Keep and Bear Arms - Gun Owners Home Page

NE: Gun rights guru offers tips
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Nebraska gun rights proponents left the Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday feeling better armed to protect their cause after attending a conference led by influential gun rights activist Alan Gottlieb."

"Gottlieb instructed a one-day seminar on grass-roots organization for gun rights groups, which those in attendance said will help grow their base and keep Nebraska gun rights intact."

"Gottlieb said people who attend his seminars have a passion for preserving gun rights but often lack the needed legal, media and organizational expertise."

"'It's really fun to train them,' Gottlieb said. 'Many people are naive about how that works, but people are hungry and thirsty for the knowledge.'" ...

More Handguns in U.S., Streets Safer than Ever
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In 1979, the group now known as the Brady Campaign said 'over 50 million handguns flood the houses and streets of our nation. . . . If we continue at this pace, we will have equipped ourselves with more than 100 million handguns by the turn of the century. One hundred million handguns. Will we be safer then?'"

"In 2008, after the Supreme Court struck down Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban in District of Columbia v. Heller, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty said, 'introducing more handguns into the district will mean more handgun violence.'" ...

"That's the kind of fear-mongering, naive and sarcastic rhetoric we've heard from the Second Amendment's opponents over the years. Now here are some facts:" ...

Will disarming elderly be next 'gun control' push?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"With the 85-and-older population growing faster than any group in the country, gun ownership among the very old is increasingly a concern of adult children, who worry that elderly parents will commit suicide or shoot someone they mistake for an intruder," Dale Russakoff writes in The New York Times' 'The New Old Age' blog."

"Which leads us to a ripe-for-exploiting 'loophole' (that's what the anti's call anything impeding total control, don't they?) of sorts:"

"'Families find little help in the law when trying to pry guns away from impaired family members.'"

"Except there really is no gap in law ..." ...

The Importance of Arms in America
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Next time any organization tells you that you do not need your guns because the government is respectful of your rights, remember that as soon as there is no reason to respect you the respect will end. As long as both parties are strong, the interactions between both will be mutually profitable. History shows that when the government is stronger than the people, the people become property of the government."

NRA members at fault for L. Sammamish double-homicide? Say what?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Finger-pointing follows national trend"

"As the investigation continues into Saturday's double homicide at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah, the blame game has already kicked off on the reader feedback columns in Seattle newspapers, and important new information is surfacing that must be checked out."

"As predicted in this space yesterday, anti-gunners are already trying to twist this case to fit their gun prohibition agenda, blaming the [NRA] and its members. More about that nonsense in a moment."

"King County Sheriff�s Sgt. John Urquhart told this column Tuesday morning that it is critical to establish the exact sequence of events to find out who fired first, who fired back, and how this went down ..." ...

Why Taking Mel Gibson's Guns Is Wrong
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Since Mel Gibson has never been convicted of a violent crime, since he has never used a gun in a violent fashion, and since there is increasing suspicion as to the release of those awful tapes this week, the judge presiding over the nastiness between Gibson and former girlfriend should be careful ..." ...

"This week a judge ordered Mel Gibson to turn in or get rid of all firearms in his possession ... The impetus for doing so is a claim by Gibson's former girlfriend that the actor waived a gun in her face and mumbled something about showing her 'how to get out of here real fast ...' ... All such accusations should always be tested and verified before singularly usurping a non-felon's Constitutionally protected second amendment rights.

What Do You Think of "Top Shot"?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The History Channel has been running a show called 'Top Shot,' in which shooters young and old, male and female, from disciplines ranging from old-style rifle to modern speed pistol compete in visually exciting marksmanship challenges. There's both individual and team competition, with $100,000 cash prize for the last shooter left standing, one elimination per weekly episode. (Why a shooting show on a HISTORY channel? Because they use historical weapons.)" ...

"While I too might enjoy the program more without the drama, 'Top Shots' seems to be drawing a healthy audience, and showing the shooting sports to the general public in a positive light, and that seems to be A Good Thing."

"What's all you guys' and gals' take on it?"

Bellesiles Lies Again
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"There is a minor kerfuffle in the right wing blogs about Michael Bellesiles being caught publishing fiction as truth."

"The right wing has it in for Bellesiles, since he once faked data on gun ownership in early America, trying to prove no one owned guns then ... So there are a lot of people out there to 'get' him when he writes."

"What is interesting is that, when he wrote a very nice essay published in the Chronicles of Higher Education, that no one at that magazine bothered to check his facts, or to clarify that the essay was fiction loosely based on a 'real' story." ...

Florida ACLU does the right thing for gun owner
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "A sheriff's deputy then visited Weinstein's house, asked for his semiautomatic pistol and his revolver ... and took him to the hospital for an evaluation. It turned out he was just angry, not crazy, but he still hasn't gotten his guns back."

"'Under the Second Amendment, he has a right to have his guns in his house,' said Butin. '... It is unusual for the ACLU. But the ACLU supports all constitutional rights. We don't pick and choose.'"

"It will be great if that becomes the case, but it hasn't been in the past. ... ACLU of Florida's communication director, admitted as much, saying: 'This is the first time I know of in the ACLU's 90-year history that we have advocated on behalf of a citizen to have his weapons returned from law enforcement.'" ...

Understanding the United Nations and US Gun Control
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On Monday, June 28, 2010, The Supreme Court reaffirmed the Second Amendment during the trial of McDonald vs. Chicago. The 5-4 ruling confirmed that neither a state nor city, acting under a grant of authority from the state, could deny a person the right to possess a firearm. This was seen as a victory for gun rights activists, but with the United Nations Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) treaty looming in the near future, this fight is far from over." ...

Shooters from around the world take aim (with video)
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"'The first step in the direction of preparation to avert war if possible, and to be fit for war if it should come is teach men to shoot!'"

"President Theodore Roosevelt's last message to Congress"

"Australians Kendell Summers and Greg Riemer couldn't help but take note of the hundreds of shooters along the firing line at the National Rifle and Pistol Matches."

"With a blazing 'pop-pop-pop-pop' noise bouncing back from the assembled shooters, the Australians were listening to the rapid gunfire and admiring the setting."

"Not only are the United States' firearms freedoms more tolerable than those in Australia, many more shooters compete against each other in the various shooting games ..." ...

Grassley votes against Kagan's nomination
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Saying Solicitor General Elena Kagan had let her political biases interfere with her legal philosophy, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, voted Tuesday against her nomination to the Supreme Court."

"Grassley was one of five Republicans on the Judiciary Committee who opposed Kagan."

"Despite that, her nomination was forwarded to the full Senate on a 13-6 vote with one Republican ... supporting her."

"Grassley's vote was only the second time he has voted against a Supreme Court nominee. His first was Sonia Sotomayor ..."

"Grassley said that Kagan failed to directly answer questions at her hearing and that because she had never held a judicial post it was all the more important she do so." ...

Elena Kagan vs. public opinion
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"While President Obama is undoubtedly pleased that Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan received unanimous support from Judiciary Committee Democrats today, their support masks Kagan's historically low popularity across the nation. ..." ...

"The explanation for Kagan�s unpopularity goes deeper than ideological labels. At the end of the day, Kagan and her supporters are faced with this inescapable reality: on the issues that have dominated the public debate about her nomination, polls show that Kagan is on the wrong side of the American people by very large margins."

"One such issue is gun rights ..." ...

Conservatives Step Up Attacks on Kagan: 'It's Not Over Till It's Over'
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The success of Elena Kagan's path to the U.S. Supreme Court comes down to numbers. ..."

"In the full Senate, Kagan's nomination will go before a heavily Democratic chamber, where Democrats will outnumber Republicans, 59-41. With 60 votes needed to move her nomination forward, at least two Republicans ... are poised to make the 60-vote threshold easy for Kagan to reach."

"But despite the smooth sailing Kagan is expected to have in the Senate, conservative groups have ramped up an aggressive opposition to the nomination in recent days, holding rallies, beefing up such Facebook pages as Stop Kagan, circulating a petition against Kagan ... and individually urging their members to call senators to keep Kagan off the high court." ...

Court Correct On Guns
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Notwithstanding The Jewish Week's attack on the Second Amendment by attacking the [NRA], ('Disturbing Decision on Guns,' Editorial, July 2), the central thrust of the Supreme Court�s recent decision in McDonald vs. City of Chicago was constitutionally sound."

"That is, the Second Amendment applies to the states through the 14th Amendment, in the same way that the First (speech, religion and press), Fifth (due process) and Eighth (cruel and unusual punishment) are applicable to the states. An opposite holding would have resulted in the anomaly of the Second Amendment being treated starkly different than all other amendments to the Constitution � a result clearly not intended by the language or spirit of the Constitution." ...

Feinstein praises Kagan as Supreme Court nominee
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Elena Kagan stands out for her ability answer tough legal questions in a way that takes the listener logically through the progression of her thinking and knowledge of the law, California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Tuesday."

"Feinstein made the remarks prior to the Senate Judiciary Committee vote to approve Kagain's confirmation to the Supreme Court. The vote was 13 to 6."

"Kagan's nomination now goes before the full Senate. A vote is expected before the August recess."

"'Her legal reasoning, composure, staying power, humor and directness, were available to all of us to see and hear hour after hour and day after day,' Feinstein said." ...

The Supreme Court upholds rights
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Our Founding Fathers recognized certain rights are inherent to all Americans, which is why they had the wisdom and foresight to draft the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. ..."

"Amendments guaranteeing freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to due process and a commitment to state rights were all original additions to the Constitution. The second addition was an amendment that guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms. Over the last 218 years ... the interpretation of these basic rights by the courts has changed, but the fundamentals behind the Bill of Rights have remained strong." ...

"Last month, the Supreme Court made its most important decision in upholding an individual's right to bear arms to date. ..." ...

Cornyn Votes 'No' On Kagan
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Each Senator must carefully study the nominee's views and reach a decision as to whether to endorse that nominee for a seat on the High Court."

"In my view, that decision must be based on a standard of excellence. To be confirmed, a nominee must establish that she would adhere to a proper judicial philosophy. The nominee must establish through her testimony, through her judicial and non-judicial writing, and through her experience, that she would exercise the judicial power of a Supreme Court justice with a deep understanding of both judicial restraint and the need to enforce our written Constitution."

"Elena Kagan falls short of that standard." ...

Reminder: Now's the Time to Enroll for Hunter Education
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"If you're a new hunter or you're planning to take someone on a first hunt this fall, the National Shooting Sports Foundation reminds you that summer is the perfect time to take a hunter education course and acquire the certification necessary to purchase a hunting license."

"'Don't have your fall hunting plans spoiled by forgetting to take that all-important hunter education course,' said Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president. 'New hunters who are excited about going afield for the first time will need a hunter ed certificate to buy their hunting license, whether in their home state or out of state.'" ...

War on police fought with assault weapons
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"EVEN AS TWO MEN were being tried in a Philadelphia courtroom in the 2008 murder of police Sgt. Stephen Liczbin-ski with an SKS assault weapon, Officer Kevin Livewell and his partner escaped death last week from assault-weapons fire on a Kensington street."

"The two cops stopped a van Thursday night - and three men came out, guns blazing. Livewell was shot in the leg and will recover; no body armor could have protected him if a bullet had hit a vital organ. After the shooting, police found an arsenal of eight assault weapons - among them an SKS, every one of them legal to be purchased and owned by anyone without a criminal record." ...

"The gunmen who shot at Officer Livewell may have acquired their arsenal illegally ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: So your comment about "legal to be purchased and owned by anyone without a criminal record" is completely irrelevant. Maybe, though, maybe if we made it doubleplusunlawful for BGs to have weapons, and then put them on double secret probation that would help?

Mexico calls for weapons crackdown
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, appealed to Congress and the Obama administration on Tuesday to help prevent organized criminals in his country from illegally buying and smuggling weapons from the U.S."

"Border violence related to drug, weapons and human trafficking has claimed thousands of lives in recent years. And with Mexico�s strict gun-control laws, law enforcement officials estimate that cartels are purchasing nearly all of their assault weapons and other guns from American vendors." ...
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Submitter's Note: LEOs "estimate" that, eh? Well how about you give the ATF access to the other 80% of seized weapons for tracing, then we won't need to "estimate" anything. Or would that show that it is Mexican authorities who provide the cartels with "nearly all of their assault weapons"?

Pro & Con: Should Georgia continue to ban guns in places of worship?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"NO: An armed congregation keeps the peace against those who would harm."

"As you may know, the Baptist Tabernacle in Thomaston is seeking an injunction against a provision in Georgia law that forbids its members from carrying guns to church."

"The question asked by our critics is, 'Why would any one want to have a gun at church?'"

"Folks are genuinely astonished that a pastor and his congregation would want to exercise such a right. Let me list several reasons why this is so." ...

"Legally, this is a constitutional and private property issue. Corporately, as a body of believers, on our own property, it should be our decision and not the state's as to whether we will allow armed people on that property." ...
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Submitter's Note: Science Fiction author, gun rights activist and carry class instructor Joel Rosenberg applies his own unique spin to this argument here.

Pro & Con: Should Georgia continue to ban guns in places of worship?
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"YES: Places of worship must be havens of peace, trust and healing." ...

"Yes, I know that places of worship are not immune from violence. Last summer, a doctor who performed abortions was murdered at his Lutheran church in Wichita, Kan. ..."

"Two years ago, two members of a Unitarian church in Knoxville were killed and seven others wounded as they worshipped." ...

"The horror of these violent deaths was compounded by the fact that they happened in churches that are supposed to be places of peace."

"If a place of worship has received threats of violence, then it may be necessary to hire security. But arming clergy and congregations against possible random violence is not an act of safety or of faith." ...

TX: Burglary turns deadly in NW Travis Co.
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The Travis County Sheriff�s Office said a burglary turned deadly Friday after a homeowner fought an intruder in Northwest Travis County."

"Sheriff�s deputies received a report shortly after 5 p.m. in reference to a burglary in progress in the 13700 block of Cedar Ridge."

"The caller told officials a man - later identified as Ryan Glen Bradford, 34 - had broken into her home and was fighting her husband. According to Roger Wade with the sheriff's office, the suspected burglar was shot at some point during the assault." ...

"Bradford was transported to University Medical Center Brackenridge for treatment. However, he died from his injury and was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m." ...

AK: Fairbanks bar owner nabs burglary suspect
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Fairbanks bar owner helped nab a suspected burglar on a night last week in what he called a 'textbook sting' right out of a TV show or movie." ...

"Jackovich put his jacket on the back of a chair, set down his gun and a cup of coffee, and waited beside an open window to see if the burglar would strike two nights in a row."

"He didn't have to wait long."

"Within five minutes of sitting down, he could see a man in a blue hoodie crawling out of the hole on the side of the building."

"He grabbed the .357, ran down the stairs and headed outside to confront the burglar."

"'I said, 'Come on out, I got a gun,' Jackovich recounted. 'Then I heard a voice saying, 'Don't shoot.'" ...

OK: Police Identify Alleged Intruder Shot And Killed In Tulsa Apartment
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Tulsa Police say one of two men shot during a violent home invasion early Thursday morning has died. They identified him as 18-year-old Darreon Carter."

"Carter was shot in the head and leg. The second suspect, 23-year-old Daniel Holman, remains in critical condition in a Tulsa hospital. He was shot in the head and stomach."

"The men were shot by the resident in the apartment in what police say was a case of self-defense." ...

NV: Homeowner Holds Burglar at Gunpoint
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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FULL TEXT BELOW:

A 70-year-old Reno man used a handgun to stop a would-be burglar at his home. Reno Police say Ron Stewart answered the door at his home on Locust St when police say 22-year-old Samuel Flores forced his way into the house.

After a short struggle, Stewart grabbed his handgun (which he had in the house) and kept Flores at bay while the police were called.

Reno police took Flores into custody where he will be charged with burglary and battery of an elderly person.

Stewart was not injured in the altercation.

NC: Charlotte Man Holds Burglary Suspect At Gunpoint
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"A Charlotte man caught a burglar in the act and held him at his home until officers arrived, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said."

"The homeowner told police he returned to his Park Crossing home on Saturday and found a man attempting to steal his pickup truck. He said he pulled into his driveway, blocking the suspect, 19-year-old Terrell Webber, from backing out in the truck." ...

"The victim then got a shotgun and held Webber until police got to the home."

"'I'm not sure where the shotgun came from, but he retrieved it and held the guy there until we got there,' Whitesel said."

"Police said Webber had taken a TV, jewelry and other items from the home and had them in the truck." ...

MI: Local Women Packing Heat
Submitted by: Corey Salo

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"Local women are looking for new ways to protect themselves, using a common defense tactic."

"It's gun training, specifically targeted toward women."

"And now there are waiting lists for classes designed just for them."

"On any given night at Detroit's Sportsmen�s Congress in Utica, you can find handfuls of women eager to learn more about firearms and how to use them."

"Jeanie Bednarski is a student in the female-oriented gun class."

"'As a woman, I think it's important for us to know how to do certain things. It goes back to the personal protection. If more women knew how to shoot, we wouldn't have to rely on other people to take care of us,' Bednarski said." ...
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KABA Note: Oleg Volk makes an excellent point in this picture.

Ireland: Irish gun owners can now shoot intruders
Submitted by: NYSRPA-PVF
Website: http://www.nysrpa-pvf.org

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"Irish homeowners can now legally use guns to defend themselves if their homes are attacked under new legislation."

"The new home defence bill has moved the balance of rights back to the house owner if his home is broken into 'where it should always have been', say top Irish police."

"The police association of superintendents and inspectors ... stated that 'the current situation, which legally demands a house owner retreat from an intruder, was intolerable'."

"... Under the bill homeowners will be allowed to use 'reasonable' force against intruders to defend themselves, others or their property. This includes lethal force, depending on the circumstances." ...

TX: Man stabs burglar near Alamo
Submitted by: Marc Montoni
Website: http://FreeVirginia.blogspot.com

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FULL TEXT BELOW

A suspected burglar remains hospitalized after he was stabbed Monday night, sheriff's deputies said.

Hidalgo County sheriff's deputies responded to a burglary along Sioux Road near Cesar Chavez Road about 9 p.m. Monday, officials said.

The homeowner apparently took a knife from the burglar and managed to stab him, officials said. The suspected burglar was transported to McAllen Medical Center, where he remained in intensive care Tuesday morning.

Deputies continue to investigate the incident.
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KABA Note: It is usually preferable to bring a gun to a knife fight.

The Consequences of McDonald v.Chicago: Will the Sky Fall or Do More Guns Mean Less Crime? (video) Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments

AR: McDonald ruling makes Arkansas's carry ban unconstitutional
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Since the last column, the Supreme Court has passed down its judgment on the McDonald v. Chicago case. Even though this historic event has created the potential for landmark decisions in Arkansas, some gun people and state officials in this great state believe the McDonald decision will have no affect on existing gun laws. I strongly disagree."

"Arkansas has always had right to keep and bear arms under the Arkansas Constitution, but this right has always been hindered by Arkansas State Supreme Court rulings stating this right pertained only to weapons used by the militia." ...

AR: The infringement of gun rights in Arkansas
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"On June 28th, the Supreme Court of the United States determined the Second Amendment applied to the states, cities and counties of the United States ... The following day, Jackson County, Wisconsin District Attorney Gerald R. Fox issued a statement declaring he would no longer prosecute most of Wisconsin's firearms laws ..." ...

"Compare this true American's words with the statements of Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel and Arkansas Concealed Carry Association's John Anderson on the same day:" ...

"These are apparently words from men who are happy with the way Arkansas�s gun laws currently exist. They are in direct conflict, however, with some clear 'infringements' upon the people�s right to 'bear arms' in this state. ..." ...

TN: Tennessee gun rights quiz, revised Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"This list was originally published March 1, 2010, with periodic updates. In this revised edition, candidated who lost in earlier elections are removed. Non-responding candidates are not included. The original quiz is found HERE." "Any candidates not found here, you will need to try and research yourself, for I was unable to get the information. Good luck!" ...

GA: Cooke wins House District 18 seat
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Youth trumped political experience as Kevin Cooke defeated former Carrollton Mayor Gerald Pilgrim Tuesday for the District 18 seat in the Georgia House of Representatives."

"In Carroll County, Cooke received ... (56.41 percent) versus Pilgrim's ... (43.59 percent) ..." ...

"Cooke said the three main issues he hopes to tackle ... are a further assertion of state's rights as promised by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, illegal immigration legislation and expansion of gun ownership laws."

"'I want to fight for Second Amendment rights because we still have places that are gun-free zones,' he said. 'You hear too much about law-abiding citizens being injured or harmed through gun violence than criminals. ...'" ...

IN: Walorski: Donnelly soft on gun rights
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"When Congressman Joe Donnelly ran for re-election in 2008, the National Rifle Association endorsed him and gave him an A rating for his record of voting for Second Amendment rights."

"When Republican state Rep. Jackie Walorski ran for re-election the same year, the NRA graded her as an A+ for both voting in favor of and promoting gun rights."

"But Walorski, who is running against Donnelly this year for Indiana's 2nd District seat in Congress, says her record on the Second Amendment is 'night and day, apples and oranges ... not even on the same page' as her Democratic opponent."

"Why?"

"Because Donnelly has voted to keep Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, who the NRA rates an F, as speaker of the House." ...

TX: Texas Lobbyists Plan to 'Pack Heat' at Capitol
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Success or failure for a political lobbyist often comes down to access; without easy access to legislators, it is naturally much harder to apply the pressure to drive legislation in the desired direction. But lobbyists in Austin, Texas, may soon begin applying a variation on Chairman Mao's saying, 'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun' � albeit not in the way the Marxist dictator had in mind."

"The possible trend toward lobbyists 'packing heat' may come about due to an aspect of Texas' laws regulating concealed handgun licenses ..."

"... lobbyists are now being drawn to get a CHL because possession of such a license allows faster access to the state capitol." ...

TX: Legislators fire back at gun access
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"The fastest way to get through security at the Texas Capitol is to have a license to carry a gun � and local lawmakers are split on whether the system is a farce or a way to exercise the Second Amendment."

"Metal detectors were installed earlier this year at the entrances to the Capitol, but a separate line set up for those with concealed handgun permits is now being used as an express lane."

"Lobbyists, lawyers and journalists who frequently dart in and out of the building for legislative hearings are taking advantage of the rule and signing up to get their concealed handgun licenses ..." ...
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Submitter's Note: Is the state of Texas is so flush with cash that it can turn up its nose at the $140 per permit application fee?

IL: Oak Park amends its handgun law
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Oak Park amended its current gun law Monday to allow registered owners to use handguns for protection in their homes."

"But village officials also committed to further revisions of the law that would be shaped through a village-wide dialogue."

"The village board voted to change its current handgun ordinance Monday to conform with the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that noted citizens should be allowed to keep handguns in their homes for self-protection."

"Village Attorney Ray Heise, in reviewing the Supreme Court's decision in McDonald v Chicago, which extended federal Second Amendment rights to the states, said the changes were necessary." ...

SC: Major sales tax changes possible
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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You could have to pay a state sales tax soon on the water and electricity that you use at your home, and the groceries and prescription drugs you buy at a store.

Members of the S.C. Tax Realignment Commission, a legislatively appointed group of finance and tax experts, will vote today on whether to eliminate nearly $700 million in state sales tax exemptions." ...

"Other tax changes the commission will consider today:" ...

"� The annual Second Amendment weekend that offers sales-tax-free savings on handguns, rifles and shotguns would end. 'We have lots of constitutional rights we don�t give a sales tax holiday for,' Maybank said." ...

Growing Number of Prosecutions for Videotaping the Police
Submitted by: Anonymous

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"That Anthony Graber broke the law in early March is indisputable. He raced his Honda motorcycle down Interstate 95 in Maryland at 80 mph, popping a wheelie, roaring past cars and swerving across traffic lanes."

"But it wasn't his daredevil stunt that has the 25-year-old staff sergeant for the Maryland Air National Guard facing the possibility of 16 years in prison. For that, he was issued a speeding ticket. It was the video that Graber posted on YouTube one week later -- taken with his helmet camera -- of a plainclothes state trooper cutting him off and drawing a gun during the traffic stop near Baltimore."

"... Graber was indicted for allegedly violating state wiretap laws by recording the trooper without his consent." ...

OR: Former Central Point Police Officer admits to impregnating former student
Submitted by: James A. Farmer

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"A Central Point Police Officer already removed from his position as school resource officer, now fired from the force, defending his relationship with a former student and admitting she's expecting his child."

"Dan Brown is ... facing criminal charges after an Oregon State Police investigation that resulted in Brown's termination from the City of Central Point Police force." ...

"He says he met his five-month pregnant girlfriend when she was in 4th grade while he was a DARE officer ..."

"Brown says their relationship developed over the years ... when he was her resource officer."

"Then, he insists a sexual relationship did not start until she was 18, when she was an adult, and out of high school." ...

PA: Phila. Judge Deciding Bail Conditions For 3 Cops
Submitted by: jac

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"The possibility of bail for three Philadelphia cops indicted for orchestrating a drug deal with known traffickers was happening on Tuesday."

"... US District Judge Harvey Bartle will decide by the end of the day the fates of three police officers taken into custody earlier this month for allegedly conspiring with heroin dealers."

"Officers Robert Snyder, Mark Williams, and James Venziale are indicted for stealing heroin from one drug dealer to sell to another."

"Assistant US Attorney Kathy Stark says the DEA put a street price of $100,000 on the 300 grams of heroin involved. ..."

"Each officer faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, or a maximum of from 44 years to 84 years."

IA: A discussion of firearms in private businesses
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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... "Sheriff Johnstone is absolutely correct. Iowa law does not reference the carrying of weapons by permit holders in privately owned businesses. All business owners are free to post their locations as 'no guns allowed' at will ... If a permit holder is found to be carrying in the business, the owner must ask the patron to leave, or the patron risks a trespassing charge. Likewise, permit holders are free to patronize businesses the respect the wishes of those who choose to carry a firearm, and avoid businesses that do not."

"However, Sheriff Johnstone is incorrect to believe that Iowa DPS can simply 'come up with rules' governing this situation ... Iowa DPS does not create law � the Iowa Legislature creates law. .." ...

IA: Iowa Public Radio talks about the new gun laws and gets it almost right
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Iowa Public Radio released a story today about the upcoming changes in the Iowa gun laws. Highlighted in the story were several pro-gun sound bites from the leaders of the Iowa Firearms Coalition (formerly known as Iowa Carry) and Iowa Gun Owners. Also included were sound bites from two Sheriffs who are opponents of the new laws."

"Unfortunately, the story has a couple of inaccuracies that need to be addressed." ...

"The reporter incorrectly states that under the current law, it is the Iowa Department of Public Safety that prescribes the training standards statewide for those who wish to obtain an Iowa Permit to Carry weapons. In reality, each individual Sheriff set his own standards, which varies from county to county." ...

NY: The right to defend yourself
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I need to point out the pervasive level of ignorance your editorial board (June 30)."

"Our 220-year-old Constitution is a timeless document that our U.S. society is based on today. ... Are these guidelines for life out of date?"

"Our founders would not sign the Constitution without a Bill of Rights. The Constitution deals with the hearts of mankind. Your motivations do not change from millennia to millennia. For our university indoctrinated friends, this is the rub. They think these fundamental rights (Bill of Rights) come from government or men. The right to self defense is a universal right granted to us from God, not from government or men. So, in short, they can not be taken away. ..." ...

OH: City of Franklin, OH considers enacting gun control laws, decides otherwise after residents show up in force Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft	There are no comments on this story Post Comments \| Read Comments
"Akron's South Side Leader is reporting that despite pressure from one local resident, the City of New Franklin's council has decided not to make any changes to gun control laws in the city." "The newspaper reports the decision was announced July 7 after Council members heard from a room packed with people who came out to support the gun laws as they stand." ...

AL: Fair play at security gate
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"I feel there is a lesson to be learned by all Dothan residents about how security is being unfairly handled at the public city commission meetings."

"A recent story explains how security is being beefed up by removing guns from citizens, even those who have a right-to-carry permit."

"I see no problem with the police being allowed to carry their weapons freely into these situations, but I feel that the public servants who serve us in these offices should also go through the sensors ..."

"After all, isn't that what our Second Amendment rights are all about?"

"The professional regulators and controllers called politicians disarm the citizens, then put themselves above the law. ..." ...

OH: Ohio Restaurant Association continues opposition to SB239
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"Editor's Note: On June 16, Buckeye Firearms Association Region Leader published an open letter to the Ohio Restaurant Association and its members. Following is a response from the Association, and follow-up commentary from Mr. Moore."

"Dear Larry:"

"I received your letter this morning and read it with interest. it was well-reasoned and well-written. You very effectively articulated your point of view and I appreciate the fact that you took the time to write."

"Over the course of the past few months, we have heard form others who disagree with our position on SB239. A number of Ohioans have also contacted us to thank us for our point of view on this controversial subject." ...

As the U.N.'s Arms Trade Treaty Process Begins, U.N.'s "Programme of Action" on Small Arms Shows Its Dangers
Submitted by: Bruce W. Krafft

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"In 2001, the United Nations created the 'Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects' (PoA). The PoA is not a treaty. Rather, it is a mechanism for encouraging voluntary cooperation. ..."

"In 2008, the U.N. Secretary-General stated that the PoA's results as of that date were not 'substantive.'[1] As a voluntary mechanism, the PoA posed few dangers and offered the hope of modest gains in cooperation to address illicit arms trafficking. The 2010 biennial meeting demonstrated that these hopes are unlikely to be fulfilled. The better facets of the PoA are being weakened, while its worst aspects are receiving additional emphasis." ...