Hi Tom, as you were just saying about Gang Turf....
TR> First, I certainly don't want to start a gun control debate. The
TR> only restrictions that I'm aware of are laws specifically related to
TR> the carrying of guns in public, owning machine guns without a proper
TR> license or owning one period in some places. There are also bans on
TR> assault type weapons in certain places. As far as I know, there's
TR> not a place in America that you can't maintain an arsenal of weapons
TR> in your home with enough ammunition to fight World War III. I'm not
TR> aware of anyone being disarmed or even discouraged from buying a
TR> weapon other than certain exceptions in various jurisdictions: 1)
TR> convicted felons in all jurisdictions; 2) people of diminished
TR> mental capacity, sometimes called lunatics in the older laws; 3)
TR> people of various mental illnesses; 4) drug addicts; 5) and other
TR> misc. reasons in certain jurisdictions that the person has a
TR> propensity for violence because of previous actions (i.e. domestic
TR> abuse).
TR> 
TR> Please, let's not start a gun control debate, as that would
TR> violate the written rules of this echo. As far as I know, there is
TR> no jurisdiction where a citizen can't protect himself and his family
TR> in their residence, as long as certain conditions are met. Various
TR> "Make My Day" Laws in numerous jurisdictions usually list being
TR> afraid for the loss of your life or the life of a family member as
TR> the ultimate reason for the use of deadly force in the protection of
TR> yourself or a family member. Generally speaking, that would mean
TR> that you couldn't shoot a teenager trying to steal your hubcaps
TR> unless he was pointing a gun at you.
TR> 
TR> The Charge of the Light Brigade (Citizens) against the local gang
TR> would be against the law. That would be taking the law into your own
TR> hands and becoming vigilantes. However, protection of yourself and
TR> your family in your home with a weapon is no problem at all. Armed
TR> invasion of most homes in America is a very bad mistake, as there
TR> are a ton of very legal guns out there in the hands of folks who
TR> know how to use them. 
Well said!  I am certainly glad that you are feeling much better. 
Hang in there, big fella'.
RD 
sandman@azstarnet.com 
http://www.azstarnet.com/~sandman
A well-educated Congress being necessary for the governing of a free
state, the right of the people to read and write books shall not be
infringed.
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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