New Jersey - JERSEY CITY GUN BAN DEFEATED!

In a lengthy and carefully reasoned decision read from the bench December 13, New Jersey Superior Court Judge Maurice Gallipoli declared Jersey City’s one gun a month handgun rationing law null and void, holding that it violates state pre-emption, equal protection, and was "arbitrary and capricious."

Sovereign Immunity Needs to Go

So far, Houston gun store owner Bob Arwady’s direct expenses (not counting loss of business) in defending himself against a string of lying, lawbreakers with badges exceeds half a million dollars.

National Gun Rights groups define stand on federal gun laws

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership take the National Rifle Association to task for statements they made in a letter to a member.  Their remarks highlight the crux of the debate over federal firearms legislation and enforcement of such laws.

University of Utah seeks limited gun ban

University of Utah President Michael Young said he is now working with legislators to see if guns could be banned in residence halls and athletic venues.  [If you can't have it in your residence, where do you keep it when you are not out?  Wouldn't this effectively defeat your ability to carry at all if you have no means to keep it at HOME!?? - Ed.]

New Zealand - Protest in support of Gun shop shooting

Greg Carvell did what any citizen in the same circumstances should legally be able to do when faced with an intruder yelling “Give me the guns or I’ll kill you”. He shot him!

The Philippines - Polls trigger rush for gun permits

Hundreds of national and local government officials and other VIPs (very important persons) have trooped to the National Police headquarters at Camp Crame to secure their respective PTCFORs (permit-to-carry-firearms-outside-of-residence) which is a pre-requisite to get an exemption to the Commission on Election’s total gun ban effective Jan. 14 next year. [How would you like to live in a country where the likes of Diane Feinstein, Chuck Schumer, Sarah Brady, Michael Moore and Barbara Streisand would be the only people allowed to have guns? And ONE man could make such a rule?! - Ed.]

Revised Preemption And CCDW Reform Passes Ohio Senate

The Ohio Senate Criminal Justice Committee adopted a new Substitute House Bill 347 on Wednesday morning ending eleven months of HB347 gridlock. At approximately 2:35 the Ohio Senate passed HB347 by a 19 to 10 vote after rancorous debate. All anti-gun amendments were defeated!
 

NY - Prison time tripled for possession of illegal loaded firearm
As of November 1st, 2006 anyone caught possessing an illegal loaded firearm in New York State will face 3 ½ to 15 years in state prison. The crime of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, which is the legal statute for possessing an illegally loaded gun, has been elevated to a class “C” Felony from a class “D” Felony. Those found guilty will face certain prison time.  [We wonder, what constitutes an "illegal loaded firearm"? - Ed.]

Ohio - [Highway] Patrol, GOP near deal on gun bill

The bill, among other things, no longer would permit local governments to pass gun laws that go beyond the restrictions set by state lawmakers.

Canada - Gun law unveiled

Innocent until proven guilty will no longer apply to people charged with serious gun crimes, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced yesterday.  [This obviously is NOT the Land of Liberty! - Ed.]

Is COMCAST blocking conservative emails?

If your e-mail service provider is blocking your conservative newsletters, you may not be alone. Under the guise of protecting customers from "spam," Internet services may be blocking important and wanted e-mails from customers without their knowledge.

U.N. agency organizes lottery in Sarajevo - return a gun and win a DVD player

"The aim is to increase the security of the citizens and raise the awareness of the public of the danger of illegal possession of small arms,"  [You don't need guns, we're from the government, we'll keep you safe! - Ed.]

Some TSA numbers

Federal authorities have launched an investigation to determine who leaked test results showing security screeners missed 90 percent of the explosives and guns agents attempted to sneak past checkpoints this month at Newark Liberty International Airport.  [We're from the government, we're here to keep you safe!!! - Ed.]
 

Costco Gun Ban

Costco does not believe that it is necessary for firearms to be brought into its warehouse stores, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.

Gun Owners of America 2006 Candidate Ratings Guide

We looked hard for a similar rating from the Brady Campaign or the Violence Policy Center in order to give them equal time but there doesn't seem to be anything available.  We'll be glad to post their ratings if anyone can put us n touch with a copy!

KY - Scott County Affirms Right To Carry
It seems that not everyone was aware of the provisions in the Commonwealth’s Constitution and the KY statutes that protect the citizens right to carry a weapon for his own defense.

A few more have learned!

'Mayors Against Illegal Guns' Preparing Their Assault

The "Mayors Against Illegal Guns Coalition," a bipartisan group of 109 mayors in 44 states, is meeting Thursday in Chicago to "share strategies in the fight against illegal guns."

TX - Teaching kids to fight back against classroom invaders

Youngsters in a suburban Fort Worth, Texas, school district are being taught not to sit there like good boys and girls with their hands folded if a gunman invades the classroom, but to rush him and hit him with everything they've got -- books, pencils, legs and arms.
 

WV - Man accidentally shoots wife

A Cabell County man accidentally shot his wife in their Culloden home when the handgun he was working on misfired, police say.  [I beg to differ with said police, The gun did NOT "misfire"!  As evidenced by the wounded wife, IT WORKED PERFECTLY!  If a round is in the chamber and the hammer is dropped, IT GOES OFF!!  This may have been unintended but it is NOT an accident, it is NEGLIGENCE!!! - Ed]

*******

Now, from one media reporting extreme to the other.  Sometimes it seems a shame that the First Amendment is not regulated as stringently as the Second.

Maybe we need something like a writer's license?

*******

FL - Broward teacher, husband charged after leaving tots with gun

The gun was out of reach of the children, but the situation still was dangerous, Broward Sheriff's Office spokesman Hugh Graf said.  [Leaving a 2 and 4 year-old alone for at least an hour is CRIMINAL!  Right, the situation was dangerous because they could likely reach the stove, the knives in the kitchen drawer, any number of chemicals from cosmetics to solvents and one kid could  OBVIOUSLY manage access to the outside where there are kidnappers, busy streets, stairs, and who knows what!!  I guess headlines are supposed to be short so they had to pick just one dangerous situation.  Hmmmph!! - Ed]

State Rep Wants To Arm Teachers With Guns

In the wake of school shootings in Wisconsin, Colorado and Pennsylvania during the last two weeks, a state legislator says he plans to introduce legislation that would allow teachers, principals, administrators and other school personnel to carry concealed weapons.

Pennsylvania rejects a host of gun-control measures

One day after five Amish girls were fatally shot in their schoolhouse 50 miles from the Capitol, the state House Tuesday resoundingly defeated a host of gun-control measures, including an assault-weapons ban and controversial restrictions on handgun purchases.

CA - Sean Penn's life is  MORE IMPORTANT than yours.

"People have to show me good cause," said Marin County Sheriff Robert Doyle...  Doyle usually carries a concealed pistol on trips into San Francisco or to the East Bay...  When actor Sean Penn of Ross became worried about the violent tendencies of a former employee, he got a license from the Ross police chief
 

KY - SHELBY RIGGS PASSES ON
Shelby Riggs died on September 24, 2006. Shelby was a veteran of WWII, a Kentucky State Policeman, and a long-time gun shop operator in Frankfort. He was a founder, board member and past president of Kentucky Coalition to Carry Concealed and worked tirelessly for gun rights in Kentucky. Shelby was often our "ace in the hole" in Frankfort. He knew who to talk to and how to talk to them to get things done in the legislature. He was a persuasive witness at legislative committee hearings, often able to sway opinion simply with the clarity of his reasoning and his old-school gentlemanly style. His passing is deeply felt by all of us.  It was truly an honor to have known him.
 

[Once] Great Britain - Children's toy guns spark rise in armed police operations

Last month two 14-year-old boys sparked a large-scale police operation when they were spotted leaving an Asda store in Bearsden, Glasgow, carrying a gun. A police helicopter, an armed response unit and two dog teams were all scrambled.

PA - Mostly, a miss on gun control

The state House, dominated by members from rural areas where hunting is a way of life and the Second Amendment is sacrosanct, resoundingly rejected a series of gun-control measures yesterday, including one that would have allowed Philadelphia to enact its own firearms laws.

IN - Changes will allow state lawmakers to carry guns

"I know there has to be exceptions as to who can and cannot carry but in an institution that is built to represent all the citizens of the state of Indiana how you can actually go in and create a separate or elite class of individuals that says okay, you are allowed to carry a weapon in the institution but nobody else can," said State Representative Terry Goodin.

Gun Control: Does the UN Protect Women’s Rights?
“Where guns are available, more women are likely to be killed." said Denise Searle of Amnesty International.  [Fact supported opinion - If you read the article it would seem that this is most true when guns are available to U.N. "peacekeepers" - Ed.]
 

WA - Olympia-area teacher on leave after bringing gun and bullets to school

Thurston County sheriff's deputies say 33-year-old Mary Catherine Roe of Shelton, a language arts teacher, told them she had the gun because she was afraid of her estranged husband.  [We don't need the U.N. here, we do a fine job of protecting our women folk already! - Ed.]

IN - Pack a picnic -- or a gun

In the past, you had to keep your piece locked in your car. But under a provisional rule change, announced Thursday by the Department of Natural Resources, licensed handgun owners can pack while birding, hiking, picnicking -- whatever. [Including hunting during a non-gun season!!! - Ed.]

KY - Court limits gun-in-vehicle law
Justices rule out center console

Fadi Mohammad didn't think there was anything wrong with storing a gun in the center console of his car.

He found out differently when he was charged with illegally carrying the weapon during an arrest for drunken driving in Louisville.

UT -  University Temporarily Lifts Ban on Concealed Weapons

University President Michael K. Young sent an e-mail to faculty, staff and students saying the school will ask for a stay in its federal court case to keep guns off campus. School officials will meet with state leaders, hoping to reach a compromise on the state law that was upheld by the Utah Supreme Court. [One has to wonder what jurisdiction the federal court has over this matter! - Ed.]

TX - Houston Sees Rift With Katrina Evacuees

A gun shop is running a radio commercial advising Houstonians to arm themselves against Katrina evacuees, contributing to rising tensions between longtime residents and the storm refugees who have been blamed for the city's rising crime rate.
Gun shop owner and radio talk-show host Jim Pruett said Thursday that he started running the ad a few weeks ago after hearing a TV interview with a Katrina evacuee in Houston implied he would have to turn to crime if his government assistance ran out.
 

U.S. Department of Justice · Bureau of Justice Statistics

Since 1994, violent crime rates have declined, reaching the lowest level ever recorded in 2005. [It is much easier for the law-abiding citizen to pack a gun these days and there are many more guns added to the civilian market every year.  WHY then, in light of these statistics, do the anti-gunners continue to claim that more guns equal more crime? - Ed.]

Georgetown, KY - Gun ban at parks challenged

During Friday's Scott County Fiscal Court meeting, Judge-Executive George Lusby told the court he had received two letters from The Kentucky Coalition to Carry Concealed Inc. claiming signage at the Scott County park prohibiting the carrying of concealed weapons is unlawful.  [One was actually an open records request, HERE is the one of importance. - Ed.]

PA - 100 leaders join to fight gun violence [ownership]

The coalition wants lawmakers "to stop the flow of illegal handguns, enact smarter laws, and support more effective law enforcement to curb gun crime, and to invest in a peaceful future by expanding opportunities for education and jobs," said Shelly Yanoff, executive director of the advocacy group Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth.

UT - U to continue enforcing policy, battle issue in federal court

Chief Justice Christine Durham, the sole dissenting justice, stated that the U's gun policy, whether constitutional or not, is needed to maintain a safe campus. [The elected legislature means NOTHING, the constitution means NOTHING.  How's that for "contempt of court"? - Ed.]

CA - Microstamping & Bullet Serialization Bill Defeated

AB 352 would have mandated the use of unreliable, patented, sole-sourced technology to microstamp firearms and would have permitted the Attorney General to require bullet serialization of all ammunition.

OH - Court upholds city's ban on guns in parks

The court said the exemption that allows private property owners to decide whether concealed-carry licensees can have weapons created disparity in its regulation, and was inconsistent with the intention of lawmakers to ensure uniform application.
 

KY - An Arbitrary Restriction... Or an Issue of Homeland Security?
[Comment on the News!] Under current law, legal resident aliens may freely acquire and possess firearms. They may bear them openly. They have the same rights to self-defense as any citizen. Why not allow for them to be TRAINED, have their BACKGROUND CHECKED, and PAY the required APPLICATION FEE to obtain a license?

Chicago - Guns at O'Hare are disappearing

Several handguns have been stolen from bags checked by police officers, military personnel and others on United Airlines flights departing O'Hare International Airport, sparking concern that the weapons are loose in what is supposed to be a secure part of the airport.

South Africa - Gun dealers ‘driven out of business’

Andrew Souter, of the South African Arms and Ammunition Dealers Association, accused the police and the Safety and Security sector education and training authority (Sasseta) of being at the heart of the bungling that saw some 640 of 720 gun dealers go out of business by June 2004 — two years after the Firearms Control Act came into operation.

Gun-free UK - Knife attacks surge 73% as amnesty fails

Lin Costello, co-founder of Mothers Against Murder and Aggression and a member of the Home Office knife and gun crime panel, said: “Young people are more and more willing to pick up a weapon. A knife is the easiest to get as they are in the drawer at home. We need to address not just the fact that there is more knife crime but more violent crime.”  [Could it be the disarmed populace, sometimes referred to as a "victim rich" environment? - Ed]
 

United States justice statistics show Americans need firearms

According to the justice report, 56 percent of the violent felons convicted in the nation’s 75 most populous counties from 1990 through 2002 had a prior conviction record, 38 percent had a prior felony conviction and 15 percent had been previously convicted for a violent felony.

FL - Meriweather's gun 'protected family'

Meriweather fired three rounds from a semiautomatic handgun last month at an unidentified intruder who shot Cooper outside the South Miami house the two players share with Hurricanes receiver Ryan Moore. ... After the shooting, UM coach Larry Coker said he preferred that his players did not own guns.  [In the aftermath of such an event, what possible logic is Coker relying upon?!? - Ed.]
 

BATF grants NICS exception for KY CCDW license.

Beginning 12 July 2006 KY CCDW licensees may bypass a NICS check by presenting their valid license when purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearm dealer based in KY.

TN - 8 Grocery Employees Stabbed - Armed citizen ends attack

A knife-wielding grocery store employee attacked eight co-workers Friday, seriously injuring five before a witness pulled a gun and stopped him, police said.

OH - Officers back concealed carry bill
Citing a desire for clear, concise language regarding Ohio's conceal and carry law are the reasons two local law enforcement officials urged legislators in the state Senate to push House Bill 347 onto the governor's desk.
 

MI - AG Hood subpoenas TV tapes showing Jackson Mayor Melton with firearms

"I'm not another citizen. I am the mayor of Jackson," he said. "It's appropriate that I have a chance to protect myself."  [And "another citizen" doesn't? - Ed.]

UT - Popularity of Utah gun permits puts hole in budget
In the 11 years since its passage, Utah's concealed-weapon law has become the closest thing to a national concealed-carry permit, with six of every 10 permits this year going to out-of-state residents.
 

KY - Right to self-defense in KY state parks affirmed!

Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR) pertaining to the KY Department of Parks that were contrary to state law and the Commonwealth's Constitution have been amended.  Take the link above to see the amended section of the KAR.  Pay close attention to item (17). [Note that strikethrough text is removed and underlined text is added by the the recent amendment.]

21st annual Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC)

September 22, 23 and 24, 2006 at the Renaissance Charlotte Suites Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

KC3 Annual Meeting of the Membership Recap

Another year has passed us by and an historic era has only just begun.  Ten years of legal concealed carry in KY is no longer a dream, it is now part of history.

KC3 Annual Meeting of the Membership just around corner!!

The 2006 Annual Members Meeting will take place May 20 in Frankfort, click above for more details!

LA - House votes to ban confiscation of guns

House Bill 760 would forbid law enforcement from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens during times of civil disorder.  [That's pretty much the law already but that didn't seem to matter to those in charge! - Ed.]

WA - ATF yanks General Store's firearms dealer license

The General Store sells more guns than any other Spokane retailer, but not for much longer since the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is revoking the General Store's federal firearms dealer license. [Eight misplaced forms out of hundreds of thousands and a handful of others incomplete, think the IRS is that accurate? - Ed.]

New Orleans - NOPD, NRA call truce over gun seizures

The legal skirmish between the New Orleans Police Department, the city and the National Rifle Association over the return of firearms confiscated after Hurricane Katrina has come to a cease-fire, with the NOPD agreeing to return ***  some ***  of the 700 weapons gathered during the storm and the NRA withdrawing its lawsuit against the city.  [Seems they are going out of their way to keep as many as possible! - Ed.]

KY - House Bill 290, The Omnibus Gun Bill, signed into law.

It seems the local press believes that no news is good news!  Why else would they ignore the signing of such significant legislation regarding the right of Kentuckians to protect themselves.  Simply put, we won again in spite of the Commonwealth's media powerhouses attempts to derail this very pro-gun legislation, and they won't even give us the satisfaction of linking to a story whining about it's passage.  We review the law in our most recent newsletter found here. (PDF reader required.)

KY - Senate Bill 38, "The Castle Doctrine" signed by Governor Fletcher Today, April 21!

Sorry but there is no story as yet to link to, it seems there isn't a media source reporting this yet!  It has now been seven days and still no story is available to link to.  Odd, as much as they cried about this bill moving through the General Assembly, you would think it would be big news when it was signed into law!  We review the law in our most recent newsletter found here. (PDF reader required.)

OH - House approves concealed-carry law

HB 347 is a culmination of bipartisan efforts over the last few months to address a number of problems raised by law enforcement and permit holders with the current law regarding licenses to carry a concealed handgun.

BLOG - BATF Wars against Gunsmiths

When does customization of a firearm become manufacturing? That seemingly simple question is occupying the near undivided attention of the firearms industry. Observers say it is a question with the potential to become a firestorm that could put custom gunsmiths out of business; if not behind bars.  [It's a web log rather than a bona fide news source, we'll let you decide on the credibility - Ed.]

CO - Boy who posed with guns convicted

Colorado law prohibits possession of a handgun by a juvenile, but permits parents to give them permission to possess guns in their homes, even without supervision. The conviction came despite his parents' testimony that they gave him permission to handle guns in their home without their supervision.

Canada - Forget the rhetoric: The gun registry is still the law

The registry is a waste of hundreds of millions – nay, billions – of dollars. So a Conservative government would close it down and use the money to hire police officers. [WRONG!! - Ed.]

NE - Mayor Seng to pursue ban on concealed-weapons in Lincoln

Some two weeks after a bill was signed into law allowing Nebraskans to carry concealed weapons, Lincoln Mayor Coleen Seng said Thursday that she would seek to ban them in the capital.
 

VA - Gov. Kaine vetoes 7 bills, including measure on guns in vehicles

Gov. Tim Kaine has set up a confrontation with lawmakers over gun rights by vetoing legislation that would allow people without concealed carry permits to store firearms in locked compartments or containers in their vehicles.

Gun Control Failing In New Jersey Cities

New Jersey, which received one of the highest state ratings from the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence earlier this year...but shooting deaths in its major cities still surged last year.  According to prosecutors in Camden County, of the 252 guns used in crimes there in 2003 - 04 that could be traced to their original point of sale, 36 percent came from Pennsylvania, while only about 14 percent came from New Jersey. [It is almost impossible to legally obtain a gun in New Jersey, that would guarantee that they come from somewhere else, wouldn't it?  So where DID the 14% come from, the law enforcement / government agent exception? - Ed.]

IN - Governor signs law endorsing Hoosiers' right to use deadly force

Gov. Mitch Daniels signed into law legislation endorsing Indiana residents' right to use deadly force against intruders, a change that prevents courts from ruling that individuals should flee first before using a gun.
 

Nebraska Concealed-carry adopted

Next year, roughly 20,000 Nebraskans may trade their pepper spray and knives for Rugers and live ammo. Ending  a 10-year effort, the Legislature on Thursday passed a law giving law-abiding Nebraskans the right to carry concealed handguns.
 

KS - House Overrides Gun Veto; Concealed Carry To Become Law
Law-abiding Kansans will be able to carry concealed guns because many of Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' fellow Democrats parted company to trash her veto of a guns bill.

NEW ORLEANS ADMITS TO SAF ATTORNEYS THEY HAVE SEIZED GUNS

Plaintiffs’ attorneys traveled to a location within the New Orleans city limits where they viewed more than 1,000 firearms that were being stored.

Brady Gives Kentucky "F" Rating!!!

We had it before but a few years back we were downgraded to a "D".  A little hard work at the legislature and we got our "F" back.  We'll wear it proudly!!!

Congress Told of ATF Seizures, Threats to Gun Buyers

Agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), allegedly acting without warrants or legislative authority to do so, seized firearms from at least 50 gun show patrons in Virginia

VA - Bill would bar doctors from asking about guns

The bill would prohibit health care professionals from asking a patient about gun possession, ownership or storage unless the patient is being treated for an injury related to guns or asks for safety counseling about them.  [Take the poll while you're there!]

Chicago - Pistol packin’ aldermen protected by the law

Despite the fact that it is illegal for ordinary citizens to carry concealed weapons in Chicago, it's different for alderman. An 1872 state law allows aldermen and other municipal officials, as peace officers, to carry guns... [Shame they can't do the same for the "common" folk! - Ed.]

Republik of Ill-Noise - Cabela's Targeted by Latest Daley/Blagojevich Gun Control Scheme, Says ISRA

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Governor Rod Blagojevich have teamed up to push legislation designed to thwart plans by a major hunting/fishing retailer to open a superstore in suburban Chicago.

HI - Women Tell Lawmakers They Want the Right to Protect Themselves with a Concealed Firearm

[And the people in charge say NO, because, well... they can! - Ed.]

FL - NRA, business groups fight over allowing guns in parking lots

"It's hard for me to imagine that kind of world, that anywhere you go you have a gun with you because you don't feel safe, or that you're in danger every time you get in your car," said Rick McAllister, president of the Florida Retail Federation. [I could take this guy to a few neighborhoods in FL that might change his mind! - Ed.]

South Africa - We all know GOA, how about GOSA?

South African gun lobbyists were launching a new organisation on Thursday to press their case that more - not fewer - weapons are needed to curb crime in a country notorious for murders and armed robberies.
 

Canada - Street gangs [and, apparently, government] zero in on gun owners

Guns are stolen from so-called legal gun owners and used to shoot people on the streets of Toronto and it's not acceptable," Mayor David Miller said. "We have to put a stop to it. And the only way to do that is to ban the ownership of guns.  ["So-called legal"? Why is that, because they are NOT criminals?  Wouldn't it be better to ban the criminal? - Ed.]

WI - Senate overrides concealed carry veto; Assembly next

The state Senate Thursday overrode Gov. Jim Doyle's veto of a bill that would let Wisconsin residents pack pistols, clubs and knives in their pockets.

IL - Firearm I.D. Processing Delays Prompt Renewed Calls for Investigation of Scandal-Ridden State Police

"Law-abiding gun owners put forth a good faith effort to comply with the law," continued ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "Nonetheless, they face felony prosecution because the Illinois State Police cannot, or will not live up to the agency's legal obligations."

Beware of Moles

When it comes to picking a gun group to support, it clearly pays to do a little checking first. If you’re going to join AHSA, you might as well just cut to the chase and join the Million Mom March.
 

Canada - Trucker fined, jailed for handgun at border

A $150 handgun has cost a Texas man five days in jail and a $3,000 fine.

South Africa - Gun owners to take their case to court

Thousands of South Africans will become criminals by default because police can't process licences in time.

WI - Senate backs concealed carry

Wisconsin residents could secretly carry guns under a bill the state Senate approved Tuesday that would end the state's 133-year-old ban on concealed weapons.
 

Louisville - Deputy's weapon is stolen during attack

"For anyone to attack a uniformed armed officer is unusual. There has to be easier ways to steal a weapon."  [The perfect illustration why carrying concealed is safer than open carry! - Ed.]

LA - House moves to stop gun loss
The House overwhelmingly passed a resolution Thursday that asks the Legislature to consider a bill that would let people keep their guns during times of civil disorder.