CS: Pol-MMM mom convicted of shooting
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SSAA comment: We can now add the verse "that you do not shoot at people with a "similar-sounding name" to your intended target", to the ten commandments of firearm safety. --- Million Mom activist convicted in shooting Bereaved mother shot wrong man after son killed By Jon Dougherty © 2001 WorldNetDaily.com A bereaved mother whose son was shot and killed nearly two years ago -- and who spoke out against gun violence and memorialized shooting victims at the "Million Mom March" rally in Washington, D.C., last Mother's Day -- was herself convicted of shooting a man she wrongly believed was her son's killer. Barbara Graham, the Washington Post reported Thursday, "was found guilty in D.C. Superior Court of trying to avenge her son's death by shooting a young man" last year that "she blamed for the killing." Graham, who lost her own son in 1999 in a shooting death at a Martin Luther King, Jr. rally, became active in a Washington-area group, "Mothers on the Move Spiritually," in the months following her son's death. The group helped sponsor the MMM event, where Graham "spoke out and helped memorialize the dead," the paper said. The Million Moms March, which becomes nine months old as an organization Feb. 14, has become one of the nation's leading advocates of stringent gun control. The group, which promotes gun-control activism among the nation's mothers, says it is "dedicated to preventing gun death and injury and supporting victims and survivors of gun trauma." Specifically, the organization promotes nationwide gun registration and wants to "close gun show loopholes." Also, it supports a "one gun purchase a month" program, and "strict oversight of the gun industry," among other measures. Officials with the group, which has its main office in San Francisco General Hospital, did not return phone calls on Friday seeking comments about Graham's involvement with the Mother's Day speech or her conviction. According to the Post, jurors last week returned guilty verdicts on nine counts against Graham, 49, for her Jan. 26, 2000, shooting of KikkoSmith, age 23. The shooting has left Smith paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for life. Smith has spent most of the past year in a hospital, said the Post account. Witnesses said Graham, who has three living children and who was distraught over the loss of her son and frustrated with police efforts to catch her son's killer, went to Smith's house with her son's .45-cal. handgun and 30-year-old Erskine Moorer, the boyfriend of one of Graham's daughters. When they arrived at about 6 p.m., Graham twice asked Smith -- who had been called outside by friends and was talking to them as they sat in their car -- his name. Prosecutors said Graham and Moorer then pulled out guns and began shooting at Smith as he ran from them. However, the Post said, Moorer's attorney, Douglas Wood, told the jury that his client had left the neighborhood before the shooting. "Asked who confronted him with a gun, Smith pointed emphatically to Graham, who sat still and somber. At another point, he pointed firmly at Moorer, saying Moorer joined the ambush as he ran from Graham," the paper said. Prosecutors said during the trial that Graham likely confused Smith with another young man with a similar-sounding name, and that Smith was not the one who shot her son in 1999. "Prosecutors suggested that the grieving mother probably misunderstood Smith, thinking he said the name 'Teacco,' a young man she blamed -- also mistakenly, prosecutors say -- for her son's slaying," said the Post. One bullet fired by Graham is still lodged in Smith's spine. He told jurors during testimony that doctors say he will likely never walk again. "From a mother to a mother, she knew better," said Smith's mother, Mary Ann Smith, after jurors reached their decision. "You can't tell the kids to stop the violence with the mothers running around like this." Graham faces 15 years to life in prison for three of the most serious charges against her. She will be sentenced March 29, the paper said. According to information published by MMM, in 1998 a total of 30,708 people were killed by guns in the U.S. Of those, 17,424 were gun suicides, 12,102 were gun homicides, 886 were unintentional or accidental shootings, and 316 were shooting deaths of undetermined intent, the group said. Meanwhile, the Second Amendment Sisters, a pro-gun rights organization that also caters to women, says more gun laws and restrictions are"anti-self defense" and actually serve to put more women at risk of violence and injury. Also,
CS: Pol-AIC Australia gun laws fail
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Courier Mail - Queensland Gun laws marginal in impact on crime Chris Griffith 26jan01 AUSTRALIA'S gun laws have had only a marginal effect on reducing firearm-related crime. According to figures in the new Year Book Australia 2001, the proportion of gun-related murders and robberies decreased in 1999, but firearm use increased in attempted murders from 19 percent in 1998 to 32 percent. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures already had shown a steady fall-off in firearm-related deaths since 1980, well before the 1996 Port Arthur massacre which spawned Prime Minister John Howard's gun laws. The year book, released by the ABS yesterday, published police records which showed Australians were slightly more likely to be murdered, kidnapped, robbed or a victim of attempted murder in 1999 than in 1997. But sexual assault rates were marginally on the decline, as were blackmail and extortion, motor vehicle theft, and drug arrests. But the decline in drug offences was overwhelmingly the result of a 10 percent national drop-off in cannabis-related offences in a year, while heroin convictions increased 38 percent from 1998 to 1999. The overwhelming number of Queensland drug-related arrests were cannabis related: 13,386 cannabis arrests compared with 766 for heroin, in stark contrast to Victoria where the number of heroin-related arrests (8153) almost matched cannabis arrests (9286). In the five years from 1994, prisons have become the largest growth area for government expenditure on justice. The area of corrective services received a funding boost of 7.1 percent Australia-wide, but funding for the administration of criminal trials received just 2 percent more money than five years ago. Despite a long running international campaign against high incarceration rates of indigenous Australians, in March 2000, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders comprised 20 percent of Australia's prison population, with the highest number being found in Queensland (1173). The book included a paper on 20th Century Crime by Australian Institute of Criminology director Adam Graycar who said that in 1900, many Australians were incarcerated because of their mental state "and at the end of the century this continues to be the case". One hundred years ago, there was great concern about drunkenness, gambling, and Chinese opium dens, whereas today, concerns such as cyber crime, international drug trafficking, burglary, and domestic violence were more prominent social ills. Alcohol related crime was a common theme throughout the past 100 years. Dr Graycar said Australia's current homicide rate was similar to that of many northern European countries and Canada and New Zealand, but double that of Japan, Norway, and Ireland. The US had four times the murder rate of Australia. There now was little difference in the murder rates in different parts of Australia, except for the Northern Territory. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] T O P I C A -- Learn More. Surf Less. Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Topics You Choose. http://www.topica.com/partner/tag01
CS: Pol-US Surgeon Gen and tv violence
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] LA Times http://www.latimes.com/news/front/20010117/t04603.html Wednesday, January 17, 2001 Surgeon Gen. Links TV, Real Violence Entertainment: Report finds repeated early childhood exposure to intense shows, video games causes aggressive behavior. By JEFF LEEDS, Times Staff Writer The U.S. surgeon general is poised to declare graphically violent television programming and video games harmful to children, marking a potential watershed in the debate over government regulation of entertainment. In a report on youth violence scheduled for release in Washington today, Surgeon General David Satcher will find repeated exposure to violent entertainment during early childhood causes more aggressive behavior throughout a child's life, according to a draft of the report obtained by The Times. "Exposure to violent media plays an important causal role in this societal problem" of youth violence, the draft report states. "From a public-health perspective, today's [media] consumption patterns are far from optimal. And for many children they are clearly harmful." The findings, while representing a small portion of a wide-ranging report on youth violence, are expected to fuel the push by parents groups, politicians and some retailers to limit violence in entertainment. The full report addresses several factors contributing to youth violence, including home environment, school programs and the socioeconomic background of individuals, according to sources involved in preparing the document. But the conclusions about media violence could resonate the loudest in Hollywood, where the entertainment industry has long asserted that artists' free-speech rights shielded them from legal limits on the content they create. By using the weight of his office to validate existing research on exposure to violence, Satcher is turning what has been a legal debate into a public-health issue, associating the effects of media violence with those of cigarette smoking. The report has been eagerly awaited on Capitol Hill, but Satcher apparently was not subject to political pressure to rush its release. His term lasts until 2002. While declining to comment directly on the report, Satcher said he had not intended to point fingers at Hollywood. "We didn't decide to take on anybody.What we decided to do was to look at all the factors related to youth violence," he said. To address the problem, the draft report said, parents should consider using televisions equipped with the V-chip screening device and more closely monitor their children's media consumption. It also encouraged more federal research on the subject. Several entertainment executives declined to comment, saying they had not seen the full report. But many were quick to take aim at past scientific research linking Hollywood creations to real-world violence. The draft report also essentially dismissed conflicting research. Instead, it suggests the statistical evidence linking media violence and aggressive behavior is similar in strength to the evidence linking smoking and lung cancer. In the current political climate, the surgeon general's report could carry even more weight. It was a surgeon general's report in 1964 linking cigarette smoking and llung cancer that led to warning labels on cigarette packaging. But it's unlikely Satcher will call for similar labels warning of the health effects of media violence. However, coming on the heels of last year's Federal Trade Commission report on the marketing of sexual and violent content to children, Satcher's report may spark renewed interest in the regulation of entertainment. "I think it's significant, particularly as a capstone on what so many other studies have said," said Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), one of the leading critics of Hollywood. He added that the report should provide an impetus within the industry to produce less violent television programming and films. The report was requested by the White House and key lawmakers in 1999 after two teens opened fire on their classmates at Columbine High School in Colorado, killing 12 students and a teacher. The report was prepared by a team of 21 researchers assembled by the National Institutes of Health. No sitting surgeon general has addressed the issue so directly since Jesse Steinfeld, who in 1972 issued a report on the subject and testified before Congress that television violence "does have an adverse effect on certain members of our society." Although some research conflicts with the basic premise that media violence fosters aggression, the team writing the draft report was dominated by researchers who have long believed that watching violent TV or films has an adverse effect on children. The team didn't include any representatives of t
CS: Pol-UN Owen Green on small arms
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station:RADIO NATIONAL Date: 19/01/2001 Program:RADIO NATIONAL BREAKFASTTime: 07:50 AM Compere:SANDY MCCUTCHEONSummary ID: C3071498 SANDY MCCUTCHEON: There are half a billion of them in circulation causing an estimated 500 thousands deaths a year and despite their deadly nature, there are still no effective international rules regulating the sale and contribution of small arms. That could be about to change as the United Nations prepares to hold a conference, on ways to tackle small arms trafficking next July. France and Switzerland have already submitted a proposal which would force all arms manufacturers to put a serial number and date on their small arms so that their movements can be traced. Indeed while most weapons, are serialised at the time they are made, tracing their movements can prove to be rather tricky, as there's not affective record keeping system currently in place. Owen Green is the small arms expert from the University of Bradford, and the United Nations consultant on small arms trafficking, he's currently at the United Nations in New York from where he joins us now and Owen, Good morning and welcome to Australia's Radio National. OWEN GREEN: Thank you very much, I'm pleased to be here. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: So just describe to us which weapons fall into the category of small arms? OWEN GREEN: We're talking about anything that an individual soldiers or civilians can carry individually or in a small team like on the back of a truck. So we're talking about automatic weapons, pistol, repeater rifles, those sorts of things. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: We've estimated I think $5 million of small arms currently in circulation worldwide, how many have reached their destination, illegally? OWEN GREEN: Most find their way legally to their destination because a lot of the traders amongst allies like between Britain and Australia or whatever, but a very high proportion of those that cause problems in Africa, Latin America and else where, are diverted and therefore to some extent illegal. The biggest problem seems to be a lot of arms find their, are authorised in export, perfectly legally but they get diverted along the way. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: How does that diversion take place, how does small arms end up in the wrong hands? OWEN GREEN: Well it's through a network of, there's many reasons, one of the biggest is that countries export their weapons to a particular end user and they have long supply routes and somewhere along the line, they get diverted and no body really follows up and checks. Quite often they are also stolen or lost from big stock piles, a lot of army and police stock piles have got tens of thousands of the things but they don't check regularly whether they've lost any. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: So there is a end users certificate but this can often be basically just a waste of time. OWEN GREEN: Well yes, the trouble is a lot, the trouble really is a lot of countries don't regard themselves big exporters or importers because they don't build big weapons, but nearly every country is a potential exporter of small arms not least, even if they don't produce them they've got lots in their army stocks and they sell off the surplus. A lot of them just don't frankly have end user certificates and even if they do they don't then check that the weapons arrived. Then of course there's the other problem that a lot of weapons sold irresponsibly by states, not fully illegal but they're just covertly sent to somebody, whether they full well know that they're just going to be sent to some war zone, maybe in a sanctioned area. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: Illegal arms trafficking it's a, I understand big business? OWEN GREEN: Yes I mean luckily in this context, I mean its big business for the brokers that are there, they can make millions, but on the scale of you know, world crime. This isn't big money, the big problem is so little coordinated effort being made to try tackle this problem, that you know, the problem is rife. It only takes an extra ten thou, you know a thousand, or even in some context a hundred of these AK47's to completely destabilise some tense situation in some country, or to help mount a coup or whatever. So what I'm saying is, it's not big business but of course there's a lot of greed and big money to be made. SANDY MCCUTCHEON: Do we know who the main culprits are behind the illicit trade are? OWEN GREEN: The trouble is I think the main culprit is frankly there hasn't been a concerted effort by the international community to really crack down on it. During the Cold War everybody was supplying to their friends, and not paying p
CS: Pol-Tas Toy gun sales explode
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Saturday Mercury Tasmania 27/10/00 The owner of the two capgun stalls at the Royal Hobart Show have been swamped by fake-gun fiends wating to stock up on the life-like toys. The stallholder said he had ordered a new shipment from interstate to meet demand on the last day of the show today. The man, from the state's north, said people voted with their feet yesterday, proving it was only a minority who were opposed to toy guns. He said parents and children came with capgun shopping lists yesterday, thinking the toys may be banned. National Coalition for Gun (Fun?) Control chairman Roland Browne said the popularity of the stalls, following The Mercury's story about them yesterday was not a vindication of the toy. "He was doing a roaring trade beforehand." he said. "Those so-called toys are sold at shows and regattas throughout Australia and they always do a roaring trade." He said now was the time for community debate on the restriction of capguns. "I thought we had turned the corner in 1996 about the profileration of the gun culture." he said. Mr Browne has called for a review of the state's Firearms Act to include the possible inclusion of life-like capguns requiring owners to be licenced and aged over 18. "A four-year-old with a gun has no understanding of what it means to point a gun at somebody and say "your deda" he said. "I would like to see those people who sel them such as stall holders, justify their availability." Launceston parent Anne Taylor was furious at the proliferation of toy guns and was starting a petition calling for greater restrictions to present to federal and state parliaments. Miss Taylor, who as a five-year old son, Jordan said parents opposed to the gun culture were the silent majority. "Apathy is a big thing," she said. "What parent would want their child growing up surrounded by violence." "They (toy gun sellers) are not putting the interests of children at heart. "It makes me so angry." -- Tell me this is a wind up! Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Field-how to deal with roadkill
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
On sense v sentimentality in the country
Vicki Woods
Guardian, Thursday October 26, 2000
Last week, I was bombing along the C-class road that lies between my
dripping cottage and New Greenham Business Park (formerly Women's Peace
Camp: Say No to Cruise) when I came across what was obviously a very
minor road accident.
Two cars pulled up on the verge, two young women standing about looking
tense, one shouting on a mobile. I was racing for the London train, but
we neighbourly country folk do not pass by on the other side. "Are you
OK?" I enquired. "Anybody hurt? Need any help?" The one without the
mobile said: "Er, er, I think we'll be all right. Thanks for stopping.
She's called the emergency services, they're coming, they'll be here
soon." Snatches of the mobile conversation blew towards me ("A glancing
blow to the side of the head - no, no - alive - no, not too much
blood") and I said, "Oh, my God!" and leapt out of the car.
"Who is hurt?" I asked, in a soothing but urgent voice. They turned
stricken little faces towards me and said: "It's a squirrel." A
squirrel? For a squirrel she called the emergency services? In the
depths of the country? Who'd turn out for a squirrel? Vets Sans
Frontieres? Here, at the bucolic foot of Watership Down, we have ways to
deal with the hundreds of small animals that routinely fling themselves
under our wheels each week. We despatch them, quickly and
unsentimentally, by a)
wringing their necks or b) hitting them with something heavy. You may
not fancy the idea down Upper Street, Islington, but that's the great
British divide, isn't it?
Town v country. Sense v sentimentality.
Well, that's how it used to be. Not any more. I opened my mouth to utter
something normal, sane and helpful (such as "Shall I knock it on the
head with my car-jack?") but I shut up sharp at the sight of their
white, set faces.
These young women clearly did not want their squirrel despatched in the
time-honoured country manner. They wanted it rescued, and preferably by
a telegenic RSPCA officer in reassuring navy-blue. They wanted it
carried lovingly off to Animal Hospital, splinted and stitched up by a
popular Swedish vet, and serenaded afterwards by Rolf bloody Harris.
Villages like mine used to be full of red-blooded, unsentimental country
people: mole-stranglers, pheasant-pluckers, pigeon-shooters,
rabbit-hunters. They knew that milk isn't crushed from vegetables and
that your best Christmas turkey is the one that is killed for you
personally by the farmer up the back lanes. Now every hill and
hedge-bottom is crawling with milk-fed suburbanites who think animals
have souls and that noisy cockerels can be turned off at dawn, like
car-alarms. Is it too much tarmac or too much television that's turning
the countryside into one vast seamless suburb? Maybe it's too much Tony
Banks. He was roaring and bawling on Any Questions? last week about
toffs and viciousness and medieval barbarism (fox hunting) and being
cheered to the rafters by a Bristol audience. Only 10 years ago, he
would have been cheered and booed on a 50-50 basis. Now it's 80-20. Any
day now, it will only be me and Clarissa Dickson Wright supporting the
idea that half-dead squirrels should be knocked on the head.
When I finally got to London, my friend Julia Reed nearly choked on her
martini when I told her why I was late. "What's happening to you
people?" she said. She's from Mississippi. She once drove me along the
levee at Greenville with a huntin' and shootin' neighbour, Warren. He
told me how to shoot deer ("It's hard - they have a very acute olfactory
sense and they kin smell you") and wild pig, and brought me up short
with the words: "Y'all ever see an armadillo explode?" Er, no. He said
they
have a $20 bounty on them, because they burrow under the levee. "So most
everybody in Greenville has a .22 pistol which they keep for
armadillos." Julia just could not get her head round the squirrel thing.
She said her friend Jessica ran over a raccoon last summer ("Raccoons
are pests. Like squirrels") and took it straight back home to her maid,
"who skinned it in a minute flat, and threw it in the pot for stew. It's
a southern delicacy, coon stew". How very thrifty, I said. "More than
that. She
gave the skin back to Jessica, whose little boy is aged around eight,
and she had somebody cure it and make him a genuine coonskin cap, which
he has never taken off. He loves that thing. In Mississippi," she said,
"we know how to deal with a roadkill."
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CS: Field-hunting in Sweden and Norway
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Does anyone have any info on proposed/introduced "hunting bans" in either Sweden/Norway? Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Field-Brazil hunters called in
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ssaa.org.au/brazilhunt.html ABC News Source) WIRE:10/17/2000 21:53:00 ET Wild buffalo to be hunted down to preserve Brazil's environment SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) _ Thousands of wild buffalo will be hunted and killed on western Brazil"s expansive tropical savanna because they are pushing out native species, Brazil"s environmental protection agency said Tuesday. The agency and the Rondonia state government plan to sign an agreement with a private hunting club,which will have 10 years to kill some 15,000 buffalo roaming the 1.24-million-acre Guapore Biological Reserve. The move is an effort "to contain the damage they have been causing the environment over the past four decades," the agency said in a statement. The reserve is located about 1,200 miles northwest of Sao Paulo. Buffalo took hold there about 30 years ago after some of the animals escaped a government-run experimental breeding farm. "Past attempts to herd the animals out of the reserve failed because much of the region is prone to flooding," the agency"s statement "And to use helicopters to airlift them out of the reserve is just too expensive." "Hunting is the most economical and environmentally friendly way to eradicate the buffalo that are scaring away the reserve"s native species like jaguar and deer and endangering the area"s entire ecosystem," it said. Meat from the slaughtered animals will distributed among the population of Rondonia and neighboring states. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Victoria crime rates
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Herald Sun - Melbourne Needles the top weapons for criminals By JOHN FERGUSON 25oct00 SYRINGES are used as weapons in more than one in five of all robberies, according to a study into crime in Victoria. And despite the crackdown on gun ownership after the Port Arthur massacre, pistols are now used in almost one in five homicides. The study reveals women are the main victims of aggravated burglaries. The findings are included in State Parliament's influential Drugs and CrimePrevention Committee report into crime trends between 1995 and 2000. Inner Melbourne and Prahran police districts recorded the worst murder rates in the state for each 100,000 population. Gippsland is one of the worst areas in the state for assaults. The use of syringes in robberies is graphic evidence of the effects of chaotic heroin use. The report, chaired by Liberal MP Cameron Boardman, shows Victoria has an ever-rising rate of crime, even though it has the lowest total crime rate nationally. But the news is not good for women. The profile of the average aggravated burglary victim has changed dramatically from several years ago, when males were the victims in more than 70 per cent of cases. "The 1998-99 figures show that females are now the predominant victims of this offence category, representing 51.17per cent of all victims," the report says. "The dramatic shift in victimisation towards females and older victims is a reflection of the legislative change allowing police to charge an unarmed burglar with aggravated burglary if the victim is in the house." The report also details where most crime occurs in Victoria and its other key findings include: SYRINGE offences in robberies have jumped in recent years, from just over 4 per cent of all weapons to almost 21 per cent. THE number of pistols used in rape offences climbed from 1.5 per cent in 1997-98 to 10.1 per cent the following year. MOST murders occurred in houses or in the street, on a path or down a lane. MILK bars and convenience stores are the new target for robbers. THE number of drug offences such as trafficking, manufacturing and growing fell almost 17 per cent in 1999-00 despite the so-called police crackdown. KNIVES are still the preferred weapon of choice for rapists. MOST robberies occur in streets, lanes and paths and retail outlets. Mr Boardman said one of the areas of most concern was the rise in categories of violent offences. "The committee identified that there has been a steady increase in the number of firearms being used, threatened or displayed in serious violent crimes such as homicide and rape," he said. "Additionally, there has been a marked increase in the number of robberies reported over the five-year period "(And) of note is the considerable increase in the number of aggravated burglaries recorded over the time frame." back Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-South Australia goes bonkers
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Sunday Mail Adelaide New blitz on lethal weapons by Peter Michael 22oct00 South Australians will be forced to surrender a broad range of lethal weapons, or face hefty fines or jail, under a tough new crackdown on street violence. Weapons to be outlawed will include combat knives, knuckledusters, pistolcrossbows, ninja claws and tear gas. A brief amnesty will be granted to owners of prohibited weapons under the Statewide handback, due to be officially announced next month. According to highly-sensitive details leaked to the Sunday Mail, the new laws are expected to be effective from the end of the year. Premier John Olsen, in Hong Kong, yesterday refused to elaborate on the radical laws. But he confirmed the State Government had been working with key stakeholders to toughen up legislation dealing with prohibited weapons. He said the new laws would send a strong message that carrying offensive weapons was "absolutely unacceptable". "There is a real and genuine concern about the carrying of weapons by both the police and our community," he said. "There is no excuse why people should be carrying these types of lethal weapons in public. These new laws will give certainty to our police officers that the possession of these weapons without legitimate reason is against the law." An intensive public education campaign will begin in November, outlining the details of the moratorium and the new laws. Police will also undergo special training to help cope with their implementation.It is understood owners will have to surrender all weapons on the prohibited list or face maximum fines of $10,000 or two years' jail. The Government is shortly due to finalise the details of the moratorium, including the start date, the length, and how the amnesty will work. However, it is understood police stations will be the focal point for the handback. For the first time in South Australia, the new laws will create a category of prohibited weapons to clearly outlaw weapons designed to kill or injure. Only limited exemptions will be offered and are likely to include police, collectors and museum operators. There will be three categories of weapons laws. The new category of prohibited weapons will include an outright ban on the manufacture, dealing and possession of any prohibited weapons unless exempt. The other new category includes dangerous articles such as bayonet, blowguns and capsicum spray, with a ban on selling, buying or possession without lawful excuse. The existing category is the offensive weapons law, where it is illegal to carry swords, knives or clubs in a threatening way. -- "handback"? Did the State distribute them in the first place? Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-NZ SSANZ Press Release update
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: NEWS - NZ SSANZ Press release. A correction. Date: Mon, 09 Oct 2000 17:08:37 +1300 From: John Dyer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For the sake of accuracy, the media release we did late Sunday night should indicate that the current 1983 Arms Act states that "every person" shall receive up to 5 years jail for possession of the gun, imitation weapon, etc., if it was in the criminals possession at the time of committing any offence that carries a 3 year term or more, (i.e. a serious crime). So the 3 and 5 are back to front in our release but midnight was no time to go looking for a copy of the Act ! In reality, we know of no-one who has been charged with this section of the Act. Regardless, we got a very good hearing on TV1, and the 2 main talk-back stations today, (Monday). However, that doesn't really change much unless the Opposition offer to repeal these new laws. If you haven't already heard, this is a summary of the media release that everyone's picking up from, (Sunday Star Times, October 8, 2000): 1) Offenders who use guns at crimes will get longer jail terms. 2) All guns have to be registered by 2010, (as each f/a license expires and has to be renewed). 3) Stiffer penalties for unregistered gun owners. "Another law to be introduced next year setting up a firearms authority, taking the registration, licensing and inspection of guns out of police hands". "No immediate buy-back of military styled semi-automatic weapons - at $NZ 20 million it's considered too expensive - but the guns will be phased out under a clause preventing owners from giving or selling them to anyone other than the government". The Minister did find someone who liked his ideas... a comedian, called Gary McCormick, a staunch anti-gun supporter" This government is looking very much like a 1 term one as our dollar falls lower than Fiji's !!! Regards John Dyer. Spokesman. SSANZ. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-NZ SSANZ Press release
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SSANZ media release, 8 October, 2000 (1 page). Hawkins ônewö gun law masks failure of identical existing law. George Hawkins today announced that he will seek new laws to punish criminals who use a gun while committing a crime. What Hawkins new smokescreen laws hide is that the 1983 Arms Act has had just such a provision, - for the last 18 years. The problem is no-ones using it. SSANZ reminds Mr Hawkins that for the last 9 months, the buck has stopped with the him. The existing gun laws state that any person whose crime is serious enough to be punished by a 5 year prison sentence, (whether or not they are actually charged with such a crime), is further liable to another prison sentence of 3 more years for having a gun at that scene. SSANZ has for 10 years called for this charge to be mandatory - in all crimes where a genuine ôthreat to lifeö with a gun can be proven beyond reasonable doubt. A call for genuinely ôtoughö gun laws that both Mr Hawkins and Mr Robson have rejected. But any law that has been steadfastly ignored by Crown Prosecutors for 18 years is hardly likely to be now applied simply because Hawkins has given it a new name. Nor has Hawkins made any-one accountable for that prior failure. And it gets worse. By ignoring recreational firearms users repeated calls for genuinely tough laws that make such sentences mandatory, the Minister has thus continued to allow judges to issue concurrent sentences when guns are used at serious crime scenes. In effect, gun crimes cost nothing. Little wonder felons have no qualms about stealing and using guns. One can only conclude the new Police Minister is soft on crime, soft on enforcement and soft on accountability û but big on hype. To New ZealandÆs 480,000 law abiding shooters, this MinisterÆs ônewö gun laws are rather like a certain fabled EmperorÆs new clothes. Further comment; Contact John Dyeror Dr Lech Beltowski 09 832 1724 09 626 5429 025 988 275 021 626 542 How can the Police Minister know what a new gun law should be when the Law & Order Select Committee does not report back itÆs findings from the democratic consultation process until 28 February, 2001 ? Ends. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Misc-website
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.cphv.com/ it looks antigun, but it is not. -- Bait and switch! Quite clever. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Po;l-new Maryland law takes effect
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Maryland 1st To Adopt Bullet ID System Associated Press Last Updated: Sept. 29, 2000 at 11:35:14 p.m. ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Beginning on Sunday, with every new handgun sold in Maryland, the manufacturer will have to give state police a spent shell casing carrying the weapon's ballistic fingerprint. Under the law - the first of its kind in the nation - the unique markings on the casing will then be entered into a database. When detectives find a bullet casing at a crime scene, they can go to the computer and instantly identify the gun it came from. ``Countless hours of investigative work can now be eliminated from the process of identifying the crime gun and who may have been in possession of it,'' State Police Superintendent David Mitchell said. A similar New York state law takes effect March 1. Five months after the Maryland law was signed, questions remain about its effectiveness. There are no criminal penalties for noncompliance by manufacturers, and state police have told dealers they can continue selling guns even if manufacturers do not pack shell casings with the weapons. State Police spokesman Maj. Greg Shipley said manufacturers have been told it is their responsibility to make sure guns sold in Maryland are accompanied by a casing. Gun owner Jim Purtillo of Silver Spring questioned the value of the law. ``It's about making it harder for people to buy guns,'' he said. ``Bad guys typically don't leave shell casings from a revolver at a crime scene.'' The National Rifle Association did not return several calls for comment. Maryland gun dealers have worried that manufacturers or distributors may stop shipping guns into the state. But at least two major manufacturers are making efforts to comply: Smith & Wesson, the nation's largest maker of handguns, and Beretta USA. Beretta USA said it will pack shell casings with handguns it knows will be sold in Maryland, but warned that its distributors are scattered throughout the country and guns sent elsewhere could wind up back here. ``If we get an order from Florida, we don't have any way of knowing that gun is going to Maryland. It will not include the shell casing,'' Beretta spokesman Jeff Reh said. Neither company could say whether its gun prices will increase as a result. Sanford Abrams, vice president of the Maryland Licensed Gun Dealers Association, said the ballistics fingerprints may have little legal value because a shell casing will travel through so many hands from the manufacturer to state police. ``The chain of custody stinks,'' he said. Abrams also questioned whether ballistic fingerprints will have any ractical value because the markings left on shell casings by firing pins change after repeated firings. The requirement is part of sweeping new gun legislation in Maryland.Sunday also is the effective date for laws prohibiting handguns from being sold without an external trigger lock and barring anyone under 30 with a juvenile record for violent crimes from buying a handgun. Beginning in 2002, Maryland residents also will have to complete a state-approved gun safety course before buying a weapon, and the following year, all handguns sold will have to be equipped with built-in locks. -- Simpler yet, just change the firing pin and extractor on your new pistol. Northern Ireland has had a system like this for many years, it has never solved a single crime - because criminals don't use legally held guns. Even if the gun was at some point legally held, the casing only identifies at most the first legal owner, not the thief who stole the gun. Most guns used in crime by the first legal owner will be crimes of passion and the like, in which case you don't need ballistic evidence of this type. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Wal-Mart Mk2
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Received this just now fyi Dear Gary: I got this letter Monday, it's about one store, it's in Florida, and the store is within 1000 feet of an elementary school (possession of a gun within 1000 feet of a school is a federal no-no). I called their customer service center, talked to a young woman (Her name is Georgia) and she pleasantly took my complaint and assured me it was only this one store. They were even going to allow catalog purchases for firearms. The story is crap. -- That's not what the store said though. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-USA Wal-Mart ring in on guns
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
CS: Legal-NSW Buyback ends in Court
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Daily Liberal Dubbo NSW 22/9/2000 Man in Court on air cadet fraud charges In 1988 the local air cadets received a financial windfall for rifles that would never fire another shot. But just two years later most of the money is gone and their former chief is facing fraud charges. The federal Government's National Gun Buback Scheme proved lucrative for Squadron 13 of the Air Training Corps when it was paid more than $74,000 for 30 self loading rifles. The Government paid for the guns even though they were unserviceable; the firing action on the guns had been welded. The payment was a huge profit for the squadron as the guns had been purchased for just $10 each in 1988 during a sell-off by the Lithgow Samll Arms factory. This week Grahame Yager, 36 a long time member of the Air Training Corp, former flight commander of Sqdn 13 and the man who handled the gun buyback transaction appeared in Dubbo Local Court facing fraud charges. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Australia firearm coaches available
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Brisbane Sunday Mail 24/9/3000 Edited Coaches get the Bullet The gloss has been taken off the Australian team's three-medal haul with news its world-class coaching team is to be broken up. Head Coach Bill Murray and his assistants Luca Scribani Rossi and Greg Chan (clay target) Miro Sipek (rifle) and John Gillman (pistol) are today looking for jobs overseas after being told their contracts which expire on Dec 31 will not be renewed. A slash in government funding to the Australian Sports Commission's elite sports program has resulted in the loss of Australia's best shooting coaches. The funding, which amounts to about $1.5 million a year will be taken away from a professional umbrella and instead be directed to each individual branch of the Australian Shooting Association - clay target, rifle, pistol and running target. There will be no paid coaching positions. "So despite our success in Sydney we leave the place pretty devastated and very concerned where our sport is headed" Murray said. SSAA were concerned about where our sport was headed 4 years ago. -- Do you have a national lottery in Australia? I am certain 90% of the improvement in our Olympic performance is due to the lottery funding of new facilities and the teams. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens 50M Rifle 3P
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Rajmond Debevec - SLO 1275.1 (Olympic Record) 2nd Juha Hirvi - FIN 1270.5 3rd Harald Stenvaag - NOR 1268.6 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens Skeet
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Mykoia Milchev - UKR 150 (World Record) 2nd Patr Malek - CZE 148 3rd James Graves - USA 147 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Misc-Continental won't fly guns to UK
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] We cannot verify this at the moment so travellers beware. - Trying to book my flights to Scotland for my December shoot. I have usually flown Continental, who have a convenient flight to Glasgow. I have been informed by a friend and have verified that Continental will no longer accept firearms in checked baggage to the UK. It does not say this on their web site and they don't volunteer the information unless you ask. The front-line agent didn't even know and had to check with a supervisor. Could have been VERY sticky checking in to discover that I would have had to leave my guns behind at Newark. Fair warning to other travellers. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens Running Target
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Ling Yang - China 681.1 2nd Oleg Moldovan - MDA 681.00 3rd Zhiyuan Niu - China 677.4 Aussies David Jones 562.00 16th Adam Gitsham 556.00 17th Highest score shot by David Jones in International compeition 18 competitors Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Womens 25m pistol
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Maria Grozdeva - Bulgaria 690.3 2nd Luna Tao - China 689.8 3rd Lolita Evglevskaya - Belarus 686.0 Aussies Linda Ryan 579 Equal 11th Christine Trefrey 578 Equal 15th Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens 25M Rapid Fire
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Serguei Alifirenko - Russia 687.6 2nd Michel Ansermet - Switzerland 686.1 3rd Julian Raicea - Romania 684.6 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Womens Skeet
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Zemfira Meftakhetdinova - AZE 98 2nd Svetlana Demina - Russia 95 3rd Diana Igaly - Hungary 93 Aussie Natasha Lonsdale 4th in shoot off with Diana Igaly Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Men Double Trap
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Richard Faulds - UK 187 (3 in the shoot off) 2nd Russell Mark - Australia 187 (2 in the shoot off) 3rd Fehaid Al Deehani - Kuwait 186 -- A gold medal! A gold and a silver, time to start writing to the papers! Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Womens 50m Rifle 3p
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Renata Mauer-Rozanska - Poland 684.6 2nd Tatiana Goldobina - Russia 680.9 3rd Maria Feklistova - Russia 679.9 Aussies Sue McCready 20th 574 Carrie Quigley 39th 551 42 competitiors Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Vic SSAA interview re Diamond
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station:3AK Date: 19/09/2000 Program: DOUG AITON Time: 1600 Item: INTERVIEWEES: SEBASTIAN ZICCONE, SPORTING SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION, DISCUSSION OF THE VICTORY OF MICHAEL DIAMOND IN CONSECUTIVE OLYMPIC SHOOTING EVENTS AND OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO FIREARMS. DOUG AITON: Now, we all know that Michael Diamond won the clay target shooting at the weekend and won Gold for Australia there. A couple of things I didn't know about this victory though, there are offshoots of this. He can, according to an article by Andrew Happell, he can lay claim to being the greatest clay target shooter of all time, after his Sunday victory. His effort in winning, his second consecutive Olympic Golf medal by five targets, has been described as the equal of winning the 400 metres win by the length of the pool. So, I had no idea that Michael Diamond's victory was so absolute and so spectacular. And he became the first Australian shooter in the 104 history of the Olympics to win two Gold medals. Now, the other aspect of this is the image of the sport. There's a letter in The Age today from a man called Bill Power in South Australia, and he says: "For many years the shooting fraternity of Australia has been pilloried by society, and the media following some of the... and the media, following some of the terrible tragedies that have occurred. Too often, all those who own firearms have been tarred with the same brush as the underworld". Good sentence that. "However, I congratulate The Age and writer Charles Happell for the excellent front page coverage of Michael Diamond's Gold win. What was said in his article, particularly by his Mother needed to be said and understood by the wider community. I and every other responsible tutor across Australia feel that the message has at last got out, and just perhaps Prime Minister John Howard will recognise that it is the neurotics who abuse the name of the sport." Now, what he's really saying is that sporting shooters are good guys, and a lot of people who have guns are not, and too often the two are confused. The president of the Sporting Shooters Association is Sebastian Ziccone. Hello Sebastian. SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: How do you do, Doug? DOUG AITON: I hope I've got the pronunciation of your surname correctly? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: It's Ziccone. DOUG AITON: Ziccone. That's Italian, I suppose, is it? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: It is. DOUG AITON: Now, Sebastian, have I got it right? Has there been a bit of trouble in image? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: Image has been an issue for us since '96, and, when - DOUG AITON: Yes - Port Arthur. SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: -- the Port Arthur tragedy and all that occurred with it. There were a number of knee jerk reactions to that tragedy, not the least of which is still the fact that there's yet to be a coronial inquiry, or inquest into the events. DOUG AITON: Is that so, is there going to be one? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: Not likely. Not likely, the Tasmanian Government doesn't really want to put itself at risk insurance wise. So, I dare say that they're, they want to make sure that there never will be an inquiry. DOUG AITON: I thought that by law they'd have to have one. SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: I thought the same, but apparently not the case. That, I'd have to have some legal expert explain that one to me. But the image of the sport has been tarnished, we have been lumped in together as that letter to the editor pointed out with the undesirables in the community. Fortunately last month the Australian Institute of Criminology published a report that said that only nine percent of firearms related homicide and or crime was committed by individuals who were either unlicensed or used unregistered firearms, which is a great pat on the back for shooters in this country. It simply means that 91 percent of them are law abiding, honest, decent people. DOUG AITON: Yeah. What is the law? Who can get, how do you get a gun if you, do you have to be a registered member of the Sporting Shooters Association? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE: Not necessarily, it is a good reason for a shooter's license, but if you're prepared to jump though the hoops you can get a gun. There's a firearms safety course you have to attend and pass, with a pass rate of 38 out of 40 I might add. And if you, there are nine compulsory questions, a mistake in any one of those nine means an instant failure. So, you've got the cards stacked up against you, and that's before you even join any association or provide any other reason for a shooter's license. DOUG AITON: Well, let's take that a bit further. Are you aware of anyone having joined the Sporting Shooters Association for nefarious reasons, that is to say, in order to qualify to get a gun to use for criminal activity? SEBASTIAN ZICCONE:
CS: Target-Olympics Womens Double Trap results
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Piea Hansen - Sweden 148 2nd Deborah Gelisio - Italy 144 3rd Kimberley Rhode - USA 139 Aussie Ann Marree Roberts equal 9th 98 Deserie Wakefield-Baynes 12th 97 17 competitors Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens Pistol 50M
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Tamyu Kiriakov - Bulgaria 666 2nd Igor Basinsky - Belarus 663.3 3rd Martin Tenk - Czechoslovakia 662.5 Aussie David Moore 556 Equal 18th David Porter 553 equal 20th 36 Competitors -- What? We didn't win? I wonder why... Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Vic 3AW bags Diamond gold medal win
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station:3AW Date: 18/09/2000 Program:STEVE PRICE Time: 04:12 PM Item: COMPERE CLAIMS THAT SHOOTING SHOULD NOT BE AN OLYMPIC SPORT; HE CRITICISES OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST MICHAEL DIAMOND AND SAYS THAT " HE CAN'T CELEBRATE AN OLYMPIC SHOOTING GOLD MEDAL. " INTERVIEW WITH GRAHAM CORNS AND KG CUNNINGHAM, SPORTING COMMENTATORS. STEVE PRICE:Now I know it's not popular to bag Australian sports stars. The calls I get defending Wayne Carey, Greg Norman and Mark Philippoussis, if I ever dare to criticise them, is amazing. So to question a gold medallist, or the worth of a gold medal during an Olympics is probably suicidal. But I just can't come at shooting being a sport. And to pick up the Daily Telegraph here in Sydney today and see Michael Diamond holding aloft a cocked shotgun is sad. KG CUNNINGHAM: Oh, Pricey. Hang on, Pricey. That is the most... STEVE PRICE:Now I don't- - KG CUNNINGHAM: No. Hang on. STEVE PRICE:Let me finish. KG CUNNINGHAM: No, no. You've made a complete and utter idiot of yourself by saying that. That is, that is- - GRAHAM KORNS: KG, just one sec, he's made a big mistake. The shotgun was- - KG CUNNINGHAM: Is not cocked anyway. But the fact remains, Pricey... STEVE PRICE:Same thing. KG CUNNINGHAM: ...the fact remains that you are denigrating an Olympic- - STEVE PRICE:No, I'm not. KG CUNNINGHAM: Pricey, you are. You are denigrating an Olympic gold medallist. That was one of the great performances of the Olympic Games and you've made an utter fool of yourself by opening up, by saying that. That's an absolute disgrace. STEVE PRICE:Now, as I said, I'll finish. Now I don't know Michael Diamond. I'm sure he's a wonderful bloke and it's not his fault that he's a world champion shooter, but I just can't celebrate a shooting gold medal. KG CUNNINGHAM: Oh! STEVE PRICE:How can you compare Michael Diamond to Ian Thorpe, or Cathy Freeman, or Shane Kelly. KG CUNNINGHAM: Pricey- - STEVE PRICE:You can't do it. GRAHAM KORNS: Well, hang on. Is archery a sport? STEVE PRICE:No, not really. GRAHAM KORNS: Well, it's in the same vein. I mean, they are ... they're not shooting animals. STEVE PRICE:He's got a shotgun. KG CUNNINGHAM: Let's look at this properly. The man has achieved back to back Olympic gold medals. It's one of the most emotional moments, Pricey, of the Olympic Games and that's what the Olympics are about, are about winning gold, the emotion, the drama. That ... how you could possibly knock that, or denigrate that is absolutely ridiculous. STEVE PRICE:It's not his fault. KG CUNNINGHAM: And you've made an utter fool of yourself. STEVE PRICE:It's not his fault. It is the fact that it should not be an Olympic sport. KG CUNNINGHAM: Oh, Pricey, that's the ... oh! STEVE PRICE:Would you go and watch it? GRAHAM KORNS: What's your definition of sport? STEVE PRICE:I think it's got to have... GRAHAM KORNS: I'm actually leaning a little bit of weight to your- - STEVE PRICE:...some cardiovascular involvement, for a start. GRAHAM KORNS: Well, like archery, shooting is absolutely critical to the control you have over your body and- - KG CUNNINGHAM: Fair dinkum! STEVE PRICE:Graham and...[indistinct] skills. GRAHAM KORNS: No, not quite. KG CUNNINGHAM: Oh, Studley, come on, mate! GRAHAM KORNS: KG, settle down. KG CUNNINGHAM: Well, I'm ropeable over you, Pricey, that's ridiculous. GRAHAM KORNS: KG, just settle down. KG CUNNINGHAM: Well, I can't. You've denigrated a great man, who STEVE PRICE:No, no, I'm not just- - KG CUNNINGHAM: He dedicated that medal to his father. STEVE PRICE:I'm not blaming him. GRAHAM KORNS: KG, you're embarrassing him, KG. KG CUNNINGHAM: I'm not embarrassing you, I'm making a point. GRAHAM KORNS: Sport, I agree, should have some degree of athletic endeavour. STEVE PRICE:Correct. GRAHAM KORNS: But given the fact that it is an Olympic sport, whether you or agree with it or not, you cannot criticise Michael Diamond's performance, which is absolutely immaculate. STEVE PRICE:And I haven't. GRAHAM KORNS: Well, you have. By implying that he's not worth of winning a gold medal. STEVE PRICE:I said that I personally can't celebrate his gold medal because I don't think sport ... shooting- - GRAHAM KORNS: Well, you're thereby denigrating, which is unfair. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Air Rifle Men
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Yallim Cai - China 696.4 2nd Artem Khadjibek.- Russia 695.1 3rd Evueni Aleinikov - Russia 693.8 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Womens Trap Final
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Daina Gudzinevitiute - Lithuania 93 2nd Delphine Racinet - France 92 3rd E Goa - China 90 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics 10m Air Rifle Womens Results
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 16/9/2000 1st - Nancy Johnson - USA 497.7 2nd - Cho hyun Kang - Korea 497.5 3rd - Jing Gao - China 497.2 pics at http://www.ssaa.org.au/olypic.html Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens Trap Final Mk2
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The noise of the crowd did not allow a clear description of the name of the UK shooter who came second. Ian Peel came in second! our apologies and congratulations to them all Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics 10m Air Pistol Women Results
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Luna Pao - China 488.2 2nd Jasma Sekaric - Yugoslavia 486.5 3rd Annemarie Forder - Australia 484.0 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics Mens Trap Results
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1st Michael Diamond - Australia 147 2nd Ian Peek - UK 142 3rd Giovanni Pellielo - Italy 140 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-Olympics 10m Air Pistol Mens
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] 16/9/2000 1st Franck Dumoulin - France - 688.9 2nd Yifu Wang - China - 686.9 3rd Igor Basincsky - Belarus - 682.7 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Misc-WW2 Dumped Guns
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve I remember an article in the A/Rifleman that shows a US competitive rifle shooter getting his 03 back after the war, cheers Gary Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Target-interview with Australian Olympic Shooting Team Manager
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station: 3AW Date: 08/09/2000 Program: BREAKFAST Time: 06:41 AM Compere: ROSS STEVENSON/DEAN BANKS INTERVIEW WITH YVONNE HILL, FORMER OLYMPIC SHOOTER AND OLYMPIC SHOOTING TEAM MANAGER ROSS STEVENSON: Yvonne Hill is the Shooting Team section manager. She is in Adelaide, where it is extraordinarily early in the morning and she has got up to talk to us, because sheÆs going to talk to us about shooting and thereÆs a reason for that and that is that if we cast our minds back to Atlanta and we remember that our first gold medal, I think, was Michael Diamond. I hope IÆm not offending Russell Mark. Yvonne, good morning. YVONNE HILL: Good morning. How are you?. ROSS STEVENSON: Good. Was it Michael Diamond first, or Russell first? YVONNE HILL: It was Michael first in Atlanta and Russell followed soon after. ROSS STEVENSON: And Michael, of course, is from Goulburn. We know Russell is back there for what I think is his fourth Olympics. YVONNE HILL: I believe so. HeÆs a very experienced hand at that Olympic game and does very well. ROSS STEVENSON: Oh, yes. TheyÆre the two top stars in our team for this year. ROSS STEVENSON: Right-oh. And I think I heard Russell say the other night on Channel 7Æs version of Millionaire that he won the World Cup recently. So would he be the favourite again in his event? YVONNE HILL: Well, he will certainly give everybody else a fright. He won his first Gold in World Cups in Sydney in March, the test event, and heÆs looking very good. DEAN BANKS: Has there been a lessening of interest in the sport of shooting over the last few years, with gun controls and buy back schemes and all that? YVONNE HILL: WeÆve had a lot of publicity, of course, which is à in terms of shooting in general, our sport, has never been a high profile sport in terms of publicity. ItÆs has probably more for the Olympic shooting sports over the past four years because of the success of Russell and Michael than ever before. ROSS STEVENSON: Do you pull the trigger, Yvonne? YVONNE HILL: Yes. IÆm a former Olympian and you mentioned Benny Pike, Benny and I went to the Moscow Olympics together and, in fact, he passed the torch to me in the torch relay up at Coolum recently. ROSS STEVENSON: I tell you what, if ever you got in a scrap, you two would be fairly handy. Benny the boxer and you with a shottie. YVONNE HILL: [Laughs] Yeah. ROSS STEVENSON: And how many in the shooting team? YVONNE HILL: WeÆve got 23 shooters. ItÆs the biggest ever team. ItÆs more than double the size of the team that went to Atlanta and itÆs probably our strongest ever team, as a result of the Olympic Athlete program, which has really brought some young shooters up rapidly over the last few years. DEAN BANKS: ItÆs not a à simply a question that itÆs a home town event, that we keep hearing about the biggest teams ever? YVONNE HILL: Yes, I think thatÆs pretty much across the board. ROSS STEVENSON: Is that why weÆve got more, because itÆs cheaper to have more? YVONNE HILL: Well, we do get a little bit of an advantage being on home soil, because you actually get a few additional places. But I think itÆs also a little less expensive than when we have to take teams overseas too. ROSS STEVENSON: Now talk about a home ground advantage, I mean, maybe I can understand it in athletics, because thereÆd be û I donÆt know û a lot of cheering for Cathy Freeman because weÆve got more Australians in the crowd. Is the home ground û I couldnÆt imagine that being a benefit in shooting. Is- - YVONNE HILL: Well, not exactly. I think our best advantage is the huge support from the Australian public and family and friends. But in addition to that, weÆve had the opportunity to train on a number of occasions on the Sydney ground, which is absolutely magnificent, by the way, itÆs the best in the world, I would say from my experience. The only problem we have there and it could be a problem given that September is the windiest month in Sydney, is the weather, because that can seriously affect that accuracy of your shooting. ROSS STEVENSON: I take it, Yvonne, that when IÆm standing à IÆm leaning down there and IÆm shooting at a target and perfectly still, that the wind will have no effect on the bullet? YVONNE HILL: It does have an effect on the bullet, IÆm afraid. It throws it about something awful. DEAN BANKS: Can you be wind assisted? YVONNE HILL: No, IÆm afraid not. The clay target shooters were telling me just a few days ago that the wind was flattening the targets, so that where you would expect it to go is not where it goesà ROSS STEVENSON: IsnÆt that interesting- - YVONNE HILL: àso you have to be really sharp. ROSS STEVENSON: Chicago was the head of the à was the mobster city. ThatÆs where Al Capone was. ItÆs also called the windy city. I mean, I presume everyone that got shot by the Mafia was not someone they intended to shoot, but the person standing next to them. YVONNE HILL: Yeah. Well, weÆre not into
CS: Pol-Australian National Dealers Association Media Release
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] National Traders and Dealers Council HANDGUN PURCHASERS SLUGGED Amanda Vanstone's announcement prohibiting the stocking of handguns by Importers will impact in the pockets of Sports Target Shooters, Security Operatives and Collectors. Speaking today, President of the National Dealers & Traders Council, Mr Neville Sayers advised that importers stocks of handguns had already been cleaned out by dealers from all over Australia and that discounting had stopped.
CS: Pol-Australia Atty-General letter to dealers
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ssaa.org.au/vanstonedealer.html ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT INFORMATION FOR FIREARMS' DEALERS Amendments to the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 18 August 2000 Introduction The Government is concerned about the current level at which handguns are emerging in crime and the illicit trade in these types of firearm. In order to reduce risks of the diversion of legitimately imported handguns to the black market and thereby improve community safety, stronger controls on the importation of handguns have beenintroduced. The new controls do not affect the current arrangemnts for ownership of handguns in australia, which are administered by the States and Territories. Importation of Handguns The amendments to the Regulations require the australian Customs Service (Customs) to store any handguns imported for dealer stock into australia until they have been sold to an end-user authorised by State/Territory police - in much the same fashion as occurs with Category C firearms sold to primary producers. This new arrangement will applly to all handguns (including those complete handguns in a disassembled or unassembled state) coming into the country from Friday 18 August 2000, even if they were ordered some time ago. Transitional arrangements are made in the Regulations which enable the new requirements to be met within 28 days after importation of any articles which are ordered, or brought into the country, before 2 September 2000. Importation for demonstration/testing purposes While dealers will no longer be permitted to improt handguns to hold on their own premises as stock pending a sale, they will be permitted to import and hold a small nuomber of handguns for the purposes of testing or demonstration to prospective customers. This provision has also been extended to category C (semi-automatic) firearms. Dealers will be permitted to import and hold up to 10 newly imported handguns and 5 newly imported Category C firearms as demonstration/testing stock, provided only one of each model of any firearm is held. This stock must not be made available for sale, but must be owned and possessed by the dealer, and destroyed by police or exported once it is no longer required or if further demonstration/testing stock is required. Dealers who wish to hold such items for demonstration/testing stock must directly import the items for their own use. Firearms which are imported under the 'official purposes test' for demonstration to, or testing by, governments are not counted as demonstration/testing stock. Transitional exemption for Olympic Games The new regime does not apply to handguns which are to be used by an importer to compete in either the Sydney 200 Olympic Games or Paralympic Games or an associated event. Further information on Procedures For information on Customs procedures for handgun importation it I\s recommended that you contact you nearest Australian Custom Service office. -- It appears that soon the only people able to shoot will be members of the Olympic team. I think these regulations are unlawful, because how can the Customs power extend to the private possession of sales samples? In 20 years time when the dealer sells a pump-action shotgun he had as a sales sample to a customer that will be a customs offence! Barmy. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-WA Media release on handguns
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SPORTING SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (WA) INC. ***MEDIA RELEASE*** For immediate release17 August 2000 Import restrictions a waste of time The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (WA) Inc. has rejected amendments to handgun importation regulations recently announced by Justice Minister, Amanda Vanstone. Speaking on behalf of the SSAA (WA) Inc. State President, Paul Peake, said the recent amendments designed to reduce the risk of theft by limiting the number of new pistols a licensed dealers can keep on their premises, were a waste of time. Mr Peake said ôGiven that most of the pistols held by dealers are second-hand guns itÆs hard to see how the new regulations will reduce the risk of theft, very few shops keep large quantities of new handguns in-house.ö He went on to say that ôGiven the Australian Customs ServiceÆs reputation for lethargy when it comes to processing firearms related paperwork, these changes will mean an additional burden on dealers and legitimate shooters. They certainly wonÆt do anything to hinder crime.ö The SSAA (WA) is considering assistance for a national challenge to the new regulations. Comment: Paul Peake President Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (WA) Inc. Ph/Fax: (08) 92776436 Mbl: 0417990376 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more information see: www.sport.net.au/~ssaawa ENDS Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-SSAA threatens to sue Australian Govt.
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SPORTING SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA (NEW SOUTH WALES) INC. ***MEDIA RELEASE*** For immediate release 17 August 2000 Shooters to challenge new import regulations in high court The Sporting Shooters Association, along with firearm dealers, will, if necessary, be taking court action over new import regulations announced today. The new regulations prohibit firearm dealers holding new handguns in stock. ôIts simply preposterousö said National Secretary Mr Roy Smith. ôThe logical extension of this approach is to ban pharmacies from holding stocks of drugs to reduce drug abuse.ö ôThis is the most illogical, illfounded, useless piece of legislation I have ever seen and will have absolutely no impact whatsoever in reducing crime. First the Government spends billions of dollars buying back tonnes of what was mostly junk. And for nothing - armed crime is still increasing and thereÆs absolutely no change in homicide rates. The GovernmentÆs response û more of the same stupidity.ö ôThe only people who will be affected by this legislation will be responsible law abiding firearm owners and dealers. Changes to firearm legislation has forced hundreds of firearm dealers, small business people, out of business. But thatÆs was not enough apparently. Now theyÆve found a new way to force dealers out of business û just imagine what would happen to the car industry if car dealers could not keep any new cars in stock.ö The Sporting Shooters Association and firearm dealers have vowed to fight the new legislation all the way to the high court if necessary. Further details or comment: Mr Roy Smith National Secretary 02 9833 9444 02 9833 1303 Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australian Vanstone handgun laws
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] We need the full policy to accurately comment on this issue. We can only comment on what we have at hand. Copy of Vanstone Press release at www.ssaa.org.au/vanstonepistol.html SSAA press release at www.ssaa.org.au/pr17800.doc Keith has done an interview with Channel 10 for national distribution. We urge you to make contact with your MP and express dismay at more controls which will directly affect the law abiding - what of Vanstone's promise that this Coalition government "had no plans for further controls on firearms." Copy held SSAA Keith has spoken to Andrew Kirk - advisor to Vanstone - this afternoon and the following points were made by him. Dealers would only be able to import 10 handguns for stock. More than 10 can be imported but they would be held by Customs pending production of a new Customs Form that will operate in the same manner as the current C and D class import documentation. Keith expressed concern over how dealers/importers who handle a number of agencies are going to have access to the full range of product. Response was that they realise there could be a problem in this area that would be dealt with through "consultation" Andrew Kirk admitted that is still a need to "consult with dealers/importers" so that a workable solution can be found to reduce access to handguns to the criminal element It was admitted that industry had not been consulted re this new change to regulations because there was a fear that there may be "stockpiling". State police had called for "immediate" import controls. SSAA suggests you contact your Officer in Charge of your local Registry and ask them for their comment on this statement. After the event, he said they wanted to "work with us" to develop a system that cuts out criminal access to handguns. They want those affected to "immediately" write in with our concerns. (SSAA feels that this is all handgun users and sport shooters in Australia.) The working group set up by the APMC are to report back by November APMC Meeting. Andrew Kirk stated that there has been concern at the large number of handguns that had been "disappearing" and coming to light in the hands of criminals. Andrew Kirk stated this was only the beginning of "a raft of measures" to take place because State had expressed unhappiness about present controls on handguns. He said that he will be talking to Vanstone about "us" having a meeting with her. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-New handgun controls in Australia (uh oh)
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Media Release 17/8/2000 Amanda Vanstone Minister for Customs Handgun Import Controls Minister for Justice and Customs, Amanda Vanstone, today announced further tighter regulations to control the importation of handguns into Australia, effective from midnight tonight. "This change is aimed at reducing the diversion of handguns to the black market," Senator Vanstone said. "Legitimate holders of a handgun licence, such as security personnel, competition shooters and firearm collectors, will not be directly affected by these changes. Firearm licencing and registration remain the responsibility of State and Territory Governments. "Anyone authorised by State or Territory police to possess a handgun will still be able to import handguns." Recent Australian Institute of Criminology research highlights a significant increase since 1996 in the proportion of homicides committed with handguns, compared with an overall decline in the total firearm homicide rate over the same period.
CS: Pol-SSAA Media update 16/8/2000
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] An interesting day 08:30 News 16/08/2000 - 08:30 AM GOLD 92.5 FM (Gold Coast) Summary: 41886927 Compere: Newsreader Duration: 0:40 Defence Force Chief, Admiral Chris Barrie, has defended an incident in which a rifle accidentally fired, killing an Australian soldier, saying accidents are part of Army life. The Austrian designed rifle has been criticised and since its introduction there have been 77 accidental discharges during the East Timor operation alone. Prime Local News15/08/2000 - 06:00 PM Prime Wollongong (Wollongong) Summary: 21881693 Compere: Kerryn Bancks Duration: 0:30 Three investigations are being held into the accidental shooting of a police officer at the Nowra Rifle Range during routine Glock training. News15/08/2000 - 06:00 PM Seven Bundaberg (Bundaberg) Summary: 41882926 Compere: Rob Brough Duration: 0:37 Controversial Gympie gun dealer Ron Owen has had his armourers' license reinstated after a court hearing. The high profile weapons dealer had the license taken away last month following a police raid on his Gympie business. Police told the court on Friday that weapons had been declared inoperable by Mr Owens had been found in functionable condition as far away as Victoria, in fact one was used in an armed robbery in New South Wales. However in a demonstration to the Court, Mr Owens converted a gun that was legally deemed inoperable back into full functional mode in 17 minutes. TEN News15/08/2000 - 05:31 PM Channel 10 (Sydney) Summary: S1880869 Compere: Wilson & Rowe Duration: 1:08 The US Democratic Convention has started today. Hilary Clinton has called for gun safety laws. Protesters have gathered outside the LA venue. -- I looked up the Queensland deactivation law, it is pretty poor. It requires the firing pin hole to be welded up, the chamber to have a pin welded across it and all the parts in the trigger group to be welded to each other. All you need is a drill, a firing pin and a Dremmel tool. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-US NRA ads ruffle Democrats
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] NRA brings ads to party By Valerie Richardson THE WASHINGTON TIMES LOS ANGELES ù The National Rifle Association crashed the party yesterday with an ad campaign accusing Democrats of being soft on protecting the Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment."Do Democrats want to destroy the Second Amendment?" thundered the NRA in a full-page ad that ran yesterday in the Los Angeles Times and USA Today. The nation's largest gun rights organization is also running television spots during this week's Democratic National Convention featuring NRA President Charlton Heston, who urges voters to remember that "this election is about freedom." The campaign is aimed at reminding gun-owning Democrats, particularly those in must-win states like Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, that their party has become increasingly hostile to the rights of gun owners, said NRA spokesman Bill Powers. "This is a week where the entire country focuses on the Democratic Party and we just want to tell Americans where they stand," said Mr. Powers. "We see this as a major wedge issue, especially in key battleground states." Democrats wasted no time in blasting the ads, calling them misleading and inaccurate, while taking issue with the NRA's interpretation of the Second Amendment. "It [the ad] claims we're trying to take away people's rights," said Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, New York Democrat, during a forum yesterday on gun violence. "You show me one thing I'm doing to take away people's rights." The ad accuses the Clinton-Gore administration and Democratic mayors of trying to put "honest gunmakers" out of business with expensive lawsuits. It goes on to claim that trial lawyers, anti-gun activists and their supporters are "almost all Democrats." "The gun-hating celebrities who want their bodyguards armed, but not you, are almost all Democrats," says the ad. "From anti-gun mayors and march organizers to a gun-hating Hollywood and White House, they're almost all Democrats." It wasn't always so, said Mr. Powers. The NRA has in the past drawn support from both Republicans and Democrats, including Democratic presidential nominee Al Gore, who drew A-ratings from the NRA as a Tennessee congressman in the 1980s. Even Connecticut Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, now Mr. Gore's vice-presidential pick, earned a B-plus during his 1988 campaign. But the Democrats are now the party of gun control, said Mr. Powers. "We've talked to our members in states like Michigan and Ohio, and they're troubled because their party, the party they've identified with for 30 years, has moved away from defending freedom for law-abiding people," Mr. Powers said. David Bernstein, spokesman for Handgun Control Inc., said the ads show the NRA's growing allegiance to the Republican Party. "The NRA has no doubt become more partisan in this election cycle than I've ever seen them," he said. "The initials 'NRA' could now stand for 'National Republican Association.' " He pointed to the recent remarks of Kayne Robinson, the organization's first vice president, who told an NRA gathering in February that if Republican George W. Bush wins the presidency this year, "we'll have a president where we work out of their office." "His words are scary to many voters," said Mr. Bernstein. Mr. Powers retorted that groups like Handgun Control had complete access to the Oval Office during the Clinton administration. "They've been working out of the White House for eight years while 80 million law-abiding gun owners have been shut out," said Mr. Powers. The NRA isn't the first to crash an unfriendly party this year: During the Republican National Convention, Handgun Control ran television ads on local and cable stations in Philadelphia targeting Mr. Bush's support of measures such as Texas' concealed-carry law. -- That sounds like an invitation from Mrs McCarthy. A new form of McCarthyism appears to be threatening American gun owners! Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-oops!
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Maybe the David Kay Report will be able to assist. INL NEWSPAPERS (NEW ZEALAND) NEWS SUNDAY, 13 AUGUST 2000 Shot officer inquiry launched An inquiry is under way to discover why live ammunition rather than drill ammunition was used during a police training exercise in which an officer was shot in the stomach. The uniformed police sergeant was shot at 4am on Wednesday during a training exercise at the Auckland Central Police Station. The unnamed officer, who has a wife and child, was instructing two other officers in safety procedures for loading and unloading the police Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol when he was shot accidentally. Auckland police chief Superintendent Howard Broad said the wound was no nick. It was serious, but not life threatening. "He was very lucky," Mr Broad said. The shooting was subject to a standard police investigation as well as a Police Complaints Authority investigation. Occupational Safety and Health issues were also being looked into, Mr Broad said. He said he did not know why live ammunition was being used in the exercise. "It was not intended to be live ammunition, which is the point of issue in the investigation. "They were not on a range but they were in a secure area. In other words there was no risk to anyone else," Mr Broad said. It was normal for "on the job" training to be carried out during quiet moments, such as during the night shift. Mr Broad said Glock pistols were the standard police sidearm and familiarity with the gun û loading and unloading, changing a magazine, clearing blockages and bringing the weapon to readiness û was essential for frontline patrol officers. The training was routine and frequent. The three officers involved were frontline staff and not members of the armed offenders squad. The officer whose gun went off was very distressed. Police welfare staff were supporting the officers involved as well as others on the shift, Mr Broad said. "These shifts become fairly tight-knit units and it is a fairly difficult and stressful sort of time for them all." Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-SAS reject SA80
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve, try getting a MP5 to jam? Yes we did - and in the most peculiar fashion. John Meyer was present "Down Under" when it happened at a rural Police range. The empty case was found INSIDE the trigger group! Saw it myself - as I was the one who was given the gun from the guy who walked off the range with it. Gary -- This is the fabled "MP5 jam", no-one is really sure what causes it, a weak extractor spring perhaps. The case drops downward instead of ejecting and lands in the trigger group. They're very rare. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-soldier killed in gun accident
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station:ABC 702 2BL Date: 10/08/2000 Program:THE WORLD TODAY Time: 12:21 PM Compere:JOHN HIGHFIELD Item: CORPORAL STUART JONES OF THE ADF WAS SHOT ACCIDENTALLY IN EAST TIMOR LAST NIGHT. INTERVIEWEES: COLONEL GREG BAKER, ADF DEFENCE MINISTER JOHN MOORE COMPERE:Corporal Stuart McMillan Jones of Darwin became the second Australian soldier to die on active service in East Timor last night. His fatal wound came from the accidental discharge of a weapon when the vehicle in which he was travelling with other members of his platoon rode over a bump. The Australian Army says it's the first time an incident like this has figured in a death. The Australian/UN patrol was working in the dangerous border area near Maliana, notorious for the incursion of militia death squads from West Timor looking for trophies. It's an area for fire-ready weapons obviously. Nevertheless, as Michael Vincent reports, there's a full-scale technical investigation under way. MICHAEL VINCENT:Twenty-seven year old Corporal Jones was fatally shot by a rifle while riding in the back of an Aslav light armoured vehicle with five other soldiers late yesterday. Commander of the Australian contingent in East Timor, Colonel Greg Baker, explains how they believe a rifle accidentally went off. COL GREG BAKER: There were a number of rifles that were sitting in the back of the vehicle. They were sitting on some of the patrol's packs. The vehicle that was moving at the time and crossing some rough terrain, it caused the vehicle to jolt, which we think possibly dislodged one or more of the weapons that were in the back of the vehicle. Then one of - we think what's happened then was one of the rifles accidentally discharged, wounding Corporal Jones. MICHAEL VINCENT:The bullet hit the 27 year old in the upper, left chest. Immediately his fellow soldiers from the Sixth Battalion began delivering first aid, and within minutes a Black Hawk helicopter carrying an air evacuation medical team arrived on the site. The medics managed to stabilise the young soldier before transferring him into the Black Hawk. They lifted off and headed for the United Nations hospital in Dili, but Corporal Jones didn't make it, dying en -route. His fellow soldiers are left to wonder why the 27 year old was shot by one of their own weapons. Colonel Baker says it's procedure for troops to keep their fully loaded weapons on safety while travelling. COL GREG BAKER: The weapons are carried in a loaded state because the men and women that are serving across here are serving on active service in a very dangerous area of operations. It's normal procedure that the weapons are carried in a loaded state, and at this stage I really can't say whether there'll be any changes to those procedures. It'll be up to the board of inquiry to look at that sort of thing. MICHAEL VINCENT:Has an incident like this ever occurred before, even with no one being injured, or maybe even someone only being wounded? COL GREG BAKER: Not really, not an incident like this one, certainly not in my 26 years in the Army have I heard of a weapon discharging in the back of a vehicle in this fashion. MICHAEL VINCENT:It's the second Australian fatality since the operation in East Timor began last September. The first Australian soldier died of a tropical disease. Defence Minister, John Moore, says Corporal Jones' death was a tragic accident. JOHN MOORE: In the rush of the moment, in the rough terrain in which they were working, under the pressure in which they work, regrettably accidents do happen from time to time. But the record, I think, has been - considering the number of people we've had there, considering the conditions they're working under, I think they've done a very good job. MICHAEL VINCENT:A service will be held for Corporal Jones before his body is flown out of Dili today, with a further memorial service planned for tomorrow. Colonel Baker says the Australian troops, especially the 6th Battalion with whom Corporal Jones served, are troubled by the loss of the young soldier. COL GREG BAKER: They're feeling it obviously very heavily. He was one of their mates and had served with them for quite some time across there in East Timor, so they're taking it very hard at the moment. COMPERE:Colonel Greg Baker is Commander of the Australian Contingent to the UN Forces in East Timor, and Michael Vincent with our story there. * * End * * -- This sounds like the classic AUG bug, the rifle fell over, the crossbolt safety landed on something and was disengaged, the trigger was jarred somehow, bang. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___
CS: Pol-Japan gun death figures
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/0809cr08.htm Greater gun use puts bystanders in line of fire Harumi Hoshi Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer A shooting incident Monday involving more than 10 armed gang members, who attacked the office of a right-wing organization in central Tokyo, killing two people and wounding five others, showed that guns are now becoming more of a threat to the lives of ordinary citizens. However, although the number of guns in the possession of gangs is believed to have increased in recent years, police have been confiscating fewer firearms. This indicates that current efforts to prevent guns and other weapons from falling into the hands of the underworld organizations are ineffective. Recently, there has also been a tendency among organized gangs, which have been hampered from engaging in money-making activities by the Antigang Law, to hook up with or take over right-wing organizations to start businesses, such as debt collection agencies. Is Japan's reputation as one of the safest nations in the world an illusion? The number of guns confiscated by police in the first half of this year dropped by 93 from the same period last year to 413, the National Police Agency said. "Confiscating firearms has become more and more difficult because weapons are being hidden in a skillful and organized way," a police official said. The number of guns confiscated by police peaked at 1,880 in 1995 and has gradually decreased by 100 to 200 a year. Last year, police confiscated 1,001 guns, representing a 53 percent drop from 1995. Last year, police discovered 18 sites where gangs had stored weapons, far below the 33 places found in 1996. By contrast, the number of shooting incidents involving gang members has increased from 108 in 1996 to 133 last year. "Guns have proliferated among rank-and-file gang members and they are less hesitant about using them," a police investigator said. A longstanding feud between Yamaguchi-gumi and Kokusui-kai--organized gangs that staged a shoot-out in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, in June last year--highlights that tendency. The feud then erupted into a further 16 violent episodes in Tokyo and five prefectures, including one in which a member of an organization affiliated with Yamaguchi-gumi fired four shots at the office of a Kokusui-kai-affiliated organization in Ginza, Tokyo. The shooting occurred in broad daylight, with crowds of shoppers walking nearby. On several occasions, ordinary citizens have been unwittingly caught in the middle of shoot-outs between gang members. In February 1990, a 53-year-old self-employed manager of an employment agency was fatally shot by a gang member, who mistook the victim for a member of a rival gang. In June 1990, a 66-year-old former employee of NTT Corp. in Osaka was shot to death and in November 1990, a 19-year-old night school student suffered the same fate, after both of them were mistaken for gang members by other gang members. In August 1997, a high-ranking member of Yamaguchi-gumi was fatally shot in a hotel coffee shop in Kobe. A dentist, who was in the coffee shop at the time of the shooting, was hit by a stray bullet and died of the gunshot wounds a week later. In addition, there have been many cases in which ordinary citizens have been the targets of shooting attacks. In April, a 60-year-old former manager of Suntory Ltd. and his 55-year-old wife were shot to death by a 51-year-old man, who was a former employee of the company. Twenty-six people were killed or injured in shootings in the six months from January to June. The number of robberies in which guns were used in the period also increased to 63 from 47 in the same period last year, representing a 34 percent increase. One of the reasons for the proliferation of guns is that organized gangs, which have lost some of the sources of their income, have begun selling guns to ordinary citizens. "As for the current situation, we have not yet found an effective way to deal with the dangerous tendency (of increasing gun use)," a police official said. -- The second to last paragraph is particulary noteworthy. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-US buyback nets court officer guns
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] "It gets the gun off the street instead of leaving it in a closet where children or a burglar could find them," Street closets? From: News and Views Friday, July 28, 2000 http://www.nydailynews.com/2000-07-28/News_and_Views/City_Beat/a-74714.asp Gun Buy-Back Backfires When Officers Cash In By MIKE CLAFFEY Daily News Staff Writer Gun buy-back program to get illegal weapons off the streets had to be altered yesterday after a stampede of court officers tried to cash in. Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes ordered changes in the initiative when he found out that court officers ù some of them in uniform ù were handing in their old .38-caliber service revolvers. Because the program had pulled in only about 200 guns since the one-month window began July 1, Hynes upped the reward on Monday from $100 to $250 per gun. "We had a surge last night of about 100 guns and they all seem to be .38 service revolvers," said a source in the prosecutor's office. One court officer collected $1,500 by turning in six guns. This is a program with good intentions to get illegal guns off the street and shouldn't be bastardized by people looking for a quick buck," said Hynes' spokesman, Kevin Davitt. "We're going to be contacting those people who abused the program and ask for our money back," Davitt said. But a spokesman for the court system, David Bookstaver, said it is not clear that the officers can be forced to do that. "District Attorney Hynes has indicated that this is really not in the spirit of what the program was designed for," Bookstaver said. But he added that court officials "have no authority" to tell the officers to give the money back. He said, however, that word was going out yesterday that court officers can no longer participate. Some court officers in Brooklyn were upset that Hynes had forbidden them from participating in the buy-back offer. The officers were allowed to keep their revolvers after they were issued 9-mm semiautomatics last year. "I have the flyer right here and it says, 'Any working handgun, sawed-off shotgun or assault rifle. No questions asked.'" said Bob Patelli a Senior Court Officers Association delegate at Brooklyn Supreme Court. "If the DA sees fit to discontinue the program, fine. But he's bound legally to pay for the guns he's already taken." Patelli added that the program was achieving its goal of getting extra guns out of circulation. "It gets the gun off the street instead of leaving it in a closet where children or a burglar could find them," he said. Last year, 659 firearms were turned in for $100 each. The money comes from drug forfeiture funds, Davitt said. "We thought that perhaps $100 was not meeting the value that some people place on these weapons," he said. To be turned in, guns must be wrapped in brown paper and can be taken to any Brooklyn precinct house. If the gun is deemed operable, the desk officer is supposed to give the person a pink voucher that can be redeemed at the district attorney's office at 350 Jay St. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-JAMA study url and author details
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v284n5/abs/joc91749.html will take you to the report on homicide and the effect of the Brady Bill. http://www.georgetown.edu/ludwig/ will take you Jens Ludwig's homepage - Georgetown University Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-JAMA says Brady law ineffective
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Study Disputes Gun Control Law's Impact By Guy Gugliotta Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 1, 2000; 4:22 PM In a finding that casts doubt on one of the pillars of the gun control movement, a new study published today concludes that the Brady law had no effect on firearm homicide and suicide rates in states that previously had no handgun controls. Gun control advocates criticized the study, but also said it reaffirmed the Brady Law's effectiveness in reducing gun crimes nationwide and emphasized the need for further regulation of handgun sales. The study in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzed national homicide and suicide data between 1985 and 1997, dividing the states into two groups: 32 that installed the Brady Law handgun purchase controls in 1994, and 19 (18 states plus the District) that already had Brady-style restrictions. While the study confirmed a well-documented reduction in firearms deaths across the United States beginning in 1993-94, the data showed no difference in the overall rate of decline between the two sets of states. There was, however, a sharp drop in gun suicides among adults 55 and older in the "Brady states." Still, "there's no real convincing way to show how much of the reduction can be attributed to Brady," said Georgetown University public policy specialist Jens Ludwig, co-author of the study, along with Philip J. Cook of Duke University. The study provided a volatile new addition to the national gun control debate, and the National Rifle Association hastened to take note. "We don't always agree with the American Medical Association, but in this case common sense has prevailed," said James Jay Baker, the NRA's executive director for Legislative Action. "Schemes like the Brady waiting period have nothing to do with reducing criminal behavior." The 1994 Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act requires that federally licensed firearms dealers impose a waiting period on the purchase of handguns while they conduct a background check on the purchaser. The law was enacted 13 years after former presidential press Secretary James Brady was disabled in the 1981 shooting that gravely wounded President Reagan. The gun control movement regards it as one of the most important pieces of firearms legislation ever passed. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-antis sack progun stall
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.worldnetdaily.com/bluesky_exnews/2801_xex_million_mom_.shtml By Roger Abramson ¨ 2000 WorldNetDaily.com PHILADELPHIA -- As the pro-gun rights Second Amendment Sisters were in the process of setting up their display in front of Independence Hall, a contingent of "Million Mom Marchers" came through and ransacked a table of books, pamphlets and other Second Amendment Sisters-related materials, shoving it all into a garbage can down the street. The Second Amendment Sisters calls itself a "grassroots, spontaneous group," started by "a handful" of the 12 million women gun owners in America. Based in Dallas, SAS began as the "Armed Informed Mothers March," intended as a counter-movement to the anti-gun Million Mom March held in May. The two groups have been at odds ever since. In fact, the two opposing groups spent the pre-Republican Convention weekend facing each other at opposite ends of historic Independence Mall, in the shadow of the Liberty Bell. SAS displays a montage of American flags commemorating the 400,000 lives it says have been saved by guns; the Million Moms, apparently joined by other groups, presents rows and rows of shoes they claim equal the number of children killed by guns every year. According to Second Amendment Sisters spokesperson Maria Heil, the "Million Moms" saw their opportunity to raid the exhibition last Saturday while she and other SAS members were away for a few moments getting display materials on the other side of Independence Park. When Heil came back, the table was bare and a number of flags had "Million Mom March" buttons pinned to them. Heil and members of the Independence National Park Police went looking for the materials, finally finding them inside a park garbage can about a block away. The Park Police contacted the Philadelphia City Police, and members of both forces kept a close eye on the area for the rest of the weekend. Later on, as Heil and other SAS members were walking along a nearby sidewalk, they were accosted by an anti-gun protester who "hurled the F-word over and over again" until he was removed by the police. Heil was then told that a federal mediator was being brought in and put on stand-by should any more such problems occur. "I have to say that the police have been great," Heil said. "I also think that they are sort of warming up to us a bit, after they've seen how different we and the other side operate." The City of Philadelphia has pulled out all of the stops for this year's Republican National Convention, and a special effort has been made to keep the inevitable protests from getting out of hand. According to a report in The PhiladelphiaInquirer, all members of the city police are on duty this week, and "large numbers" of Pennsylvania state police and federal law enforcement officials are also in town throughout the convention. The city will not reveal exactly how many active police there will be, other than saying that it is a "record number." The most notable protest groups this weekend have been the "Kensington Welfare Rights Union," which has formed a tent city called "Bushville" (in homage to the 1930s era "Hoovervilles") in North Philadelphia, and the "Philadelphia Direct Action Group," which uses its "Ministry of Puppetganda" for political street theater. Also active have been the "Billionaires or Bush (or Gore)," consisting of college students dressed up in aristocratic attire protesting the influence of corporations in politics. Thus far, however, the Million Mom raid is the only known incident of less-than-civil disobedience. Nevertheless, Philadelphia, as the home of Mumia Abu-Jamal -- who is on death row for killing a Philadelphia police officer -- and the most recent site of televised police violence, has become the nation's ground zero for anti-police fervor. There are plans for numerous protests throughout the week, and the city is taking no chances. Roger Abramson is a contributing reporter for WorldNet Daily. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australia AIC report on gun murders
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Note the comment that 350 guns were stolen from an Army depot. This is wrong. It was in fact a dealer who who savagely beaten and then forced at gun point to open the safe. Sunday Telegraph NSW Handgun deaths up 30jul00 HANDGUNS are used in almost half of all firearm murders, up from just 13 per cent four years ago, new figures show. An Australian Institute of Criminology report said handgun homicides accounted for 42 per cent of firearm murders last year. "There appears to have been a noticeable increase in the proportion of homicides committed with handguns," report author Jenny Mouzos said. But the total number of firearm murders is falling, dropping in 1998-99 to a 10-year low of 64 gun deaths. The institute said one in four murderers in Australia used a gun. Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showed there were 123 murders in NSW last year, up from 96 in 1998. Justice Minister Amanda Vanstone said the report into gun murders showed most licensed gun owners were law-abiding. "In over 90 per cent of firearm-related homicides, the offenders are not licensed and the weapons are not registered," Senator Vanstone said. "Licensed gun owners are law-abiding citizens with legitimate reasons for owning the weapons they have." In the US, firearm- related homicides are 14 times more likely than in Australia. Senator Vanstone said she had raised the issue of handgun crime with the Australasian Police Ministers' Council, which was examining strategies. Storage of licensed guns was a serious issue. Ms Mouzos said stolen guns were highly prized on the black market. "A greater focus should be directed towards enforcement and monitoring of compliance," she said. In July last year, 350 pistols were stolen from an army depot in South Australia. "A theft of this magnitude highlights the dangers associated with stockpiling such weapons and the increased vulnerability of such stores in terms of potential targeting by illicit traffickers," Ms Mouzos said. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-robbery victim faces uncertain future
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Courier Mail - QLD Jeweller fears charges over killing Ben Dorries, Gold Coast bureau 29jul00 A SHOPKEEPER who shot dead an armed robber says his life has been left in limbo by police, with the threat of criminal charges still hanging over his head. Gold Coast jeweller Paul Visentin, who shot and killed a balaclava-clad bandit in a raid on his store in May, says the wait to see if he will be charged has been as traumatic as the incident itself. Mr Visentin told The Courier-Mail yesterday: Police had given him "not the slightest indication" if he would face charges in relation to the shooting. He had closed his business's Internet website because his wife Maxine was heavily traumatised. He was considering pursuing criminal compensation through the courts. He had suffered pangs of depression and had not slept properly since the incident. Mr Visentin shot dead would-be thief Peter Anthony Knox after three men allegedly burst into his Old Town Nerang Antique Store with guns blazing on May 24. 'I already have to live with the knowledge that I've killed another human being' He said his life was now like a "time bomb" as he waited to see if he would face charges. "The incident is now eight weeks ago and I've been left in limbo pondering if I'm going to be charged," Mr Visentin said. "I've had nothing in writing from anyone in any official capacity . . . and no-one in the world of officialdom has even asked how I'm coping. "I can't get on with my life and I don't know which way to move. "I already have to live with the knowledge that I've killed another human being." Detective Inspector Len Potts said it was now probable the matter would be decided by an inquest. "It is likely it will be referred to a coroner," Insp Potts said. "We will make a decision in the near future." Police have charged a man in connection with the incident, but Insp Potts said police were still seeking another man. Opposition Leader Rob Borbidge said that on the information available, the delay in informing Mr Visentin was "unacceptable and inexcusable". "On the information available, it is a disgrace that Mr Visentin has been put through so much trauma by law-breakers and has been put through further trauma by the state's law enforcement authorities," Mr Borbidge said. The day after the incident, Mr Visentin wept as he told how he would walk away from his popular store to trade from the safety of the business's website. Yesterday, he said the website had been effectively closed and the business was no longer trading from it. "The only computer-literate person here now is my wife . . . the reality is she is so traumatised she can't talk to people and she can't go near the computer because it reminds her (of the incident)," he said. "Had she been sitting at the computer that day she would have been riddled with bullets." Mr Visentin said he had "found out by accident" he could seek criminal compensation. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australia buyback costings from Government
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ssaa.org.au/buybackcost.html will take you to a series of answers to questions concerning how much the Australian gun buyback cost, - in particular the administration element. It also touches upon the question of ammunition controls. SSAA thanks Senator Quirke (Labor SA) for his interest in this matter. -- After reading these figures you have to wonder what impact it would have had if the money had been spent on the police and more prisons. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-SSAA Victoria on AIC Report
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SSAA Victoria Media Release û 26/7/2000 (For Immediate Release) Criminology Study Clears Shooters The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) today released a study demonstrating that licenced firearm owners who register their firearms in accordance with the law are not a threat to the community. The AIC study ôThe Licensing and Registration Status of Firearms Used in Homicideö clearly shows that those mainly responsible for homicides do not register their firearms nor do they obtain a shooters licence; they hold their firearms illegally. The Victorian Branch President of the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia, Mr Sebastian Ziccone, noted that the study said that for the period 1997-1999 ôthe overwhelming majority of these firearms were not registered and the offenders of homicide were not licensed firearm owners.ö æThis puts the vast majority of firearm owners, and especially our 28,000 members, well in the clearÆ he said. What is of interest said Mr Ziccone is that the publication date of this report is May 2000. Justice Minister Vanstone and the AIC have apparently sat on this report for two months, not wishing to release it because it is so favourable to the shooting sports. They didnÆt know how to deal with it. Mr Ziccone also noted that æThis will certainly take the wind out of the Coalition for Gun Controls sails and clearly shows that they should back off!Æ æUnfortunately, Minister Vanstone also continues to refer to licensed shooters firearms as æweaponsÆ when clearly they are nothing of the sortÆ said Mr Ziccone. æFirearms used for sporting and recreational purposes are not weapons and, as the AIC study shows, are never likely to be used as suchÆ he added. æBoth the AIC study and Minister Vanstone note that handgun homicide is on the increaseÆ said Mr Ziccone. æHowever, it is hoped that any Government legislation will not once again be targeted at the wrong group of people, the legitimate, licenced law-abiding sporting shooter, but will focus on the real problem, that of those people, criminals, who already operate and continue to operate outside of existing lawsÆ. æThis type of study has been demanded by the SSAA for some years and we knew what the result would be. Nothing more clearly demonstrates than this study that the buyback was targeted at the wrong people and was a huge waste of public moneyÆ said Mr Ziccone. (Ends) Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-SSAA Press Release AIC report
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SPORTING SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC. ***MEDIA RELEASE*** For immediate release 26 July 2000 Sporting Shooters vindicated The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Inc. has welcomed recently released Australian Institute of Criminology figures showing that licensed firearm owners are not responsible for the majority of gun-related homicides. The SSAA's Executive Director of Public Relations & International Affairs, Mr Keith Tidswell, said that shooters felt vindicated by the findings. "We have questioned the focus of the buy-back scheme all along" he said. While the AIC's research showed that licensed firearm owners were involved in less than 10% of gun related homicides, recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics figures indicate that the rate of firearm related murder presently stands at 17.8% - about the same as it was before the buy-back program. Commenting on the situation, Mr Tidswell said "We have almost exactly the same ratio of firearm related killings as we had when there were 640,000 additional guns in the community. We believe the community's focus should be redirected to identifying the source of illicit firearms and reducing their misuse in homicides." Mr Tidswell went on to say that the SSAA was now engaged in the struggle against firearm related crime at the international level via its new position as an official Non-Government Organisation within the United Nations. Summing up the report's findings Mr Tidswell said "While we regret that the AIC data was not available at the time of the APMC agreement in 1996, we are happy that law-abiding shooters have finally been exonerated." Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-SSAA Press release on illicit gun trafficking
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] SPORTING SHOOTERS ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INC. ***MEDIA RELEASE*** For immediate release 27 July 2000 More resources needed The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Inc. has called upon the Federal government to put more resources into the problem of illicit firearms. The SSAA's Executive Director of Public Relations & International Affairs, Mr Keith Tidswell, said the Association questions a recent Australian Institute of Criminology report which argues that the bulk of guns used in crimes are stolen from licensed shooters. Mr Tidswell said "The AIC study quotes New Zealand research which has already been called into question. The fact is there is no reliable information on the number of guns smuggled into Australia." Mr Tidswell went on to say that without reliable information on illicit trafficking and reliable data on firearms theft, it was invalid to suggest that most guns on the black market were stolen from legitimate shooters. "Now that the AIC's report has shown that licensed firearm owners are not responsible for gun crime, it appears the government is trying to condemn them indirectly by pointing to supposedly lax storage arrangements" he said. "The fact is no one knows exactly where the bulk of illicit firearms come from and it's time the government put some resources into finding out." End Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-US political gun arena
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Rutland Herald Online - Vermont - July 24, 2000 By JAMES DAO The New York Times WASHINGTON - After many years of being outspent and outmuscled by the National Rifle Association, the gun-control movement has begun the most ambitious campaign in its history to raise money, recruit foot soldiers and build public support for stronger gun laws in preparation for this fall's national elections.
CS: Pol-Australia AIC Report on status of gun crime
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.ssaa.org.au has more details on our home page Finally, after being embargoed for some months. --- Media Release Minister for Justice and Customs 26 July 2000 Licensed gun owners not responsible for firearm homicides Licensed firearm owners are not responsible for the majority of firearm-related homicides according to research by the Australian Institute of Criminology released today by Senator Amanda Vanstone, Minister for Justice and Customs. "Licensed gun owners are law-abiding citizens with legitimate reasons for owning the weapons they have. "In over 90 per cent of firearm-related homicides the offenders are not licensed and the weapons are not registered," Senator Vanstone said. "In 1998/99 there were 64 firearms-related homicides in Australia, the lowest number since the National Homicide Monitoring Program commenced a decade ago. "The rate of firearm-related homicide in Australia is 14 times less than the rate in the U-S. "However, the use of handguns in homicides in Australia has increased from 13% in 1995/96 to 42% in 1998/99. Positively though, not one handgun used in a homicide between 1997 and 1999 was used by a licensed owner. One gun was registered, but to the victim. "The problem therefore appears to be handguns that are diverted illegally into the black market for criminal use. "I have already raised this disturbing increase in the diversion of handguns into illegal use with the Australasian Police Ministers' Council and a working group is currently undertaking a comprehensive examination of the use of handguns in crime and relevant policing strategies. "Clearly this AIC paper confirms that the Federal Government was correct in introducing tougher penalties to deter people from importing prohibited goods such as firearms. "The licensing, registration, and storage requirements imposed by the new firearms regulations have significantly restricted the availability and access to certain firearms. "The recent ABS data on recorded crime, released last month, showed welcome trends in firearm-related crime. As well as showing that the use of firearms in homicides in the calendar year 1999 fell to its lowest level since 1995, the ABS report showed the use of firearms in all robberies had decreased by more than half between 1993 and 1999 and the proportion of firearms used in armed robberies had also declined from 18% in 1998 to 15% in 1999. "While these are welcome developments, we should all remember that those at the frontline of fighting crime, who daily face the risks posed by firearms and other dangerous weapons, are sons, daughters, parents and partners. Whenever we talk about crime statistics, it is appropriate to remember the valuable contribution of our police men and women." -- The working group she is talking about is considering some pretty scary proposals, the worst one being the idea of banning dealers from stocking handguns, you could only buy one if you had a license then the dealer would import it specifically for you. Imagine the cost of that! Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-QLD shooting Police Association comment
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Station:4BC Date: 21/07/2000 Program:BREAKFAST Time: 07:12 AM Compere:JOHN MILLER Item: DETECTIVES ARE SEARCHING FOR A MAN IN RELATION TO THE DOUBLE MURDER AT MARYBOROUGH OVERNIGHT. IT IS BELIEVE THE MAN IS ARMED WITH A HAND GUN. THE POLICE UNION'S MERV BAINBRIDGE DISCUSSES THE DEATH OF A 33 YEAR OLD POLICE OFFICER IN A DOMESTIC DISPUTE OUTSIDE OF ROCKHAMPTON OVER NIGHT, WITH MILLER SAYING HE CANNOT RECALL VIOLENCE AGAINST POLICE EVER BEING THIS BAD. MR BAINBRIDGE SAYS THE NEW GUN LAWS ARE NOT WORKING. INTERVIEWEES: MERV BAINBRIDGE, POLICE UNION. COMPERE: And I've gotta say too that while nobody ever said that these new gun laws would stop this kind of violence, it just seems that once again we have a demonstration that if the aim at all was to reduce the incidents of violent gun related incidents, for one of a better expression, then they have failed miserably. M BAINBRIDGE: John, it's not working, it's not working it's as people always suspected that the good people would obey the rules and the bad guys would just continue on as always. COMPERE: That's right in fact I believe it has turned and I think we can now confidently say this following last night's incident, it has turned into little more than a tragic and very very expensive joke. M BAINBRIDGE: Yes very much so John. COMPERE: Merv Bainbridge from the Queensland Police Union, convey our sympathies and I'm sure the community is with me on this to the family of the officer concerned, indeed all of the Queensland Police Service this morning as they mourn the death of a 33 year old man - it's very very sad. * * End * * Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australia gun buy-back for Solomon Islands
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] ABC Radio 612 Andrew Lofthouse 10.28am 20th July 2000 Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer interview "I mean, you know, its not an easy situation in the Solomons. It doesn't work quite like organising a meeting here in Brisbane or wherever.. So, it remains to be seen a bit how this will go. Our hope is that the ceasefire talks can take place, at at last start to take place today, and that we can get a ceasefire in the Solomon Islands and then move towards a peace process." "If the ceasefire talks are successful, then we'll be sending a team of people from Canberra to the Solomon Islands to talk through some of the issues which will be central to peace, and one of those is to get the guns back off the streets and back into the armory from where they were stolen. And one of the options there is to put forward a gun buyback scheme. That might, unfortunately, be the only way it will be possible to get the guns off the streets, and we would be prepared to help with that." We hope that the Australian Federal Government will reflect upon the following words in regards to the success of gun buyback schemes in Africa. It is pleasing to see that there is an acknowledgement that the guns on the streets obviously came from Police and Army armouries. Just like some other pacific-rim countries that Australia has been funding for years, the break down of internal law and order has been hastened by the decay of discipline within the police and military. "Gun buyback programmes were not effective if they saw guns as assets." Virginia Gamba - Institute for Security Studies 18/1/2000 Business Day Johannesburg. On buying back firearms from civilians in Africa (Further gun buyback "success" quotes at http://www.ssaa.org.au/quoteozbuy.html) Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australia stops security guns for Olympics
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Australian Weapons ban sparks Games rift By MARTIN CHULOV 20jul00 AUSTRALIA faces a diplomatic stand-off with 12 countries that are determined to bring guns to the Olympics to protect their athletes. The federal Government, which is demanding that police be solely responsible for the protection of all athletes, officials and VIPs, is at loggerheads with the nations over the issue. Israel claims it has been granted permission to bring in weapons and that special customs arrangements have been prepared by Australian officials sympathetic to its security needs. Other countries to have expressed concerns include Turkey, Japan, the US, China and a Middle-Eastern bloc including Iran and Iraq. Jewish news service Israel Wire reported that a deal struck with Australia in May would enable agents who usually protect the Israeli Prime Minister to use their own weapons to protect athletes. It also said the US had been granted an exemption to the strict laws on the carriage of firearms. But both claims were rejected last night by Attorney-General Daryl Williams, who said no country or Olympic committee had made any formal request for exemptions to Australia's laws. Mr Williams, who is responsible for national security, will outline Australia's position next week to security chiefs from every national Olympic committee during a conference in Sydney. He will tell officials that the Government will not entertain any formal approaches by countries that demand to provide their own security and that it will take a hard line against countries that try to smuggle in weapons. Responsibility for security rests with the relevant Australian authorities and foreign security officials have no operational role in Australia," a spokeswoman for Mr Williams said. "Australia's firearms policy will come as no surprise to countries participating in the Games, because we have been briefing foreign security officials over a number of years." In the eight weeks until the opening ceremony, the federal Government and state police services will try to placate security concerns by briefing foreign security officials from every country attending the Games. A rare exemption to Australian laws was made four years ago when US secret service agents travelling to Australia with President Bill Clinton were permitted to carry weapons. But security organisers say allowing one country an exemption for the Games would be untenable, because it would "clearly open the door for other countries". Sources close to current negotiations are hopeful that next week's conference will ease the risk of the stand-off's developing into a full-blown diplomatic incident. But the sources concede Israel's reluctance to accept Australia's position is likely to cause security organisers continuing concern. Israel was chastised for smuggling weapons through diplomatic mail bags during the Los Angeles Olympics and officials say they believe agents may have access to weapons already in Australia. Israel has been sensitive to security needs since the slaying of 11 Jewish athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics. NSW police have agreed to station extra armed guards for close personal protection near the Israeli team's accommodation in the Olympic village. A Chinese embassy official said last night the Chinese Government "knew nothing of Australia's position", while Russian consular Olympic attache Michael Kokorev said he expected the question of weapons to be "settled at next week's meeting". Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-Australia ABS homicide statistics
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.ssaa.org.au/homo99.html will take you to the latest ABS statistics on 1999 homicide rates in Australia Statistics issued June 2000 -- And they indicate that firearm-related homicide is rising. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-PNG proposes gun ban
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Let us pray that the politicians who demand that the Police Commissioner issue them handguns for self defence will be the first to give up their guns in pursuit of a more peaceful society. - Government to introduce tough control laws: PM By ISAAC NICHOLAS THE Government will introduce tighter gun control legislation, including a total ban on gun ownership, in a move aimed at reducing crime and violence in the country, Prime Minister Sir Mekere Morauta indicated on Friday. Speaking at the opening of the PNG Tourism Conference at the Madang Resort Hotel, Sir Mekere said Papua New Guinea is seen overseas as a dangerous place to visit. "However, there is one area where I believe strongly the government could make an immediate difference, and that is gun control." Sir Mekere said that there had undoubtedly been a proliferation of guns, both legal and illegal, in the country in recent years. "Without question this has contributed to the level of crime and violence in society. We are looking at ways, including legislation, of strictly controlling, perhaps even outlawing altogether, ownership of guns," said Sir Mekere. He said penalties for breaking the new laws would be severe. "In my view, this can only have a positive impact on our law and order problems." Sir Mekere said a Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) survey of visitors last year found that of the 528 respondents, about half said law and order was a problem. "There is no point complaining about this. The only sensible response is for us to do something about it. The simple fact is that there have been instances of terrible crimes committed, of course, mostly against our own people, but very occasionally against tourists and foreign residents. In our main towns crime has been on the increase over the last decade." He said however, that the perceptions are greater than the reality. For example serious crime tends to be concentrated in specific areas. It does not affect the entire country. Sir Mekere said the Government is attempting to persuade foreign governments to be more careful when issuing travel alerts relating to Papua New Guinea. "Papua New Guinea is no more dangerous for tourists than, say, Russia, or Egypt or parts of Africa or Asia. In fact, it is probably a lot less dangerous. Yet these countries have strong tourism industries, There must then be some factors in these countries that neutralise their law and order problems, and still make them attractive to tourists." The Prime Minister said law and order is one of the Government's five high priority areas, not just for the sake of the tourism industry but also for peace and development generally. "It is one of the five high priorities of Government, receiving a slight increase in funding this year. Next year it will receive more again." Sir Mekere said law and order is not by any means purely a financial issue. "Merely allocating large amounts of financial resources will not solve law and order problems. More government expenditure might help, but it will not provide the solution. Crime is a very complex and difficult social issue, occasioned by constantly changing factors, some of which we have little control over in the short term." "But at the heart of the social breakdown that leads to crime is a lack of opportunity. At its most basic, this means decent jobs for the thousands of people who leave school each year. Because of the dramatic deterioration in the economy between 1997 and 1999, unemployment and poverty have been rising." Sir Mekere said that for a long time, employment opportunities had not kept pace with population growth. "I am sure that everyone here appreciates that the nation is in a much healthier state than it was 12 months ago. The currency has begun to stabilise. Prices are beginning to fall and interest rates are coming down." He said the groundwork for the economy to grow has been laid and in time, increased economic activity should lead to growth in employment opportunities. "Stimulating economic growth through competent, fair and accountable government will help remove the underlying causes of crime -- poverty, unemployment, illiteracy, ill health and breakdown of the family." Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-home invasion terror
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] West Australian 17/7/2000 Break in victim rues rifle loss An elderly man whose home was broken into on Saturday rues the day he surrendered his rifle under the federal buy-back scheme two years ago. He said yesterday that if he has still had it he would have used it against the men who invaded his home and injured an elderly woman staying there. John Machen, 77 was alseep in his two storey home in St Kilda Road, Kewdale, about 1am on Saturday when a man broke in and entered the room in which 82 year old invalid Gwen McCorey was sleeping. "I heard her start shouting 'John. John help me help me," he said. "When I went to the door of the room there was blood everywhere and someone had put a screwdriver to my throat and said "givre me your money and your keys." The intruder had stabbed Mrs McCorey in the head with a screwdriver and threatened to do the same to Mr Macken, who has an implanted heart pacemaker, unless he handed over his money and car keys. He bolted for the front door and ran down the street screaming for help. As lights came on, the intruder and an accomplice fled. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
CS: Pol-WA warning shots condemnation
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] The Advertiser Adelaide 15/7/2000 Firing warning shots illegal A Perth man may be charged for firing warning shots at intruders after lying in wait at his business, which had been robbed three times in as many days. The owner of the trailer business in Welshpool sat in his premises on Thursday night with a semi-automatic rifle, confronting juveniles who smashed a window to break in at 9.15pm "He let off a shot into the wall with a semi-automatic," a police spokesman said yesterday. "The kids took off and he fired a couple more shots to scare them." The man then rang police to tell them what he had done. Police said the man's weapon was licenced but it was illegal for persons to use firearms to protect themselves or their property. It was also against the law to "set man traps" which in effect the business proprietor had done. "We're not going to tolerate this type of stuff," the police spokesman said. Detectives questioned the man and it was possible he would be charged, he said. --
CS: Legal-Lawyers and guns
From: SSAA, [EMAIL PROTECTED] If you have the time, have a look at: http://writ.findlaw.com/commentary/2705_sebok.html Kind regards, Peter Kerin -- This is a brilliant article, too long to stick in an email though - go and have a read. Steve. Cybershooters website: http://www.cybershooters.org List admin: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ T O P I C A The Email You Want. http://www.topica.com/t/16 Newsletters, Tips and Discussions on Your Favorite Topics
