Posted on 12/22/2006 10:15:46 AM PST by neverdem
It is long past time for the state Legislature and Congress to enact more effective bans on high-powered, military-style assault weapons.
New Bedford police were overpowered and outgunned when they went to the Foxy Lady strip club last week to respond to a domestic violence incident that turned into a deadly and frightening rampage.
The gunman, Scott Medeiros of Freetown, had obtained a Class A license more than a decade ago that allowed him to purchase any legal gun in the state, including the AR-15, a military-style semiautomatic assault rifle that is banned in California.
It is true that without the AR-15 rifle, Mr. Medeiros still might have used deadly force to kill the two Foxy Lady employees he apparently intended to murder. But he would not have overpowered police on patrol. And as one letter writer pointed out this week, "He definitely would not have been able to accomplish the life-threatening terror that took place outside the club."
We applaud New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang for urging legislators from SouthCoast to push for a more effective assault weapons ban in the state, and we urge him to use his influence with our congressional delegation to revisit the federal assault weapons ban that was allowed to lapse in 2004 under the Republican-controlled Congress.
Massachusetts is such a small state and so near states with much weaker gun laws that a stronger federal policy on assault weapons is necessary to protect the Bay State.
The 10-year federal ban halted the manufacture of 19 of the most deadly military-style assault weapons and banned their sale across the nation. Critics say there were significant loopholes in that ban. For example, the weapon used by Mr. Medeiros was banned only when it included certain components, such as a bayonet, flash suppressor and other devices, according to Freetown Police Chief Carlton Abbott. The basic weapon designed to replicate the military M-16 was still for sale across much of the nation.
Chief Abbott agrees with Mayor Lang that it is time to revisit regulations on assault weapons. He also suggests that the state re-examine classifications of gun licenses. Under current law, anyone with a Class A or Class B license can purchase a military-style assault weapon.
Weapons bans open up a raging debate about the meaning of the Second Amendment "right to bear arms." But this debate should not keep us from looking at the disturbing reality that it is too easy for civilians to purchase and use weapons designed only to kill and terrorize people, weapons that provide a civilian with more firepower than local city and town police. We must then enact sensible regulations to protect all law-abiding citizens, whether or not they choose to own a gun.
Ouch! Sorry to hear that youy were wounded by a 223 round. I have a Rock River Arms Ar-15 and all I have to say is that I would not want to be on the wrong end of that gun! Hope you made a full recovery! We better stock up on guns and ammo within the next few years. It looks like theres a possibility that gun owners are going to be in for a rough ride!
Ping
I like it!
Which is what it's supposed to do....
Unfortunately....millions.
"a military-style semiautomatic assault rifle that is banned in California."
So. You can't buy beer and wine from stores on Sunday's in SC. Neither has bearing on what is legal in MA.
Imagine if the cops had met up with my 30-06 semi-auto, they would have been really outgunned.
If it is one of those "evil" black military style rifles, it is an "assault weapon". Except if it is a SKS, that is also an "assault weapon" even though it isn't a military style rifle.
"Gun Control. It isn't about guns. It's about control."
Actually it is about slavery/servitude. The governments are trying to become our masters.
Of course they are, how else are they to enslave us?
That isn't a cannon, that is a mortar.
Hell man I have a couple of cannons, do you really want one.
Re your proposed law; "Any Government Employee of The United States, State, or Local Governments, found in possession of a weapon not allowed the general public, shall be imprisoned for the rest of his or her natural life."
I have many friends and relatives that are gov't employees working for the DOD and they vote for you and me to keep our gun rights. So hows about...
"Any politician (or Rosie O. types) whose record shows any sign of opposing the 2nd amendment shall be shot on sight if caught using armed protection." ?
Yeah, that should fix it.
Tell that to China, Russia, Yugoslavia, and Chekoslavakia(sp). I'm sure there are a few others. SKS just isn't currently an infantry weapon as far as I know.
Forgive me, but what is an "assault" weapon?
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That's easy. Any weapon that assaults. We all know that if it were not for the assault weapons there would be no assaults because non-assault weapons are not able to assault. Assault weapons have a capability to turn peaceful people into killers and therefore must be banned.
Gee, I never entered a combat situation or fire fight with the object of wounding my enemy. I was never in a fight that you could just take your time to shot and wound anyone.
Roger the get loaded up. I have pretty much recovered, but had some permanent disability as a results, but still march on.
Heck, no kidding. I never knew.
My 60 year old 8 round clip M1 Garand would have turned their cover into concealment.
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