GUNS IN THE NEWS--March 1, 2004

[MrBenchley]

Please try to adhere to the following voluntary guidelines, in order that we can have an orderly discussion of gun-related news topics:
1 - Feel free to add any CURRENT stories to this thread by replying to this message. In order to be considered current, stories should have been originally posted on the Internet within the previous 24 hours, or provide follow-up to a story that was previously posted on the J/PS board. On Mondays (since many people do not log in to DU over the weekend), stories can be posted from Saturday, Sunday, or Monday.
2 - Both pro-gun and anti-gun stories, editorials, and press releases are welcome in this thread, as long as they're current. Please do not post links to items from a few years back that support your position.
3 - Bear in mind that any links to extremely right-wing sites (such as Newsmax, CNS, or the Washington Times) or intentionally pro-gun or pro-control sites (such as the NRA or the Brady Campaign) are not considered reliable sources by many DU-ers. If at all possible, try to find a link for your story from a more mainstream source, such as a general-circulation newspaper or magazine site. If you choose to use a slanted site, be prepared for any negative feedback you may receive.
4 - Do not change story titles. In other words, if the Oskosh Gazette's web site runs a story titled "Two Killed in Holdup", the title of your message should read "Two Killed in Holdup". Don't change it to "Gun Owner Kills Two People", or anything else that changes the meaning of the story.
5 - If it's not clear from the title where the story occurred, add the city, state, or country in parentheses after the title.
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8 - If you object to these guidelines, do everyone else a favor and go to another thread.

[MrBenchley]

1. CHP probing possible sixth shooting incident on I-580 (CA)

"The California Highway Patrol on Friday was investigating what could be the sixth shooting this week on Interstate 580 in the East Bay.
Five times on Monday, vehicles on a stretch of the freeway were hit by gunfire. No one was injured.
The latest incident occurred at Strobridge Avenue in Castro Valley about 6 p.m.
The driver heard a loud noise that sounded like a gunshot, and the back window shattered."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/8064769.htm

[bluestateguy]

2. Yes, guns should be banned

People should not have the right to defend themselves against brutal criminals. Only the police and the military should have guns. Only government should be trusted with guns. I completely trust John Ashcroft and George W. Bush with a mega-database with the names of all gun owners in America.

[MrBenchley]

8. AshKKKrroft and Chimpy push that phony "gun rights" crap

...all the way.

[FeebMaster]

21. sure they do (nt)

[MrBenchley]

24. Yeah, they do....wonder why?

Probably because they're dishonest right wing loonies.

Check just about every conservative jerkoff and bigot you can find, and you'll discover they're ALL spouting this dishonest gun rights crap.

[slackmaster]

38. So what?

What difference does that make to anyone?

[MrBenchley]

84. Update: More East Bay Freeway Shootings Reported

"California Highway Patrol investigators are looking into two more possible freeway shootings in the East Bay.
Investigators said more drivers came forward over the weekend to report their cars were possibly hit with bullets.
In one incident, two men reportedly shot at a car on Interstate 680 near Walnut Creek after an altercation on the freeway. No injuries were reported.
In a second incident, a window was shattered on I-680 in San Ramon. It's not clear if a bullet shattered the window.
The new reports bring the total number of possible shootings along I-580 and I-680 to 10. The shootings began last Monday along I-580 between Dublin and San Leandro. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=289&ncid=289&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_kcra/2030577

[MrBenchley]

3. One dead, one hurt in East P.A. shootings (CA)

"A 23-year-old Stockton man was killed by gunshot wounds in East Palo Alto on Sunday afternoon, authorities said. Hours later, a second gunshot victim reportedly drove himself to the police station after being shot several times.
In the first shooting, Jaiel Sims, 23, was found at East Bayshore Road and Dumbarton Avenue about 5 p.m., a San Mateo County coroner's investigator said. An autopsy will be performed this morning.
About two hours later, a man reportedly arrived at the police station after being shot multiple times. Police confirmed a shooting had taken place but did not provide any details."

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/8076211.htm

[MrBenchley]

4. Proposed amendment could end gun shows, some say (TX)

And good riddance to them too....

"FORT WORTH - At Saturday's High Caliber Gun Show, Dexter Whitaker had hunting rifles and collectibles spread out on a long table in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall.
But if someone buys a gun from Whitaker, the purchaser isn't required to undergo a federal background check as he or she would when buying a gun from a licensed dealer.
But if Congress approves a proposed amendment to a bill protecting gun manufacturers and distributors from lawsuits, private dealers like Whitaker may no longer be able to sell their wares at gun shows.
Democrats want an amendment that deals with gun shows, where unlicensed sellers do not have to check buyers' backgrounds. They also want to extend for 10 more years the ban on assault weapons, which expires in September.
Todd Bean, the promoter of this weekend's gun show, said closing the gun-show loophole would end gun shows."

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/8071479.htm

[jhfenton]

13. Deceptive article

Any article that uses terms like "private dealers" immediately loses all credibility. There is no such thing as a "private dealer" or an "unlicensed dealer" under federal law. If you're a licensed dealer, then you are a dealer. If you're not licensed, you're not a dealer, and cannot be in the business of selling firearms.

If you are in the business of selling firearms, but don't have a license, then you are committing multiple federal felonies.

There is no gun-show loophole. Mr. Whitaker is free to sell from his personal collection, whether through the newspaper, over the Internet, or at a gun show.

[MrBenchley]

17. Deception is the RKBA crowd's stock in trade

But hey, if you want to spout "There is no gun-show loophole", be my guest. It's hilarious to hear.

[CO Liberal]

54. I Suppose You Doubt The Existence of Bigfoot As Well

Even though there is ample proof of its being. The same way that there is more than ample evidence of a gun show loophole.

[MrBenchley]

61. Police: Double Killing Appears To Be Drug-Related (TX)

Officials said the two men were found shot to death at an apartment complex on the 1000 block of South Allen Genoa Sunday.
Witnesses said they saw four armed men running from an apartment and taking off in a pickup truck. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=320&ncid=320&e=5&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_kprc/2030130

[jhfenton]

70. That is an odd comparison

As I have never examined the proof proferred with respect to Bigfoot, I am unqualified to offer an opinion as to its existence.

I am, however, quite familiar with federal laws relative to firearms and federal firearms licensees. I am also in frequent attendance at gun shows. I am, therefore, quite comfortable in stating that exactly the same laws apply inside gun shows as apply across the street. There is no "gun show loophole." There is simply no requirement under federal law for background checks on private sales, wherever those private sales take place.

[RoeBear]

83. You were on hiatus for all this time...

...and all you could come up with was "the bigfoot" defense of gun control?

[slackmaster]

96. I'll see your bigfoot and raise you a Twinkie

:freak:

[CO Liberal]

101. That's All That Argument Deserved

I come back after 2 1/2 weeks, and nothing's changed......

[Superfly]

102. Actually, the last 2 1/2 weeks have been quite pleasant...

it may have been the weather out here in SE VA, or the weather in J/PS, but people actually had civil conversations!

[CO Liberal]

103. Not From What I Saw

I wasn't posting, but I was lurking. And the standard level of nastiness was there, just the same.

[Superfly]

104. Nah, I disagree...we we remarking to one another how

nice it was not to have the 103-post flame wars and cryptozoological arguments thrown around by a few notable posters, who will remain nameless.

[Columbia]

105. I agree with you Superfly

It was a good change of pace. We had lively, pleasant, and civil debate. I will think of that period with great fondness.

[Superfly]

106. We can think of it as the "Pax Forumnus"

But, I do have to admit, today has given me a new bit of argument: the "Bigfoot Defense"

(Have you seen it? It's in this thread.)

[CO Liberal]

107. The "Bigfoot Defense"

When faced with overwhelming evidence that something exists (such as Bigfoot or the gun show loophole), some people will deny their existence.

Some defense.......

[Superfly]

108. "Overwhelming evidence" LOL

Like this?



LOL...thanks for the chuckle.

(BTW, that's my 5,000th post!)

[CO Liberal]

111. In My Own Defense...

..."Bigfoot" was the best I coould come up with earlier today. For those of you who haven't been in the Lounge lately, I was in another serious accident on Friday - an asshole in a Ford Ranger in front of me pulled over onto the shoulder, and then proceeded to make a U-turn as I was passing him. I swerved to the left to try and avoid him, and wound up T-boning him. I was going around 45 MPH,and the front end of my Chevy S10 was demolished. My back hurts like hell, and my right arm and leg keep going numb. I have a doctor's appointment in the morning.

If I'm a little bit off my game, that's why.

(BTW, Superfly - congrats on 5k!!! :toast: )

[CO Liberal]

110. Looks Like a Lot Of Threads Were Locked.....

...in the past 2 1/2 weeks. Looks as if some people can't play nice regardless of WHO is on hiatus.

[Columbia]

112. Those were mostly a result of drive-by threads

By anti-gunners nonetheless.

[slackmaster]

113. Most threads get locked sooner or later

I have to say the forum was a lot more pleasant with the absence of one individual in particular.

[CO Liberal]

114. One of the Folks Who Got Banned, Right?

:-)

[Superfly]

5. Damn, there goes the neighborhood...

Welcome back!

[MrBenchley]

6. MINNEAPOLIS: Shooting vigil turns deadly

"A vigil outside the Minneapolis home where a man had been fatally shot four days earlier turned into a murder scene again Friday when someone driving by shot into the crowd.
Minneapolis police don't know what links the two homicides but believe the shootings, which also have injured three people, are related, said officer Ron Reier, police spokesman.
"One has to conclude there's a connection," said Minneapolis Council Member Don Samuels, who represents the ward where the shootings happened. "What it may be is the question."
Police were called to 209 33rd Ave. N., near Washington Avenue and Interstate 94, at 11:05 p.m. Friday after a report of shots fired. They found two men with gunshot wounds in the driveway.
Roan A. Patterson, 31, of Minneapolis, had been attending the vigil and died at 12:01 a.m. Saturday at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale."

http://www.twincities.com/mld/pioneerpress/news/local/8068003.htm

[CO Liberal]

7. Gun club asks township to ban automatic weapons (PA)

How about that? A gun club with a sense of responsibility to the community..... - Wayne

* * * * *

Gun club asks township to ban automatic weapons

NEWMANSTOWN (AP) — A gun club is asking the supervisors in a Lebanon County township to follow its lead and prohibit the use of automatic weapons.

The Millcreek Rod and Gun Club recently told a group that it could not establish a firing range for heavy-duty weapons at the club. Now, the club has asked Millcreek Township officials to prohibit their use in the township.

The issue arose when several people from the New York and Philadelphia areas recently joined the club, hoping to establish a firing range for .50-caliber machine guns and other heavy-duty weapons, said William Black, the club's vice president.

The club denied a request to allow the guns at the firing range, Black said, citing a lack of room and the concerns of neighbors. He added that people have been banned from using such weapons at other area ranges.

<more>

http://www.poconorecord.com/local/tjd70931.htm

[slackmaster]

42. Tempest in a teapot

Lawful owners of machine guns are among the most honest, trustworthy, peaceful people in the world.

This sounds like a bunch of Chicken Littles with too much free time on their hands.

[CO Liberal]

47. Remember the Machine Gun Owners of Old

Al Capone
Frank Netti
Baby Face Nelson
John Dillenger
Bonnie & Clyde
The list goes on and on......

[FeebMaster]

48. Too tooooooo funny

ahahhaahhahahaha

I mean seriously.

[slackmaster]

49. Apples and oranges

You're talking about badass criminals abusing machine guns before the National Firearms Act.

CO, I'm disappointed that you would resort to such an absurd comparison.

[CO Liberal]

55. Which REQUIRED The National Firearms Act

How many badass criminals have been prevented from getting machine guns in the ensuing years? And how many would be armed to the teeth of the assault weapons ban were allows to expire?????

Apples and apples.

[FeebMaster]

56. I thought

the whole reason they passed the NFA was that there were all of these treasury agents with nothing to do what with prohibition being over.

[Superfly]

57. Yay!!!! Hyperbole!

"Armed to the teeth" "badass criminals"

I'm adding those to:

"blood in the streets"
"the old west, revisited"

Am I leaving any out?

[MrBenchley]

58. Exactly so...

[slackmaster]

60. Exactly so WHAT?

:evilgrin:

[slackmaster]

59. No, apples and kumquats

The "assault weapons" "ban" hasn't had a significant effect on the knids of weapons available to criminals.

[FeebMaster]

50. That is quite a list though.

Six people. Hot damn! It sure does go on and on.

[Superfly]

51. Ah...the good ol days...

are back again! I didn't welcome you back to J/PS....

Where did you guys go, anyways?

(And, by good ol days I mean your return to active posting down here)

[MrBenchley]

9. Woman sought in her son's shooting death (NC)

"Caldwell County sheriff's investigators searched Friday for a woman who they say shot her 11-year-old son to death and tried to kill her teenage daughter.
The Sheriff's Office issued a warrant for the arrest of Janet Melinda Hall, 36, near Granite Falls, on charges of first-degree murder and attempted murder.
A witness saw a woman believed to be Hall driving a white Pontiac Grand Prix at Grace Chapel Road and Falls Avenue on Thursday afternoon, near Hall's home, Capt. J.L. Stafford said. The Pontiac hit the witness' car and the driver left the accident.
Hall's husband, Jim Hall, came home Thursday about 3:15 p.m. and found his 16-year-old daughter, Ashley, in a bathroom of the family's Poplar View Lane house, Stafford said. She had been shot three times in the chest, but was conscious. He then found the body of his son, Eric, on the floor of the master bedroom. It appeared that Eric had been shot once in the abdomen and once in the back of the neck."

http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/news/local/8062895.htm

[CO Liberal]

10. EDITORIAL - Aiming at gun violence (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

Aiming at gun violence

Monday March 01, 2004

Keeping assault weapons off the streets and ending criminals' access to guns should be easy positions for lawmakers to support.

But there's no guarantee that the U.S. Senate will do the right thing when it comes to curbing gun violence.

The Senate is set to vote this week on two amendments to a bill that would protect gun manufacturers from lawsuits. One is a renewal of the assault weapons ban that was enacted in 1994 -- a ban that has resulted in a steep decrease in their use in crimes. The other seeks to close a dangerous loophole that allows criminals and even terrorists to illegally obtain weapons at gun shows by evading background checks.

If the assault weapons ban is not renewed, it will expire in September. But there's no justification for legalizing the 19 military-style weapons covered by the ban. No one needs an assault weapon for a legitimate purpose.

<more>

http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1078125901128290.xml

[MrBenchley]

11. There's a reason why

the GOP is struggling to keep these from coming to an open vote.....they want to vote as the gun lobby commands, but they don't want to have to explain that vote to their constituents....

[jhfenton]

14. Another inaccurate, deceitful editorial

Not only does it perpetuate the "unlicensed dealer" lie, it perpetuates the myth that the "assault weapons" ban is about firepower: "If the ban expires, it will only give criminals more firepower, increasing the danger to law-abiding citizens and law enforcement officials."

The so-called "assault weapons" ban is about bayonet lugs, threaded barrels, pistol grips, adjustible/collapsible stocks, and flash supressors, not about function or firepower.

I'm counting the days (195) until I can build an AR-15 with a flash supressor, a bayonet lug, and an adjustible stock. I already have a stripped lower receiver. As soon as the ban expires, I'm going to mail order the rest of the parts.

[MrBenchley]

18. Lo the poor gun nut!

None but a handful of far right wing loonies (like Newsmax and Crazy Bill Buckley) REALLY understand.....

[jhfenton]

66. Who are you calling a "gun nut?"

Posted by MrBenchley:
"Lo the poor gun nut!"
None but a handful of far right wing loonies (like Newsmax and Crazy Bill Buckley) REALLY understand.....

As usual, you have nothing to offer but name calling.

[slackmaster]

68. Personal attacks and guilt by association are the stock in trade

Of the gun-grabber crowd.

[MrBenchley]

72. Who's that trying to pass off Buckley as non-partisan?

[slackmaster]

74. Mr. FBuckley smoked weed

Of course he's non-partisan!

:hippie:

[FatSlob]

15. That editorial seems to have been written

by folks ignorant of the issue.

[MrBenchley]

19. Gee, seems to me that they're right on the money

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

23. Guess not everybody swallows the gun lobby's horseshit

That's why just about every group of deccent people inn America ended up on the NRA's hate list.

[FatSlob]

25. I'm sorry, but your reply is factually incorrect.

It is Sarah Brady and her ilk who are dispensing the "horseshit"...as you so eloquently put it. I'm sorry, but I've not met any "deccent" people on any "hate list". :hi:

[MrBenchley]

26. Nope, it's the gun lobby lying again, as usual

And I'll stay over here with the decent people, far from the gun nut crowd.

[FatSlob]

28. Sir, your facts are again incorrect.

I'm with the decent, liberty loving folks. The Authoritarian crowd is the one that the antis are with.


edit to say: Oh, I understand...the antis think authoritarianism is decent. How nice of them. Wasn't Mao an authoritarian? Nice playmate the antis have.

[MrBenchley]

29. Not even close to true...

But thanks for the laugh...it's hilarious to see somebody try to pretend Tom DeLay, Trrent Lott, Larry Pratt, Ted Nugent. Waynne LaPierre, Jeff Cooper, Pat Buchanan, John Lott, the Reverend Moon, and the rest of that greasy band of nutcases and thugs are "decent, liberty loving folks."

[FatSlob]

30. Mao, Stalin, Lenin, Hitler, Amin

Nice playmates the authoritarian anti crowd has.

[Superfly]

31. Don't forget Asscroft and Bush...

yet, Bench wants to give them more power to control the RKBA...

[MrBenchley]

34. AshKKKroft and Chimpy are gun rights all the way, fly

You know...just like every other bigoted piece of shit that can be found in America.

[FeebMaster]

35. Too TOO funny..

Yup.

[MrBenchley]

37. Hilarious to see the RKBA crowd pretend

that this unelected drunk isn't pimping gun rights....

"New York Times
Down and Dirty in the Gun Debate
February 27, 2004
President Bush has long been on record supporting two crucial gun-control measures: the renewal of the assault weapons ban, which has been the law for 10 years, and a new law to close the loophole that shady dealers can use to slip weapons to buyers at gun shows. For an equally long time, he did nothing to back up his words. Now, in the early days of his re-election campaign, Mr. Bush has finally acted. He has stepped in at a critical hour in an attempt to kill both of those vital laws and promote instead a plan to grant unreasonable immunity from victims' damage suits to reckless gun dealers and manufacturers."

http://www.csgv.org/news/headlines/nyted2_27.cfm

[FeebMaster]

39. Oh my God!

You're right! What a gun rights champion! At this rate, no doubt Bush and all of those other pro-gun Republicans will have all the federal firearms legislation repealed in another 1,000 years or so.

:eyes:

[MrBenchley]

41. You're welcome to the unelected drunk

and the rest of the scummy politicans and commentators pushing that dishonest gun rights horseshit in public.

[FeebMaster]

43. I don't think so.

None of them are remotely pro-gun enough for my tastes.

[MrBenchley]

44. You're welcome to the pro-gun loonies of the world....

Nutso Roy Moore (another pro-gun stalwart) was just recruiting with the Militia of Montana...he would seem to fit your bill...

http://dneiwert.blogspot.com/

[FeebMaster]

46. No, I don't think so.

I'm not really interested in the ten commandments. I don't know what Moore's opinion on gun rights is, but I'm sure he isn't pro-gun enough for me.

[demsrule4life]

78. That is a very good reason for us to give up our guns

since the unelected emperor "says" (snicker) he is pro-gun.

[MrBenchley]

80. Hell, dems.....

He's right up your alley....

[demsrule4life]

82. I dont think so

I agree Bush is an unelected drunk Emperor. He "says" he is pro gun, which I dont believe for a moment. Just why in the hell are you saying that we should disarm because Bush says he is "pro gun"? Who are you really supporting?

[MrBenchley]

85. Yeah, dems, you'll fit right in there...

Hell, Charlton Heston even wanted his idiotic supporters to lynch Al Gore...

[demsrule4life]

87. So we should give up our guns

so the right can do anything they want?

[Name removed]

89. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[slackmaster]

62. Who cares?

n/t

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

12. Son Charged With Murder In Alzheimer's Shooting (MI)

"A Dearborn Heights man who claimed he shot his mother to end her suffering from Alzheimer's disease was charged with murder Friday, according to Local 4 reports.
Robert Mydiarz, 56, was charged with first-degree murder and felony firearms for the shooting death of his 85-year-old mother, Julia, early Thursday.
Dearborn Heights police received a 911 call from the home that Mydiarz shared with his mother.
Mydiarz told police he shot his mother because he was tired of watching her suffer. He reportedly referred to her death as a mercy killing.
Neighbors told Local 4 the woman often went for walks on nice days and they can't understand why her son would take her life."

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_wdiv/2027818

[alwynsw]

16. What are ya gonna do now that Kervorkian is out of circulation?

[MrBenchley]

20. Son Suspected In Brookline Man's Shooting (PA)

"An argument between James Delaney and his son, Robert Early, led to shots being fired early Saturday morning at the family's Dawn Avenue home, police said.
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Delaney, 52, with a bullet in his head. Early, 25, called 911 a few hours later to arrange his surrender. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_wtae/2029464

[MrBenchley]

27. Slain teen's friends mourn promise cut short (IN)

"Deputies said Bill was in the kitchen working on his laptop. His earphones were plugged into the computer as he listened to music.
Troxal told police that he shot Diane because he thought she was cheating on him -- then walked into the kitchen and shot Bill.
After the killings, Jeff picked up Savannah, covered her eyes so she would not see the carnage, took her across the street and called the Sheriff's Department. He told investigators he had killed two people.
Troxal is now in the Morgan County Jail awaiting trial on two charges of murder."

http://www.indystar.com/articles/6/125492-9456-009.html

[MrBenchley]

36. Smith & Wesson's Overqualified Top Gun?

He's no longer chairman but they're keeping the armed robber on the board...the scummiest industry in America continues on its irresponsible and ugly way.

"The company's recently appointed chairman of the board, James Joseph Minder, resigned a few days ago, following revelation of his gun-related stints in prison. It seems that while in college at the University of Michigan several decades ago, Minder engaged in armed robberies (at places such as grocery stores and banks) in order to pay for tuition and lavish living expenses. His robberies number at least 20, and he spent more than 10 years behind bars. He even committed additional robberies once released from prison, which resulted in two additional incarcerations.
You might expect that the company would quickly find a new chairman, which it did, naming G. Dennis Bingham to the post. You also might expect that Minder be ejected from the board, but he wasn't. Instead, he will stay, with the company explaining, "The board believes he should and can continue to provide invaluable input to Smith & Wesson within both strategic planning and the ongoing drive toward operational excellence."
The Arizona Republic notes: "The attention to Minder's case comes at a bad time for Smith & Wesson and gun manufacturers in general. The U.S. Senate is debating controversial legislation to exempt gunmakers and dealers from lawsuits involving firearms negligence. And the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Smith & Wesson's 2002 financial reports." "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/fool/20040301/bs_fool_fool/1078142760

[MrBenchley]

40. Suspected Thief Shoots, Kills Valet (TX)

"Police are searching for a man who shot and killed a parking lot attendant early Sunday morning on the Richmond strip.
The husband and father of three children was gunned down while working as a valet at a parking lot in the 6300 block of Fairdale between Richmond and Westheimer.
Safari Gholamreza, 54, worked two jobs, seven days a week to support his family in Iran. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_kprc/2029856

[MrBenchley]

45. Paramedic shot while responding to house fire to be released from hospital

America's gun nuts...a danger to themselves and others..

"KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A paramedic who was shot and wounded while responding to a house fire last week was scheduled to be released from the hospital Monday.
Mary Seymour, 39, was shot twice in the chest last Monday after arriving on the scene of the fire in south Kansas City. She was expected to leave the hospital Monday afternoon, said Eric Dooley, spokesman for the Metropolitan Ambulance Services Trust.
Seymour was among a group of paramedics, firefighters and police who came under fire shortly after they arrived at the scene of a fire and explosion at two homes in south Kansas City.
Police later found two set of human remains at the scene. One set was identified as those of the homeowner, Donin E. Wright, 62. Wright's girlfriend, Janet Clark, has been missing since the explosion, but the other set of remains has not been identified. Police also have not identified a suspect in the shooting.
Police said they also recovered from the scene about 20 guns, parts of at least 20 pipe bombs, parts of three large gun safes and thousands of rounds of live and discharged ammunition."

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/8078841.htm

[MrBenchley]

52. Man Accused Of Killing Mother Of His Children Says It Was Accidental (OH)

"Investigators said Richard Gaskins' three boys were inside the Westwood home when he allegedly shot 23-year-old Wilma Miller to death Saturday night, WLWT Eyewitness News 5 reported.
Gaskins had a series of domestic abuse charges filed against him.
His stepfather said that Gaskins told him the shooting was an accident. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=410&ncid=410&e=3&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_wlwt/2029736

[MrBenchley]

53. Girl, 2, trampled in melee (FL)

"A 2-year-old girl was trampled after gunfire sent people scrambling for cover at the Mardi Gras event at the Bayfront Park amphitheater on Sunday night, Miami police said.
The child was rushed by ambulance to Jackson Memorial Hospital. Police spokesman Delrish Moss said she was in serious but stable condition Sunday night.
Moss said a group of concert-goers heard gunshots near the main stage at the Biscayne Boulevard event in downtown Miami.
''Several people started to run as a result of the gunfire,'' Moss said. ``In the course of that melee, a 2-year-old . . . got stepped on.'' "

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/8074339.htm

[MrBenchley]

63. A shield only for the gun industry

"If Congress is hellbent on bulletproofing the gun industry, it should at least offer a few more protections for everyone else. When the U.S. Senate takes up legislation granting legal immunity to gun dealers and manufacturers on Tuesday, a majority of senators should demand that two important gun-control measures be added to the bill.
One would close the loophole in federal gun law that allows spouse abusers and other criminals, even terrorists, to buy weapons at gun shows without undergoing background checks. Oregon and 16 other states have closed the loophole, but Congress so far has refused to make the change nationwide.
The other critical gun measure would renew the assault weapons ban, which has been the law for 10 years. Without congressional action, the ban will expire in September, and guns that have no sporting use will again be widely available in this country, endangering police officers and everyone else.
The Senate will begin debating these two amendments to the gun dealer immunity bill beginning Tuesday. We strongly urge Oregon's two senators, Republican Gordon Smith and Democrat Ron Wyden, to insist that the gun-show and assault ban language is added to what's likely to be the only gun bill to pass the Congress this year.
The gun dealer immunity bill would provide unique legal protection for an industry worried about being held accountable for the carnage inflicted by its products. If approved, the bill would even force the dismissal of lawsuits filed by families of victims of the Washington, D.C., snipers. "

http://www.oregonlive.com/editorials/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/editorial/1077973233255140.xml

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[slackmaster]

71. Giant stinking pile of recycled bullshit propaganda

"Ten kids a day"

"No sporting use"

What a crock!

[MrBenchley]

65. Gun maker shield bill deserves to fail

"SENATORS could earn their keep this week by facing up to difficult choices on firearms safety not by shielding gun makers from civil lawsuits, as Senate leaders propose.
The House-approved measure on legal immunity for firearms manufacturers and dealers, expected to come up for a Senate vote, would do nothing to make streets safer.
Quite the opposite: The bill would relieve most pressure on gun makers to develop safer weapons, or to weed out rogue gun dealers who illegally channel weapons to criminals.
Imagine the injustice, as well, of scuttling pending legal action on behalf of victims of the Washington snipers. The lawsuit ban would halt those and many other legal claims against the gun industry.
The immunity bill deserves to fail as much as the other measures need to pass."

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~11851~1981641,00.html

[FeebMaster]

67. So now

it's the responsibility of the gun manufacturers to weed out rogue gun dealers who sell weapons to criminals? Gee, I thought that's what law enforcement was for.

[MrBenchley]

69. Congress shouldn't shield gun makers and dealers

"U.S. senators should reject the bill, as many big city police chiefs and mayors who deal with gun violence have urged. If they're unwilling to do that, senators should at least tack on measures that would renew the 1994 assault weapons ban and require instant background checks for gun show customers. Such checks at gun stores are deemed necessary for public safety. They are equally necessary at gun shows.
Proponents of the immunity bill argue that most gun lawsuits are frivolous. They note that no municipality has won a suit against the gun makers. But every industry is subject to unsuccessful lawsuits. That doesn't mean Congress should shield them. Courts, not Congress, are the proper place to decide the merits of a case.
Senators ought to do what's best for the people on this issue, not for the big guns of a powerful lobby. "

http://www.freep.com/voices/editorials/egun27_20040227.htm

[jhfenton]

73. More lies from the Detroit Free Press

weapons whose sole purpose is to mow people down.

This outrageous statement proves the editorial writer's bias.

Nor do most voters support giving the gun industry special legal protections.

This is a blatant fabrication. See the results of the Zogby poll showing that 73% of Americans disagree with the following question: "Do you agree or disagree that American firearm manufacturers who sell a legal product that is not defective should be allowed to be sued if a criminal uses their products in a crime?"

http://client.xntec.com/clientpages/oleary/report0104.html

[MrBenchley]

75. Dredging up that dishonest O'Leary poll again, fenton?

That's the same poll that claims that most Americans want women who get abortion jugged for manslaughter....what a pile of dittomonkey crap it is.

O'Leary's a far right wing loony who used to do direct mail for the NRA....now THAT's bias.

[jhfenton]

76. That's a mischaracterization of the results.

Everyone is free to read the questions and answers broken down in a variety of categories. The poll ask two abortion questions. I believe the second one was flawed, because it combined two concepts and a legal term that most people won't understand. The first abortion question was as follows:

“Which of the following best describes your position on abortion? 1. You favor abortion; a woman has the right to choose in all situations; 2. You favors abortion, except you oppose government financing of abortions; 3. You oppose abortion, except in cases of rape and incest and to save the life of the mother; 4. You oppose abortion, except when the mother’s life is in danger; 5. You oppose abortion in all instances”

The results show Americans almost evenly split. Is that a shock to anyone?

But, this is all beside the point. As usual, you have no response on the issues, so you change the subject.

[Name removed]

77. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[MrBenchley]

79. The HELL It Is...

O'Leary's a right wing piece of shit and his poll is nonsense.

"The first abortion question was"
Fenton, I didn't say a damn thing about what the FIRST abortion question this asswipe asked was...but it's interesting to see the tricks you have to perform to make it seem as if this poll isn't the idiotic pile of right wing lies it is.

Here's the horseshit O'Leary's peddling: "“Which of the following two statements about abortion comes closer to your opinion? Statement A: Abortion destroys a human life and is manslaughter; Statement B: Abortion does not destroy a life and is not manslaughter.”
Sixty-six percent of Republics felt that abortion was manslaughter but Democrats were evenly split with 43% staking out each side of the question. This obviously means that the abortion issue could drive Democrats away from their presidential hopeful depending on the nominee’s position on the issue.
Fifty-two percent of voters nationwide believe that abortion destroys human life and his manslaughter. "

http://client.xntec.com/clientpages/oleary/report0104.html

"As usual, you have no response on the issues"
What issues are we talking about? Why the RKBA crowd keeps having to dredge up turds from every right wing ccesspool they can find to bolster their intellectually dishonest and morally bankrupt case? Or why this bill to grant immunity to the corrupt gunn industry is a disgrace?

[demsrule4life]

81. If the right wing is evil

why would you want the left to give up their guns? Just what is your agenda?

[MrBenchley]

86. IF?

Too frigging funny.....especially coming from the guy who was bitching that Ed Asner was a communist.

[demsrule4life]

88. And you want the left disarmed

so the right can row right over us. Wonder which one is worse?

[MrBenchley]

90. I know which one is worse--it's the sort of person

who calls decent people like Ed Asner "communist".

[demsrule4life]

91. Like the kind of people

That call all gun owners scum, trailer trash and on and on?

[MrBenchley]

92. Yeah, dems, you'll fit right in with Chimpy's gang

[FeebMaster]

93. Actually

I've found that people who are really serious about communism tend to be some of the most pro-gun people you'll find. After all, you can't have a people's revolution and all that if you aren't armed.

[demsrule4life]

94. You are correct

but what happens after the revolution?

[FeebMaster]

95. I'm sure party

members would be taken care of. I don't plan on being there though.

[MrBenchley]

97. Relative of Missing Family Charged (MS)

"TAYLORSVILLE, Miss. - A relative of a family of three who disappeared on Valentine's Day was charged Sunday with drug and firearms violations, and authorities said other charges were expected.
Authorities have not said whether they believe Michael and Rebecca Hargon and their 4-year-old son, James Patrick, are still alive. Authorities reported finding blood and spent bullet casings at the family's home.
"At this time, the whereabouts of the Hargon family are still unknown," said State Highway Patrol spokesman Warren Strain.
Earnest Lee Hargon, an adopted cousin of the missing family, was charged with possession of methamphetamines and a firearm, Strain said. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040229/ap_on_re_us/missing_family_19

[MrBenchley]

98. Police Want Man For Questioning In Triple Shooting (FL)

"As a woman remained in critical condition and a mother grieved for her son and ex-husband, police asked the public for help finding a man they want to question in a triple shooting early Sunday morning.
Garrick L. Stringfield, 32, of Jacksonville, and Phillip J. Sims, 13, of Atlantic Beach, were discovered dead in a northwest Jacksonville house by deputies.
The woman, who will not be identified until police believe the shooter is in custody, underwent surgery at Shands-Jacksonville Medical Center Monday and was reported in critical condition. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ibsys/20040301/lo_wjxt/2030807

[MrBenchley]

99. Close friend: Williams swore at driver before shooting him

"SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Jayson Williams cursed at a chauffeur just before he shot him, a close friend of the former NBA star testified at his manslaughter trial Monday morning.
Kent Culuko said Williams was holding an open shotgun down at his side when he turned toward driver Costas "Gus" Christofi and called him a "motherf---er."
Then Williams snapped the barrel up, closing the weapon and leveling the gun at Christofi, Culuko testified. It discharged immediately, he said.
"He went like this," said Culuko, raising his arm up from his side, "and the gun went off." "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ct/20040301/cr_ct/closefriendwilliamssworeatdriverbeforeshootinghim

[CO Liberal]

109. Has Jayson Been Appointed to the NRA Board of Directors Yet??

Sounds like he'd fit right in. Or perhaps there's a spot on Executive's Row at Smith & Wesson......

[MrBenchley]

100. Washington DC Slams Senate Push to Repeal Gun Law

"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washington, D.C., officials and business leaders on Monday joined parents of children shot to death on the streets of the nation's capital to protest a Senate attempt to overturn the city's anti-gun laws -- some of the country's strictest.
The measure is a proposed amendment to a bill expected to pass on Tuesday shielding gun makers, dealers and distributors from lawsuits seeking to hold them responsible for gun crimes.
Senate sources said the vote on the D.C. amendment, which comes in the wake of the shooting deaths of several teenagers over the past six months in troubled sections of the city, is likely to be close.
Led by Idaho Republican Sen. Larry Craig, a board member of the powerful National Rifle Association, supporters say the underlying liability bill is needed to protect a legitimate industry from "frivolous" and "junk" lawsuits. "

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20040301/us_nm/congress_guns_dc_1

Speaking of the scummy Senator Craig....

"Senate Ethics Rule 37(2) states: "No Member, officer, or employee shall engage in any outside business or professional activity or employment for compensation which is inconsistent or in conflict with the conscientious performance of official duties." The Senate Ethics Manual states:
The legislative history of this provision states that it "should be read to prohibit any outside activities which could represent a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest." The Committee has interpreted this paragraph to prohibit compensated employment or uncompensated positions on boards, commission, or advisory councils where such service could create a conflict with an individual's Senate duties due to appropriation, oversight, authorization, or legislative jurisdiction as a result of Senate duties.
Therefore, the Senate Ethics Rules bar Senator Craig from serving on the NRA's Board where that service conflicts with his Senate duties. Nothing could present a more obvious and glaring conflict than that presented here, where an agent or representative of the NRA (Senator Craig) is attempting to carve out unique and unprecedented immunity from the civil justice system for the NRA, some of its members, and the rest of the gun industry. What makes the conflict here particularly extraordinary is that Senator Craig is using his legislative position to carve out a narrow, special exemption to the law that only applies to his organization and its gun industry members and allies, in order to further their financial interests.
The facts here present a grave conflict of interest - and unquestionably an appearance of a conflict. Either violates Rule 37(2). This is not a case where a Senator's organization falls within a broad class of citizens affected by legislation. Here, the lobbyist and the lobbied are the same (the NRA); and the class of beneficiaries of the legislation is very narrow: the gun industry. Nor is this a case where a Senator merely shares beliefs or policy views with an organization. Here the NRA and some of its members are financial beneficiaries of the proposed legislation."

http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/alerts/reader/0,2061,569594,00.html