Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

Will freedom to carry concealed in AZ return state to 'Wild West' ?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "... Here's what I want to either add or reiterate, particularly in light of the absurd and insulting claim by police chief lobbyist John Thomas that 'SB 1102, if enacted into law, will take Arizona back to the Wild West carry, with no consideration of officer safety.'"

"Wild West gun fights typically took place between openly-carrying gunslingers--and non-permitted open carry is legal in Arizona. When was the last time two opponents walked down Main Street to fast draw against each other � la High Noon?" ...

Brady Campaign Slanders Gun-Owners
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Brady Campaign has released another article laced with claims so brazenly false they would be comical if the group spouting them wasn�t intent on completely dismantling the Second Amendment. Far from endorsing legitimate, legal, safe gun practices, the Brady Campaign has once again affirmed their stance as an anti-gun group that feels private citizens should not be allowed access to firearms in any capacity. The article contains so many falsehoods, and half-truths that the only way to efficiently respond is through a line by line refutation. Even the title is oozing with hyperbole and misdirection." ...

Safer Streets 2010: I don't like gun violence, Part II
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Whole communities dislike gun violence. But here's a point millions of gun owners would like to make over the hysterical interferences of gun control activists. As I pointed out in my past article about how many guns are enough, I elaborated on how a community benefits from a higher likely concentration of armed citizens than a known concentration of disarmed citizens."

"There is a difference between unarmed citizens and disarmed citizens: unarmed adults choose to be unarmed. It is their right to choose not to be armed. Disarmed adults had their rights taken away en masse without due process, and there's more to come for all of us, gun owner or not. ..." ...

Gun rights movement in India underscores important point
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "... the current movement is relatively new, with the National Association for Gun Rights India having held its first ever meeting just last month. There would seem to be a couple motivations behind the new interest in gun rights. First, the Mumbai terrorist attacks in November, 2008, where the slow government response, coupled with draconian gun laws effectively eliminating effective self-defense on the part of private citizens caught in the attack, guaranteed the terrorists a rich harvest of victims. To make matters worse, the Indian government is now considering making the already onerous gun laws yet more draconian (pdf file)."

"Some readers might be wondering by now what the St. Louis Gun Rights Examiner is doing discussing gun politics in India. Fair enough. The reason for that is that a growing number of Indians have come to realize that even without Constitutional protection for the right to keep and bear arms, they still have that right." ...

Starbucks gets a thumbs-up in Wyoming
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Good news! Gun owners are welcome at the Casper Starbucks."

"A Starbucks Representative contacted me and said 'there has not been any policy change and Starbucks follows the laws of the state and municipalities they are located in'"

"They also said 'this has been a misunderstanding and apologies go out to any customers this may have inconvenienced'."

"It is encouraging that Starbucks has taken this stand in light of the pressures being put on them to do otherwise." ...

Starbucks says 'NO' to Brady Campaign no-gun policy Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"The anti-gun Brady Campaign certainly put a shot of espresso into Starbucks sales this week when they called for the retailer to place a ban on handguns in their stores. Starbucks shot back with a double dolce of latte on upholding their pro-gun stance for the gun rights of law-abiding citizens." ...

The Guns of Appleseed
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Before you take a rifle course you need a, uh, RIFLE. You probably already own a suitable gun. If you don't, let the hosts know beforehand, and they can most likely round up a loaner for you. Even if you've never fired a gun before, that�s something the experienced and dedicated Appleseed crew can deal with. They've certainly done so before."

"At the single event I attended, I saw everything from a WWII Russian Mosin-Nagant (which kicked hell out of the brave young man who shot it ...) to an M-1 Garand and more than one M1A/M-14, and an SKS and an AK47 semi-auto clone, and a few AR15s. That said, though, the OVERWHELMING majority of shooters chose the humble .22 Long Rifle cartridge, usually in a semiautomatic rifle." ...

Home invasions are getting too common - are you prepared? - part 3
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In my previous two home invasion articles, I discussed the all too common occurence of home invasions in East Tennessee (Part 1), and the choices of types of firearms for home defense (Part 2), handguns, shotguns, or rifles. I noted news articles telling of home invasions. And now, a man fixing up his rental house has been reported killed in an article in the Knoxville News-Sentinel."

"In this article, we will cover some of the types of handguns, and the pros and cons of each type." ...

Gun Advocates Posing as "Victims of Bigotry" is Nonsense
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"For regular readers of the gun blogosphere, the meme of some gun advocates posing as 'victims' of the so-called 'bigtory' of people who disagree with them is not new." ...

"In order to think this way, the key assumption such gun advocates have to make is that their guns and gun use are functionally identical to race, or sexual orientation � such that one's status as a gun advocate is essentially an immutable characteristic." ...
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Submitter's Note: Interesting that they don't mention 'religion' in their "functionally identical" litany. And since religion is not "essentially an immutable characteristic" I can only conclude that the Bradys believe discrimination against Jews, Catholics, Muslims, Hindus, Baptists etc. does not constitute 'bigotry'.

Stop the Madness: Radical Gun Owners Bringing Weapons Into Starbucks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Radical gun enthusiasts have begun parading into California restaurants and coffeehouses in recent weeks brazenly displaying handguns. The gun activists have frightened customers, alarmed police and caused at least two restaurant chains to establish firm policies prohibiting firearms in their retail locations."

"Ten days ago, gun violence opponents in California started urging a third chain, Starbucks, to similarly prohibit the 'open carry' of firearms in its retail establishments, but Starbucks has rebuffed their requests. Today, the national Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence joins with its chapter leaders in California and across the nation in urging the Starbucks Coffee Company to bar the carrying of firearms in its shops." ...

Starbucks' Cop-Out to Gun Nuts: Customers Served Coffee While Strapped
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"So you're at your neighborhood Starbucks, maybe with your kids, and you notice a man sitting at the next table who has a revolver strapped to his waist. Next to him, another man has a pistol. In fact, you realize as you look around, there's a table full of gun-toting customers just a few feet away, sipping coffee and doing nothing to conceal their deadly weapons. Aside from steering clear -- or else getting the hell out of there -- what can an unarmed citizen do?"

"If you live in California, or a state with similar 'open carry' gun laws, the answer is not much. Starbucks, according to numerous media reports, has recently become a popular gathering spot for Second Amendment crusaders ..." ...

Crazy Continues: Starbucks Still Allowing Guns in Its Stores
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"What would your reaction be if you and your kids walked into the local Starbucks and, while contemplating the choice between a latte and a mocha cappuccino, you noticed several fellow customers had semi-automatic pistols and ammunition magazines hanging from their hips?"

"This scenario has become more than a flight of imagination. In several communities in California, and elsewhere, it has become reality."

"Welcome to the 'open carry' movement, an effort by 'gun rights' extremists to foist their interpretation of the Second Amendment on the rest of us by openly carrying handguns in public places. ... few states do anything to regulate the 'open carry' of firearms." ...

Group Assails Coburn Gun Law for National Parks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A group of retired U.S. Park Service employees is warning that visitors at national parks will soon be seeing handguns and rifles at the nation�s parks because of a law sponsored by Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, last year."

"The law, which goes into effect in less than two weeks, will allow people to carry firearms in parks located in states that permit the carrying of concealed weapons."

"... Here's a quote from Coburn from last May:"

"'It's not about guns. It's about states' rights � being able to determine what's best for them. And it's about the Second Amendment. It's not about bureaucrats telling Americans when their rights are going to be taken away.'" ...

NJ: Iannarelli: Don't rely on guns in the home for protection
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"THE AFTERMATH of the five-year-old child dying at the hands of another child with a wayward handgun in Paterson earlier this winter again sparked the debate over gun control ... I have had a fair amount of training in the use of firearms, possess a weapons permit to own a rifle or shotgun and here is how I view the subject:"

"Contrary to the argument that guns are an invaluable asset for home protection, they are in fact virtually useless. Proper weapon maintenance requires that the gun be 'safe-kept' after use. That means the weapon should be checked to be sure it is unloaded and then securely 'locked down.'" ...
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Submitter's Note: That's right, protect your local Pitchfork Murderer, and keep those kids safe!

H/t to David Codrea.

LA: Suspected Burglar Shot To Death At New Orleans Residence
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

Police say a suspected burglar was shot to death around 12am Saturday in the garage of a residence in the 600 block of Independence Street in New Orleans.

The shots were fired by a resident of the home.

Investigators say a burglar alarm was trigged and the alarm company notified those in the house that a motion sensor indicated activity in the garage located in the rear of the home.

One of the residents went to investigate and fired multiple shots after encountering the suspect.

No charges have been filed as the investigation continues. The NOPD says detectives will consult with the District Attorney to determine if any legal action is necessary.

CA: Armed woman fends off burglar Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"A Modesto, California woman reportedly used her gun to fend off a burglar." "Police say the woman walked into her home, and found a burglar. She reportedly feared for her safety, grabbed her gun, and fired a shot at the burglar, causing him to flee. The burglar, who was apparently not hit, fled the scene, leaving the woman unharmed, police say." ...

King, NC misuses riot law to ban guns and ammunition
Submitted by: Charlotte Gun Rights Examiner
Website: http://www.GunsPoliticsandFreedom.com

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"On Friday, February 5, the city of King, North Carolina responded to heavy snowfall in the area by using a 40-year-old statute to ban the sale and possession, outside the home, of all firearms and ammunition. ..." ...

"What seems equally clear is that [Mayor] Warren and the town of King have misapplied the law; however, broad its language, Article 36A is entitled 'Riots and Civil Disorders.' According to a local blogger who personally investigated ... no such civil disorder existed. The Youtube video she produced on the incident is below."

"Ironically, the state house representative for the district in which King is located, Rep. Bryan Holloway, was a cosponsor of legislation which could have prevented Warren's abuse of power ..." ...
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KABA Note: Rights cannot be suspended by gov't, they can only be denied.

Gun Rights 101: North Carolina law on riots and civil emergencies Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
Submitter's Note: Charlotte Gun Rights Examiner Paul Valone has posted the NC state statute which the city of King NC used to shred citizens' rights.

Six inches from slavery
Submitted by: John Pierce
Website: http://www.examiner.com/x-3253-Minneapolis-Gun-Rights-Examiner

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"According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the city of King NC has received approximately six inches of snow over the last seven days. Apparently, that snowfall, coupled with limited power outages, was frightening enough that, last Friday February 5th, 2010, King Mayor Jack Warren declared a local state of emergency pursuant to NC General Statute � 14-288.12."

"... With the stroke of a pen, the mayor stripped [the citizens of King] of their fundamental right to travel, to peaceably assemble, and to openly bear arms as enumerated in the NC Constitution. In addition to the denial of fundamental and enumerated rights, the declaration also had the effect of denying the privileges granted by a NC Concealed Handgun Permit.Statute � 14-415.11.

NC: Residents Fumed Over Weekend Alcohol, Firearm Ban
Submitted by: R. Smith

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"Residents in King were fumed over the weekend after a state of emergency declaration restricted the sale of alcohol and the carrying of firearms in vehicles."

"King Police Chief Paula May said she's received hundreds of threats related to the restrictions, which banned driving from 12 a.m. Sunday to 5 a.m." ...

"The news of the ban created a firestorm of criticism." ...

"May wouldn't give details on the types of threats other than to say they had been phoned, faxed and e-mailed."

"'We have to take them all serious[sic] and we'll investigate to the best of our ability and determine the source of those threats,' she said." ...

AK: Alaska Firearms Freedom Act Needs Your Support
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"HB 186 is a bill pertaining to states rights regarding firearms.
Currently there are 33 states that have passed or are considering similar Firearms Freedom Act legislation."

"The current Status of HB 186 is that it has had one hearing in the senate judiciary committee in which it was �Heard and held� there is going to be another hearing in the judiciary committee date unknown."

"I talked to Derek Miller who is on Mike Kelly�s Staff and is handling HB186, he is hoping to have the senate judiciary committee hold another hearing on it within a week."

"After which it goes to the senate finance committee. So now would seem to be a good time to email all the committee members." ...

IN: Senate Committee Endorses Gun Bill
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"An Indiana Senate committee has endorsed a House bill that would allow people to bring most firearms to the workplace, if the weapons are kept in a locked vehicle."

"The group voted to approve the measure after adding amendments to the initial version."

"Among the changes, the new bill would prevent Class III firearms such as grenade launchers from being protected."

"A spokesman for the Indiana Manufacturers Association voiced concerns about the potential for employers to be held liable if a worker is injured." ...

"The bill's author, Rep. Bob Bischoff (D-Greendale) believes the bill uses common sense to draw the line between Second Amendment rights and business liability." ...

Wyoming Representative Allen Jaggi introduces firearms freedom act with 'teeth' Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"HB 95 Wyoming Firearms Freedom Act -2" "Don't be confused by similar legislation, Miller HB 28[.pdf] just doesn't go far enough." "To see a comparison between HB 28 and HB 95 click here[.pdf] you will see Representative Jaggi (pronounced Ya-Gee) has introduced legislation with 'real teeth'." ...

VA: Felony Snowball Tossing Charges Lodged
Submitted by: Larry

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"Felony snowball throwing charges have been leveled against two Virginia college students for allegedly pelting a city plow and an undercover police car during Saturday's blizzard. Charles Gill and Ryan Knight, both 21, were nabbed by cops in Harrisonburg, where they attend James Madison University. According to police, the pair first targeted a city plow last Saturday afternoon. The driver responded by calling cops to report the frosty fusillade. When police responded to the scene in a bid to identify the assailants, their unmarked vehicle also came under an icy assault, according to a Harrisonburg Police Department press release ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Charge, try, and convict as many as possible so as to deny them the right to keep and bear arms.

NM: N.M. cop fired for beating handcuffed teen on video, rehired by neighboring PD
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A New Mexico police officer who was fired after a video showed him viciously beating a handcuffed teen suspect was immediately hired by another department in the same state."

"Only time will tell when Officer David Smoker will erupt again."

"Smoker's temper violent has already cost Santa Fe taxpayer�s $15,000 from a lawsuit that was filed against him from the beating."

"But that didn't stop the city of Cuba, New Mexico from deciding to take a chance on him when they hired him in February of last year."

"It is not clear why criminal charges were not filed against Smoker." ...

NY: Internal Investigation: Greece Police Department 'Riveted With Corruption'
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"When former State Police Investigator Joseph Loszynski was brought in to investigate possible wrongdoing in the Greece Police Department last spring, he had no idea of how bad things really were."

"The Public Safety Director said he was initially focusing on three things: a shredding incident at police headquarters, an accident involving former Officer Nick Joseph, and complaints against former Officer Gary Pignato. But Loszynski said within a short time the investigation 'spiraled' into 36 separate internal probes."

"'The breadth and scope of this is inexcusable,' Loszynski said. He said the department "was riveted with corruption and misconduct ..."...
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H/t to David Codrea.

CA: East Palo Alto cop takes heat for Facebook remarks
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"An East Palo Alto police detective is taking heat in online forums for allegedly posting comments from his Facebook account that advocate shooting Open Carry gun advocates." ...

"... Tuason apparently joked that officers should shoot the advocates ..."

"'Sounds like you had someone practicing their 2nd amendment rights last night!' Tuason wrote. 'Should've pulled the AR out and prone them all out! And if one of them makes a furtive movement ... 2 weeks off!!!'" ...

"The department hasn't taken action against Tuason ..."

"'In no way are his personal comments reflective of any policies or procedures here at the department, nor does he speak for the police department,' [East Palo Alto police Capt.] Estelle said." ...

NC: Former officer sentenced 12 years in prison
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On Jan. 22, U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger sentenced former Beech Mountain police officer and Avery school resource officer Michael Bruce Darcy to 151 months in federal prison."

"Darcy was arrested on Feb. 24, 2009 and charged with transporting a 15-year-old minor to another state in 2007 with the intent to have illegal sex with that minor and traveling to another state with the intent of engaging in illicit activity with a minor."...
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H/t to David Codrea.

MO: Ex-New Melle police officer charged with harassment
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A New Melle police sergeant sent numerous explicit text messages to an elementary school teacher and pulled a Taser on her at her classroom, prosecutors say."

"Terry G. Calahan, 39, of the 3800 block of Hopewell Road in New Melle, was charged today with harassment and violating a protection order, both misdemeanors."

"Reached by phone Monday, Calahan said he left the New Melle Police Department about two weeks ago. He refused to explain why. Calahan also said he wasn�t aware of the charges and denied having any kind of relationship with the woman. He declined further comment."...
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H/t to David Codrea.

CT: Connecticut Police Official Resigns After Threatening Reporter
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

An assistant police chief in Connecticut has been relieved of his duties after he threatened to arrest a newspaper reporter.

The reporter had written about a detective who complained that Assistant Chief Peter Reichard had physically threatened him.

Reichard retired from the New Haven Police Department this week, three days after the chief ordered him to hand over his gun and badge.

The controversy began in September, when New Haven Register reporter William Kaempffer wrote an article about a complaint filed by the detective.

Two days later, Reichard sent an e-mail threatening to arrest Kaempffer if the reporter ever contacted him again.

Reichard did not immediately return calls for comment.

AZ: Public debates guns on campus
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Last week's contentious resolution to oppose teachers carrying guns on campus has not ruffled as many feathers this week. Several students and faculty do not plan on attending tonight's public forum on the issue."

"The Associate Students of the University of Arizona ruled in favor of hosting a public forum to allow students and faculty to voice their opinions regarding the state Senate bill, which would allow teachers to carry guns on campus. While some agreed the forum could be productive, many said they do not plan to give their opinion publicly." ...

MO: Daily RFT Survives Our Journey to St. Charles Gun Show
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"For God's sake, roll your shirtsleeves down you Jersey Shore goon. The Missouri Arms Collectors Association hosted its 68th actual gun show Feb. 5, 6 and 7 at the Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center."

"But, beyond the absence of bicep flexing d-baggery, the term 'gun show' is a little deceptive. Patrons didn't stare at prototypes through fogged glass cases. This was a tactile experience."

"Guests grabbed guns from the racks, cycled actions and tested triggers. The show was a big swap meet where guns, parts and random paraphernalia could be bought, sold or traded. For six bucks, gun aficinados could wander aisle after aisle, looking for that perfect firearm or accessory to round out their collections." ...

WA: Vancouver SWAT Responds to Cap Gun at School
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The initial 911 report from the Vancouver, Wash., elementary school was alarming: shots fired at a school playground. That had police and SWAT officers scrambling Tuesday morning _ only to find the weapon was a bright orange cap gun."

"Police and school officials say a second-grade boy at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School brought the gun and apparently pointed it at two 6-year-olds and fired it, discharging smoke."

"The two students told a playground supervisor that another student had fired a gun at them - and the response took off from there. Police spokeswoman Kim Kapp says, 'When you have that type of a call, there's no waiting.'" ...
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H/t to David Codrea.

OH: Sheriff Mack comes to Powell and you're invited! Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"YOU are invited to attend a special liberty event with Sheriff Mack, author of From My Cold Dead Fingers and America's Last Hope." "This is part of Sheriff Mack's 'No Sheriff Left Behind' Tour to 5 Ohio cities. The event takes place on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at Wedgewood Country Club in Powell." ...

AR: Arkansas Game and Fish vs. Murders
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "In April of 1995, the AGFC amended the rule governing hunting on or near roads to require all persons, whether hunting or not, to have all firearms cased and unloaded when traveling any roads where wild game may be present. This new rule angered many citizens, especially those who regularly exercised their Second Amendment rights. A lawsuit was brought in August of 1995 in Garland County Circuit Court by a group of hunters against the AGFC and Steve Wilson, its director at the time. The Circuit Court determined the AGFC rule was 'unconstitutionally overbroad'; it was 'one that is designed to punish conduct that the state may rightfully punish, but that includes within its sweep constitutionally protected conduct.'" ...

VA: Support the 2nd Amendment if you love your freedom
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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A few weeks ago, our local wannabe funnyman Mr. McCloskey had a doodle in The News Leader depicting an obese, grubby-looking man packing more weapons than Rambo. The message of this caricature of a Second Amendment supporter was, "As a law-abiding Virginian, I have the right to treat my anti-social paranoia and feelings of inadequacy by being able to purchase more than one gun per month!"

"McCloskey was obviously attempting to mock and ridicule supporters of the Second Amendment for opposing gun control in Virginia. ..."

"Mr. McCloskey, do you take issue with the Bill of Rights and view the intellectual giants who crafted our Constitution with contempt just like the current, corrupt political elite in Washington? ..." ...

OR: 'Zero Tolerance' stupidity strikes again in Portland� Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Evidently not to be outdone on the stupidity scale by their colleagues in Staten Island, NY, school officials in Portland, Oregon (the buffer zone between California and Washington) suspended an 8-year-old student because he found a 4-inch plastic toy gun in his pocket, showed it to a friend, and was reported by another kid." ...

Germany: German thief robs arcade with cup of coffee
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A thief in the German town of Hamelin robbed an amusement arcade by threatening the attendant with a cup of coffee, authorities said Tuesday."

"'He wasn't going to pour coffee over her, he was going to hit her with the cup,' a spokesman for local police said."

"Brandishing the steaming cup he had just ordered, the thief forced the 26-year-old to open the till and fled with cash." ...
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H/t to David Codrea.