to improve both the content and design of our weekly update to better serve gun owners.
With this issue of the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert you will notice our latest improvements.
First and foremost, you'll notice a different layout that is much more user-friendly. To ensure the weekly Alert is easier on the eye, we will provide you with briefer story summaries, along with the option to click the story title if you wish to read the entire piece. This will translate into a much shorter Alert that will allow you flexibility in determining which stories are of most interest to you.
Also, we have made a major modification to the "A Look At The States" section, where we report on state and local activities. Now entitled "State Roundup," this new section will allow you to view alerts from as many states as you wish. By clicking the section title, you will be brought to a map of the United States; clicking any state will bring up corresponding alerts. As for breaking news, each week, we will list specific states that have updated alerts posted, along with a brief description of the issues at hand. By clicking on the specific description you will be able to read the full story associated with that particular alert.
Of course, we will continuously strive to further improve this product. In the meantime, we ask that you work to ensure that your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners are receiving the Friday Grassroots Alert so they, too, may stay on top of developments pertaining to our firearm freedoms, take the corresponding action, and share with their pro-Second Amendment networks. To sign up to receive this Alert, and ILA's other legislative and political updates, click here (link to e-mail sign up) and provide your e-mail address.
We hope that the reformatted Grassroots Alert will better fit your needs as a grassroots activist. Of course, if you have additional suggestions on how we may improve this weekly update, feel free to contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 or via e-mail at ila-contact@nrahq.org.
Thank you for your continued support and readership!
NRA PRESIDENT TO CO-HOST RADIO SHOW: Please mark your calendar and listen to NRA President Sandra S. Froman, as she co-hosts Jim Soloman's radio show Xplor the Southwest, this Sunday March 4, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. You can listen on "The Fan," AM 1060 Sports Radio Phoenix, broadcasting from the new Cabela's store in Glendale (store opens at 9:00 a.m.), or worldwide via streaming video at www.Xplorsw.com. Following the broadcast, President Froman will be discussing NRA and the Second Amendment in the Seminar Room, beginning at 10:00 a.m. If you're in the area, please be sure to stop by on Saturday morning to meet President Froman and hear her speak. If you're not in the area, please be sure to tune in!
CPAC 2007 NRA Members are invited to attend CPAC 2007, the 34th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference, still going on today and tomorrow (March 2 - 3, 2007). For additional information, or to register for the conference, please call (703) 836-8602, or visit CPAC online at www.cpac.org
PLAN TO ATTEND FREE ST. LOUIS GRASSROOTS WORKSHOP! The NRA-ILA Grassroots Division will host its FREE Grassroots Workshop on April 13, in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in St. Louis. (Please click title link above for more information or to register.)
SECOND GRASSROOTS EVENT PLANNED FOR ST. LOUIS In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in St. Louis, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division is holding an additional FREE event in St. Louis.
FEDS CONSIDER REMOVING WOLVES FROM ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT The federal government is holding open house public hearings in different states to obtain public comments regarding the delisting of Rocky Mountain wolves from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please attend the hearings in your area and let your voice be heard!
FUTURE OF RECREATIONAL SHOOTING ON THE ARAPAHOE AND ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FORESTS UNDER REVIEW The Boulder Ranger District of the Araphoe and Roosevelt National Forests is conducting a planning process to determine how recreational shooting, dispersed camping, and campfires will be managed in the future. Issues concerning these activities have been developed based upon public input through written comments or at one of the public meetings held last May. The final public meeting to discuss solutions to the issues will be held March 3, in Longmont, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the Longmont High School, 1040 Sunset Street. Comments may be sent to cluna@fs.fed.us. For more information you may call the District Ranger's office at (303) 541-2500, or go to the website at: www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/projects/ea-projects/brd/ufc/index.shtml.
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ARIZONA:
Major Self-Defense Bill on Its Way to the Governor! Senate Bill 1302, a much-needed fix to Arizona self-defense statutes, is on its way to Governor Janet Napolitano (D) for her consideration. Please contact Governor Napolitano today toll-free at (800) 253-0883 and urge her to sign this very important measure.
"Emergency Powers" Legislation Clears House, Heads to Senate! "Emergency Powers" legislation, cleared the House this week with amendments approved by the author and Governor Napolitano (D). Please contact your Senator today at (602) 542-3559 and respectfully urge him or her to support this important bill.
Right-to-Carry Legislation Reform Slated to be Heard in Committee! House Bill 2469 is slated to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 5. Please contact members of the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support this legislation. A roster of committee members and contact information can be found by visiting http://azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=10.
ARKANSAS:
Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Reform Heads To Governor! The Arkansas Senate passed SB 268, the NRA-backed Right-to-Carry reciprocity clean-up bill. This bill now heads to Governor Mike Beebe (D).
Help Protect Arkansas' Hunting Heritage! Please continue contacting members of the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, and urging them to cosponsor Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR 7). Arkansas State Senators can be reached at (501) 682-2902, and State Representatives at (501) 682-6211.
CONNECTICUT:
One-Gun-A-Month Initiative Still Awaiting Committee Vote! We are continuing to watch over Senate Bill 938 (one-gun-a-month legislation) for the committee vote which could be as late as Thursday, March 8. A vote must be made by that date, as it is the bill-reporting deadline for the Public Safety Committee. Please visit www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=2625 for a list of committee members.
HAWAII:
Two Important Pro-Gun Bills Heading to Senate Floor! Senate Bill 702 and Senate Bill 1617, passed out of their policy committees with amendments. Please contact your State Senator today at (808) 586-6720 and respectfully urge him or her to support these bills when they reach the floor.
ILLINOIS:
Attention Gun Owners: Please Attend IGOLD on March 14! Pro-gun margins are razor-thin in the Illinois State General Assembly, so NRA is encouraging all law-abiding gun owners to take part in IGOLD 2007 - the Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day, on Wednesday, March 14. For more details, including information regarding busses scheduled to transport activists from across the Land of Lincoln, please contact the ISRA at (815) 635-3198, or go to http://igold.isra.org/.
KENTUCKY:
Five Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help! Please contact your State Representative and your State Senator at (502) 564-8100 and respectfully urge him or her to support the Second Amendment by supporting House Bill 354, House Bill 375, House Bill 469, Senate Bill 8, and Senate Bill 48.
MAINE:
Legislature Considering Making Right-to-Carry More Difficult! Recently introduced legislation, LD778, would require all new applicants and renewing holders of a concealed firearms permit to show documentation they have completed a firearms safety course that includes at least "6 hours" of course work! Please call your state legislator today and urge him or her to oppose this legislation. Your legislator can be reached at the following toll-free numbers: Maine House of Representatives 1-800-423-2900 and the Maine Senate 1-800-423-6900.
MARYLAND:
Senate Committee to Consider "Castle Doctrine" Next Week! Next Thursday, March 7, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 518. Please contact the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee members at (410) 841-3623 Annapolis/Balitmore area or (301) 858-3623 Washington, D.C. area and voice your support for SB 518.
MISSOURI:
"Castle Doctrine" Bill Set for Final Passage Soon! Castle Doctrine legislation, Senate Bill 62, could be on the Senate floor for final passage as early as Monday, March 5. Please contact your State Senator at (573)-751-3824 and strongly encourage him or her to protect your right to self-defense by supporting and voting for Senate Bill 62.
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Anti-Gun Legislation Looms in the Senate! Senate Bill 44, seeks to change the concealed carry licensing statute to make it easier for the issuing authority to deny a license. Please contact your State Senator today at (603) 271-2111 and urge him or her to oppose SB44.
NEW YORK:
Nomination of Anti-Hunting, Anti-Gunner Advocate Put on Hold! The New York State Senate this week put "on hold" the nomination of Alexander "Pete" Grannis for Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner as it explores the mounting opposition to his confirmation. Please continue contacting your State Senator at (518) 455-2800 and respectfully urge him or her to oppose Grannis' nomination as DEC Comissioner.
NORTH DAKOTA:
"Castle Doctrine" Legislation Heads to State Senate! House Bill 1319 has passed the North Dakota House of Representatives. Please contact the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and respectfully urge them to pass HB 1319.
PENNSYLVANIA:
House Committee Schedules Statewide Hearings on "Gun Violence"! The House Judiciary Committee, Chaired by Tom Caltagirone (Berks -D) has scheduled statewide hearings on gun-related crime. This will be an opportunity for gun owners in Pennsylvania to express their concerns regarding the many recent anti-gun proposals introduced in the House of Representatives. If you are interested in presenting testimony or need further information on any of the informational meetings please contact John Ryan or Bill Andring at 717-787-3525.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Reform Prevails in the House! In spite of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's efforts, which nearly led to the bill being sent back to the Judiciary Committee for reconsideration, our Right to Keep and Bear Arms prevailed, and HB 3212 passed second reading on the House floor on Thursday, March 1, with an overwhelming 100-2 vote. Please, contact your State Senator at (803) 212-6200 and urge him or her to support HB 3212 in its current form.
VERMONT:
Legislation Takes Aim at Ammunition! The controversial anti-gun "Get the Lead Out of Vermont" report released last month by the Vermont Attorney General and State Department of Health has spawned a far-reaching bill that could allow Vermont municipalities to outlaw shooting ranges and even the mere possession of lead ammunition. Please call your legislator today at 802-828-2228 and ask him or her to oppose H352!
VIRGINIA:
Four Pro-Gun Bills Heads to Governor! With the legislative session now completed, several pro-gun measures are now headed to Governor Tim Kaine (D) for his consideration. Please contact the Governor's office at (804)-786-2211 and strongly encourage him to sign those bills in their current form
WASHINGTON:
Bill Attacking Gun Shows Heads to Senate Floor! SB5197, a measure that would mandate that all firearms sold at gun shows be transferred through a federally licensed dealer, passed out of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, February 27. Please contact your State Senator today toll-free at (800) 562-6000 and respectfully ask that he or she oppose this bill.
WEST VIRGINIA:
West Virginia House Passes Two Important Right-to-Carry Bills! Legislation that would amend Right-to-Carry reciprocity requirements, authorize the Attorney General to execute reciprocity agreements, and restrict public access to the records of carry permit holders passed the West Virginia State House on Tuesday, February 27. Please contact your State Delegate today at (304) 340-3200 and thank him or her for their support and votes for HB3074 and HB2223!
WYOMING:
Wyoming Pro-Gun, Pro-Hunting Bill Heads to Governor's Desk! A measure that would allow for the carrying of firearms during bow hunting season, is on its way to Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) for his consideration. Please contact the Governor at (307) 777-7434 and respectfully urge him to sign this critical piece of legislation.
2007 marks the 14th year of the Friday NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert. Those of you who have been receiving the Alert since its inception, probably remember when the weekly Alert was transmitted exclusively via fax!
We've certainly come a long way from where we began in 1993, and we have always tried to improve both the content and design of our weekly update to better serve gun owners.
With this issue of the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert you will notice our latest improvements.
First and foremost, you'll notice a different layout that is much more user-friendly. To ensure the weekly Alert is easier on the eye, we will provide you with briefer story summaries, along with the option to click the story title if you wish to read the entire piece. This will translate into a much shorter Alert that will allow you flexibility in determining which stories are of most interest to you.
Also, we have made a major modification to the "A Look At The States" section, where we report on state and local activities. Now entitled "State Roundup," this new section will allow you to view alerts from as many states as you wish. By clicking the section title, you will be brought to a map of the United States; clicking any state will bring up corresponding alerts. As for breaking news, each week, we will list specific states that have updated alerts posted, along with a brief description of the issues at hand. By clicking on the specific description you will be able to read the full story associated with that particular alert.
Of course, we will continuously strive to further improve this product. In the meantime, we ask that you work to ensure that your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners are receiving the Friday Grassroots Alert so they, too, may stay on top of developments pertaining to our firearm freedoms, take the corresponding action, and share with their pro-Second Amendment networks. To sign up to receive this Alert, and ILA's other legislative and political updates, click here (link to e-mail sign up) and provide your e-mail address.
We hope that the reformatted Grassroots Alert will better fit your needs as a grassroots activist. Of course, if you have additional suggestions on how we may improve this weekly update, feel free to contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 or via e-mail at ila-contact@nrahq.org.
Thank you for your continued support and readership!
NRA PRESIDENT TO CO-HOST RADIO SHOW: Please mark your calendar and listen to NRA President Sandra S. Froman, as she co-hosts Jim Soloman's radio show Xplor the Southwest, this Sunday March 4, from 7:00-9:00 a.m. You can listen on "The Fan," AM 1060 Sports Radio Phoenix, broadcasting from the new Cabela's store in Glendale (store opens at 9:00 a.m.), or worldwide via streaming video at www.Xplorsw.com. Following the broadcast, President Froman will be discussing NRA and the Second Amendment in the Seminar Room, beginning at 10:00 a.m. If you're in the area, please be sure to stop by on Saturday morning to meet President Froman and hear her speak. If you're not in the area, please be sure to tune in!
CPAC 2007 NRA Members are invited to attend CPAC 2007, the 34th Annual Conservative Political Action Conference, still going on today and tomorrow (March 2 - 3, 2007). For additional information, or to register for the conference, please call (703) 836-8602, or visit CPAC online at www.cpac.org
PLAN TO ATTEND FREE ST. LOUIS GRASSROOTS WORKSHOP! The NRA-ILA Grassroots Division will host its FREE Grassroots Workshop on April 13, in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in St. Louis. (Please click title link above for more information or to register.)
SECOND GRASSROOTS EVENT PLANNED FOR ST. LOUIS In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with NRA's Annual Meetings in St. Louis, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division is holding an additional FREE event in St. Louis.
FEDS CONSIDER REMOVING WOLVES FROM ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT The federal government is holding open house public hearings in different states to obtain public comments regarding the delisting of Rocky Mountain wolves from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Please attend the hearings in your area and let your voice be heard!
FUTURE OF RECREATIONAL SHOOTING ON THE ARAPAHOE AND ROOSEVELT NATIONAL FORESTS UNDER REVIEW The Boulder Ranger District of the Araphoe and Roosevelt National Forests is conducting a planning process to determine how recreational shooting, dispersed camping, and campfires will be managed in the future. Issues concerning these activities have been developed based upon public input through written comments or at one of the public meetings held last May. The final public meeting to discuss solutions to the issues will be held March 3, in Longmont, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., at the Longmont High School, 1040 Sunset Street. Comments may be sent to cluna@fs.fed.us. For more information you may call the District Ranger's office at (303) 541-2500, or go to the website at: www.fs.fed.us/r2/arnf/projects/ea-projects/brd/ufc/index.shtml.
STATE ROUNDUP (please click to see any updates on states not listed below.)
ARIZONA:
Major Self-Defense Bill on Its Way to the Governor! Senate Bill 1302, a much-needed fix to Arizona self-defense statutes, is on its way to Governor Janet Napolitano (D) for her consideration. Please contact Governor Napolitano today toll-free at (800) 253-0883 and urge her to sign this very important measure.
"Emergency Powers" Legislation Clears House, Heads to Senate! "Emergency Powers" legislation, cleared the House this week with amendments approved by the author and Governor Napolitano (D). Please contact your Senator today at (602) 542-3559 and respectfully urge him or her to support this important bill.
Right-to-Carry Legislation Reform Slated to be Heard in Committee! House Bill 2469 is slated to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 5. Please contact members of the Judiciary Committee and urge them to support this legislation. A roster of committee members and contact information can be found by visiting http://azleg.gov/CommitteeInfo.asp?Committee_ID=10.
ARKANSAS:
Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Reform Heads To Governor! The Arkansas Senate passed SB 268, the NRA-backed Right-to-Carry reciprocity clean-up bill. This bill now heads to Governor Mike Beebe (D).
Help Protect Arkansas' Hunting Heritage! Please continue contacting members of the Senate and House Committees on State Agencies and Governmental Affairs, and urging them to cosponsor Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR 7). Arkansas State Senators can be reached at (501) 682-2902, and State Representatives at (501) 682-6211.
CONNECTICUT:
One-Gun-A-Month Initiative Still Awaiting Committee Vote! We are continuing to watch over Senate Bill 938 (one-gun-a-month legislation) for the committee vote which could be as late as Thursday, March 8. A vote must be made by that date, as it is the bill-reporting deadline for the Public Safety Committee. Please visit www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=2625 for a list of committee members.
HAWAII:
Two Important Pro-Gun Bills Heading to Senate Floor! Senate Bill 702 and Senate Bill 1617, passed out of their policy committees with amendments. Please contact your State Senator today at (808) 586-6720 and respectfully urge him or her to support these bills when they reach the floor.
ILLINOIS:
Attention Gun Owners: Please Attend IGOLD on March 14! Pro-gun margins are razor-thin in the Illinois State General Assembly, so NRA is encouraging all law-abiding gun owners to take part in IGOLD 2007 - the Illinois Gun Owners Lobby Day, on Wednesday, March 14. For more details, including information regarding busses scheduled to transport activists from across the Land of Lincoln, please contact the ISRA at (815) 635-3198, or go to http://igold.isra.org/.
KENTUCKY:
Five Pro-Gun Bills Need Your Help! Please contact your State Representative and your State Senator at (502) 564-8100 and respectfully urge him or her to support the Second Amendment by supporting House Bill 354, House Bill 375, House Bill 469, Senate Bill 8, and Senate Bill 48.
MAINE:
Legislature Considering Making Right-to-Carry More Difficult! Recently introduced legislation, LD778, would require all new applicants and renewing holders of a concealed firearms permit to show documentation they have completed a firearms safety course that includes at least "6 hours" of course work! Please call your state legislator today and urge him or her to oppose this legislation. Your legislator can be reached at the following toll-free numbers: Maine House of Representatives 1-800-423-2900 and the Maine Senate 1-800-423-6900.
MARYLAND:
Senate Committee to Consider "Castle Doctrine" Next Week! Next Thursday, March 7, the Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold a public hearing on SB 518. Please contact the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee members at (410) 841-3623 Annapolis/Balitmore area or (301) 858-3623 Washington, D.C. area and voice your support for SB 518.
MISSOURI:
"Castle Doctrine" Bill Set for Final Passage Soon! Castle Doctrine legislation, Senate Bill 62, could be on the Senate floor for final passage as early as Monday, March 5. Please contact your State Senator at (573)-751-3824 and strongly encourage him or her to protect your right to self-defense by supporting and voting for Senate Bill 62.
NEW HAMPSHIRE:
Anti-Gun Legislation Looms in the Senate! Senate Bill 44, seeks to change the concealed carry licensing statute to make it easier for the issuing authority to deny a license. Please contact your State Senator today at (603) 271-2111 and urge him or her to oppose SB44.
NEW YORK:
Nomination of Anti-Hunting, Anti-Gunner Advocate Put on Hold! The New York State Senate this week put "on hold" the nomination of Alexander "Pete" Grannis for Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner as it explores the mounting opposition to his confirmation. Please continue contacting your State Senator at (518) 455-2800 and respectfully urge him or her to oppose Grannis' nomination as DEC Comissioner.
NORTH DAKOTA:
"Castle Doctrine" Legislation Heads to State Senate! House Bill 1319 has passed the North Dakota House of Representatives. Please contact the members of the Senate Natural Resources Committee and respectfully urge them to pass HB 1319.
PENNSYLVANIA:
House Committee Schedules Statewide Hearings on "Gun Violence"! The House Judiciary Committee, Chaired by Tom Caltagirone (Berks -D) has scheduled statewide hearings on gun-related crime. This will be an opportunity for gun owners in Pennsylvania to express their concerns regarding the many recent anti-gun proposals introduced in the House of Representatives. If you are interested in presenting testimony or need further information on any of the informational meetings please contact John Ryan or Bill Andring at 717-787-3525.
SOUTH CAROLINA:
Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Reform Prevails in the House! In spite of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division's efforts, which nearly led to the bill being sent back to the Judiciary Committee for reconsideration, our Right to Keep and Bear Arms prevailed, and HB 3212 passed second reading on the House floor on Thursday, March 1, with an overwhelming 100-2 vote. Please, contact your State Senator at (803) 212-6200 and urge him or her to support HB 3212 in its current form.
VERMONT:
Legislation Takes Aim at Ammunition! The controversial anti-gun "Get the Lead Out of Vermont" report released last month by the Vermont Attorney General and State Department of Health has spawned a far-reaching bill that could allow Vermont municipalities to outlaw shooting ranges and even the mere possession of lead ammunition. Please call your legislator today at 802-828-2228 and ask him or her to oppose H352!
VIRGINIA:
Four Pro-Gun Bills Heads to Governor! With the legislative session now completed, several pro-gun measures are now headed to Governor Tim Kaine (D) for his consideration. Please contact the Governor's office at (804)-786-2211 and strongly encourage him to sign those bills in their current form
WASHINGTON:
Bill Attacking Gun Shows Heads to Senate Floor! SB5197, a measure that would mandate that all firearms sold at gun shows be transferred through a federally licensed dealer, passed out of the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Tuesday, February 27. Please contact your State Senator today toll-free at (800) 562-6000 and respectfully ask that he or she oppose this bill.
WEST VIRGINIA:
West Virginia House Passes Two Important Right-to-Carry Bills! Legislation that would amend Right-to-Carry reciprocity requirements, authorize the Attorney General to execute reciprocity agreements, and restrict public access to the records of carry permit holders passed the West Virginia State House on Tuesday, February 27. Please contact your State Delegate today at (304) 340-3200 and thank him or her for their support and votes for HB3074 and HB2223!
WYOMING:
Wyoming Pro-Gun, Pro-Hunting Bill Heads to Governor's Desk! A measure that would allow for the carrying of firearms during bow hunting season, is on its way to Governor Dave Freudenthal (D) for his consideration. Please contact the Governor at (307) 777-7434 and respectfully urge him to sign this critical piece of legislation.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Upgrading varmint shell worthwhile
I have no idea how many 22.250 Remington heavy barrel varmint rifles are in this area. I am sure that it's a substantial number.
After I served 3 1/2 years in the military, I took up woodchuck shooting. Truth is, I was a dedicated groundhog hunter long before the military called. I served a long apprenticeship, from digging out dens to trapping them. Anything to get rid of those garden pests.
During those years, heavy-barrel varmint rigs were not in vogue. The relatively few varmint hunters who used heavy-barrel outfits had them custom made. As late as 1946, varmint shooters didn't have access to factory heavy-barrel varmint rigs. After Remington's 222 varmint shell won wide acclaim, the picture began to change.
The factory 222 round offered top accuracy even in sporter-type hunting rifles. It was soon learned the 222 offered critical accuracy when fired in heavy barrel rifles. In fact, many benchrest competitors switched to the 222.
By Don Lewis
Outdoors Columnist
After I served 3 1/2 years in the military, I took up woodchuck shooting. Truth is, I was a dedicated groundhog hunter long before the military called. I served a long apprenticeship, from digging out dens to trapping them. Anything to get rid of those garden pests.
During those years, heavy-barrel varmint rigs were not in vogue. The relatively few varmint hunters who used heavy-barrel outfits had them custom made. As late as 1946, varmint shooters didn't have access to factory heavy-barrel varmint rigs. After Remington's 222 varmint shell won wide acclaim, the picture began to change.
The factory 222 round offered top accuracy even in sporter-type hunting rifles. It was soon learned the 222 offered critical accuracy when fired in heavy barrel rifles. In fact, many benchrest competitors switched to the 222.
By Don Lewis
Outdoors Columnist
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Two cats shot with air rifle
A Shropshire woman today called for a change in the law governing the use of air rifles after her two pet cats were shot.
ALERT!! ALERT!!
Two mosquitoes killed with fly swatter!
Of course the cat owner is not responsible for keeping the law by keeping her cats only on her property and not wandering over unto neighbor's yards to leave their shit and kill squirrels and wild birds eating at the bird station while the children observe nature. But the roaming cats also like to KILL these birds and squirrels! So what's her bitch? Keep the cats at your place and all will be fine! People don't come to her place looking for them - do they - of course not!
ALERT!! ALERT!!
Two mosquitoes killed with fly swatter!
Of course the cat owner is not responsible for keeping the law by keeping her cats only on her property and not wandering over unto neighbor's yards to leave their shit and kill squirrels and wild birds eating at the bird station while the children observe nature. But the roaming cats also like to KILL these birds and squirrels! So what's her bitch? Keep the cats at your place and all will be fine! People don't come to her place looking for them - do they - of course not!
Unrestricted Tanaka M700 rifle to be released for export
Graham from Ironfoot has been in touch with exciting information about a new, unrestricted export-edition of the Tanaka M700 to be released soon:
As many of you may know Tanaka had dropped their adjustable bolt system on the M700 range of rifles following the new below 1 joule Japanese limit, and the latest rifles were coming without an adjuster and the appropriate parts missing and blanked.
We are please to say that after asking our Japanese agent to lobby Tanaka they have reported to us today that “After hard negotiation with Tanaka and public safety commission about “exporting” the original gun called “Export Version” an unrestricted Gas rifles which non-relating to a new Japanese toy gun regulation “1-joule restriction” it will be ended soon so that we can offer you an original powerful gas gun as before pretty soon I hope.
(Tanaka gas rifles for only “export version” will have power adjustment but no collar in the nozzle for 1-joule restriction as well said Tanaka.)
If Tanaka do hold to this, its great news, it would have been a great shame to have lost the adjustable bolt, as we think its one of the main sales point of the Tanaka, and an extremely useful option for countries with variable maximum powers on Sniper Rifles often from one Game site to another.
Published by Marlowe February 28th, 2007 in Manufacturer News and Retailer News.
Tags: Manufacturer News, Retailer News.
As many of you may know Tanaka had dropped their adjustable bolt system on the M700 range of rifles following the new below 1 joule Japanese limit, and the latest rifles were coming without an adjuster and the appropriate parts missing and blanked.
We are please to say that after asking our Japanese agent to lobby Tanaka they have reported to us today that “After hard negotiation with Tanaka and public safety commission about “exporting” the original gun called “Export Version” an unrestricted Gas rifles which non-relating to a new Japanese toy gun regulation “1-joule restriction” it will be ended soon so that we can offer you an original powerful gas gun as before pretty soon I hope.
(Tanaka gas rifles for only “export version” will have power adjustment but no collar in the nozzle for 1-joule restriction as well said Tanaka.)
If Tanaka do hold to this, its great news, it would have been a great shame to have lost the adjustable bolt, as we think its one of the main sales point of the Tanaka, and an extremely useful option for countries with variable maximum powers on Sniper Rifles often from one Game site to another.
Published by Marlowe February 28th, 2007 in Manufacturer News and Retailer News.
Tags: Manufacturer News, Retailer News.
Tips for Choosing between Paintball Guns
Paintball guns, commonly called markers, are crucial to the sport of paintball. Markers are used to fire the paintballs and come in all shapes, sizes and prices. You’ll find markers ranging from as little as $100 to as much as $1000 or more. For someone who’s just starting out with the sport, choosing the right marker can be confusing. Keep reading to learn more about the various types of markers available these days and their benefits and drawbacks.
Pump style markers are some of the most affordable on the market today. These are different from other types of markers such as semi-automatic or automatic because the paintballs must be manually pumped into the firing chamber. Pump markers are thought to be accurate as well as cost-efficient for beginners and advanced players alike.
For all articles: Tips for Choosing between Paintball Guns
Pump style markers are some of the most affordable on the market today. These are different from other types of markers such as semi-automatic or automatic because the paintballs must be manually pumped into the firing chamber. Pump markers are thought to be accurate as well as cost-efficient for beginners and advanced players alike.
For all articles: Tips for Choosing between Paintball Guns
House OKs new version of weapons bill
PHOENIX Acting on an issue that drew a veto last year, the House on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to generally prohibit Arizona governors from having residents' weapons and ammunition seized during an emergency.
The House vote sent the bill to the Senate which has already passed similar legislation.
The bill is similar to measures adopted in other states and was proposed after New Orleans police confiscated guns from residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The National Rifle Association successfully sued to have the weapons returned, and Louisiana last year prohibited confiscations.
Napolitano vetoed a version of the Arizona bill last year, saying it would bar the government from removing stores of ammunition from harm's way, such as the path of a forest fire.
This year's version was amended under a change negotiated by lawmakers, Napolitano's office and the N-R-A to allow ammunition to be moved if exposed to "dangerous conditions."
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The House vote sent the bill to the Senate which has already passed similar legislation.
The bill is similar to measures adopted in other states and was proposed after New Orleans police confiscated guns from residents in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The National Rifle Association successfully sued to have the weapons returned, and Louisiana last year prohibited confiscations.
Napolitano vetoed a version of the Arizona bill last year, saying it would bar the government from removing stores of ammunition from harm's way, such as the path of a forest fire.
This year's version was amended under a change negotiated by lawmakers, Napolitano's office and the N-R-A to allow ammunition to be moved if exposed to "dangerous conditions."
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Guns Don't Kill People, Gun Control Kills People
Taking guns at gunpoint / Uganda terrorizes its own citizens under the auspices of UN gun-control mandate
Illegal firearms have replaced bows and arrows as the weapons of choice for the pastoral people on the borders of Kenya and Uganda. The recent escalation of tension between these governments and cattle raiders not only poses a threat to political stability in the region, but has also led to widescale human rights abuses.
North-east Uganda’s Karamojong and their neighbours in Kenya, the Turkana and Pokot, have been engaged in cross-border conflict for centuries, often resulting in death and destruction of property.
Violence in notoriously lawless Karamoja has long been fuelled by inexpensive, semi-automatic firearms smuggled from Somalia and other countries in the Horn of Africa. The border tribes regularly engage in cattle raiding against their northern neighbours, the Toposa of Sudan.
The Ugandan government has encouraged voluntary disarmament of the rustlers in past years, but the Karamojong say [that] they need guns to protect their way of life: they have to guard themselves against other cattle rustlers, as well as hostile government soldiers. Meanwhile, the dry region remains the least-developed in Uganda, lacking infrastructure and basic services.
Kenya and Uganda agreed in June to cooperatively confiscate all arms from their borderlands. It is estimated that the pastoralists possess up to 200 000 guns in Kenya and up to 150 000 in Uganda. Both governments claim that their gun confiscation programmes are in accordance with the Nairobi Protocol, a treaty banning unlicensed gun possession. A government programme to rid the region of firearms recovered 4 500 guns in “cordon-and-search” operations between January and October, along with thousands of looted cattle and goats.
But local Karamajong leaders have accused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of numerous human rights abuses in the course of the disarmament programme, a claim [that] the government has denied. In mid-2006, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) halted its own disarmament programmes in Karamoja, in protest against UPDF abuses during the gun-recovery process, which they said were worse than the violence committed during cattle raids.
The UNDP has recently lifted its suspension of activities in the area. Last November, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour released a report that found that the soldiers used “indiscriminate and excessive” force, killing 55 civilians, including women and children between late October and mid-November 2006. She called on the UPDF to halt a six-month disarmament campaign, until it could guarantee civilian safety in the Karamoja region.
The Kenyan government says [that] a strong hand is necessary to ensure the peaceful handover of guns by the Pokot and Turkana pastoralists. Last March, the Kenyan Internal Security Minister, John Michuki, issued a shoot-to-kill directive to the police.
Allegations of murder, rape and torture by state forces in West Pokot have been reported and thousands of people have fled to Uganda, leaving behind ghost towns.
Despite the professed collaboration between the two governments, there is still frequent movement across the porous border. And the countries’ solution to the armed conflict so far appears to have primarily left thousands of refugees, burned villages and destroyed livelihoods.
From "Reason" (by three members of the Independence Institute)...
The country of Uganda plans to send about 1,500 troops to Somalia as part of an African Union peace-keeping force. The goal is to stabilize the weak government of Somalia, with the hope that the warlords will voluntarily disarm. Hopefully, Ugandan troops will be more successful in Somalia than they have in their own country.
For months now, Ugandan army troops have been garrisoned in the northeast part of the country under orders to disarm the local populace—pastoral, cattle-herding tribes known as the Karamojong. The army is attempting, and failing, to quash an uprising which was caused by a prior attempt to disarm the same tribes.
But in its effort to "disarm," the Ugandan army, supported by tanks and helicopter gunships, is burning down villages, sexually torturing men, raping women, and plundering what few possessions the tribespeople own. Tens of thousands of victims have been turned into refugees. Human rights scholar Ben Knighton has used the term “ethnocide” to describe the army's campaign.
This is not the first time the central government in Kampala [...] has persecuted the Karamojong. During the Idi Amin regime, the Karamojong were selected as special targets for genocide. Against Amin's armies, their traditional bows and arrows were futile. So it's understandable why they'd be reluctant to voluntarily lay down their weapons.
This time, the pretext for the "disarmament" of the Karamojong is United Nations gun control. The Ugandan military is trying to round up every last firearm in Karamoja, supposedly for the Karamojong's own good.
The procedure is euphemistically called “forcible disarmament.” It works something like this: The misnamed Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) will torture and rape Karamajong, after which some Karamojong might then disclose the location of some hidden guns. Or the army will burn down a village, after which it might find some guns in the ash left behind.
If the pastoral tribespeople's bloody history with Amin weren't enough, they don't much have reason to trust the current government of Uganda, either. The current government has repeatedly broken its promises of goods, services, and personal protection for tribespeople who voluntarily disarmed.
According to David Pulkol, the former Director of External Security Organisation (part of the Ugandan government’s intelligence agency), the disarmament process is a tactic to facilitate robbing the Karamojong of their resources. The Daily Monitor newspaper, for example, reports that the Ugandan government has announced plans to confiscate “about 1,903 sq km out of the total area of 2,304 sq km of the Pian Upe game reserve” for private investment purposes.
This government predation has naturally sparked resistance. More and more Karamojong are wearing traditional ethnic garb—not only as a symbol of solidarity, but also because the loose clothing makes it so easy to conceal weapons. The tribes are also uniting and improving their tactical skills. The weapons that had been taken by the government have been replaced by better ones from the ubiquitous black market. The helicopters that have been bombing the populace and burning their villages are now at risk from high-powered rifles. The Karamojong women aren't remaining passive while their families suffer, starve, and die, either. Some Karamojong widows have taken their husband’s firearms and are actively defending themselves, their families, and their cattle.
Last summer, the Ugandan army's atrocities led the United Nations Development Programme to cut off its disarmament aid to Uganda. But the outrage didn't last long. This year, the aid was restored. Although the United Nations does not fund the Ugandan army, the UN does provide a public relations sanction for the disarmament. In November, Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated: “The actions of the UPDF do not comply with international human rights law and domestic law.” But, she also stipulated, “the decision of the Government to undertake renewed efforts to eradicate illegal weapons in Karamoja is essential….” Never mind that the disarmament campaign also eradicates people.
If the Karamojong didn’t have to worry about the central government targeting them for genocide, or stealing their land, one could possibly make an argument that they would be better off without guns. The various tribes have a long tradition of inter-tribal cattle rustling, and the cattle-raiding would undoubtedly be less dangerous if perpetrated with stone-age weapons instead of AK-47s. But as a practical matter, there have been numerous instances of civilians who have voluntarily disarmed, and were then—despite government promises of protection—robbed by the competing tribes who remained armed. And the loss of even a small number of cattle can place a subsistence level family at risk of starvation. Of course, cattle-rustling never led to the deliberate destruction of entire villages, turning thousands of people into refugees. Nor has it ever paved the way for government theft of the land the tribespeople need to survive.
The number of illegally possessed firearms prior to the disarmament campaign had been estimated at between 50,000 and 150,000. On November 10, New Vision reported that “since this year began, they have recovered 4,500 guns.” So the Ugandan government is wiping out the very people the government ostensibly claims to protect, and that "protection" amounts to just 3-9 percent of unauthorized weapons. And all the while, the Ugandan government is using its own guns to destroy Karamoja, burn villages, slaughter the defenseless, and perpetrate ethnocide.
Seems like the kind of "protection" the Karamojong could live without.
David Kopel is research director for the Independence Institute. Paul Gallant and Joanne D. Eisen are senior fellows at the Independence Institute.
Illegal firearms have replaced bows and arrows as the weapons of choice for the pastoral people on the borders of Kenya and Uganda. The recent escalation of tension between these governments and cattle raiders not only poses a threat to political stability in the region, but has also led to widescale human rights abuses.
North-east Uganda’s Karamojong and their neighbours in Kenya, the Turkana and Pokot, have been engaged in cross-border conflict for centuries, often resulting in death and destruction of property.
Violence in notoriously lawless Karamoja has long been fuelled by inexpensive, semi-automatic firearms smuggled from Somalia and other countries in the Horn of Africa. The border tribes regularly engage in cattle raiding against their northern neighbours, the Toposa of Sudan.
The Ugandan government has encouraged voluntary disarmament of the rustlers in past years, but the Karamojong say [that] they need guns to protect their way of life: they have to guard themselves against other cattle rustlers, as well as hostile government soldiers. Meanwhile, the dry region remains the least-developed in Uganda, lacking infrastructure and basic services.
Kenya and Uganda agreed in June to cooperatively confiscate all arms from their borderlands. It is estimated that the pastoralists possess up to 200 000 guns in Kenya and up to 150 000 in Uganda. Both governments claim that their gun confiscation programmes are in accordance with the Nairobi Protocol, a treaty banning unlicensed gun possession. A government programme to rid the region of firearms recovered 4 500 guns in “cordon-and-search” operations between January and October, along with thousands of looted cattle and goats.
But local Karamajong leaders have accused the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) of numerous human rights abuses in the course of the disarmament programme, a claim [that] the government has denied. In mid-2006, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) halted its own disarmament programmes in Karamoja, in protest against UPDF abuses during the gun-recovery process, which they said were worse than the violence committed during cattle raids.
The UNDP has recently lifted its suspension of activities in the area. Last November, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour released a report that found that the soldiers used “indiscriminate and excessive” force, killing 55 civilians, including women and children between late October and mid-November 2006. She called on the UPDF to halt a six-month disarmament campaign, until it could guarantee civilian safety in the Karamoja region.
The Kenyan government says [that] a strong hand is necessary to ensure the peaceful handover of guns by the Pokot and Turkana pastoralists. Last March, the Kenyan Internal Security Minister, John Michuki, issued a shoot-to-kill directive to the police.
Allegations of murder, rape and torture by state forces in West Pokot have been reported and thousands of people have fled to Uganda, leaving behind ghost towns.
Despite the professed collaboration between the two governments, there is still frequent movement across the porous border. And the countries’ solution to the armed conflict so far appears to have primarily left thousands of refugees, burned villages and destroyed livelihoods.
From "Reason" (by three members of the Independence Institute)...
The country of Uganda plans to send about 1,500 troops to Somalia as part of an African Union peace-keeping force. The goal is to stabilize the weak government of Somalia, with the hope that the warlords will voluntarily disarm. Hopefully, Ugandan troops will be more successful in Somalia than they have in their own country.
For months now, Ugandan army troops have been garrisoned in the northeast part of the country under orders to disarm the local populace—pastoral, cattle-herding tribes known as the Karamojong. The army is attempting, and failing, to quash an uprising which was caused by a prior attempt to disarm the same tribes.
But in its effort to "disarm," the Ugandan army, supported by tanks and helicopter gunships, is burning down villages, sexually torturing men, raping women, and plundering what few possessions the tribespeople own. Tens of thousands of victims have been turned into refugees. Human rights scholar Ben Knighton has used the term “ethnocide” to describe the army's campaign.
This is not the first time the central government in Kampala [...] has persecuted the Karamojong. During the Idi Amin regime, the Karamojong were selected as special targets for genocide. Against Amin's armies, their traditional bows and arrows were futile. So it's understandable why they'd be reluctant to voluntarily lay down their weapons.
This time, the pretext for the "disarmament" of the Karamojong is United Nations gun control. The Ugandan military is trying to round up every last firearm in Karamoja, supposedly for the Karamojong's own good.
The procedure is euphemistically called “forcible disarmament.” It works something like this: The misnamed Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) will torture and rape Karamajong, after which some Karamojong might then disclose the location of some hidden guns. Or the army will burn down a village, after which it might find some guns in the ash left behind.
If the pastoral tribespeople's bloody history with Amin weren't enough, they don't much have reason to trust the current government of Uganda, either. The current government has repeatedly broken its promises of goods, services, and personal protection for tribespeople who voluntarily disarmed.
According to David Pulkol, the former Director of External Security Organisation (part of the Ugandan government’s intelligence agency), the disarmament process is a tactic to facilitate robbing the Karamojong of their resources. The Daily Monitor newspaper, for example, reports that the Ugandan government has announced plans to confiscate “about 1,903 sq km out of the total area of 2,304 sq km of the Pian Upe game reserve” for private investment purposes.
This government predation has naturally sparked resistance. More and more Karamojong are wearing traditional ethnic garb—not only as a symbol of solidarity, but also because the loose clothing makes it so easy to conceal weapons. The tribes are also uniting and improving their tactical skills. The weapons that had been taken by the government have been replaced by better ones from the ubiquitous black market. The helicopters that have been bombing the populace and burning their villages are now at risk from high-powered rifles. The Karamojong women aren't remaining passive while their families suffer, starve, and die, either. Some Karamojong widows have taken their husband’s firearms and are actively defending themselves, their families, and their cattle.
Last summer, the Ugandan army's atrocities led the United Nations Development Programme to cut off its disarmament aid to Uganda. But the outrage didn't last long. This year, the aid was restored. Although the United Nations does not fund the Ugandan army, the UN does provide a public relations sanction for the disarmament. In November, Louise Arbour, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated: “The actions of the UPDF do not comply with international human rights law and domestic law.” But, she also stipulated, “the decision of the Government to undertake renewed efforts to eradicate illegal weapons in Karamoja is essential….” Never mind that the disarmament campaign also eradicates people.
If the Karamojong didn’t have to worry about the central government targeting them for genocide, or stealing their land, one could possibly make an argument that they would be better off without guns. The various tribes have a long tradition of inter-tribal cattle rustling, and the cattle-raiding would undoubtedly be less dangerous if perpetrated with stone-age weapons instead of AK-47s. But as a practical matter, there have been numerous instances of civilians who have voluntarily disarmed, and were then—despite government promises of protection—robbed by the competing tribes who remained armed. And the loss of even a small number of cattle can place a subsistence level family at risk of starvation. Of course, cattle-rustling never led to the deliberate destruction of entire villages, turning thousands of people into refugees. Nor has it ever paved the way for government theft of the land the tribespeople need to survive.
The number of illegally possessed firearms prior to the disarmament campaign had been estimated at between 50,000 and 150,000. On November 10, New Vision reported that “since this year began, they have recovered 4,500 guns.” So the Ugandan government is wiping out the very people the government ostensibly claims to protect, and that "protection" amounts to just 3-9 percent of unauthorized weapons. And all the while, the Ugandan government is using its own guns to destroy Karamoja, burn villages, slaughter the defenseless, and perpetrate ethnocide.
Seems like the kind of "protection" the Karamojong could live without.
David Kopel is research director for the Independence Institute. Paul Gallant and Joanne D. Eisen are senior fellows at the Independence Institute.
Keeping Guns Off City Streets
(plushy news like this makes me want to vomit! It is all political. Guns do NOT commit crime - people do whether they have a gun - illegal or not - or a baseball bat!)
The Macon Police Department says more patrols and a new program have increased the number of guns they've taken off the streets.
Last year alone 354 guns were either turned in or confiscated.
Guns that officials say criminals could have used (BUT did not use!) to increase the violence in our community.
Mayor C. Jack Ellis - Macon
"It's bad that we have that many weapons, illegal weapons in our town. That's bad. The good news is they're no longer on in the hands of criminals."
The Police department also says pay raises, new equipment and boosted morale increased the number of confiscations. The weapons will be destroyed. This year 40 have already been turned-in or taken this year.
Submitted by Aundrea Cline-Thomas on Wed, 02/28/2007 - 7:39pm. News Local
Mobile ice cream vendors in San Diego would be barred from selling toy guns
(lets see now - ban assault weapons because they are never used in crime and ban toy guns because someone might use it to commit a crime - BUT never able to shoot it unless it was a water gun and then . . ad et nosiam!)
SAN DIEGO – Mobile ice cream vendors in San Diego would be barred from selling toy guns that resemble the real things under a proposed ordinance that was unanimously approved by a City Council committee Wednesday.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted 3-0 to amend an existing law to specifically forbid mobile street vendors from selling anything but food or candy.
The guns “look so realistic” that if someone stuck one in their waistband and flashed a jacket open, the average citizen couldn't tell whether it was a real firearm, Maienschein said.
At a City Hall news conference Tuesday to promote the changes, city and law enforcement officials displayed samples of the toy guns, which could easily be mistaken by police officers as the real thing.
According to the chief of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department, 37 of the fake weapons have been seized from students over the past year, most of them coming from ice cream trucks.
“We are very fortunate that we have not had a tragedy as a result of these,” SDUSD police Chief Don Braun said.
San Diego Police Department Chief William Lansdowne said the replica guns, which cost between $10 and $100, not only pose a “huge problem” in the city of San Diego, but also around the country.
“It's young kids using these types of look-alike guns that are committing street robberies, who are taking them to school,” he said yesterday.
Maienschein said fake guns are available through other sources, but ice cream vendors are the primary source for children.
The amended law will be considered by the full city council in about 30 days, Maienschein said.
The councilman said notices have already been sent to vendors notifying them of the proposed law. If the ordinance changes are approved, the SDPD's Vice Unit would begin random inspections of ice cream trucks. Violation would be a misdemeanor.
State law already prohibits the sale of imitation firearms, with exceptions for theatrical productions, military ceremonies, out-of-state sales, sporting events and school anti-gun displays.
SAN DIEGO – Mobile ice cream vendors in San Diego would be barred from selling toy guns that resemble the real things under a proposed ordinance that was unanimously approved by a City Council committee Wednesday.
The Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee voted 3-0 to amend an existing law to specifically forbid mobile street vendors from selling anything but food or candy.
The guns “look so realistic” that if someone stuck one in their waistband and flashed a jacket open, the average citizen couldn't tell whether it was a real firearm, Maienschein said.
At a City Hall news conference Tuesday to promote the changes, city and law enforcement officials displayed samples of the toy guns, which could easily be mistaken by police officers as the real thing.
According to the chief of the San Diego Unified School District Police Department, 37 of the fake weapons have been seized from students over the past year, most of them coming from ice cream trucks.
“We are very fortunate that we have not had a tragedy as a result of these,” SDUSD police Chief Don Braun said.
San Diego Police Department Chief William Lansdowne said the replica guns, which cost between $10 and $100, not only pose a “huge problem” in the city of San Diego, but also around the country.
“It's young kids using these types of look-alike guns that are committing street robberies, who are taking them to school,” he said yesterday.
Maienschein said fake guns are available through other sources, but ice cream vendors are the primary source for children.
The amended law will be considered by the full city council in about 30 days, Maienschein said.
The councilman said notices have already been sent to vendors notifying them of the proposed law. If the ordinance changes are approved, the SDPD's Vice Unit would begin random inspections of ice cream trucks. Violation would be a misdemeanor.
State law already prohibits the sale of imitation firearms, with exceptions for theatrical productions, military ceremonies, out-of-state sales, sporting events and school anti-gun displays.
St. Paul approves ban on display of real-looking replica guns
(So kids just see guns and they become criminals! Good idea - ban TV and Hollywood too! - How stupid can politicians get? - Unlimited stupidity?)
ST. PAUL - The City Council on Wednesday approved a ban on the public display of real-looking replica guns.
Council member Lee Helgen proposed the ban because of a recent increase in juveniles carrying airsoft guns. A public hearing was held on the ordinance last week, but nobody testified against it. Breaking the ban is a misdemeanor.
A representative of the gun industry said it was "common sense" not to display fake guns that look real.
The guns must now be painted a bright color to make it easier for police and others to identify them.
ST. PAUL - The City Council on Wednesday approved a ban on the public display of real-looking replica guns.
Council member Lee Helgen proposed the ban because of a recent increase in juveniles carrying airsoft guns. A public hearing was held on the ordinance last week, but nobody testified against it. Breaking the ban is a misdemeanor.
A representative of the gun industry said it was "common sense" not to display fake guns that look real.
The guns must now be painted a bright color to make it easier for police and others to identify them.
Take a Shot at These Gun Stocks
There are only two major gun and firearms manufacturers in the United States, one of which is Sturm, Ruger & Co. Inc. (RGR), which trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
This Connecticut based company has been manufacturing rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers since 1948. Some of the positives on this stock:
Although the trailing P/E is 140, the forward P/E is 29.
The stock has a reasonable Price/Sales ratio of 1.45
Quarterly revenue growth year over year is 18.6%
The company has no long term debt
Last month, the company announced a buyback of $20 million of its shares
The company anticipates cutting its payroll by about $3 million this year from its buyouts of approximately 150 employees
The other American gun manufacturer that you can take a shot at is the NASDAQ traded Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC), a famous name in firearms which has been around since 1856. The company was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, after selling out their first company, Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, to Oliver Winchester. The company manufactures and sells revolvers, pistols, rifles, handcuffs, and clothing, and also owns law enforcement training facilities. A few of the positives on this stock:
Although the trailing P/E is 44, the forward P/E is 21.
Quarterly revenue growth year over year is 42.7%
Quarterly earnings growth year over year is 312%
The company recently purchased the Thompson/Center Arms company, which will give it expansion into the hunting rifle and black powder markets
The stock has a Price Earnings Growth Ratio of .72
Disclosure: Author owns RGR.
Posted on Mar 1st, 2007 with stocks: RGR, SWHC
Stockerblog submits:
This Connecticut based company has been manufacturing rifles, shotguns, pistols, and revolvers since 1948. Some of the positives on this stock:
Although the trailing P/E is 140, the forward P/E is 29.
The stock has a reasonable Price/Sales ratio of 1.45
Quarterly revenue growth year over year is 18.6%
The company has no long term debt
Last month, the company announced a buyback of $20 million of its shares
The company anticipates cutting its payroll by about $3 million this year from its buyouts of approximately 150 employees
The other American gun manufacturer that you can take a shot at is the NASDAQ traded Smith & Wesson Holding Corp. (SWHC), a famous name in firearms which has been around since 1856. The company was founded by Horace Smith and Daniel B. Wesson, after selling out their first company, Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, to Oliver Winchester. The company manufactures and sells revolvers, pistols, rifles, handcuffs, and clothing, and also owns law enforcement training facilities. A few of the positives on this stock:
Although the trailing P/E is 44, the forward P/E is 21.
Quarterly revenue growth year over year is 42.7%
Quarterly earnings growth year over year is 312%
The company recently purchased the Thompson/Center Arms company, which will give it expansion into the hunting rifle and black powder markets
The stock has a Price Earnings Growth Ratio of .72
Disclosure: Author owns RGR.
Posted on Mar 1st, 2007 with stocks: RGR, SWHC
Stockerblog submits:
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Goldsboro Rifles subject of speaker
Local historian Stacey Jones will discuss the Goldsboro Rifles militia in the aftermath of the Civil War on Thursday night at a meeting of Camp 760 of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Seven Springs Restaurant.
The military unit created in the first half of the 19th century was re-established in 1875 and in 1898 was called to active duty with the U.S. Army in the Spanish-American War.
The public is invited.
The military unit created in the first half of the 19th century was re-established in 1875 and in 1898 was called to active duty with the U.S. Army in the Spanish-American War.
The public is invited.
Ammo permit measure weighed
"It's the bullets that are hurting us," he said.
How STUPID are people who say or believe this? Bullets hurt people like matches cause fires? Or is it people who use bullets and PEOPLE hurt people with bullets, matches and any thing that they can get their filthy hands on to hurt someone else. It's people - stupid - not clubs, knives, bullets, guns or matches! Hello! Wake up America!
DURHAM - Gun owners looking to reload would have to show a permit every time they buy ammunition, if a bill backed by Durham officials gains state approval.
The proposal championed by the Rev. Melvin Whitley, a local community activist, will face opposition from gun-rights groups.
Whitley told state lawmakers and Durham City Council members Monday that anyone over 18 can buy ammunition without being subject to any background check. That means felons, who aren't allowed to own guns or ammo, can buy bullets unfettered.
Requiring a permit to buy bullets, just as the state does for firearms, is a "no-brainer," he said.
"It's a wonder we have not identified this loophole in the past," Whitley told council members.
But Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina, a gun-rights lobbying group, called the idea "ludicrous."
Felons with the means and determination to obtain a gun illegally wouldn't have any trouble finding a way around the bullet-permit law, Valone said.
"The only people this would restrict is law-abiding gun owners," Valone said.
"We will be happy to defeat this bill and any legislator who supports it."
Rep. Mickey Michaux, a Durham Democrat, expects such stiff opposition. The bill hasn't been introduced, but Michaux said it would be soon in one or both chambers of the General Assembly.
Michaux supports the idea.
But he said the bill has "about the same chance as getting a ban on handguns in this state. We've been outnumbered over the years by the strong arm of the [National Rifle Association]."
Illinois has a similar law, enacted in 1968. It requires people to apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card that must be displayed when buying a firearm or ammunition.
It costs $5 and is valid for five years.
There are about 1.2 million card holders in the state, according to the Illinois State Police Web site.
Even supporters have questions about logistics.
Ron Hodge, deputy chief of the Durham Police Department, said it wouldn't be hard to issue a bullet card with a handgun permit. The trouble would come with people who already have obtained their handgun permit having to go through another permitting process, Hodge said.
That would be cumbersome for the agency distributing the permits -- likely county sheriffs -- and for legal gun owners, he said.
Whitley said any inconveniences are trumped by the need to add another hurdle in the path of violent criminals.
"It's the bullets that are hurting us," he said.
Staff writer Matt Dees can be reached at 956-2433 or matt.dees@newsobserver.com.Matt Dees, Staff Writer
How STUPID are people who say or believe this? Bullets hurt people like matches cause fires? Or is it people who use bullets and PEOPLE hurt people with bullets, matches and any thing that they can get their filthy hands on to hurt someone else. It's people - stupid - not clubs, knives, bullets, guns or matches! Hello! Wake up America!
DURHAM - Gun owners looking to reload would have to show a permit every time they buy ammunition, if a bill backed by Durham officials gains state approval.
The proposal championed by the Rev. Melvin Whitley, a local community activist, will face opposition from gun-rights groups.
Whitley told state lawmakers and Durham City Council members Monday that anyone over 18 can buy ammunition without being subject to any background check. That means felons, who aren't allowed to own guns or ammo, can buy bullets unfettered.
Requiring a permit to buy bullets, just as the state does for firearms, is a "no-brainer," he said.
"It's a wonder we have not identified this loophole in the past," Whitley told council members.
But Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina, a gun-rights lobbying group, called the idea "ludicrous."
Felons with the means and determination to obtain a gun illegally wouldn't have any trouble finding a way around the bullet-permit law, Valone said.
"The only people this would restrict is law-abiding gun owners," Valone said.
"We will be happy to defeat this bill and any legislator who supports it."
Rep. Mickey Michaux, a Durham Democrat, expects such stiff opposition. The bill hasn't been introduced, but Michaux said it would be soon in one or both chambers of the General Assembly.
Michaux supports the idea.
But he said the bill has "about the same chance as getting a ban on handguns in this state. We've been outnumbered over the years by the strong arm of the [National Rifle Association]."
Illinois has a similar law, enacted in 1968. It requires people to apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification Card that must be displayed when buying a firearm or ammunition.
It costs $5 and is valid for five years.
There are about 1.2 million card holders in the state, according to the Illinois State Police Web site.
Even supporters have questions about logistics.
Ron Hodge, deputy chief of the Durham Police Department, said it wouldn't be hard to issue a bullet card with a handgun permit. The trouble would come with people who already have obtained their handgun permit having to go through another permitting process, Hodge said.
That would be cumbersome for the agency distributing the permits -- likely county sheriffs -- and for legal gun owners, he said.
Whitley said any inconveniences are trumped by the need to add another hurdle in the path of violent criminals.
"It's the bullets that are hurting us," he said.
Staff writer Matt Dees can be reached at 956-2433 or matt.dees@newsobserver.com.Matt Dees, Staff Writer
Bill Allowing Judges To Carry Guns Passes State Senate
District Judge Greg Zigler of the Oklahoma Panhandle, known as "No Man's Land" in the late 1800s, is among those supporting a bill to allow judges to carry guns into the courtroom.
But Zigler said he does not want to be portrayed as having a shoot-em-up mentality like Judge Roy Bean of the Old West in nearby Texas.
While he supports Sen. Brian Crain's bill to let local judges to tote guns, he says it should require jurists to get law enforcement training.
"If you've got a judge and a deputy on opposite ends of the courtroom and something goes down, you could literally have people shooting at each other," Zigler said. "Would you want to be in the well of the courtroom when that happened?
"Unless you've got people who are adequately trained, it could be a difficult situation."
Crain's bill, approved on a 39-9 vote in the Senate on Monday, does not require law enforcement training for judges, but they would be required to get a concealed weapons permit.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, said the legislation is long overdue.
Laughlin said judges in the sparsely populated Panhandle do not have security like they do in metropolitan areas such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
"We've got a real problem because we have a violent society," Laughlin said. "Judges are out there, at least in my district, are scared to death of the people who come into their courtroom."
He quoted Zigler as saying it was a matter of time before there was a violent episode.
There is no security in Zigler's courtroom in Guymon, with both the police department and the sheriff's office located more than a mile away.
Crain, R-Tulsa, said his bill on judges carrying guns was sparked by a courtroom incident in Tulsa when a judge went to get a gun during an apparent disturbance in the courtroom.
No violence erupted in that case, but Crain said a few years ago a defendant overpowered a deputy in Georgia and killed three people, including a judge.
Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, expressed concern about Crain's bill leading to others being able to carry guns, such as prosecutors and defense attorneys. He said he did not want a situation "where we have the OK Corral going on."
Sen. Charles Laster, D-Shawnee, said the law could conflict with the Oklahoma Supreme Court's authority to supervise district courts, while Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, said the Legislature should step up and provide funding for adequate courtroom security.
Zigler said a law that took effect last July 1 requires a $10 fee to be assessed so that sheriffs' departments can provide courthouse security.
"If we all lived in Mayberry RFD and it was 1968, this kind of legislation would not be on the radar screen anywhere," said.
So far, however, the new law has not raised enough money to pay for a full-time deputy in Zigler's courtroom or at other courtrooms in rural areas.
Ray McNair of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association said the 2006 law does not define "courthouse security" and rural counties do not have a big enough caseload to pay for a full-time deputy.
Courthouse security, he said, "could be as little as a panic button at the judge's desk hooked up to the sheriff's office."
But Zigler said he does not want to be portrayed as having a shoot-em-up mentality like Judge Roy Bean of the Old West in nearby Texas.
While he supports Sen. Brian Crain's bill to let local judges to tote guns, he says it should require jurists to get law enforcement training.
"If you've got a judge and a deputy on opposite ends of the courtroom and something goes down, you could literally have people shooting at each other," Zigler said. "Would you want to be in the well of the courtroom when that happened?
"Unless you've got people who are adequately trained, it could be a difficult situation."
Crain's bill, approved on a 39-9 vote in the Senate on Monday, does not require law enforcement training for judges, but they would be required to get a concealed weapons permit.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
Sen. Owen Laughlin, R-Woodward, said the legislation is long overdue.
Laughlin said judges in the sparsely populated Panhandle do not have security like they do in metropolitan areas such as Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
"We've got a real problem because we have a violent society," Laughlin said. "Judges are out there, at least in my district, are scared to death of the people who come into their courtroom."
He quoted Zigler as saying it was a matter of time before there was a violent episode.
There is no security in Zigler's courtroom in Guymon, with both the police department and the sheriff's office located more than a mile away.
Crain, R-Tulsa, said his bill on judges carrying guns was sparked by a courtroom incident in Tulsa when a judge went to get a gun during an apparent disturbance in the courtroom.
No violence erupted in that case, but Crain said a few years ago a defendant overpowered a deputy in Georgia and killed three people, including a judge.
Sen. Jeff Rabon, D-Hugo, expressed concern about Crain's bill leading to others being able to carry guns, such as prosecutors and defense attorneys. He said he did not want a situation "where we have the OK Corral going on."
Sen. Charles Laster, D-Shawnee, said the law could conflict with the Oklahoma Supreme Court's authority to supervise district courts, while Sen. Richard Lerblance, D-Hartshorne, said the Legislature should step up and provide funding for adequate courtroom security.
Zigler said a law that took effect last July 1 requires a $10 fee to be assessed so that sheriffs' departments can provide courthouse security.
"If we all lived in Mayberry RFD and it was 1968, this kind of legislation would not be on the radar screen anywhere," said.
So far, however, the new law has not raised enough money to pay for a full-time deputy in Zigler's courtroom or at other courtrooms in rural areas.
Ray McNair of the Oklahoma Sheriff's Association said the 2006 law does not define "courthouse security" and rural counties do not have a big enough caseload to pay for a full-time deputy.
Courthouse security, he said, "could be as little as a panic button at the judge's desk hooked up to the sheriff's office."
You've got to regulate, consistent with the Second Amendment.
Typical of the liberal mind set -
A reader alerts me to a recent interview of Rudy Giuliani by Sean Hannity, in which the gun rights issue came up. The whole interview is here.
Relevant section of the interview:
HANNITY: ...Do you support the right of people to carry handguns?
GIULIANI: I understand the Second Amendment. I support it. People have the right to bear arms. When I was mayor of New York, I took over at a very, very difficult time. We were averaging about 2,000 murders a year, 10,000...
HANNITY: You inherited those laws, the gun laws in New York?
GIULIANI: Yes, and I used them. I used them to help bring down homicide. We reduced homicide, I think, by 65-70 percent. And some of it was by taking guns out of the streets of New York City.
So if you're talking about a city like New York, a densely populated area like New York, I think it's appropriate. You might have different laws other places, and maybe a lot of this gets resolved based on different states, different communities making decisions. After all, we do have a federal system of government in which you have the ability to accomplish that.
HANNITY: So you would support the state's rights to choose on specific gun laws?
GIULIANI: Yes, I mean, a place like New York that is densely populated, or maybe a place that is experiencing a serious crime problem, like a few cities are now, kind of coming back, thank goodness not New York, but some other cities, maybe you have one solution there and in another place, more rural, more suburban, other issues, you have a different set of rules.
HANNITY: But generally speaking, do you think it's acceptable if citizens have the right to carry a handgun?
GIULIANI: It's not only — I mean, it's part of the Constitution. People have the right to bear arms. Then the restrictions of it have to be reasonable and sensible. You can't just remove that right. You've got to regulate, consistent with the Second Amendment.
Rudy Talks Guns [John Derbyshire]
You've got to regulate, consistent with the Second Amendment.
A reader alerts me to a recent interview of Rudy Giuliani by Sean Hannity, in which the gun rights issue came up. The whole interview is here.
Relevant section of the interview:
HANNITY: ...Do you support the right of people to carry handguns?
GIULIANI: I understand the Second Amendment. I support it. People have the right to bear arms. When I was mayor of New York, I took over at a very, very difficult time. We were averaging about 2,000 murders a year, 10,000...
HANNITY: You inherited those laws, the gun laws in New York?
GIULIANI: Yes, and I used them. I used them to help bring down homicide. We reduced homicide, I think, by 65-70 percent. And some of it was by taking guns out of the streets of New York City.
So if you're talking about a city like New York, a densely populated area like New York, I think it's appropriate. You might have different laws other places, and maybe a lot of this gets resolved based on different states, different communities making decisions. After all, we do have a federal system of government in which you have the ability to accomplish that.
HANNITY: So you would support the state's rights to choose on specific gun laws?
GIULIANI: Yes, I mean, a place like New York that is densely populated, or maybe a place that is experiencing a serious crime problem, like a few cities are now, kind of coming back, thank goodness not New York, but some other cities, maybe you have one solution there and in another place, more rural, more suburban, other issues, you have a different set of rules.
HANNITY: But generally speaking, do you think it's acceptable if citizens have the right to carry a handgun?
GIULIANI: It's not only — I mean, it's part of the Constitution. People have the right to bear arms. Then the restrictions of it have to be reasonable and sensible. You can't just remove that right. You've got to regulate, consistent with the Second Amendment.
Rudy Talks Guns [John Derbyshire]
FTC OKs General Dynamics stake sale
The Federal Trade Commission said Tuesday it approved General Dynamics Corp.'s plan to divest its stake in a military ammunition company, a sale the government required before the defense contractor could buy a Canadian ammunition firm.
The FTC said in December that it would require Falls Church, Va.-based General Dynamics to sell its 50 percent stake in Kansas-based American Ordnance LLC before it could proceed with its $275 million acquisition of Canadian ammunition supplier SNC Technologies Inc.
The company in January agreed to do so.
General Dynamics plans to sell its share of American Ordnance to Philadelphia-based government outsourcing contractor Day & Zimmerman Inc., which owns the other half of American Ordnance.
Shares of General Dynamics fell $2.24, or 2.9 percent, to $75.85 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has ranged from $61.20 to $81.28 over the past year.
BW Exclusives
Stocks' Great Wall of Worry
New Conditions May Ease XM-Sirius Merger
Housing Worries Linger Despite Jump
HP's New Soft Spot for Software
Ranking the States for the New Economy
Story Tools
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WASHINGTON
The FTC said in December that it would require Falls Church, Va.-based General Dynamics to sell its 50 percent stake in Kansas-based American Ordnance LLC before it could proceed with its $275 million acquisition of Canadian ammunition supplier SNC Technologies Inc.
The company in January agreed to do so.
General Dynamics plans to sell its share of American Ordnance to Philadelphia-based government outsourcing contractor Day & Zimmerman Inc., which owns the other half of American Ordnance.
Shares of General Dynamics fell $2.24, or 2.9 percent, to $75.85 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The stock has ranged from $61.20 to $81.28 over the past year.
BW Exclusives
Stocks' Great Wall of Worry
New Conditions May Ease XM-Sirius Merger
Housing Worries Linger Despite Jump
HP's New Soft Spot for Software
Ranking the States for the New Economy
Story Tools
order a reprint
digg this
save to del.icio.us
WASHINGTON
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