VCDL Update 11/29/04 - Defending your right to defend yourself

Though for the day: "If you don't know your rights you don't have any"

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1. Norfolk City Attorney pleads poverty
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Norfolk still has its "no guns" signs in their parks (6 MONTHS after
that wording became illegal). I called the City Attorney, Mr.
Bernard Pishko, on Wednesday. This is how the conversation went on
Wednesday (and I am not kidding):

Me: "When will the 'no guns' signs be fixed? Three weeks ago you
said you would tell the Park's people to change the signs."

Pishko: "I told them, but Norfolk doesn't have the budget that some
cities have. Will VCDL pay to replace those signs?"

Me: "You could just remove the signs."

Pishko: "There are other regulations on those signs that are valid."

Me: "OK, you can do what Richmond and other cities have done until
they could get new signs printed up - either spray paint over the "no
guns" wording or put black tape over it."

Pishko: "So you want us to put TAPE or SPRAY PAINT over NORFOLK park signs?!?"

I wrapped up the call by telling Mr. Pishko that I would contact the
Park's people directly, since they would be the ones to actually
change the signs.

How crazy is this? Can you imagine someone telling Norfolk, "I know
the Norfolk city tag on my car expired six months ago, but I can't
afford a new tag right now. Since Norfolk wants the tag on my car in
the first place, can Norfolk just pay for the tag?"

If we don't get this fixed in December, we are going to need a big
turnout for the City Council meeting in January. Push-come-to-shove,
VCDL will offer to buy the paint, masking tape, and will provide the
volunteer labor to fix those signs so Norfolk can stay solvent and be
compliant with the law. Hell, I will drive down there personally to
fix those signs! OR we could "pass the hat" at the City Council
meeting to provide some charity to Mr. Pishko and the City of Norfolk
;-)

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2. King William Park
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King William county has only one park and it has a "no guns" sign. I
contacted the County Parks Administrator and he said he would contact
the County Attorney and would fix the signs if the attorney agrees
that he should do so. I will call him back in a couple of weeks to
see where this stands. Thanks to David Smith for bringing those
signs to my attention.

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3. More "good and sufficient reason" for carry in Churches
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Thanks to Bruce Jackson for the link:

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/10248763.htm

Posted on Mon, Nov. 22, 2004

2 men hold up parishioners at early-morning Mass in Florida

BY BRITTANY WALLMAN
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - (KRT) - City police promised beefed up
protection for religious services during the holidays after two masked
thieves burst into a Catholic Church just before Monday's morning
Mass, assaulting two parishioners and stealing their wallets as others
ran for the doors.

Eleven churchgoers were in the sanctuary at Saint Anthony Catholic
Church for the 6:30 a.m. Mass. when the two men, at least one of them
armed with a black semi-automatic handgun, walked down the center
aisle demanding wallets and purses and ordering people to be quiet.

One victim, Sherry Saunders, nervously smoking a cigarette after the
ordeal, struggled to find the words to describe the attack, shaking
her head and blinking and finally saying, "It was surreal."

"They chased me up the aisle," Saunders said outside the church and
school, just north of Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School in
Victoria Park. "I was screaming."

Saunders said the man with the gun pushed her down.

"I kept trying to kick the guy," she said, "And he pointed a gun in my face."

He grabbed her purse, took the checkbook and wallet, and dumped the
purse in the back of the church.

Police officials later went door to door seeking witnesses. They said
they would notify every house of worship in the city, and increase
police patrols around them as well.

"What happened today is an isolated incident," said police Sgt. Andy
Pallen, "And we are using every resource available to us to make sure
it doesn't happen again."

Two masses are held every morning, at 6:30 and again at 8:15 a.m.
Saunders said she goes every day.

She said she was reciting her prayers about 10 minutes before the Mass
was supposed to start when the men walked in the southeast door, the
side next to the preschool.

One wore a black ski mask, the other a black "veil" with eye holes,
that was long and "flowing" in the back, she said.

`"Everyone started running for the door," she said, "I thought, `I
guess I'm supposed to run.'"

Police said at least one churchgoer, a man, ran out the back door, and
Saunders said a man she thought was in his 80s ran into the pastor's
sacristy, the room at the head of the worship hall where Father Jerry
Singleton was preparing his sermon.

Pallen said the robbers got nervous when people started fleeing,
making their own escape out the northeast door of the sanctuary.

Another victim, described by Saunders as older and named Billy, also
was pushed to the floor and robbed of his wallet.

Pallen said the men got very little money. They were described as
possibly in their late teens or 20s, though he said it was difficult
to tell.

Though children at the church's preschool and K-8 private school
regularly attend the morning Masses, Monday's early service is not one
of the sessions they attend.

At 8:15 a.m., the second Mass went on as scheduled, even as police
forensics specialists worked to find fingerprints on the doors.

Saunders said she has attended the church since 1981, and sent her
kids to the private school there.

"I want them to go to jail," she said of the bandits. "You don't go
into God's house and do this."

The church's communications director, Mary Ross Agosta, said nothing
like this has ever happened at any of the churches in Miami's
Archdiocese of 118 parishes in Broward, Monroe and Miami-Dade
counties.

They've had their poor boxes robbed, they've been vandalized or had
statues stolen. But nothing this brazen.

Nor could anyone remember it happening at any other church in Fort
Lauderdale, Pallen said.

Agosta said the church will have to re-think security. The church
already hires an off-duty police officer on Sundays. But they're not
going to change the open worship services.

"We're not going to lock our churches during Mass time," Agosta said.
"We're not going to be frightened off."

Agosta said the robbers "need to get down on [their] knees and ask God
for forgiveness."

Police Chief Bruce Roberts said he's ordered his fugitives squad to
help find the church invaders.

"I hope they hunt those jackals down and bring them to justice," said
Mayor Jim Naugle, who was on the scene consoling Saunders shortly
after the crime.

City Manager George Gretsas and Roberts also showed up at the church
to talk to Father Singleton, tell him they were sorry and that they
would handle the situation.

Gretsas recently announced the city is focusing on crime prevention
using the "broken window" theory of focusing on small things like
littering or homelessness. The department's community policing
division that focused on such things had been dismantled due to budget
cuts.

Still, the department is understaffed compared to last budget year,
with 30 police jobs open, 14 officers retiring soon, and 16 police
jobs cut out of the budget entirely, according to Chief Roberts.

Roberts acknowledged the city is suffering an up-tick in some violent
crimes, including robberies, even while other crimes are dropping.

But Gretsas said the two are not necessarily linked, and that some
crimes aren't preventable.

"Sometimes," he said, " random things happen."

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4. Anemic self-defense tips
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Heaven forbid that the police would suggest that a person carry a gun
for self-defense. Perhaps these self-defense measures are the only
ones that should be available to the Baltimore police if they are so
good:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/crime/bal-holidaycrime1122,1,7351790.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

Police offer crime prevention tips for holidays
Shoppers advised to stay aware of surroundings, potential dangers

Baltimoresun.com Staff

November 22, 2004, 2:59 PM EST

With the holiday season fast approaching, the number of shoppers
targeted for purse snatching and other forms of street robbery will
likely increase, Baltimore County police warned today.

Police reminded shoppers of the following basic steps to avoid being
victimized:

Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets,
walkways and parking areas.

Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft
such as expensive jewelry or clothing.

Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by
straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants
pocket.

Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to
use when you reach the door.

In addition, police offered these tips regarding a car or house left
behind while traveling:

Always lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a
few moments.

Do not leave valuables, gifts, cell phones, purses or clothing in open
view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk or
cover them in an unobtrusive way.

Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark.

If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for
someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is
a sign that no one is home, and burglars may be tempted to check those
envelopes for holiday gifts.

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5. Fairfax gets slammed for its legislative agenda
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A well-deserved slap at the Fairfax Board of Supervisors. The last
sentence says it all. (There are many factual errors dealing with
gun laws, though):

http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=43323

Fairfax Board Makes Familiar Requests to Richmond
Critics say county's legislative agenda only serves to alienate lawmakers.
By David Harrison
November 24, 2004

Once again, Fairfax County will send its delegates and senators to
Richmond with a list of legislative proposals, some of which will be
dead on arrival according to some political observers. The Board of
Supervisors' legislative agenda, particularly its positions on
dangerous weapons and sexual orientation, is nothing more than a wish
list that alienates lawmakers, wastes political capital and makes it
more difficult for the county to make progress on needed state
funding for transportation and education, critics say.
"For the life of me I can't understand it," said Supervisor Michael
Frey (R-Sully). "Let's face facts. Politics is the art of the
possible and the fact is that it's not possible to get these through.
And the fact is that we're hurting ourselves strategically."
"You know, the same argument that you shouldn't do it because it
makes some of [the legislators] unhappy were used about segregation
40 years ago," said Board Chairman Gerry Connolly (D), who also
chairs the board's legislative committee.
Supervisors will vote on the agenda Dec. 6. The 14-point package
includes funding requests for roads, Metro, schools, human services,
jail operations and the environment as well as requests to let
counties increase their taxing powers. It also includes positions to
ban unlicensed miniature motorbikes and give counties greater
authority in zoning and parking regulations.
But it also features two positions that the board has repeatedly
asked for and lost. The first would allow local governments to ban
guns in county-owned buildings, such as recreation centers or police
stations. Right now, the only places where guns are banned in
Virginia are courtrooms, places of worship and schools during school
hours.
"If it's not right for us, why is it right for courthouses and
schools? What's the logic of that?" Connolly asked.
The second would allow Fairfax County to add to its human rights
ordinance a prohibition banning discrimination based on sexual
orientation. The ordinance currently does not protect gays and
lesbians from discrimination.
"We're not doing it symbolically. We really mean it," Connolly said.
But he added that the coming session is likely to be dominated by
discussions on transportation funding.
"The General Assembly failed to act last year," he said. "We're
disinvesting as a result in transportation statewide and the time has
come for the General Assembly to find some solutions, long-term
sustainable solutions to the transportation investment challenge."
Because of Virginia's "Dillon Rule," local governments have only as
much authority as has been granted to them by the General Assembly,
meaning that jurisdictions are forced to constantly ask lawmakers for
the power to amend their own ordinances.

BUT ENOUGH is enough, say some legislators.
"As a legislator, you don't like spending the time that it takes to
try to guide a bill through the legislative process if you know it
doesn't stand a chance," said state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites-Davis
(R-34). "If it isn't going to fly, then why waste my time when
there's something else I could be successful in?"
"When you keep forcing moderate Republicans to vote on sex and guns
they know they'll get primaried if they don't vote against it," said
Frey. "And we keep forcing them to vote on it."
Still, advocacy groups have praised the board for its persistence.
"We appreciate the board doing that because it calls attention to the
issues," said Fairfax resident Jim Sollo, president of Virginians
Against Handgun Violence. "A lot of people don't know that it's
perfectly legal to carry gunds into recreation centers and county
buildings."
Fairfax County has been trying unsuccessfully to get dangerous
weapons banned in public facilities for nine years. The closest
Virginia came to adopting the measure was in 1997 when a bill passed
the General Assembly but was vetoed by then-Gov. Jim Gilmore (R). The
board first asked for the authority to amend its human rights
ordinance in 2001. In recent years, however, the trend has been going
in the opposite direction. The 2004 session adopted a new law that
prohibited local law enforcement from running background checks on
gun owners on the grounds that local checks duplicated the state
checks. The law also required that local authorities destroy their
records from earlier background checks. Lawmakers also approved a
bill also year forbidding same-sex couple from entering into
contracts resembling those that married couples enter into.
A half-dozen gun advocates showed up at a Nov. 15 public hearing on
the county's legislative proposal to blast supervisors for their
perennial efforts to restrict gun rights.

"When we go to the capitol with proposals like this is makes us look
like elitist Yankee snobs," said Centreville resident Stephen Hatch.

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6. 75 guns PER MONTH found by airport screeners
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And how many guns slip through? I sure love being disarmed in
airports, how about you? And if you are politically connected, then
you get a slap on the wrist for forgetting a gun in your carry on
bag, the rest of us go to jail. Thanks to Stephen Wenger for link:

http://www.washtimes.com/national/20041124-115904-7635r.htm

By Audrey Hudson
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published November 25, 2004
Traveling for the holidays? Have everything you need? Razor?
Toothbrush? Handgun? Ammunition?
Homeland Security officials say that even now, three years after
the September 11 terrorist attacks prompted new security measures at
airports, passengers continue to show up at the terminals carrying
guns and bullets.
Airport screeners find 2,000 bullets and 75 guns per month on
passengers or in carry-on bags, said Mark Hatfield, spokesman for the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA). At 450 airports across
the country, an average of two guns per day are discovered.
"The numbers are going up," Mr. Hatfield said.
Nearly every case is accidental -- hunters forget to take ammo
out of coat pockets and sportsmen forget to take guns out of bags
after target practice or a trip to the skeet range, he said.
A 79-year-old woman was arrested Tuesday at Fort Lauderdale
International Airport in Florida after a single-shot Colt Derringer
and seven bullets were found in her tote bag.
The woman said she had placed the gun in a hollowed-out book in
the bag months ago and had forgotten about it. She faces a penalty of
up to five years in prison.
"That underscores the importance of the need to screen everyone,"
TSA spokeswoman Yolanda Clark said. "This continues to be a
significant problem at checkpoints across the country."
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is teaming up with the TSA
on a public service campaign to remind its members to include guns
and bullets in last-minute travel checks and remove them from bags
and coat pockets.
The NRA is running public service announcements and articles in
its publications to educate readers on how to travel legally with
weapons, which must be declared at the check-in counter. The weapon
must be enclosed in a lockbox, and a key must be provided so
screeners can check to ensure that the gun is not loaded.
"They have a very large number of hunters and sportsmen, and they
have been very enthusiastic about placing articles, and their
communication has helped us extend our reach," Mr. Hatfield said.
"It's as simple as emptying all your pockets and checking in the
pocket zippers," he said. "Most airlines will allow you to carry
weapons in checked baggage, but it should be unloaded in a hard case"
and lockbox.
Hunters and sportsmen also should check state laws and city
ordinances at their destinations.
"You may be in compliance with the laws in the states you are
departing, but you need to make sure your destination state also
allows for the possession and transport of weapons," Mr. Hatfield
said.
More than 15 million prohibited items, including more than 2,000
guns, have been confiscated from passengers since the TSA took over
screening responsibility in February 2002.

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7. Who needs a gun while shopping?
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Mike Stollenwerk sent me this link. Over and over again we are
reminded that you NEVER know what's going to happen:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6045-2004Nov22.html

VIRGINIA

Employee arrested: An employee at a Michaels crafts store in the
Fairfax area has been arrested after ordering a customer into a back
room and holding her at knifepoint, Fairfax County police said
yesterday.

The incident allegedly occurred about 6:50 p.m. Sunday at the
Michaels in the Pan Am Shopping Center on Nutley Street. Police said
a 23-year-old woman was grabbed and escorted to the back of the
store. Once there, the employee pulled a knife and ordered the woman
to take off her clothes, police said. The woman was able to reason
with the employee and escaped unharmed.

Police obtained a charge of abduction with intent to defile against
Michael A. Thomas, 19, of the 3100 block of Babashaw Court in the
Fairfax area. Police said he was being held yesterday in the Fairfax
jail.

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8. Violent gun crimes in gun-free DC
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Mark Wheeler sent me this link. Defenseless citizens in DC are even
held up in groups leaving a wedding reception in a church (more good
and sufficient reason). In this case three of the group were pistol
whipped before they could even respond to demands for money and a
fourth was shot and killed when he threw his wallet at the robbers.
I would rather he was able to throw some lead at the robbers - say
180 grains at 1,500 feet per second. The police are asking for help
from the community in solving this crime. Fine. But wouldn't it be
better if there was no crime, with the only dead bodies belonging to
the thugs?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61558-2004Nov18.html

Brookland Residents Ask For More Police Patrols

By Nicole Fuller
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, November 19, 2004; Page B01

Five days after a man was killed in a robbery after leaving a wedding
reception in Northeast Washington, Brookland resident Matthew
Schilling went to the scene of the crime with a plan.

Schilling urged a crowd of more than 100 people who were at St.
Francis Hall at the Franciscan Monastery last night for a
question-and-answer session with D.C. police to join him in
establishing a neighborhood watch group.

"There are crimes in Brookland. We do live in a city," said
Schilling, a Montgomery County high school teacher. "But the violence
involved in this crime was astonishing. It's hard to believe
something could happen like this in Brookland."

"Our goal is not to stop the crime; that's not our job," said
Schilling, 32. "We just want to help prevent it and let other people
know it's okay to get involved."

The meeting followed the slaying late Saturday of George F.
Longshore, a 58-year-old suburban Philadelphia man who was leaving
the reception with his wife, daughter and son-in-law when they were
held up by at least two men.

The assailants demanded money and began pistol-whipping three members
of the group before they could comply. Longshore was shot after he
threw his wallet at the assailants, police said.

Five hours later and a half-mile away, a 25-year-old man shot a
21-year-old Catholic University student after a dispute at a house
party, police said. Albert Lee Booth, of the 700 block of 11th Street
NE, has been charged in that shooting. Police are investigating the
possibility that the shootings may be connected.

Residents at the meeting complained about a lack of police presence
on neighborhood streets and a lack of response to such
quality-of-life issues as litter, graffiti and inadequate lighting.

"I came in here tonight with a heavy heart because of what happened,"
said Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Kathy Henderson.

"But I felt good coming in here and seeing every seat taken. Ladies
and gentlemen, don't let crime come in your neighborhood. You have to
be vigilant."

At times the meeting was contentious, as citizens sparred with police
over what they said was a lack of police presence in the neighborhood.

Robert I. Artisst Sr., also an advisory neighborhood commissioner,
demanded that police take prompt action against crime.

"If someone had had patrols walking in this historic neighborhood, we
wouldn't have that man killed," Artisst said. "I have yet to hear you
say what's going to be the solution."

Police officials promised increased foot patrols and car checkpoints
in the neighborhood.

Police Capt. Patrick Burke, of the 5th District, told citizens they
need to take an active role in combating crime.

Burke said officers are going door-to-door in the neighborhood to
gather clues in the case and plan to set up checkpoints along major
thoroughfares in the area.

"The police department alone can't do it, folks," Burke said. "We
need you out there to be our eyes and ears. There's nothing else we
care about more than your safety. But we need your help."

D.C. Council member Vincent B. Orange Sr. (D-Ward 5), who organized
the meeting, said he hoped it would prompt witnesses to come forward.

"The main thing is to give the community the opportunity to connect
with [the police] to air their concerns," Orange said. "Solving
crime, it takes all of us to be involved."

Cedric Sims, 38, who owns a home near the site of the slaying, urged
residents to come forward with information.

"I love living in Brookland," Sims said. "To me, it's the best-kept
secret. Now when I come home, it's an eerie feeling to know that
someone lost their life 150 feet from my house, basically on my
doorstep. The cops can't do it by themselves. If you see something,
you've got to speak up."

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9. Pro-gun letters in Washington Post
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A18817-2004Nov28.html

Responsible Use of Firearms

Monday, November 29, 2004; Page A18

The Nov. 20 editorial page carried three letters ridiculing the
lawful carry of firearms for defensive purposes. Yet in the same
day's Metro section was coverage of incidents of violent crime that
potentially could have been averted by the responsible use of a
firearm in a defensive capacity.

When I choose to lawfully carry a concealed firearm, it is to defend
my family from serious harm. Firearms ownership is a personal
decision bearing tremendous responsibility, and publishing unilateral
ridicule does little to stimulate productive debate.

Note the word "responsible." Firearms owners who allow children
unsupervised access to their guns or who leave them about while
showering, playing volleyball or spending time at the beach deserve
severe punishment.

Firearms education is strongly recommended for gun owners, and many
local groups offer such education to gun owners and opponents alike.

T.J. MEYER

Oakton

*

David Mendelsohn ["Put the Guns Down," letters, Nov. 20] seems not to
know that the FBI uniform statistics report upon which he based his
observations has a critical shortcoming: Nowhere does it track
incidents in which a firearm used or brandished in self-defense has
deterred a crime. Also, Mr. Mendelsohn did not acknowledge that the
44 states that have right-to-carry laws have lower overall
gun-related crime rates than states without the laws. Virginia, for
example, has a lower gun crime rate than Maryland and the District
combined.

Although the public display of firearm possession lacks taste, if a
criminal entered a bar or restaurant with the intention of robbing it
and saw a person with a gun, I believe the criminal would go
elsewhere to perpetrate a crime. Concealed-carry laws have a similar
effect because a criminal can't know who is armed.

Virginia's right-to-carry law is one of three main reasons crime in
the commonwealth is lower than in many other states. The other two
reasons are a vigorously enforced Project Exile program and a lack of
parole.

PAT HAMP

Oak Hill

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10. On-line forum setup by VCDL member
****************************************************

Jeremy Marlowe has setup a forum for Virginia gun owners who would
like to have an place to converse with other VA gun owners on
firearms issues. His site is at:

http://www.vagunowners.com

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11. Why Condoleezza Rice supports RKBA
****************************************************

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2004/11/20/213731.shtml

Saturday, Nov. 20, 2004 9:36 p.m. EST
Condi: Why I Support the Second Amendment

Secretary of State nominee Dr. Condoleezza Rice is a big supporter of
the second amendment, a commitment cultivated during her days growing
up in Bull Conner's Birmingham, Alabama, when the shotgun wielded by
her father was often the only thing that stood between her family and
the Ku Klux Klan.

In 1963, racial violence was "turning her hometown into 'Bombingham'
as Alabamaís governor George Wallace fought a federal court order to
integrate the cityís schools," writes Rice biographer Antonia Felix.
In excerpts of her book "The Condoleezza Rice Story," reprinted in
the London Sunday Times, Felix recounts:

"With the bombings came marauding groups of armed white vigilantes
called 'nightriders,' who drove through black neighborhoods shooting
and starting fires. [Condi's father] John Rice and his neighbors
guarded the streets at night with shotguns.

"The memory of her father out on patrol lies behind Riceís opposition
to gun control today. Had those guns been registered, she argues,
Bull Connor would have had a legal right to take them away, thereby
removing one of the black communityís only means of defense."

"I have a sort of pure second amendment view of the right to bear
arms," said the future Secretary of State.

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12. Another robbery in a restaurant in an anti-gun mall
****************************************************

This is the SECOND time for this restaurant in TWO weeks! To the
mall, "have you figured out the problem with anti-gun policies YET?"
To the General Assembly, "the ban needs to go."

http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2004/112004/11232004/1581948

Police briefs
November 23, 2004 1:08 am
Police hunt man who robbed mall Pizza Hut
The Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office is looking for a suspect in the
Sunday-morning robbery of the Pizza Hut near Spotsylvania Mall.

Sheriff Howard Smith said a clerk was working in the restaurant about
1:40 a.m. Sunday when he was approached by a black male wearing black
sweat pants, a blue sweatshirt and a black mask.

The man, who was holding a pistol, ordered the clerk to give him the
store's money. The clerk complied, and the man left with an
undisclosed amount of money.

It was the second armed robbery of that Pizza Hut in the past two
weeks. Two suspects have been arrested and charged in the Nov. 9
robbery of the eatery.

Anyone with information about Sunday's robbery is asked to call Crime
Solvers at 582-5822.

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12. Pictures from VCDL pistol shoot in Roanoke on-line
****************************************************

Thanks to Stimis Smith for posting these photos from a great shoot:

http://www.photoreflect.com/scripts/prsm.dll?storefront?b=1&c=06FS

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13. Another VCDL pit bull with teeth sunk in
****************************************************

Bob Jensen noticed some "no guns" signs at "Banshee Reeks" park in
Loudoun. He wrote Loudoun Parks an email (with cc to me) politely
telling them that their signs were not legal. Steve Torpy, Parks
Manager, wrote back an equally polite letter saying it would be taken
care of in that park, as well as in the rest of the parks (this was
back in April). Well, Bob went back to the park last week and the
sign was still there! Rather than just throw up his hands, Bob fired
off another email (with a picture of the offending sign) letting Mr.
Torpy know that his orders were not being followed by staff. Bob is
going to keep me posted as to any response he gets back.

If this doesn't get fixed soon, we will be asking our Loudoun members
to start contacting the Board of Supervisors. It is tenacity. like
Bob's, that gets things done.

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14. Anti-gun Value City Furniture
****************************************************

One of our female members sent me an email saying she was surprised
to see a "For the safety of our customers, no guns allowed" signs in
a Woodbridge Value City Furniture store. Yeah, they are really
thinking of their customers. Anyway she took her money to nearby
"The Furniture Store" instead.

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15. Gun Shows!
****************************************************

The Virginia Citizens Defense League thanks the following gun rights
activists for working our recruiting and information booth at the
Bealeton gun show,
Nov 21-22:

Kirk Van Gorkom, Robert James (special thanks for staying the entire day on
Sat!), Oliver Shearer, Dr. Jerry Coffey, and Ed Summers.

As an all volunteer organization, we depend on our members
to work the VCDL tables at gun shows and events around the state.
Can you help for just one shift?

It's easy and fun, and if you haven't done it before we'll pair you
with a veteran volunteer. And you'll get into the gun show for free!


To find out more about helping VCDL at our booth, go to
http://www2.vcdl.org/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/vcdl/gs.html and click on
any of the blue links, or contact the listed coordinator for the
show/event listed below that you are interested in helping with.


a. RICHMOND ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), Dec 4-5

Saturday, Dec 4
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 5
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Omar Hassan at centralvagunshows@vcdl.org to help at the
Showplace in Richmond.


b. DALE CITY ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ), Dec 3-5.

Friday, Dec 3
4:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Dec 4
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 5
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Contact Ed Summers at Novagunshows@vcdl.org to help at Dale City.


c. SALEM ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), Dec 18-19

Saturday, Dec 18
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 19
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Al Steed at swvagunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.


d. BEALETON, ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ), December 18-19.

Saturday, Dec 18
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 19
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Contact David Park at NoVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Bealeton.


e. VIRGINIA BEACH (http://www.guns-knives.com ), Jan 1-2, 2005

Saturday, Jan 1
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 2
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Ron Lilly at tidewatergunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Virginia
Beach Pavilion.


f. ROANOKE ( http://www.showmasters.us ), January 8-9

Saturday, Jan. 8
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 9
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.


Contact Al Steed, Jr. at swvagunshows@vcdl.org to help at the Roanoke Civic
Center.


g. DALE CITY ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ) Jan 14-16.

Friday, Jan 14
4:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Jan 15
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 16
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact our NoVA coordinator at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help
in Dale City.


h. RICHMOND ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), Jan 15-16

Saturday, Jan 15
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 16
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Omar Hassan at centralvagunshows@vcdl.org to help at the
Showplace in Richmond.


i. BEALETON, ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ), Jan 22-23

Saturday, Jan 22
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 23
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact our NoVA coordinator at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in
Bealeton.


j. CHARLOTTESVILLE ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ), Jan 29-30

This is a new location (at the East Rivanna Vol. Fire Hall) and we
don't have a strong membership or volunteer base here yet, so if you live
nearby or can get there, WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP to get VCDL off the
ground
in Charlottesville. Can you help us for just one shift?

Saturday, Jan 29
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Jan 30
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Mark Wheeler at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in
Charlottesville.


k. CHANTILLY ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), Feb 11-13

Friday, Feb 11
4:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb 12
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 13
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact our NoVA coordinator at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help
in Chantilly.

l. HARRISONBURG ( http://www.olddominionshows.com ), Feb. 18-20

Friday, Feb 18
4:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, Feb 19
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Feb 20
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact Mark Wheeler at Shenandoahgunshows@vcdl.org to help in
Harrisonburg.


m. RICHMOND ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), March 5-6

Saturday, March 5
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 6
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Omar Hassan at centralvagunshows@vcdl.org to help at the
Showplace in Richmond.


n. CHANTILLY ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), April 22-24

Friday, April 22
4:00-9:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 23
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 24
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please contact our NoVA coordinator at NOVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help
in Chantilly.

o. SALEM ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), April 30-May 1

Saturday, April 30
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 1
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Please contact Al Steed, Jr. at SWVAgunshows@vcdl.org to help in Salem.

p. RICHMOND ( http://www.cegunshows.com ), May 21-22

Saturday, May 21
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 22
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Omar Hassan at centralvagunshows@vcdl.org to help at the
Showplace in Richmond.


q. VIRGINIA BEACH (http://www.guns-knives.com ), Aug 20-21

Saturday, Aug 20
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, Aug 21
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Contact Ron Lilly at tidewatergunshows@vcdl.org to help at the
Virginia Beach Pavilion.

***************************************************************************
VA-ALERT is a project of the Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL).
VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to
defending the human rights of all Virginians. The membership considers the
Right to Keep and Bear Arms to be an essential human right.

VCDL web page: http://www.vcdl.org
_________________________
America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system and too early to shoot the bastards.