NRA Life Member to be Republican VP Nominee

She is also the governor of Alaska, wife, mother, hunter and obviously a go-getter.  The thing is that she is a real member of the NRA, not a punch-my-ticket-pay-for-membership-with-campaign-contributions member.  I may even put up a yard sign for the McCain-Palin ticket.  One thing for certain, if you aren't voting for McCain-Palin you are voting for socialism and antigunners of the first order. 

Gun Owner (a few sayings from the pro-gun crowd)

An armed man is a Citizen. An unarmed man is a subject.

A gun in the hand is better than a cop on the phone.

Gun Control is not about guns; it’s about control.

If guns cause crime, then cameras cause pornography.

Free Men should not have to ask permission to bear arms.

If you don’t know your Rights you don’t have any.

Those who trade Liberty for security have neither.

The United States Constitution © 1791. All Rights Reserved.

What part of “shall not be infringed” do you not understand?

The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Guns only have two enemies: rust and Liberals.

Know guns, know peace and safety. No guns, no peace nor safety.

If you want peace, prepare for war.

Peace through superior firepower.

Call 911: Government sponsored Dial-a-Prayer.

Assault is a type of behavior, not a type of hardware.

Criminals love gun control – it makes their jobs easier and safer.

Only a government that is afraid of its citizens tries to control them.

You only have the Rights you are willing to fight for.

The American Revolution wasn’t about tea and taxes — it was about taking guns!

Gun control is hitting what you aim at.

The pen is mightier than the sword — unless you are in a swordfight!

Those who live by the sword have a fighting chance.

Those who beat their swords into plowshares will plow for those who don’t.

Blaming a gun for crime is like blaming a fork for Rosie O’Donnell for being FAT!

My Gun? I’d rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

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

The day they want my guns they’ll have to bring theirs.

An armed society is a polite society.

Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.

How can you praise freedom, and condemn that which gains and preserves it?

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.

Shooting. The only sport endorsed by the Founding Fathers.

My wife and my gun: ’til death do us part.

When they come for your guns, give them the ammo first!

If you are free to be a liberal – thank a man with a gun!

Ted Kennedy’s car has killed more people than my gun!

Guns are smart enough. We need smarter politicians.

Bolt actions speak louder than words.

Gun control… it’s not a new idea… Just a bad one!

The D.C. Gun Ban works - just ask James Brady.

When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away…

Proposed NPS Rule Change

From VCDL:

Breaking news! The Department of the Interior has now published a proposed rule change for the National Park Service!

The proposed rule change is as follows for National Parks:

"A person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in the same manner, and to the same extent, that a person may lawfully possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded and operable firearms in any state park, or any similar unit of state land, in the state in which the federal park, or that portion thereof, is located, provided that such possession, carrying and transporting otherwise complies with applicable federal and state law."

The proposed rule change is as follows for National Wildlife Refuges:

"A person may possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national wildlife refuge in the same manner, and to the same extent, that a person may lawfully possess, carry, and transport concealed, loaded and operable firearms in any state wildlife refuge, or any similar unit of state land, in the state in which the national wildlife refuge, or that portion thereof, is located, provided that such possession, carrying and transporting otherwise complies with applicable federal and state law."

The problems that I initially see with the proposed rule change are:

* It does not allow for carry in a National Park or National Wildlife Refuge buildings even if the state allows carry in its state park and state refuge buildings. Federal law currently allows for carry in federal buildings unless they are posted. And even then you are allowed to carry for "other lawful purposes."

* It does not allow for open carry, without or without a permit, even if the host state allows for such carry in a state park or refuge area.

* It requires that the state allow the person to be able to carry in a state park or a refuge before they can carry in a National Park or Refuge. It seems to me that you should be allowed to carry in a National Park or Refuge unless the state prohibits carry or says specifically that you cannot carry in a National Park or Wildlife Refuge.

One good thing about this proposed rule change is that it will allow for reciprocity. Thus people from other states who can carry in Virginia will be able to carry in National Parks and Wildlife Refuges within Virginia when they visit here.

VCDL is continuing to analyze the proposed rule change and will be firming up its final position in the near future. I will advise when we have done so.

In the meantime you can read the proposed rule change for yourself by clicking on the URL below:

http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2008-09606_PI.pdf

Gun Ban in UK - a Report

Hat-tip to Xavier...


Kinda appropriate to post this on May Day...

Hypocrisy in Gun Control Legislation

Here in Virginia it is illegal to carry concealed in a place that serves liquor by the drink. It is NOT illegal to carry openly in such a place. That includes restaurants, e.g. Applebee's, that have a bar but to which most patrons go to eat.

We've been trying to get that changed so that CHP holders don't have to either remove their gun and unsecure it in their auto before entering the restaurant or to reduce their personal security by exposing their firearm through open carry. Anti-gun owner organizations oppose this saying that CHP holders will flock to bars, get drunk and shoot up the place a la Dodge City fantasies. This year Emmett Hanger got a bill removing this limitation on CHP holders provided they informed the management they were armed (the same thing as open carry in my view) and didn't drink (which they shouldn't do anyway).

Governor Kaine vetoed that bill. Said it was bad to mix alcohol and guns (which doesn't matter since you can still open carry in such places). Ok, so fast forward just a bit and another bill which EXEMPTS Commonwealth Attorneys and their deputies(off duty) from such limitation with NO requirement not to drink. Kaine signed that bill. Why?

It is clear that this Democrat believes that there are two classes of people in the Commonwealth, the watchers and the rest of us. His watchers can drink alcohol and be responsible but CHP holders (who are among the most highly vetted of all citizens) aren't capable of behaving themselves.

NRA Board Elections - My Votes

I just voted.

Steve Schreiner - he has the recommendation of several other people I respect.
Tom Selleck - we need a public persona that is attractive to other than our base.
James S. Gilmore III - former Governor of VA, he did a lot for this state's gun rights while here, has kept his word and has the ear of the nation's leaders (at least they know his name!).
Roy Innis - he's been on the side of right for a long time despite the fact that he's caught a lot of flack for it. Like me, he sees gun rights as the key to all rights.
Jim Taylor, Paco Kelly and John Taffin - I think these gentlemen would do a fine job if elected. I think they have the will to speak their minds and the ability to get along with other board members so that they can be effective. I acknowledge that unless there is a groundswell of support for them it is unlikely they'll be elected. However, if enough folks vote for them it might catch the eye of somebody who might actually recognize that there is a bit of dissatisfaction with the current drift of the organization.

I did not write in myself (as was suggested) because unless a LOT of folks write me in I'll just be some crank nobody knows. I also didn't vote for anyone else because I want "them" (the board) to see that some people took the time to consider their vote and didn't find all the nominees (however good they might be) worthy of a rubber stamp.

Thanks to those who carefully considered this vote.

NRA Board Elections

I happen to think these are important. I think the board must (might be wishful thinking) give some guidance to the tactics and direction of the organization either directly or by judicious selection of the action people. Today I got my American Rifleman with the ballot inside. If you are a voting member, please take the time to vote.

I would like to suggest two things. First, that you only vote for the 5-8 very best people nominated or write-ins that you might have. If everyone votes 26 of the 31, I think that this ensures that the 26 least offensive will be elected with only the 5most unknown or most forgettable being unelected. By voting for only the best 5-8, the best vote getters will be obvious and it will ensure that the best ARE certainly elected. This is even more important if you are conducting a write in campaign.

Second, I'd ask that at the very least you examine the positions of those nominated. If they are in the least bit non-supportive of 2nd Amendment rights, as Jim Zumbo was, you should absolutely NOT vote for them even if you do vote for 20-25 of those nominated.

These folks are important because it is these board members who are going to face down some really anti-2A crap that will be coming our way over the next 4 years. Any one of them can, through an ill-considered opinion or phrase, damage our cause.

If you are a voting member, thank you for your dedicated membership.

* * * * * * * * * * *

I've seen two or three recommendations by hardcore activists for Steve Schreiner. Any negatives? Other comments?

January 7, 2007 CREDIT CARD PROCESSING COMPANY REJECTS FIREARMS INDUSTRY

REFUSES TO PROCESS TRANSACTIONS . . . Citi Merchant Services and First Data Corp. are refusing to process any credit card transactions between federally licensed firearms retailers, distributors and manufacturers -- a move which will severely limit available inventory of firearms and ammunition to military, law enforcement and law-abiding Americans.

The first company to be affected by this decision appears to be firearms distributor CDNN Sports Inc.

"We were contacted recently by First Data/Citi Merchant Services by a June Rivera-Mantilla stating that we were terminated and funds were being seized for selling firearms in a non-face-to-face transaction," said Charlie Crawford, president of CDNN Sports Inc. "Although perfectly legal, we were also informed that no transactions would be processed in the future, even for non-firearms. I find this very frightening."

To voice your concern to Citi Merchant Services and First Data Corp., please contact June Rivera-Mantilla at 631-683-7734 or her supervisor Robert Tenenbaum at 631-683-6570.

To change to an NSSF-affiliated credit card processing program, contact Payment Alliance International at 1-866-371-2273 (ext. 1131).

NRA Life Membership

Well, with all the talk about the NRA lately I guess I've done decided. I'm going to send in my money and become a Life Member. Maybe you can then vote me onto the board (but of course you have to be a voting member).

I strongly believe there are only two ways to change an organization, control it from the inside or destroy it from the outside. We can't afford the destruction of the NRA.

I've vacillated on this for years. Always a member (with only a couple of lapses) but never dropping the hammer on Life Membership. It is happening now. I want to thank all those who helped me with my decision.

Shooting Back - the Charl van Wyck Story

See what terror attack on church looks like - And find out what happens when a Christian shoots back
from World Net Daily...

WASHINGTON – In the same week WND celebrates its fifth anniversary as a book publisher, the company announces the release of its first major documentary – "Shooting Back," the story of an armed man who returned fire at terrorists attacking his church, driving them off and saving the lives of hundreds.

Earlier this year, WND Books published for the first time in North America Charl van Wyk's literary version of the story – a biblical case for the right and duty of armed self-defense wrapped in a unique and personal account of what it's like to come face to face with an opportunity to exercise that right and duty.

Van Wyk was just an ordinary Christian man until July 25, 1993 – the day that would become known in South Africa as the St. James Massacre. It was on this date that van Wyk shot back at the terrorists who were attacking an innocent congregation gathered in prayer, and saved many lives in the process.

You need to see this DVD, you need to share this DVD, you need to buy this DVD.

Concealed Carry Works...

Support Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling

While NRA turncoat Joaquin Jackson is promoting an inane 5 round capacity limit for "civilian" guns, Commonwealth of Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling is supporting the idea of allowing concealed carry (by those licensed and thus vetted CHP holders) on Virginia's college campuses.

"Well I don't know the answer to whether or not if someone had had a weapon with them on campus if it would have made a difference. I don't know that anyone in Norris Hall on the day of this shooting had a concealed carry permit, but you know what we're looking at is do the prohibitions make sense?"

LtGov Bolling has been a staunch supporter of 2nd Amendment rights and I think he's done as much as can be done in his position to support those laws we've worked to have passed in support of 2nd Amendment rights. Please, let him know of your support for his position.

You can contact the Lieutenant Governor at:

The Honorable William T. "Bill" Bolling
Lieutenant Governor
Commonwealth of Virginia

102 Governor Street, Richmond, VA 23219
PO Box 1195, Richmond, VA 23218

Phone: 804-786-2078
Fax: 804-786-7514
Email: ltgov@ltgov.virginia.gov

Why A Gun

****By Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret) ****



**Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force. If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force. Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it. **

**In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion. Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some. **

**When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force. You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force. The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single gay guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender. **

**There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations. These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job. That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed. People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly. **

**Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury. This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physicallly superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser. People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst. The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level. The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter. It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable. **

**When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone. The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force. It removes force from the equation...and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.**

If you're looking for anything more about the VA Tech murders...

I posted all that on my "political" blog. Don't want to muck this up with such stuff.

Shootings at Virginia Tech - UPDATED

This morning on the campus of Virginia Polytechnical University there were an undetermined/unknown number of shootings by a suspected single shooter. In a residential hall or dormitory and the rest in Norris Hall, the details of these shootings are still not known. However 32 students and faculty were killed by the gunman who apparently shot himself. Also being reported but unconfirmed is that the two pistols had defaced serial numbers so the source is unknown but that they were both 9mm and the shooter had "multiple clips".

I would first like to express my condolences to the parents and families of anyone injured or killed.

Now, I've got to say that if there were somebody on the campus, legally carrying concealed this shooter might not have suceeded in harming so many as were harmed. If I remember correctly, VA Tech is a "no go" zone for concealed carry by school policy and this is one of the contentious points in VA legal circles.

The Roanoke Times Incident Continues...

CNN's Coverage

This coverage is surprisingly even but they get some things wrong. First, while the CHP/CWP is widely considered as a privelege it really is a right.

Also, Trejbal reported threats and there was a police response. This is the WAV of that call...

CHP Database Cached by Google?

The Roanoke Times put up the VA State DHP database, errors, stalking victims, cops and all and then, under a storm of protest, found justification for taking it down, ostensibly permanently. But Google will cache stuff. Did they? How could you find it? I haven't been able to. If you can, write me please.

DC Gun Ban Unconstitutional

US Court Says Parts of DC Gun Law Unconstitutional By VOA News 10 March 2007

A U.S. appeals court has ruled that parts of a law banning guns in Washington, D.C. are unconstitutional.

Friday's ruling, decided in a two to one vote, struck down a provision that bans residents of the nation's capital from keeping handguns in their homes. The court said the ban violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The amendment grants "the right of the people to keep and bear arms" and allows for a "well regulated militia."

The court also struck down a section of the law that requires owners of legally registered guns to disassemble them.

Follow the link to read the rest of the article.

Actually, the main, most important part of the ruling is that this court correctly held that the 2nd Amendment is an individual right. The antis are pitching a fit talking about activist judges. They need to research the word hypocrite, they are one.

The Roanoke Times Realizes Error?

The Roanoke Times Removes Database of Handgun Permit Holders

March 12, 2007 — The Roanoke Times has decided to remove the online database of registered concealed handgun permit holders from its website.The newspaper is requesting the Virginia State Police, which provided the information, verify the data.“When we posted the information, we had every reason to believe that the data the State Police had supplied would comply with the statutes. But people have notified us that the list includes names that should not have been released,” said Debbie Meade, president and publisher of The Roanoke Times. “Out of a sense of caution and concern for the public we have decided to take the database off of our website.”The database was posted on roanoke.com on Sunday as part of a New River Valley editorial page column about open records. This column, as well as others that will be published this week, is part of a special focus on Sunshine Week, a national initiative to raise awareness about open government and freedom of information.

* * * * *

By virtue of their irresponsible behavior, many citizens may have been targeted for burglary. I wonder what liability the Roanoke Times might have.

CHP Holder List On-Line "Courtesy" of the Roanoke Times

Shedding light on concealed handguns by Christian Trejbal seems to put forth this as a great civic service by The Roanoke Times and Mr. Trejbal. Some are livid. I think it is just silly. I know that this means that I can never go unarmed again. My comments to the Times follow.

* * * * *

Sadly, while you think you've done a great thing (and equated people with a background check to pedophiles in the process) it isn't so. Likely your choice to do this can put somebody at risk.

Once upon a time I was responsible for and the only access to a sizable number of government owned fully-auto weapons. I was threatened and told to get my CHP and did. Having that CHP, unknown to the possible assailants, made me more secure. It made those who might have been threatened by those weapons I safeguarded more secure. I don't suppose you considered that.

But there is the opposite result as well. Anyone not appearing on the list is an easier target for the criminal. I think that you think that criminals, particularly stalkers, can't read, can't use a computer and can't plan past their current meal. I hope you're right but that's not my experience.

Some people foolishly believe that everything that can be said must be said. Sometimes, it is better to keep your mouth shut even if you can say something, even if you have the knowledge to accurately report it. There is always somebody ready, willing, and able to take advantage of the blabber-mouth.

I might also add that you managed to insult a large number of people when you imply, without substantiation, that CHP holders can't manage their emotions sufficiently so that others must be cautious around them. In fact, I think the statistics bear out that there are more criminal acts by police officers than by CHP holders in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Perhaps you could research that.

My name, correctly spelled, is provided so that you can avoid me if you so choose.

Sincerely,

(name deleted for the blog, do some research)
SFC, USA Ret.

Carbon Footprint Rebuffed

What's Your Real 'Carbon Footprint'? Thursday, May 11, 2006 By Steven Milloy

Remember when THE church sold indulgences. I'm not God but I am a thinker (to shamelessly copy somebody else) and I don't think that paying money to a guy with a funny haircut and a hair shirt got anyone out of hell. Neither will paying somebody to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by zero of any measure.

ZUMBO - UPDATE

Mr. Zumbo is apparently following "my" advice. (I know, I'm not the only person to suggest this.) He says he's going to fight the anti-gun zealots with all he's got. I can't vouch for the letter, I got it from Xavier, but I think that Mr. Zumbo is likely more trustworthy than O. J. Simpson and he likely will do as he says (unlike Simpson who's yet to look for his ex-wife's killer). I suggest that we take advantage of Mr. Zumbo. So, you read the letter and make up your mind.

February 28, 2007


Mr. Alan Gottlieb, Chairman
Citizens Committee for the
Right to Keep and Bear Arms
12500 N.E. Tenth Place
Bellevue, WA 98005



Dear Alan:

They say that hindsight is always 20-20. In my case, hindsight has been a hard teacher, like the father teaching the son a lesson about life in the wood shed.

I was wrong when I recently suggested that wildlife agencies should ban semiautomatic firearms I erroneously called “assault rifles” for hunting. I insulted legions of my fellow gun owners in the process by calling them “terrorist rifles.” I can never apologize enough for having worn blinders when I should have been wearing bifocals.

But unlike those who would destroy the Second Amendment right to own a firearm – any firearm – I have learned from my embarrassing mistake. My error should not be used, as it has been in recent days by our common enemies, in an effort to dangerously erode our right to keep and bear arms.

I would hope instead to use this spotlight to address my hunting fraternity, many of whom shared my erroneous position. I am a hunter and like many others I had the wrong picture in mind. I associated these firearms with military action, and saw not hunting as I have known it, not the killing of a varmint, but the elimination of the entire colony. Nothing could be further from the truth, but I know from whence it comes. This ridiculous image, formed in the blink of an eye, exerts an unconscious effect on all decisions that follow. In seeking to protect our hunting rights by guarding how we are seen in the public eye, I lost sight of the larger picture; missed the forest for the trees.

My own lack of experience was no excuse for ignoring the fact that millions of Americans – people who would share a campfire or the shelter of their tent, and who have hurt nobody – own, hunt with and competitively shoot or collect the kinds of firearms I so easily dismissed.

I recently took a “crash course” on these firearms with Ted Nugent, to learn more about them and to educate myself. In the process, I learned about the very real threat that faces all American gun owners.

I’ve studied up on legislation now in Congress that would renew and dangerously expand a ban on many types of firearms. The bill, HR 1022 sponsored by New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, is written so broadly that it would outlaw numerous firearms and accessories, including a folding stock for a Ruger rifle. I understand that some of the language could ultimately take away my timeworn and cherished hunting rifles and shotguns as well as those of all American hunters.

The extremist supporters of HR 1022 don’t want to stop criminals. They want to invent new ones out of people like you and me with the simple stroke of a pen. They will do anything they can to make it impossible for more and more American citizens to legally own any firearm.

Realizing that what I wrote catered to this insidious attack on fellow gun owners has, one might say, “awakened a sleeping giant within me, and filled him with a terrible resolve.”

I made a mistake. But those who would use my remarks to further their despicable political agenda have made a bigger one. I hope to become their worst nightmare. I admit I was wrong. They insist they are right.

Enclosed, you will find a check that is intended to be used to fight and defeat HR 1022. I also hope it inspires other gun owners to “do as I do, not as I say.”

I’m putting my money where my mouth should have been, and where my heart and soul have always been. I know the Second Amendment isn’t about hunting and never has been. My blunder was in thinking that by working to protect precious hunting rights I was doing enough. I promise it will never happen again.

I don’t know what lies over the horizon for me. I am not ready for the rocking chair.

I’m going to devote every ounce of my energy to this battle. I will remind my fellow hunters that we are first, gun owners. Whether we like it or not, our former apathy and prejudices may place that which we love, hunting, in jeopardy. I will educate fellow outdoorsmen who mistakenly think like I talked, even if I have to visit every hunting camp and climb into every duck blind and deer stand in this country to get it done. I was wrong, and I’m going to make it right.


Sincerely,
Jim Zumbo

HR-1022

If you didn't get it in the last post, re-read this...

A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General. In making the determination, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any Federal law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a firearm shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event.'

What gun or guns has not been used by the military or police of some country at some time? Are you getting it now?

So Who is David E Petzal?

I was tooling around the internet and what do I find but Xavier has posted about this fellow David E. Petzal who's taken up the cause of Jim Zumbo. Mr. Petzal allegedly said this,

"Gun owners -- all gun owners -- pay a heavy price for having to defend the availability of these weapons. The American public -- and the gun-owning public; especially the gun-owning public -- would be better off without the hardcore military arms, which puts the average sportsman in a real dilemma. An Uzi or an AKM or an AK-47 should be no more generally available than a Claymore mine or a block of C4 explosive." David E. Petzal 1994

and now he's agog that we the unwashed have the temerity to demand that those who purport to represent us, officially or not, actually do so. As has been pointed out by many, shooters run the gun world now. SASS, NCOWS, 3 gun matches, sporting clays, etc, are what drive the gun market. Hunting? Not so much. The numbers of hunters is steadily declining even as the number of guns sold steadily rises.

Frankly, as a retired infantryman, intelligence NCO, and logistician, I think the equating of a semi-auto rifle with Claymores and C4 is pure sophistry. Of course, such tactics are well accepted by portions of society and this is also demonstrable in the discussions propoganda on global warming.

HR1022 is the reintroduced Assault Weapons Ban but it is so much more.

Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007 (Introduced in House)

HR 1022 IH


110th CONGRESS

1st Session

H. R. 1022
To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes.


IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

February 13, 2007
Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A BILL
To reauthorize the assault weapons ban, and for other purposes.


Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Assault Weapons Ban and Law Enforcement Protection Act of 2007'.

SEC. 2. REINSTATEMENT FOR 10 YEARS OF REPEALED CRIMINAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO ASSAULT WEAPONS AND LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES.

(a) Reinstatement of Provisions Wholly Repealed- Paragraphs (30) and (31) of section 921(a), subsections (v) and (w) and Appendix A of section 922, and the last 2 sentences of section 923(i) of title 18, United States Code, as in effect just before the repeal made by section 110105(2) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, are hereby enacted into law.

(b) Reinstatement of Provisions Partially Repealed- Section 924 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:

`(B) knowingly violates subsection (a)(4), (f), (k), (r), (v), or (w) of section 922;'; and

(2) in subsection (c)(1)(B), by striking clause (i) and inserting the following:

`(i) is a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, or semiautomatic assault weapon, the person shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 10 years; or'.

SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

(a) In General- Section 921(a)(30) of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended to read as follows:

`(30) The term `semiautomatic assault weapon' means any of the following:

`(A) The following rifles or copies or duplicates thereof:

`(i) AK, AKM, AKS, AK-47, AK-74, ARM, MAK90, Misr, NHM 90, NHM 91, SA 85, SA 93, VEPR;

`(ii) AR-10;

`(iii) AR-15, Bushmaster XM15, Armalite M15, or Olympic Arms PCR;

`(iv) AR70;

`(v) Calico Liberty;

`(vi) Dragunov SVD Sniper Rifle or Dragunov SVU;

`(vii) Fabrique National FN/FAL, FN/LAR, or FNC;

`(viii) Hi-Point Carbine;

`(ix) HK-91, HK-93, HK-94, or HK-PSG-1;

`(x) Kel-Tec Sub Rifle;

`(xi) M1 Carbine;

`(xii) Saiga;

`(xiii) SAR-8, SAR-4800;

`(xiv) SKS with detachable magazine;

`(xv) SLG 95;

`(xvi) SLR 95 or 96;

`(xvii) Steyr AUG;

`(xviii) Sturm, Ruger Mini-14;

`(xix) Tavor;

`(xx) Thompson 1927, Thompson M1, or Thompson 1927 Commando; or

`(xxi) Uzi, Galil and Uzi Sporter, Galil Sporter, or Galil Sniper Rifle (Galatz).

`(B) The following pistols or copies or duplicates thereof:

`(i) Calico M-110;

`(ii) MAC-10, MAC-11, or MPA3;

`(iii) Olympic Arms OA;

`(iv) TEC-9, TEC-DC9, TEC-22 Scorpion, or AB-10; or

`(v) Uzi.

`(C) The following shotguns or copies or duplicates thereof:

`(i) Armscor 30 BG;

`(ii) SPAS 12 or LAW 12;

`(iii) Striker 12; or

`(iv) Streetsweeper.

`(D) A semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine, and that has--

`(i) a folding or telescoping stock;

`(ii) a threaded barrel;

`(iii) a pistol grip;

`(iv) a forward grip; or

`(v) a barrel shroud.

`(E)(i) Except as provided in clause (ii), a semiautomatic rifle that has a fixed magazine with the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.

`(ii) Clause (i) shall not apply to an attached tubular device designed to accept, and capable of operating only with, .22 caliber rimfire ammunition.

`(F) A semiautomatic pistol that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine, and has--

`(i) a second pistol grip;

`(ii) a threaded barrel;

`(iii) a barrel shroud; or

`(iv) the capacity to accept a detachable magazine at a location outside of the pistol grip.

`(G) A semiautomatic pistol with a fixed magazine that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds.

`(H) A semiautomatic shotgun that has--

`(i) a folding or telescoping stock;

`(ii) a pistol grip;

`(iii) the ability to accept a detachable magazine; or

`(iv) a fixed magazine capacity of more than 5 rounds.

`(I) A shotgun with a revolving cylinder.

`(J) A frame or receiver that is identical to, or based substantially on the frame or receiver of, a firearm described in any of subparagraphs (A) through (I) or (L).

`(K) A conversion kit.

`(L) A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun originally designed for military or law enforcement use, or a firearm based on the design of such a firearm, that is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, as determined by the Attorney General. In making the determination, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that a firearm procured for use by the United States military or any Federal law enforcement agency is not particularly suitable for sporting purposes, and a firearm shall not be determined to be particularly suitable for sporting purposes solely because the firearm is suitable for use in a sporting event.'.

(b) Related Definitions- Section 921(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(36) Barrel Shroud- The term `barrel shroud' means a shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel of a firearm so that the shroud protects the user of the firearm from heat generated by the barrel, but does not include a slide that encloses the barrel, and does not include an extension of the stock along the bottom of the barrel which does not encircle or substantially encircle the barrel.

`(37) Conversion Kit- The term `conversion kit' means any part or combination of parts designed and intended for use in converting a firearm into a semiautomatic assault weapon, and any combination of parts from which a semiautomatic assault weapon can be assembled if the parts are in the possession or under the control of a person.

`(38) Detachable Magazine- The term `detachable magazine' means an ammunition feeding device that can readily be inserted into a firearm.

`(39) Fixed Magazine- The term `fixed magazine' means an ammunition feeding device contained in, or permanently attached to, a firearm.

`(40) Folding or Telescoping Stock- The term `folding or telescoping stock' means a stock that folds, telescopes, or otherwise operates to reduce the length, size, or any other dimension, or otherwise enhances the concealability, of a firearm.

`(41) Forward Grip- The term `forward grip' means a grip located forward of the trigger that functions as a pistol grip.

`(42) Pistol Grip- The term `pistol grip' means a grip, a thumbhole stock, or any other characteristic that can function as a grip.

`(43) Threaded Barrel- The term `threaded barrel' means a feature or characteristic that is designed in such a manner to allow for the attachment of a firearm as defined in section 5845(a) of the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. 5845(a)).'.

SEC. 4. GRANDFATHER PROVISION.

Section 922(v)(2) of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended--

(1) by inserting `(A)' after `(2)'; and

(2) by adding after and below the end the following:

`(B) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any firearm the possession or transfer of which would (but for this subparagraph) be unlawful by reason of this subsection, and which is otherwise lawfully possessed on the date of the enactment of this subparagraph.'.

SEC. 5. REPEAL OF CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS.

Section 922(v)(3) of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended by striking `(3)' and all that follows through the 1st sentence and inserting the following:

`(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any firearm that--

`(A) is manually operated by bolt, pump, level, or slide action;

`(B) has been rendered permanently inoperable; or

`(C) is an antique firearm.'.

SEC. 6. REQUIRING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR THE TRANSFER OF LAWFULLY POSSESSED SEMIAUTOMATIC ASSAULT WEAPONS.

Section 922(v) of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(5) It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer a semiautomatic assault weapon to which paragraph (1) does not apply, except through--

`(A) a licensed dealer, and for purposes of subsection (t) in the case of such a transfer, the weapon shall be considered to be transferred from the business inventory of the licensed dealer and the dealer shall be considered to be the transferor; or

`(B) a State or local law enforcement agency if the transfer is made in accordance with the procedures provided for in subsection (t) of this section and section 923(g).

`(6) The Attorney General shall establish and maintain, in a timely manner, a record of the make, model, and date of manufacture of any semiautomatic assault weapon which the Attorney General is made aware has been used in relation to a crime under Federal or State law, and the nature and circumstances of the crime involved, including the outcome of relevant criminal investigations and proceedings. The Attorney General shall annually submit the record to the Congress and make the record available to the general public.'.

SEC. 7. STRENGTHENING THE BAN ON THE POSSESSION OR TRANSFER OF A LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICE.

(a) Ban on Transfer of Semiautomatic Assault Weapon With Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device-

(1) IN GENERAL- Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after subsection (y) the following:

`(z) It shall be unlawful for any person to transfer any assault weapon with a large capacity ammunition feeding device.'.

(2) PENALTIES- Section 924(a) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(8) Whoever knowingly violates section 922(z) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both.'.

(b) Certification Requirement-

(1) IN GENERAL- Section 922(w) of such title, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended--

(A) in paragraph (3)--

(i) by adding `or' at the end of subparagraph (B); and

(ii) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and

(B) by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:

`(4) It shall be unlawful for a licensed manufacturer, licensed importer, or licensed dealer who transfers a large capacity ammunition feeding device that was manufactured on or before the date of the enactment of this subsection, to fail to certify to the Attorney General before the end of the 60-day period that begins with the date of the transfer, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, that the device was manufactured on or before the date of the enactment of this subsection.'.

(2) PENALTIES- Section 924(a) of such title, as amended by subsection (a)(2) of this section, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(9) Whoever knowingly violates section 922(w)(4) shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.'.

SEC. 8. UNLAWFUL WEAPONS TRANSFERS TO JUVENILES.

Section 922(x) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)--

(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and

(B) by adding at the end the following:

`(C) a semiautomatic assault weapon; or

`(D) a large capacity ammunition feeding device.'; and

(2) in paragraph (2)--

(A) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and

(B) by adding at the end the following:

`(C) a semiautomatic assault weapon; or

`(D) a large capacity ammunition feeding device.'.

SEC. 9. BAN ON IMPORTATION OF LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICE.

(a) In General- Section 922(w) of title 18, United States Code, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1), by striking `(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2)' and inserting `(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B)';

(2) in paragraph (2), by striking `(2) Paragraph (1)' and inserting `(B) Subparagraph (A)'; and

(3) by inserting before paragraph (3) the following:

`(2) It shall be unlawful for any person to import or bring into the United States a large capacity ammunition feeding device.'.

(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 921(a)(31)(A) of such title, as added by section 2(a) of this Act, is amended by striking `manufactured after the date of enactment of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994'.

So my question of Mr. Petzal is, "would you support this bill?" and if so, "why should we support you or your magazine?"

Jim Zumbo Broohaha continues...

Jim is supposed to show at the Nugent forum and has here. You tell me, has he saved himself? Can he? Remington, Gerber, Outdoor Life, the NRA, etc. have dropped him like a hot potato.

So far he's said:

The last few days have been an educational experience, to say the least. My ill-conceived inflammatory blog, as all of you now know, set off a firestorm that, I’m told, has never before been equaled. I’m not proud of that.
Let me say this at the outset. My words here are from the heart, and all mine. No one can censor me, and I answer to no one but myself. And I have no one to blame but myself. Outdoor Life, a magazine that I worked for full-time as Hunting Editor for almost 30 years, fired me yesterday. My TV show was cancelled yesterday. Many of my sponsors have issued statements on their website to sever all relationships. This may cause many of you to do backflips and dance in the streets, but, of course, I’m not laughing, nor am I looking for sympathy. I don’t want a pity party.

They say hindsight is golden. Looking back, I can’t believe I said the words “ban” and “terrorist” in the context that I did. I don’t know what I was thinking when I wrote that. I can explain this as sheer ignorance and an irresponsible use of words. What I’ve learned over the last few days has enlightened and amazed me. As a guy who hunts 200 days a year, does seminars on hunting, wrote for six hunting magazines, had a hunting TV show, and wrote 20 books on hunting, how could I have been so ignorant and out of touch with reality in the world of hunting and shooting?

But I was. I really can’t explain it, maybe because I just summarily dismissed the firearms in question in my mind when I saw them in magazines and catalogs. I saw one “black” firearm in a hunting camp in all my 50 years of hunting, and I shot one last year off a boat when fishing in Alaska. To tell the truth, it was fun and I enjoyed it immensely, but I never considered one for use in hunting. I have to tell you that I have had a revelation. I’m learning that many of my pals own AR-15’s and similar firearms and indeed use them for hunting. I was totally unaware that they were being used for legitimate hunting purposes. That is the absolute truth.

My biggest regret is not the financial impact of all this. I’m almost 67 and retirement is an option. The dreadful impact here is that I inadvertently struck a spear into the hearts of the people I love most…America’s gun owners. And, even though this huge cadre of dedicated people have succeeded in stripping me of my career, I hold no grudges. I will continue to stand as firm on pro hunting as I’ve ever done. But what’s different now is that I’ll do all I can to educate others who are, or were, as ignorant as I was about “black” rifles and the controversy that surrounds them. My promise to you is that I’ll learn all I can about these firearms, and by the time this week is out, I’ll order one. The NUGE has invited me to hunt with him using AR-15’s, and I’m eager to go, and learn. I’ll do all I can to spread the word.

I understand that many of you will not accept this apology, believing that the damage has been done and there’s no way to repair it. You have that right. But let me say this. I mentioned this above, and I’ll repeat it. I’m willing to seize this opportunity to educate hunters and shooters who shared my ignorance. If you’re willing to allow me to do that, we can indeed, in my mind, form a stronger bond within our ranks. Maybe in a roundabout way we can bring something good out of this.

Jim Zumbo

and

There are many, many questions here that I'll attempt to answer. Please be patient with me. Right now I'm reeling from the shock of what's happened and am trying to get my feet back under me.
But I want to share a phone call I just received from one of America's oldest and most prominent gun writers. He was absolutely amazed at all this, and had no clue of the misunderstandings on both sides. That leads up to the issue that some of you have brought up regarding "preaching to the choir." Let's think about that. I disagree that we are preaching to the choir. I believe that within America's gun owners, we can be classed into three groups: hunters, hunters/shooters, and shooters.

It's become obvious throughout all this that in order to strengthen our position to take on the Sarah Brady's and others, we must first be unified -- ALL of us. And the best way to unite is to first begin to understand our viewpoints as hunters and shooters. I believe that talking together will help enlighten us all.

and

Ok, poor choice of words again. I offered my resignation to Outdoor Life because I figured the axe was coming. Technically, I wasn't fired, though I believe I would have been had I not resigned.

and

Hey folks, give me a break. Many of you are demanding instant replies and answers. I'm just getting the hang of this. If I had been a newspaper reporter instead of a magazine writer all those years, maybe I'd be trained for rapid-fire chat. I'm plugging along as best as I can.

and

Someone asked if I'm an elitist hunter, wondering how I feel about hound hunting. I hunt with hounds as much as I can, I hunt bears over baits, deer over corn.

and

Someone said that I didn't explicitly mention the words "I'm sorry". I thought those words rang throughout my statement. If not, here it is: I AM SORRY!
Let me put it this way. I am sorry that I said the words "ban" and "terrorist" in the context that I did.

I called myself ignorant and irresponsible. If you want to keep kicking me in the butt, go ahead. I AM sincere about this, despite what some of you might think to the contrary.

Go and read the whole topic but be prepared to spend some time as it was at 16 pages when I left. UPDATE it is now at 35 pages AFTER a number of posts unacceptable to the moderators were deleted. Also, David Hardy has put me on to these comments by The Martialist which sum it up nicely. Now MSNBC has weighed in.

Jim Zumbo Broohaha

Ok, so I suppose I should comment on this writer/editor for Outdoor Life (once a respected outdoors/hunting/shooting/fishing magazine) who made comments about certain semi-auto rifles and their use in hunting. The professionally deceased Mr. Zumbo aroused the ire of the shooting community with his comments which equated the owners and users of such firearms with terrorists. Rightly so. Much has been written on this and you can do a search to find it all. I can only add these few comments which apply to life in general.

1 - Don't allow yourself to get lazy and lose track of what is happening in your chosen field. Mr. Zumbo apparently did do exactly that. His ignorance allowed him to make such a comment.
2 - Don't allow yourself to get arrogant and think that your elevated position permits you to make outrageous, unsubstantiated comments derogatory to more than 50% of your customers or to broad portions of the population at large. Mr. Zumbo apparently did exactly this.
3 - Don't give your enemies comfort by disparaging your friends (or yourself). Mr. Zumbo did that.
4 - Don't denegrate your employer(s). Mr. Zumbo did that.
5 - Apologies don't count for much when you are clearly just trying to save your job, keep you money, or your life. Folks can most often easily tell the difference. They will trust and respect you even less for backing down.

Mr. Zumbo, to you I say that I think you are an honest man. You honestly believe what you said about the use and users of AR-15s and I believe you were honestly sorry that you said those things. But, I believe you still think you're right. I know you are not only wrong, that you have denigrated every serviceperson, every owner of an AR-15 who target shoots or hunts with his gun, every user of every semi-auto firearm, rifle and pistol, every person who knows that the right to keep and bear arms is what defends every other right. I believe that you honestly believe that freedom and liberty can be compromised in the interest of security. But you are wrong as has been and is being proved in many countries today including the USofA. Your words are already being used against those of us who had thought we were your friends, your compatriots. We were wrong to think that you could see and understand and would work for our freedoms.

Ultimately, Mr. Zumbo may be forgotten for anything he's done other than this statement made in a blog. I know he will be departing from the public shooting scene. Many, including myself, will now go out of our way to avoid his product and those that publish him. We can only hope that he hasn't damaged the cause of freedom too severely.

You see, the Brady Bunch has already seized on this statement. Ironically, they are also prosyletizing against Mr. Zumbo's beloved scope sighted, military cartridge chambered, "sniper" rifles, even before he opined on the suitability of a popular firearms system.

The whole thing began with this post:

As I write this, I'm hunting coyotes in southeastern Wyoming with Eddie Stevenson, PR Manager for Remington Arms, Greg Dennison, who is senior research engineer for Remington, and several writers. We're testing Remington's brand new .17 cal Spitfire bullet on coyotes.

I must be living in a vacuum. The guides on our hunt tell me that the use of AR and AK rifles have a rapidly growing following among hunters, especially prairie dog hunters. I had no clue. Only once in my life have I ever seen anyone using one of these firearms.

I call them "assault" rifles, which may upset some people. Excuse me, maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I see no place for these weapons among our hunting fraternity. I'll go so far as to call them "terrorist" rifles. They tell me that some companies are producing assault rifles that are "tackdrivers."

Sorry, folks, in my humble opinion, these things have no place in hunting. We don't need to be lumped into the group of people who terrorize the world with them, which is an obvious concern. I've always been comfortable with the statement that hunters don't use assault rifles. We've always been proud of our "sporting firearms."

This really has me concerned. As hunters, we don't need the image of walking around the woods carrying one of these weapons. To most of the public, an assault rifle is a terrifying thing. Let's divorce ourselves from them. I say game departments should ban them from the praries and woods.

Then Mr. Zumbo discovered, as did his bosses, that there were some mighty peeved folks out there so he wrote this.

I was wrong, BIG TIME

Someone once said that to err is human. I just erred, and made without question, the biggest blunder in my 42 years of writing hunting articles. My blog inflamed legions of people I love most..... hunters and shooters. Obviously, when I wrote that blog, I activated my mouth before engaging my brain.

Let me explain the circumstances surrounding that blog. I was hunting coyotes, and after the hunt was over and being beat up by 60 mph winds all day, I was discussing hunting with one of the young guides. I was tired and exhausted, and I should have gone to bed early. When the guide told me that there was a "huge" following of hunters who use AR 15's and similar weapons to hunt prairies dogs, I was amazed. At that point I wrote the blog, and never thought it through.

Now then, you might not believe what I have to say, but I hope you do. How is it that Zumbo, who has been hunting for more than 50 years, is totally ignorant about these types of guns. I don't know. I shot one once at a target last year, and thought it was cool, but I never considered using one for hunting. I had absolutely no idea how vast the numbers of folks are who use them.

I never intended to be divisive, and I certainly believe in United we Stand, Divided we Fall. I've been an NRA member for 40 years, have attended 8 national NRA conventions in the last 10 years, and I'm an advisory board member for the United States Sportsmen's Alliance which actively fights anti-hunters and animal rights groups for hunter's rights. What really bothers me are some of the unpatriotic comments leveled at me. I fly the flag 365 days a year in my front yard. Last year, through an essay contest, I hosted a soldier wounded in Iraq to a free hunt in
Botswana. This year, through another essay contest, I'm taking two more soldiers on a free moose and elk hunt.

When I started blogging, I was told to write my thoughts, expressing my own opinion. The offensive blog I wrote was MY opinion, and no one else's. None of the companies that I deal with share that opinion, nor were they aware of what I had written until this firestorm started.

Believe it or not, I'm your best friend if you're a hunter or shooter, though it might not seem that way. I simply screwed up. And, to show that I'm sincere about this, I just talked to Ted Nugent, who everyone knows, and is a Board member of the NRA. Ted is extremely active with charities concerning our wounded military, and though he's known as a bowhunter, Ted has no problem with AR 15's and similar firearms. My sincerity stems from the fact that Ted and I are planning a hunt using AR 15's. I intend to learn all I can about them, and again, I'm sorry for inserting my foot in my mouth.

Let One Hundred Flowers Bloom, Let One Hundred Thoughts Contend

This was a campaign begun by Mao, actually the gang of 4, in the People's Republic of China (PRC, aka COMMUNIST China) which encouraged free expression. After a bit the free thinkers were rounded up and put in prison. I guess you could say they picked the flowers. So it is with the former Mayor of DC, Marion Barry's plan to loosen gun laws for a bit.

Barry aims for gun-ban hiatus
By Gary Emerling, THE WASHINGTON TIMES, February 7, 2007

D.C. Council member Marion Barry yesterday introduced legislation that would suspend the District's 30-year ban on handguns, providing gun owners a 90-day period to register weapons they would then be allowed to legally own.
"We are in the midst of a gun-violence epidemic," said Mr. Barry, Ward 8 Democrat. "We need to see gun violence as an emergency in the District of Columbia."
Mr. Barry's bill, which only applies to pistols, would allow D.C. residents with no criminal record to register guns for 90 days from the law's enactment. After the 90-day period, current gun restrictions would be reinstated.

Barry spokesman Keith Perry said the bill is "an acknowledgment that people do have guns" in the District and would help police better track weapons used in the commission of crimes.

The District has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation and restricts ownership of most guns that were not registered before 1977. Privately owned rifles and shotguns must be kept at home and stored unloaded, disassembled or bound by a trigger lock or a similar device.

Mr. Barry's proposal would increase the penalties for possessing an unregistered weapon in the District from a maximum of one year in prison and a $1,000 fine to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

A second offense could result in 30 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, according to the bill.

Mr. Barry, who was robbed at gunpoint in his Southeast apartment in January 2006, cited statistics that said police had confiscated 2,656 guns last year, with 51 percent of those weapons being seized east of the Anacostia River.

A recent Metropolitan Police Department report on homicides from 2001 to 2005 states that 901 of 1,126 homicide victims, or about 80 percent, were fatally shot.
Mr. Barry, who served four terms as D.C. mayor, also referenced the recent shooting deaths of D.C. teenagers Cynthia Gray and Taleshia Ford, both 17, in urging support for the measure.

"We all get outraged ... and we all go home," Mr. Barry said. "Nothing is done to get the guns off the streets of Washington, D.C."

Mr. Barry's bill was co-sponsored by council members Jim Graham, Ward 1 Democrat; Kwame Brown, at-large Democrat; and Tommy Wells, Ward 6 Democrat. It was referred to the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary.

Mr. Brown acknowledged that the bill "needs some working and flushing out" but that it was a proactive approach to taking guns off of city streets.

"To me, it's the end result," he said. "How do we get guns off the streets of the District of Columbia, get public input and find out how we can make the streets safer?"

Phil Mendelson, at-large Democrat and chairman of the public safety committee, said he had reservations about aspects of the bill. He said the 90-day period during which people who have owned illegal guns can register their weapons seems "counterproductive."

"The intent is right, to deal with gun violence," Mr. Mendelson said. "The amnesty thing, I think, goes against the need to reduce the number of guns in our city." He said the bill would likely be considered during the course of a larger hearing on gun violence.

Peter Hamm, a spokesman for the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, said yesterday the organization was not sufficiently familiar with Mr. Barry's bill to give an opinion on it but that the measure could be a tough sell in the District.
"It seems like a real uphill struggle for Mr. Barry to get a lot of broad support for something like this," Mr. Hamm said. "Washington, D.C., is suffering from a lot of gun violence lately and to say, 'Let's bring more guns into the equation as a solution,' doesn't sound like it makes a great deal of sense."

Chris W. Cox, chief lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, also said Mr. Barry's proposal was a surprise and that the organization would study the bill.
"Obviously, we support efforts to allow law-abiding residents of the District to own firearms," Mr. Cox said. "And we will continue in those efforts."
Congressional attempts to repeal the District's gun ban in recent years have been criticized as attacks on the District's right to home rule.

In 2004, the House of Representatives voted in favor of repealing the city's restrictions on gun ownership and registration, even though the measure was opposed by the District's mayor, 13 council members, the police chief and the city's congressional delegate. The bill was not brought to a vote in the Senate.

A federal appeals court heard arguments in December about whether the District's decision to prohibit residents from owning guns is a violation of the Second Amendment. That decision is pending. A U.S. District judge rejected the argument, brought by six D.C. residents, in 2005.

Oh, I do feel sorry for anyone foolish enough to want to live in the District of Columbia.

Department of Interior Arrogance

The Department of the Interior doesn't believe that states which issue concealed carry permits (aka concealed handgun permits as here in VA) know what they are doing and want you to disarm when you enter a national park. This is what we got in response to a petition for them to honor VA CHPs.


What these folks don't realize is that the parks exist inside other political entities the citizens of which have acted to ensure that certain rights can be exercised and that the DOI via the NPS are denying exercise of those rights.

Let's go get 'em. Contact your Senator and Representative to move on already introduced legislation so that you can exercise your rights everywhere in your state and reciprocating states.

Knife Rights

Knife Rights (formerly U.S. Knife & Tool Association) is seeking members to support the the right to use edged tools in the US. In Europe and the UK these rights have remarkably been curtailed to the point of idiocy.

Amazing that this is necessary to support common sense. I guess what we really need is a common sense rights group supporting the right to act rationally.

WV now has a West Virginia Citzens Defense League

Good news from Jim Snyder of the VCDL...

The West Virginia Citizens Defense League held its first
organizational meeting on Saturday, January 27, 2007, near Morgantown,
West Virginia. Details are available online at www.wvcdl.org

Jim Mullins, President of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League,
wrote:

I wanted to inform you of this meeting because, like the VCDL, the
WVCDL intends to be a state-level Second Amendment advocacy
organization that will seek to protect and, where necessary,
restore the rights of law-abiding West Virginia gun owners. I
admire the work of VCDL and hope that we will be able to work
together on issues of mutual concern when they arise.

Although anti-gun legislation rarely, if ever, makes progress in
our Legislature (one notable exception was the passage of a State
Capitol carry ban in 2002, whose repeal we intend to seek), there
are many areas where West Virginia laws need to be improved.

In addition to crafting pro-gun legislation, WVCDL will seek to
generate the necessary public pressure on individual legislators
and the legislative leadership to force committee action on pro-gun
bills. In preparation for forming WVCDL, I met individually with
about one-third of the members of our state Senate and the Speaker,
majority leader, and minority leader of our House of Delegates to
introduce myself and the WVCDL.

Our real work now lies ahead in spreading the word of our existence
and building the membership base necessary to promote our
legislative efforts. We would appreciate any assistance you may be
able to provide. We wish you the best of luck with your efforts
and we are willing to assist you when and where we can.

Sincerely,

Jim Mullins, President
West Virginia Citizens Defense League
info@wvcdl.org

If you have any friends or family members in WV, let them know about
WVCDL and how to contact them.

We certainly hope WVCDL succeeds in improving WV's gun laws.

* * * * *

I would like to add that WVCDL might be just as important to those of us living in western Virginia who visit the Mountain State regularly to see family, for business, or for recreation. I think I'll make a donation to them ASAP.

Some Thoughts on Kids and Guns

When I was a kid, there were guns in school. They were brought in for gun safety classes, hunter safety classes (the whole school having an assembly for the instruction) and in high school they were brought in for history reports in class and such things. Heck, a friend of mine and I were asked by the school principal to bring our guns to school and kill groundhogs who were digging dens next to the building foundation. We got them all. We also carried our guns to school in our cars so we could go hunting directly after school. Nary a problem I could see after attending schools in 3 different states. Of course we boys all carried knives as well... Nowadays we see guns differently.

"Ninth-Grader Arrested, Accused Of Having Gun In School", "Police: 5-Year-Old Brings Gun To School", and "Teen Accused Of Having Gun At School"All these incidents are of course viewed with at least some degree of dread. High school kids obviously want to slaughter fellow students (not perhaps defend themselves from bullies or "gangsta" elements in their schools) and who can see any good in a 5 year old having access to a gun (and what sort of disciplinary action would be effective in this instance?). We are never shown photos such as the young lady with the big bear I posted earlier or kids participating in marksmanship competition or kids happily and safely shooting with their parents. Oh, we've come quite a way since this young man proudly posed for the photo. That photo could have been of me or any of my friends albeit about 50 years later. Of course this is a uniquely, it seems, American point of view. Overseas, things are different.

Children are posed with guns as propoganda for a point of view which idolizes death. Perhaps you notice a common characteristic or two in this photo. Images like this have become almost ico