Weapons ban softened to allow historical events (Mass. town bans knives over 2 1/2")

Boston Globe ^ | 3-27-2006

[Cagey]

LAWRENCE, Mass. --Civil War buffs, outdoorsmen and police officers all claimed victory in the creation of a citywide knife ban that was softened to accommodate historical exhibits and re-enactments and some recreational and occupational uses. Under the new rule, which will take effect April 20, machetes, sabers, swords, knives, ice picks and other similar weapons with 2.5-inch or longer blades capable of penetrating a police officer's vest are banned in Lawrence. However such weapons used in fishing, hunting, performing arts and job- or historical-related activities are allowed.

"Flag staff tips to bayonets to sabers is really the lifeblood (of the Lawrence Civil War Memorial Guard)," Sean Sweeney, 44, of Lawrence told city councilors, who had considered an ordinance that banned all the swords, knives and other bladed weapons that are on display at historical exhibits and used in Civil War re-enactments.

State Trooper Mark F. Blanchard, who is assigned to District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett's drug task force and was a catalyst for the measure, hailed the new ordinance as a victory.

Blanchard said police have confiscated what he called a box full of "scary weapons" -- including a Samurai sword, a machete, and a knuckle knife in the shape of a Batman emblem with blades on its wings.

The ban will make each offense subject to an arrest and a fine of up to $100. Anyone caught with an illegal knife in a park, on a playground or on school property could be fined up to $300.

[Cagey]

Blanchard said police have confiscated what he called a box full of "scary weapons"

[Tarpon]

Were there any nuts in that box?

[holymoly]

Blanchard said police have confiscated what he called a box full of "scary weapons" -- including a Samurai sword

B.F.D. I have a samurai sword. My Dad brought it back from Iwo. Someday it'll be handed down to his grandson(s).

[SittinYonder]

However such weapons used in fishing, hunting, performing arts and job- or historical-related activities are allowed.

I hope the people of Lawrence Mass are grateful to their government leaders for allowing them this small concession. The government could have taken away their butter knives and fingernail clippers, too, but in their generosity, they didn't.

For all you who complain about this ban and want to discuss the 2nd Amendment, just bear in mind that the government could have taken away much more than they did. Call the city of Lawrence and thank these government officials for allowing people to continue to use "weapons" in their re-enactments.

[George Smiley]

However such weapons used in fishing, hunting, performing arts and job- or historical-related activities are allowed.

I guess that if you're a professional criminal and you rob somebody and use a weapon in the process, then you're exempted under the terms of this idiotic ordinance.

[SteveMcKing]

There are many 20-something self-styled ninja boys who have nothing more genuine than "comic book" interest in martial arts. They collect Asian-looking weapons and convince themselves of some spiritual achievement in doing so. It's sad.

[pabianice]

So all former and retired military officers have to throw-out their swords? Another brain dead Liberal law with no impact on crime.

[in hoc signo vinces]

HAHAHAHAHHAHA...yeah...a ban...that'll keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, yep, sure will.

[Riley]

The idiocy leaves me speechless. Here I was, thinking that *California* laws sucked.

Or- have I just been taken in by a parody article? (Sorry- sickness is dulling my sense of humor detection instincts)

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Are these the same boys who buy these knives at out-of-the-way country convience stores... in all of their brillance?

[Fruitbat]

Blanchard said police have confiscated what he called a box full of "scary weapons"

Kennedy and Hillary must have been found inside a box having a tryst.

[KarlInOhio]

The government could have taken away their butter knives and fingernail clippers, too, but in their generosity, they didn't.

They'll have to pry my fingernail clippers from my cold, dead, well manicured hands.

[Fruitbat]

The ban will make each offense subject to an arrest and a fine of up to $100. Anyone caught with an illegal knife in a park, on a playground or on school property could be fined up to $300.

And running with scissors is a $50 penalty while running with a sharpened pencil is a $25 fine. Chewing gum in class is still a mere scolding.

[Fruitbat]

I guess that if you're a professional criminal and you rob somebody and use a weapon in the process, then you're exempted under the terms of this idiotic ordinance.

Unless you rape someone. Then no doubt the penalties stiffen to 24 months in jail or the like.

[ElTianti]

I want to Central Catholic HS in Lawrence MA twenty years ago and it was a tough, worn out, old mill town then. I imagine it gotten worse.

[SteveMcKing]

Heh.. most of the swords I've seen are 'ceremonial', whatever the hell that means, proudly displayed on the owners bedroom wall or dresser (amongst other ridiculous items).

It's no worse than what they sell at Home Depot really.

[rarestia]

Just wow...

[Westlander]

And if your a Sikh student, you can carry your blade in a holster with no fine.

[Pan_Yans Wife]

In looking at these swords, I even notice that there is no cutting edge. And I assumed that was one of the requirements of a true sword. Silly me.

[TXFireman]

ping