Recent Shootings Show Fallacy of "Gun Control": The University of
Alabama is a gun-free zone, and accused Prof. Amy Bishop reportedly had
no carry permit for a handgun she allegedly used in the shooting deaths
of three colleagues last Friday. Maurice Clemmons was a convicted felon,
ineligible to legally possess, much less own a firearm of any kind, yet
he had two - including one that was stolen in Seattle about three years
ago - when he walked into the Forza coffee shop in Parkland in November
and murdered four Lakewood police officers. What these completely
unrelated cases demonstrate is the complete impotency of gun control
laws that were passed at state and federal levels with a sales pitch
that they would prevent such crimes as campus shootings and wanton
murder by monsters like Clemmons. We have laws against homicide, but
that didn't stop Clemmons and evidently did not stop Bishop, who now
stands accused of murder and attempted murder. Anti-gunners will use the
Alabama shooting, and have already tried to capitalize on the Parkland
massacre, to push for new gun laws. Here's another idea: Perhaps it is
time to examine every existing gun control law, identify the ones that
work, and repeal the rest. It is a debate worth having, even if it
results in the repeal of virtually every gun control law on the books,
because none of them appear to have prevented a single crime...
http://www.examiner.com/x-4525-Seattle-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2010m2d16-Alabama-university-shooting-Clemmons-tapes-show-fallacy-of-gun-control
---
Oh, by the Way...: As authorities searched for clues into what could
have sent a University of Alabama neurobiology professor on an alleged
killing spree, friends and family yesterday described Braintree native
Amy Bishop as an awkward introvert on the brink of losing her teaching
job... A family source said Bishop, a mother of four children - the
youngest a third-grade boy - was a far-left political extremist who was
"obsessed" with President Obama [emphasis added] to the point of being
off-putting...
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100215oddball_protrait_emerges_suspects_family_pals_offer_clues/srvc=home&position=0
A gun-toting Obama extremist shoots six at the University of Alabama,
killing three. But the media are curiously silent about the politics.
Think it would be the same if the shooter were right-wing? ...No media
outlet other than the Herald noted that detail in its coverage. But you
can bet that if Bishop were a right-wing gun nut and native of Alabama,
the press would be all over it. Bishop's politics are relevant because
of growing evidence that left-wing Rep. Bill Delahunt, D-Mass., then a
prosecutor, may have let her get away with a fatal 1986 shooting of her
brother by declaring it "accidental" and halting charges. Bishop's
mother reportedly had the right political connections, raising the
prospect that if Delahunt was loud about loving "social justice," he was
selective about real justice...
http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=521295
.. Bishop was charged with assault and battery for a March 2002
incident, in which an enraged Bishop unleashed a profanity-laced tirade
against a mother whose child got the last booster seat at the Peabody
International House of Pancakes, according to a Peabody police report.
She yelled "I am Amy Bishop" and then punched the frightened mother in
her head. When police questioned Bishop, she claimed to be the victim,
the report stated. Prosecutors asked that Bishop, who received
probation, take anger management classes. It is unclear if she did...
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100217neighbors_recall_amy_bishop_as_a_crank_i_thought_she_was_bizarre/
---
A Call for Permit-Optional CCW in Nevada: How would you feel if, before
being able to attend the church of your choice, you had to apply to the
government and get its approval? What if you were accused of a crime and
before exercising your Fifth Amendment rights, you had to apply to the
government for permission? And what if failure to submit the required
applications and gain the proper approvals resulted in gross misdemeanor
or even felony charges against you? These scenarios may sound absurd,
but they are a reality for Nevadans who desire to exercise their Second
Amendment rights and carry a concealed weapon. The Second Amendment is
clear. The right to keep and carry a firearm shall not be infringed.
However current state law clearly does infringe that right by requiring
that anyone who wishes to carry, yet not publicly display, the weapon
can only do so if he or she has first applied to the government for a
permit - commonly called a "CCW" - and been approved. This is a clear
violation of the U.S. Constitution... (While I strongly agree with the
spirit of this article, I question basing this argument on the Second
Amendment. First, the Second Amendment has not yet been incorporated
against the states. Second, while it appears likely that it will be,
later this year, it is also likely that the McDonald ruling will allow
room for licensing and registration requirements. In my opinion, it
would have made more sense to ground the argument on the wording from
the Nevada State Constitution, "Every citizen has the right to keep and
bear arms for security and defense, for lawful hunting and recreational
use and for other lawful purposes.")
http://www.npri.org/publications/the-case-for-concealedcarry-firearms
---
Montana to Celebrate RKBA Week: In 1991 MSSA got a bill passed setting
aside the first week of March as the official week in Montana to
celebrate our cherished Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Here's what the
Montana law actually says:
1-1-224. Observance of right to keep and bear arms. The week
beginning the first Monday in March is an official week of
observance to commemorate Montana's valued heritage of the right of
each person to keep and bear arms in the defense of his home,
person, or property or in aid of civil power.
During this week, all Montanans are urged to reflect on their right to
keep and bear arms and to celebrate this right in lawful ways. So, if
you wanted reason to plan a celebration, here it is. If you have
interesting ideas about what you will do in your community, let me know
and I'll recirculate them to the MSSA e-list...
http://www.ammoland.com/2010/02/16/montana-right-to-keep-and-bear-arms-week/
---
Virginia Restaurant-Carry Poll: The Democratically-controlled Virginia
Senate has voted to allow concealed weapons permit holders to carry guns
in restaurants that serve alcohol, as long as the person carrying the
weapon does not drink. The gun bill passed on a 22 to 18 vote, after
senators had a vigorous debate about whether or not people might have a
reasonable reason to carry guns in restaurants. The House has passed a
similar bill; Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has expressed support for the
measure, and is expected to sign it into law. Both chambers also passed
it last year, but Gov. Tim Kaine (D) vetoed it... (As is typical for
this sort of article, no mention is made that it is currently legal not
only to carry an exposed firearm into an establishment that serves
alcohol in Virginia but to consume alcohol while doing so. Please help
keep the poll at the bottom of the article on our side.)
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2010/02/va_senate_votes_to_allow_guns.html
---
The Indiana Senate Race: Another prominent Democrat, Sen. Evan Bayh of
Indiana, is leaving office, citing troubles facing the Obama agenda as a
factor. From The New York Times: "Mr. Bayh, 54, made his decision even
after entreaties by President Obama and White House aides, including the
chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, who urged him to run." For gun owners,
that's good news. Gun Owners of America rated Bayh "F" and the National
Rifle Association rated him "D-." So who is likely to take his place?
.. We'll have time as this race defines itself to learn more of the
prospective candidates. For now, though, one thing should be clear to
Indiana gun owners: Coats is your enemy. Of all the likely candidates
presented, he is clearly ineligible for your support. Do not let the
Republican establishment foist him on you. Let them know early and often
that he is unacceptable. Just Say No - to Coats.
http://www.examiner.com/x-1417-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2010m2d16-What-does-Bayh-leaving-Senate-mean-for-gun-owners
---
The Ohio Gubernatorial Race: Say the name of the presumptive 2010
Republican nominee for Ohio governor - John Kasich - in a crowd of gun
owners, and reactions are likely to vary widely. Many will simply
respond with blank stares. That shouldn't be surprising, given that a
recent poll recorded 69 percent saying they don't know enough about him
to have an opinion. Others will respond with skepticism, mistrust, or
even anger. Those folks will be the ones who remember Congressman
Kasich's 1994 vote for the Clinton Gun Ban, which outlawed many
semi-automatic rifles simply for having certain "scary-looking" cosmetic
features in the name of fighting crime. It is BOTH of these groups of
gun owners - all members of one of the most consistent voting blocs in
American politics - that the Kasich campaign needs to work toward
educating if they hope to win their support in November...
http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/7123
---
Arizona Gun Maker Caves to F Troop: As you may be aware, we have been
engaged in an ongoing dispute with the ATF for the past two years. While
Cavalry Arms has at all times tried its best to run a lawful and honest
shop, unfortunately, some regulatory compliance mistakes were made. We
have now come to the point where we feel it is in our best interest to
close our FFL and to cease all firearms operations. The owner of Cavalry
Arms, Shawn Nealon, has elected to leave the firearms business and
concentrate on firearms accessories instead. We are currently in
negotiations with another company for that company to purchase the
CAV-15 product line. Rest assured that any resulting purchase agreement
will address the issue of providing service and support with regard to
existing CAV-15 firearm products. We will continue to manufacture
quality plastic components, grow our Medical products line, and work to
bring new innovations to the relevant markets. Over the next several
weeks we will be conducting a wind-down of our firearms manufacturing
and FFL operations. Accordingly, please do not send us any firearms for
repair or replacement. Instead, such issues should be addressed to the
ultimate purchaser of our assets. Due to our limited personnel
resources, during this transition/operation wind-down period, the final
processing and shipping of firearm receivers already in our inventory
will be our first priority...
http://www.cavalryarms.com/
---
Speaking of F Troop...: On January 2010 American Tactical Imports Inc
received official notification from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and explosives that the original barrel shroud (aka: fake
suppressor) supplied with your GSG 5 SD model must be replaced. It has
been determined that this shroud is regulated under the National
Firearms Act. American Tactical will provide a replacement shroud at no
charge for each GSG 5 SD model sold or currently in inventory. Consumers
in possession of a GSG 5 SD model with the original shroud in place on
the firearm are now in violation of the NFA. To avoid continued
violation of the NFA, ATI asks that all persons in possession obtain a
replacement shroud as soon as possible. We anticipate arrival of the new
shrouds to begin by the middle of February 2010... We at ATI only have
an official ruling on the can its self as being now classified as a real
silencer. ATF has not issued any official documents regarding this
publicly or to ATI, other than having their lawyers approve the
statement that starts this thread for consumers. (Emphasis supplied,
MBV) I wish I had a 'here's the official word!' doc from ATF to give
you, but it appears at this time I will not be getting one, or be
allowed to show you what I already have... (GSG-5 owners, note that this
appears to apply to an early version, with the "SD" designation and a
barrel shroud measuring 1.56" in diameter.)
http://sipseystreetirregulars.blogspot.com/2010/02/shhh-its-secret-atf-approves-13000.html
---
Reply to New Jersey Prohibitionist: In response to the opinion of
Anthony Iannarelli ("Don't rely on guns at home for protection," Op-Ed
Page, Feb. 9) my opinion is the opposite. Iannarelli seems to neither
advocate gun control nor gun ownership, however he makes a number of
unfounded statements. He states that he was inspired to write after a
child in Paterson was shot by another child with an illegal handgun. My
opinion is based upon a total of 55 years of "street smarts" in law
enforcement and as a private detective. Iannarelli says that guns are
virtually useless in home protection since "proper maintenance" requires
the gun be "safe-kept" after use. An unloaded gun is a useless tool. I
do agree that if one has children, a firearm should be stored in such a
manner to prevent access by the child, or anyone else for that matter.
He also uses the term "proper weapon maintenance," which he seems to
confuse with weapon storage or retention. Weapon maintenance refers to a
well-maintained firearm, properly functioning and in good operating
condition, nothing to do with how one stores one's firearm...
http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/neumann_021710.html
---
Oops, Wrong Dog Walker: Forty-one-year-old James Cashin is in jail
tonight for allegedly punching another man in the head during an
argument. Kurt Hartman says he was hit while taking Gus for an early
morning walk. "Their dog was running loose, no collar, no leash, no
nothing," said Hartmann. Hartmann admitted to frustration with Cashin,
who lives a half a block away on Park Road. He says Cashin routinely let
his dog run loose, so he shared his frustration. "It became into a
heated exchange, next thing you know, the guy hit me," said Hartmann.
Hartmann suffers from cardiomyopathy, and needs a pump to move his
blood. he carries a battery pack wherever he goes."This is just a
temporary measure until I can get on a transplant list out of Tampa
General Hospital." Lying on the ground, bleeding, and in fear of his
life, he says, he pulled out a licensed .40 caliber pistol in
self-defense... According to reports, both parties called 911. Hartmann
has a concealed weapons permit and deputies say he acted well within the
law. Cashin was taken to jail and now faces one county of felony
battery. Cashin does have a prior criminal record that includes battery
and drug charges. (All's well that ends well but it seems as though an
earlier call to animal control would have been a better course of action
than a "heated exchange.")
http://www.winknews.com/news/local/84165287.html
---
Rule Two Reminder: A firearms officer who fatally shot a colleague in
the chest had been told to keep his gun pointed down during the training
exercise, an inquest heard. The officer who shot Pc Ian Terry, 32,
earlier said he acted "instinctively", as Greater Manchester Police's
firearms unit practised in a disused factory. The ammunition used to
kill Pc Terry, in 2008, was only to be shot at a person if "there was a
threat to life"... The specialist firearms officer who shot him cannot
be named for legal reasons, but is to be referred to as Chris throughout
the five-week inquest. Chris shot his fellow colleague with a single
shot of Round Irritant Personnel (RIP) ammunition, the hearing was told.
He was using a pump action shotgun at the time and was a foot away from
Pc Terry when he fired the fatal shot. Throughout the training exercise,
the inquest heard, the 20 officers taking part were told to keep their
guns pointed down and aim only for the car's tyres... (Rule Two: Don't
let the muzzle cross anything you're not prepared to shoot. It seems as
though giving firearms to British cops is akin to giving a pint of
whiskey and a set of car keys to a teenage boy.)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/8515712.stm
---
The Sky Is Falling!: Republican Congressman Steve King of Iowa says he
doesn't take kindly to raccoons trying to take shelter in his home. The
minute King noticed a raccoon trying to weasel into his house last week,
he grabbed his semi-automatic gun and chased the fleeing creature out
into a deadly Iowa storm, firing away. Clearly proud of what he did, he
then posted this self-congratulatory message on Twitter: "Mid day, mid
blizzard, 15 degrees, Crazy Raccoon chewing and clawing his way into my
house. Desert Eagle 1, Crazy Raccoon zero." Doubling down on his
accomplishment, King this week told the Roll Call's "Heard On The Hill"
his Desert Eagle was "the one I had handy" and said he refused to
tolerate "an animal that might be sick, might be rabid, out there." The
Desert Eagle is a deadly gas-operated semi-automatic handgun that's
capable of firing .50 Action Express caliber round bullets. "That's one
very dangerous firearm," said Ken MacKay, a police officer, of the
weapon... (So much potential manure on both sides... While a Desert
Eagle may be capable of firing the .50 AE cartridge, it may also be
capable of firing the .357, .41 or .44 Magnum cartridges. Any of them
seem like overkill for a raccoon but, if King had a proper backstop, it
shouldn't matter. Raccoons and skunks are usually the primary reservoir
of rabies in the wild.)
http://rawstory.com/2010/02/congressman-brags-shooting-raccoon-desert-eagle/
---
S&W Integral Lock Incidents: In a digression from the original topic of
this forum thread, gun writer Charlie Petty challenged people to give
first-hand reports of the key locks on Smith & Wesson handguns engaging
and disabling the guns unintentionally. While I was aware of scattered
incidents, typically involving high-recoil ammunition being fired in
lightweight revolvers, I was amazed that two such reports were posted
within one hour and 19 minutes of the query, followed, nearly twelve
hours later, by a summary from Massad Ayoob. Keep in mind that this is a
relatively small forum. As Ayoob points out, most of these cases involve
Magnum loads fired in Airlite revolvers.
http://www.eotacforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=75&t=61308&start=45
---
Tangentially Related: Scene: The White House Situation Room. Event: A
massive cyber attack has turned the cellphones and computers of tens of
millions of Americans into weapons to shut down the Internet. A
cascading series of events then knocks out power for most of the East
Coast amid hurricanes and a heat wave... A war game, sponsored by a
nonprofit group and attended by former top-ranking national security
officials, laid bare Tuesday that the U.S. government lacks answers to
such key questions. Half an hour into an emergency meeting of a mock
National Security Council, the attorney general declared: "We don't have
the authority in this nation as a government to quarantine people's
cellphones." The White House cyber coordinator was "shocked" and
asserted: "If we don't have the authority, the attorney general ought to
find it." ...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/16/AR2010021605762.html
.. In the role of counselor to the president, Joe Lockhart, White House
press secretary in the Clinton administration, urged the panel to get
the president to call the incident an act of war, bring congressional
leaders to the White House and to act broadly and aggressively to stop
the spread of outages. The way out for the president seemed to be to
take control, federalize the National Guard with the help of Congress
and to ask for forgiveness of any potential trampling of civil rights
later on...
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0210/33048.html
--
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
