Posted on 03/28/2006 5:59:18 AM PST by 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at boston.com ...
L
They will start going to knife shows to use the "loophole" to get the illegal knives.
Not me, I say "I'm sorry."
Also "Sorry to hear it." or even "Sucks to be you."
Well, maybe they thought their heads were on the chopping block so the made some concessions.
The British are looking to ban knives too:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4581871.stm
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