Give Bush A Chance?: An Associate editor of The Wall Street Journal
agues that President Bush has made excellent choices in judges so far
and questions why Harriet Miers should be any different.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110007413
---

Bringing A Taser To A Gunfight: A Florida man used the standard
technique to remove the barbs from a Taser - he rolled away from the
deputies. He then drew a handgun and fired two rounds into one of the
deputies before fleeing the scene.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/orl-mcopshot1105oct11,0,6029248.story?coll=orl-news-headlines
---

A Look Back: In a brief recollection of the 1966 massacre at the
University of Texas tower, the officer who shot the sniper mentions the
private citizen who drew Whitman's attention, allowing the officers to
approach and neutralize him. Not mentioned is that the private citizen
was armed with a recently released M1 Carbine, purchased from DCM.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA101105.01B.Guerra.d8d24dd.html
---

Will CBS Limit Mike Wallace?: In the wake of Mike Wallace's appearance
at a Brady Bunch fundraiser, hosted by the French Embassy, CBS has
stated, "We allow CBS correspondents to speak at various functions and
occasionally show video. We have strict regulations that if a CBS
correspondent becomes identifiable with one side of a controversial
issue, they will not be allowed to cover that issue in the future."

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=46855

Related Article:

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2005/10/13/publiceye/entry939353.shtml
---

New Alaska Laws Go Into Effect Wednesday: A set of new laws to clearly
establish state pre-emption over firearm regulation go into effect in
Alaska this Wednesday. Most important, seven cities will no longer be
able to require permits for concealed carry, bringing them in line with
state law. (Permits are optional in Alaska.)

http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/10/15/national/a04101505_01.txt
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/1015alaskaguns15.html
---

Some Thoughts From California: While it's not clear what prompted this
letter, several good points are made, particularly in its contrast of
Switzerland and Bosnia.

http://www.chronwatch.com/content/contentDisplay.asp?aid=17314
---

Multi-Layer Home Defense: A family in Memphis was threatened by a couple
of men who were allowed to bypass the alarm system because one was known
to the homeowner. While the homeowner is licensed to carry, he wasn't
carrying inside his home. Fortuitously, his dogs took initiative,
allowing him time to access his handgun.

http://www.wmcstations.com/Global/story.asp?S=3981498
---

From The NRA-ILA:

NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 12, No. 41 10/14/05

CONTINUE TO URGE PASSAGE OF S. 397 IN U.S. HOUSE

As you know, the passage of S. 397--the  "Protection of Lawful Commerce
in Arms Act"--by the U.S. Senate represents a great victory and a
vitally important first step toward ending the anti-gun lobby's
shameless attempts to bankrupt the firearm industry through reckless,
predatory lawsuits.  It also represents a crucial step forward for
law-abiding firearm manufacturers, retailers, and owners in this
country.  But it is important to emphasize that it is just a first
step.  We must stay the course.

It is critical that you continue to contact your U.S. Representative and
urge him/her to pass S. 397 (as passed by the Senate) in the U.S.
House.  It's time to put a stop to these meritless, reckless lawsuits
once and for all.

You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the
"Write Your Representatives" <http://www.capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/>
tool at www.NRAILA.org <http://www.NRAILA.org/>, or you can call your
U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.

We can and will achieve our mutual goal of finally enacting this common
sense law, but only with your continued assistance.  Please help us
finish the job once and for all by contacting your U.S. Representative
in Washington and urging him/her to support the  "Protection of Lawful
Commerce in Arms Act" as passed by the Senate.

FEMA GUN BAN YET ANOTHER SLAP FOR LOUISIANA GUN OWNERS

Under pressure from NRA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
is "reconsidering" a ban on the possession of firearms in the trailer
parks providing homes for hundreds of families left homeless by
hurricane Katrina.

As the experience on the streets of New Orleans showed us, there is a
demonstrable need to protect life and family after a disaster.  Yet,
according to an October 12, Associated Press article, FEMA has had a
general policy for several years to prohibit guns at such parks anywhere
in the country.

The AP also reported that FEMA spokesman Butch Kinerney said that they
were "trying to figure out who wrote the rules and what the intent
was."  The result, however, is clear--600 families were deprived of the
option of keeping a firearm for self-defense.

NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre threatened legal and
legislative action against FEMA, which is already facing Congressional
scrutiny for its mismanagement of the government response to hurricane
Katrina.

"Whether it's a national disaster, a flu pandemic, or an earthquake, the
Constitution can't be thrown out the window," said LaPierre.

We still need to hear from members who have been a victim of gun
confiscation in Louisiana.  If you have personally had a gun confiscated
in Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina hit, please call (888) 414-6333.
Be prepared to leave only your name and immediate contact information so
we can get back to you.  Once again, we are seeking contact information
from actual victims of gun confiscation in Louisiana only.

If you would like to contribute to our legal and legislative efforts in
Louisiana, please go to secure.nraila.org/Contribute.aspx
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.6.4325426>.  For additional
information, please visit www.NRAILA.org <http://www.NRAILA.org/>, or
e-mail us at [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>.

SAN FRANCISCO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION OPPOSES PROP H--
SAN FRANCISCO GUN BAN

On November 8, San Francisco voters will go to the polls to vote on
Proposition H--a citywide gun ban.  If Proposition H passes, it will
become the most restrictive gun control law in the nation; even more
restrictive than the egregious Washington, D.C., gun ban that NRA-ILA is
currently working to overturn in Congress!  The ordinance would ban
residents from possessing any handgun and they would be forced to turn
over their handguns within 90 days.  The sale, manufacture, and
distribution of all firearms would be prohibited!

The San Francisco Police Officers Association (POA) represents the more
than 2,200 sworn officers serving on the SFPD.  This week, a statement
appearing on SF-POA's website (www.sfpoa.org
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.10.4325426>) details, in no
uncertain terms,  the group's strong opposition to Proposition H.

A quote from the statement reads, "The San Francisco Police Officers
Association (POA), representing men and women dedicated to a life of
service to public safety, must evaluate any legislative effort affecting
its membership.  After careful review and analysis, the POA does not
support the proposed ballot initiative that would nullify the personal
choice of city residents to lawfully possess a handgun for self-defense
purposes.  When we disarm honest, law-abiding citizens, we contribute to
empowering criminals and endangering society-at-large. The San Francisco
Police Officers Association supports the right of our members (active
and retired), neighbors, and law-abiding citizens in this city to choose
reasonable means of self-defense while in their homes or businesses. We
oppose Proposition H, the S.F. Gun Ban Initiative."

The only thing standing in the way of Proposition H passing is you!  To
educate and mobilize Bay Area pro-gun supporters, NRA-ILA unveiled a
website dedicated exclusively to exposing the truth about Proposition
H.  The website-- www.StopSanFranban.com
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.11.4325426> --is designed to
provide you with one-stop-shopping for the information and tools you
will need to ensure Proposition H is defeated on November 8.  Please be
sure to visit the site and then forward this link to your family,
friends, and fellow firearm owners, both inside and outside of San
Francisco, to ensure the collective voices of America's gun owners are
heard loudly and clearly in the months leading up to, and especially on,
November 8!  Those of you who don't live directly in San Francisco, but
reside nearby, should visit the site frequently for updates on what you
can do locally to ensure this deplorable proposition is defeated.

A LOOK AT THE STATES

(****For all of the action items below, you can find contact information
for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives"
<http://www.capwiz.com/nra/dbq/officials/> tool at www.NRAILA.org
<http://www.NRAILA.org/>.  As always, thank you for your support.****)

MASSACHUSETTS
The Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security has announced
a second hearing for S.2113, "An act prohibiting the sale, transfer or
possession of 'cop killer' handguns and high-powered rifles."  This is
the bill that seeks to ban .50 caliber BMG rifles and the FN
"Five-seveN" handgun.  Please plan to attend the hearing that will take
place on October 25, 2005 at 10:00 a.m., in Room 437 of the State
House.  If you are unable to attend, you can contact the committee at
(617) 722-2230.

NEW JERSEY
NRA President Sandy Froman is scheduled to be keynote speaker at the
annual meeting of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs
(ANJRPC) this Sunday, October 16, at approximately 11:20 a.m., at the
Bridgewater, N.J. Marriott Hotel, 700 Commons Way, Bridgewater, N.J.
08807 (marriott.com/property/abouthotel/default/sosbw?T_Ref=mi_left
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.12.4325426>).  NRA members
are invited to attend.  Events preceding and following Ms. Froman's
speech are open to ANJRPC members only (to join, see
www.anjrpc.org/Membership.htm
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.13.4325426>). Seating is
limited and cannot be guaranteed. ANJRPC is NRA's official state
affiliate in New Jersey.

NEW MEXICO
The New Mexico Department of Public Safety has scheduled a public
hearing on proposed rules to implement the 2005 legislative changes to
the Concealed Handgun Carry Act (HB 641).  Public comments will be taken
on Tuesday, November 1, beginning at 9:00 a.m., at the DPS Law
Enforcement Academy Auditorium, located at 4491 Cerrillos Road in Santa
Fe.  Visit www.dps.nm.org/faq/concealed_weapon.htm
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.14.4325426> to obtain a copy
of the proposed rules, or contact the DPS Special Investigations Unit at
(505) 827-9097.  Written comments must be submitted to Sharron
Henderson, Department of Public Safety, Special Investigations Division,
4491 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM  87504-1628, no later than 5:00 p.m., on
November 1.  If you plan on attending the hearing and presenting verbal
testimony or comments, it is strongly suggested that you also submit
written comments t that time.  NRA-ILA and our state affiliate, the New
Mexico Shooting Sports Association, are currently reviewing the proposed
rules and may be submitting written comments, but individual NRA members
and certified instructors are encouraged to participate as individuals
in this process as well.

NEW YORK
The Sportsmen's Association for Firearms Education Inc. (S.A.F.E.) will
be hosting its "2005 Right-to-Carry Conference & Second Amendment Rally"
this Sunday, October 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (doors open at
12:00 noon).  The event will be held at the Sheraton, Long Island, 110
Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Smithtown, NY, (631) 231-1100, (on Motor
Parkway on North side of LIE between exits 53 & 55).  In attendance at
the event will be:  Wayne R. LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President;
John C. Sigler, NRA First Vice President; Randy A. Daniels, New York
Secretary of State; Jim Fotis, Executive Director, Law Enforcement
Alliance of America; and John L. Cushman, S.A.F.E. President and
Founder, and NRA Director. At the conference, you will get the latest
information on the Right-to-Carry on Long Island, meet and network with
fellow sportsmen, raise issues of concern with local and national
leaders of Second Amendment organizations and local legislators, ad win
valuable prizes in drawings limited to attendees only.  Admission and
parking is free and the event is open to your family and friends.

NORTH CAROLINA
The Charlotte City Council has decided to consider imposing restrictions
on the currently legal practice of law-abiding citizens carrying legally
owned firearms that are holstered and visible.  This issue was raised by
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Darrel Stephens, who, according to an
October 11 report by News 14 Carolina, claims "the open display of
firearms is a threat to public safety."  How law-abiding citizens simply
obeying the law can constitute a "threat to public safety" is lost on
us.  Especially considering Chief Stephens held a press conference in
August where he stated "the city, the county, is safer than it was last
year."  This press conference was held after a weekend when east
Charlotte experienced five homicides.  So, which is it?  Is the city
safer than it was last year, or does Chief Stephens suddenly consider
law-abiding citizens obeying the law and exercising a right protected by
both the United States ad North Carolina Constitutions to represent some
sort of "threat to public safety"?  At this point, it is unclear how the
City Council will handle this issue.  During a City Council meeting on
Monday night, when Chief Stephens brought the issue up, no action was
taken.  It is possible the City Council will not address the issue until
after the November 8 General Election, thus avoiding any possible threat
of angering pro-gun voters.  While NRA will continue to monitor this
issue, and take appropriate action if necessary, we encourage those who
support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms and object to any attacks on
this freedom that might adversely impact law-abiding gun owners, to
contact members of the Charlotte City Council and voice their concerns.
Contact information for Council Members can be found at
www.charmeck.org/Departments/City+Council/home
<http://www.nranews.org/UM/T.asp?A2.24.1915.15.4325426>, or you can call
the Council at (704) 36 -2241.

WISCONSIN
AB 677, a bill that would remove barriers to beginning hunters, is
scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee on
Wednesday, October 19,  at 10:00 a.m., in room 417 North, in the State
Capitol building.  Please attend the hearing and show your support for
this critical legislation.  If you're unable to attend the hearing,
please contact your State Representative at  (800) 362-9472 and ask
him/her to support the measure.  AB 677 would allow anyone who wants to
try hunting to do so before taking a hunter safety course, as long as
they are supervised by an experienced licensed hunter.  The bill would
also repeal the current law that prohibits a youth under 12 from
receiving firearms training at a range.  AB 677 would also repeal the
ban on having an uncased and unloaded firearm in a vehicle that is
sitting still.  No longer will hunters be ticketed for setting their
unloaded gun on the tailgate of their trck while preparing for the day's
hunt.  Again, please contact your Representative and urge him/her to
support AB 677.

--
Stephen P. Wenger

Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.

http://www.spw-duf.info