Gun Policy News, 14 September 2004
14 September 2004
Daily Star (Dhaka), Opinion
A recent newspaper report said that the country's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police have been competing against each other as to who can recover more illegal weapons from the hands of terrorists. This, indeed, is good news. The report, however, didn't mention what would happen to the recovered illegal weapons. In fact, no information has ever been made public regarding the weapons that usually are seized by the law enforcers.
Here arises the question of law... (GunPolicy.org)
Americans Split on Gun Ban's End
14 September 2004
BBC News
Americans have strong feelings about the expiration of a national ban on assault weapons like AK-47s and Uzis — on both sides of the issue.
Darrin Duber-Smith, a marketing consultant and professor, argued passionately that the ban was unimportant.
"I am not concerned. Automatic weapons have been illegal for years," said Mr Duber-Smith.
"You can kill someone with a handgun, a knife, you can strangle him with your hands. What's the big deal with assault weapons... (GunPolicy.org)
Kerry Blasts Bush Over Ban Ending
14 September 2004
Washington Post
John F. Kerry blasted President Bush yesterday for allowing the ban on semiautomatic weapons to expire, as the Democratic nominee intensified his attack on the president's character, consistency and commitment to fighting terrorism.
In a small gymnasium at the Thurgood Marshall Center in Washington, surrounded by police officers and politicians including D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams, Kerry accused Bush of helping put dangerous weapons in the hands of terrorists by... (GunPolicy.org)
Gun Control Just Doesn't Add Up
14 September 2004
Business Day (Johannesburg), Opinion
MPs were a little startled recently when they received a briefing on the situation as it applies to the implementation of the Firearms Control Act.
Given that South Africans are dying on a daily basis as a result of gun crime, MPs should be interested, but indications were they were less than happy with what the police chiefs in seven of the nine provinces had to tell them. They are, after all, elected by those people who are suffering.
The basic arguments of the gun... (GunPolicy.org)
14 September 2004
Christian Science Monitor, Editorial
Last night's sunset of a federal ban on some 19 military-style assault weapons is yet another sad commentary on the political powerlock that the National Rifle Association has over members of Congress. The NRA has contributed $14 million to the campaign coffers of politicians over the past 15 years, according to opensecrets.org.
Now, unfortunately, gun stores in most states will be restocked with semiautomatic weapons such as the AK-47 and Uzi assault rifle, weapons... (GunPolicy.org)
Schwarzenegger Bans .50 Calibre Rifles
14 September 2004
Los Angeles Times
SACRAMENTO — Highlighting a difference over gun control with President Bush and the Republican Party, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday signed legislation banning .50-caliber BMG rifles.
The contrast was underscored as the signing was announced the same day the 10-year-old federal ban on assault weapons expired.
Although the two bans targeted different weapons, both concerned the same intense debate over whether they were common-sense limitations on weapons no... (GunPolicy.org)
Americans Split Over Expiry of Federal Ban on Assault Weapons
14 September 2004
BBC News
COLORADO — Americans have strong feelings about the expiration of a national ban on assault weapons like AK-47s and Uzis — on both sides of the issue.
Darrin Duber-Smith, a marketing consultant and professor, argued passionately that the ban was unimportant.
"I am not concerned. Automatic weapons have been illegal for years," said Mr Duber-Smith.
"You can kill someone with a handgun, a knife, you can strangle him with your hands. What's the big deal with... (GunPolicy.org)