A List Member Replies: In response to my implied question about whether
a charging bear can change direction much faster than a human, a list
member reports:
In regards to the bit above, from observation, bears are configured
like pigs in that they have a lot of weight forward, over their
front legs. That enables them to turn "on a dime". They can kick
their rear quarters around pivoting on even one front leg so, in
answer to your unasked question, yes, they can turn MUCH faster than
we can... Anyway, long story short, bears and pigs can rotate about
their front legs and literally swap ends.
On my plan to aim for the shoulder of a charging bear:
A CNS shot is usually better. Breaking one shoulder will mean that
the bear can't turn as fast, in the direction of the break, but a 3
legged bear is still faster than most people. Using your .44 should
not only break the shoulder but turn the bear, that would be helpful
as then you are presented with more targets. On the cats, on the
other hand, it seems from my reading that breaking a shoulder will
pretty much pin them. I don't know why the difference, I suspect it
has to do with the different musculature, bears are very heavy in
the front shoulders.
My understanding is that a bear skull is not readily penetrated.
---
Finally, the Corroboration: Last week the Law Enforcement Alliance of
America released a statement that AG Eric Holder, in testimony before
the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding the shootings at Fort Hood, had
called for significant additional infringements of the RKBA. I delayed
sharing that report for lack of corroboration of the actual statements
he had made. That portion of the testimony was omitted from the official
DOJ transcript I did find posted on one news source. Now we have the
missing statements:
"Yes, we will support that legislation. It seems incongruous to me
that we would bar certain people from flying on airplanes because
they are on the terrorist watch list and yet we would still allow
them to possess weapons. I think that the legislation that was
initially proposed by the Bush administration was well conceived and
we will continue to support that."
"The position of the Administration is that there should be a basis
for law enforcement to share information about gun purchases. Fully
respect the Second Amendment, fully respect the Heller decision. It
does not seem to us that this is inconsistent to allow law
enforcement agencies to share that kind of information, for that
information to be retained and then to be shared by law enforcement."
http://www.rightsidenews.com/200911217408/homeland-security/attorney-general-holder-reveals-aggressive-gun-control-in-response-to-ft-hood-terror-attack.html
http://www.examiner.com/x-1417-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m11d21-Holder-tells-Senate-committee-Justice-Department-supports-more-gun-control
---
Shall-Issue CCW Benefits Black Americans: New research shows that states
with liberal concealed carry laws may be safer for Black Americans.
previous article examined eight years of Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI) data, finding that in states with shall-issue concealed carry laws
(aka right-to-carry or RTC), Blacks successfully defended their lives
more often. Now it appears that Blacks are less likely to be murder
victims in these states as well... After extracting criminal homicide
data from the FBI Supplement Homicide reports for 2000-2007, there are
clear differences between Blacks and Whites in states which restrict the
right of self-defense by not granting concealed carry permits to
law-abiding citizens (non-RTC). This difference holds true in RTC states
as well... (Contrast this analysis with John Ross's 2003 essay on the
role of race in defeating an electoral initiative to create licensed CCW
in Missouri -
http://web.archive.org/web/20070706054607/www.john-ross.net/race&rtc.htm.)
http://www.examiner.com/x-2879-Austin-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m11d23-More-evidence-that-concealed-carry-benefits-Blacks
---
Another View of the Lautenberg Decision: Since 1996, the federal
government has been prosecuting individuals for possessing a firearm if
they previously were convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence
offenses, but a Janesville man's case has changed that. A federal
appeals court in Chicago on Wednesday reversed Steven Skoien's
conviction, finding the law he was prosecuted under might violate
Skoien's constitutional right to bear arms. The government needs to
prove that its interest in preventing domestic violence is related to
the ban on firearms possession imposed on those convicted of misdemeanor
domestic violence, according to the opinion... Writing for a three-judge
panel, Judge Diane Sykes said the firearms prohibition is too broad...
Sykes noted that the Second Amendment protects a law-abiding
individual's right to possess firearms for self-defense and hunting.
Laws that infringe on constitutional rights must do so in the least
restrictive manner, which is lacking in the broad, permanent ban Skoien
was prosecuted under, according to the opinion... Assistant U.S.
Attorney Tim O'Shea said further appeal of the ruling was under review.
He said he expected the government ultimately would prevail. (The
federal ban on firearm possession by those who have been convicted of
misdemeanors involving domestic violence is known as the Lautenberg
amendment.)
http://gazettextra.com/news/2009/nov/21/man-wins-appeal-gun-case/
---
The Beat Goes On: As Fox Valley gun deer hunters hit the woods this
weekend, some types of ammunition are in short supply. Meanwhile, in
Madison background checks for handguns are running nearly 36 percent
above last year, suggesting a big increase in gun sales. People on both
sides of the gun control debate agree on this: People have been stocking
up on guns and ammunition since President Barack Obama took office early
this year... Since taking office, Obama hasn't taken any action on gun
control issues, save lifting a Reagan-era ban on firearms in national
parks. Gun control laws in Wisconsin haven't changed. So while gun
control opponents may fear what the Obama administration might do, gun
control supporters are disappointed with what the new president hasn't
done... Fritts said the NRA has received calls from all over the country
about the issue. She said instructors report that their training classes
are full, ammunition makers are having trouble keeping up with demand
and certain guns are backordered and have long waiting lists... In
Wisconsin, statistics from the state Department of Justice suggest a big
increase in handgun sales. From January to August this year, the agency
performed background checks on 39,688 people who purchased handguns from
licensed dealers. That's almost a 36 percent increase over the same time
period in 2008. (It would be more accurate to say that Bush's Interior
secretary lifted the Reagan-era ban on firearms in national parks, only
to have the policy overturned by a Clinton-appointed judge. Then Sen.
Coburn saw the opportunity to tack an amendment onto one of Big
Brother's must-have bills, leaving him little choice but to legalize
national-park carry, effective February 22, 2010.)
http://www.thenorthwestern.com/article/20091122/OSH0101/911220460/1987/OSHopinion/Guns-sales-up-during-Obama-s-term
---
Bloomberg Campaign Encounters Opposition: Mayor Michael Bloomberg is a
known gun control advocate, and has built a national platform to stem
the flow of illegal guns into cities and towns. The group he co-founded
in 2006, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, has grown from 15 to 526 mayors.
Its success has raised the ire of gun rights groups, most notably the
National Rifle Association. The showdown between the NRA and Mayors
Against Illegal Guns is playing out across the country: in blogs, on the
editorial pages of newspapers, and at countless gun clubs. At the Ridge
and Valley Rod and Gun Club, in Coopersburg, Penn., Rick Hubrich is
getting a little target practice. He says he loves animals and never
hunts, but he does think gun owners help maintain the law. Today he's
brought his tricked-out, AR-15 semi-automatic to the outdoor range, as
well as a pistol fitted with a silencer...
http://www.wnyc.org/news/articles/144874
---
Illinois - Go to Hospital, Lose Your RKBA: The Illinois State Rifle
Association has issued a warning to its members of a disturbing trend
that is a direct threat to gun ownership. A new law (PA 95-0564) that
requires health care providers to report patients to the state police is
playing havoc with Illinois gun owners. The Law was passed by the
Illinois General Assembly in a knee jerk response to the Virginia Tech
shooting. The law requires mental health care providers to report
patients that are deemed a threat to themselves or society to the
Illinois State Police (ISP) but the new law has taken an unexpected
twist. The ISRA has learned that during certain hospital admission
procedures a short interview with a Psychologist maybe part of the
admissions process. The admittance process that triggers an interview
with a psychologist may include stress, alcohol treatment or other
scenarios. These seemingly innocent hospital knock and talk interviews
are being used by the ISP as a disqualifier for gun ownership. The ISRA
has learned of gun owners being sent notices from the ISP that their
FOID card has been revoked after a visit to the hospital...
http://www.infowars.com/go-to-the-hospital-in-illinois-and-lose-your-gun-rights/
---
Chicago-Style Gun Politics: Last week, the body of Chicago school board
president Michael Scott was found in the Chicago River with a single
bullet wound in his head. The big story was that this powerful,
well-connected public official had, according to the Cook County medical
examiner, committed suicide. The less-noticed story was that he did it
with an illegal weapon. After all, handgun ownership is not allowed in
Chicago, which has one of the strictest gun control laws in the country,
and Scott killed himself with a .380-caliber sidearm. Unlike most
Chicagoans, Scott could have been a legal handgun owner. Because he had
it before the ban was enacted, he was allowed to register and keep it.
But the police department says he never did. By having it in the city,
Scott was guilty of an offense that could have gotten him jail time.
Amazingly enough, he was not the first local public official to take the
view that firearms restrictions are something for other, ordinary people
to observe. Chicago politicians are zealously committed to gun control
in law, but fairly relaxed about it in practice... (It would appear that
Mr. Chapman defines "illegal weapon" as a firearm that has not been
registered in conformance with local law.)
http://reason.com/archives/2009/11/23/gun-control-chicago-style
---
RKBA Faces More Infringements in New York: Gun owners in the area could
feel the impact of several anti-gun bills that have passed through the
Assembly, including the possible ban of .50 caliber firearms. The
summary for Assembly bill 3211A, sponsored by State Assemblywoman
Patricia Eddington, outlaws all .50 caliber firearms and larger weapons.
According to the proposed legislation, "The .50 caliber weapon is one of
the most dangerous weapons in the U.S. military's arsenal. These weapons
are used for long-range tactical assassinations and assaults in the U.S.
military... "That would ban muzzle loaders that hunters use," Sen.
Catharine Young said. "If it did pass, it would hurt our way of life and
upset our economy." ...There are also bills concerning five-year
renewals for pistol licenses and requiring retailers to obtain liability
insurance...Then there's Assembly bill 6468, sponsored by State
Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, which would ban the sale of all
semi-automatic handguns not equipped with micro-stamping technology...
"We already have the toughest gun laws in the country in New York
state," Sen. Young said. "We need to enforce our existing laws and not
create new laws." (As I understand it, the US military generally uses
rifles chambered in .50 BMG on vehicles and equipment and will soon be
using ones chambered in .300 Win. Mag. For long-range antipersonnel use.
I was not aware that assaults were an inappropriate action by our armed
forces.)
http://www.oleantimesherald.com/articles/2009/11/22/news/doc4b08ad8b27224107869791.txt
---
Strange Bedfellows in California: It may come as a surprise to many of
his Democratic supporters, but Attorney General and gubernatorial
hopeful Jerry Brown has gone to bat for the National Rifle Association.
Last year, the high court struck down a ban on handguns in Washington,
D.C., ruling for the first time that the Second Amendment's right to
bear arms applies to individuals who keep a gun at home for
self-defense. But the court made it clear the ruling applied only to the
District of Columbia, a federal enclave. Now, gun advocates are
challenging Chicago's handgun ban, asking the Supreme Court to rule that
the Second Amendment equally applies to the states. And there was no
shortage of states - 34 in all - jumping on the bandwagon in support of
the court hearing the case. In July, before the court agreed to take the
case, Brown went so far as to file his own friend-of-the-court brief
asking that Chicago's gun ban be overturned - arguing that if the court
doesn't act, "California citizens could be deprived of the
constitutional right to possess handguns in their homes." His stance has
angered a number of gun control proponents. (While most Californians are
unable to obtain CWP's and the state imposes a multitude of restrictions
on which firearms can be sold there, state law still recognizes the
right to keep a "concealable firearm" at one's place of residence, even
if it is a temporary residence, such as hotel room or a campsite.)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/11/23/BAFI1AO83D.DTL
---
Oops, Wrong House: An off-duty Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent
shot a would-be truck thief inside the officer's Otay Mesa home Sunday.
The agent was asleep around 2:30 a.m. in the bedroom of his home in the
3900 block of Palm Avenue, when the robber came inside, raised a hammer
and a sharp object and demanded keys to a truck, according to San Diego
Police Lt. Kevin Rooney. The ICE agent directed the man into the kitchen
to get the keys, and then grabbed a gun, Rooney said. The lieutenant
said the agent identified himself as a peace officer and fired when the
suspect raised the hammer again. The wound does not appear to be
life-threatening, he said. The suspect ran off after being shot and was
found by officers in the 3800 block of Chanute Street, Rooney said.
http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Otay-Mesa-ICE-agent-shoots-intruder-hammer/kYmuxn8dPkG76EG1QM0R8A.cspx
---
Here We Go Again: Earlier this week, I was invited to be Benjamin
Rockwell's guest on Digital Computer Talk, to record a segment for an
episode of his nationally syndicated broadcast radio show (prior
episodes here). The subject was "smart gun" technology and the
discussion centered around whether an implementation of that technology
could have stopped or minimized the carnage in the Fort Hood terrorist
attack or any of the other mass shootings that have taken place in
recent years. A hypothetical "what if" version of events was assumed,
where civilian firearms - including Major Hasan's FN pistol - had been
enabled with smart gun technologies. In that scenario, it was posited
that responding law enforcement officers could end the massacre from a
distance by broadcasting a fail-safe signal to the weapon, disabling it.
We then spent the better part of a half hour discussing why that
scenario will remain nothing but a pipe dream for the foreseeable
future... (This is a new aspect of "smart gun" technology. In the past,
I had only seen references to making the guns user-specific.)
http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/the-unrequited-dream-of-smart-guns/
---
Company Provides Models for Pro-RKBA Ads: Sniper Babes aka
SniperBabesdotcom is America's only pro-gun promotions and modeling
company. Sniper Babes strives to get more women and children involved in
the shooting sports. Sniper Babes encourages the training, safe handling
and proper storage of weapons by shooters and non-shooters alike. Sniper
Babes is a rapidly growing company as evidence by the recent hire of
more than 20 modeling / promotions specialist. Sniper Babes recently
hired Nikki Bishop. Nikki is well known as a Playboy Cyber girl. She
also boasts an extensive resume in modeling and promotions work all over
the USA. Sniper Babes also welcomed Lori Adele to their ranks. Lori has
a number of credits in modeling to her name. Not the least of which is
her work in the 2007 Hooters calendar. These models actively support the
second amendment... (It looks like it's primarily a T&A + G&A
proposition. It also looks like at least one of the "babes" does not
understand Rule Three.)
http://www.i-newswire.com/sniper-babes-hires-nikki-bishop/11952
http://sniperbabes.com/
---
Settlement Reached in Mistaken-Identity Shooting: Scotland Yard and the
family of a Brazilian electrician mistakenly shot dead by police who
thought he was a terrorist said Monday they had agreed a compensation
deal after more than four years of wrangling and dispute. In return the
family agreed to end legal action against the police... The 27-year-old
Brazilian, Jean Charles de Menezes, died when officers cornered him on a
subway train at Stockwell station in south London and shot him seven
times at point-blank range. The case was contentious from the beginning
because police officers' initial portrayal of events, suggesting that
Mr. de Menezes had been acting suspiciously, was not borne out by
subsequent evidence, including closed circuit television footage...
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/world/europe/24britain.html?_r=1&hpw
--
Stephen P. Wenger, KE7QBY
Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.
The tactics and skills to use a firearm
in self-defense don't come naturally
with the right to keep and bear arms.
http://www.spw-duf.info
