California: Neighbors, cops back "snitch" in shooting: "A North Oakland man branded a 'snitch' because he reports and photographs drug dealers around his home may face assault charges after shooting and wounding a 16-year-old neighbor who confronted him in his front yard. Neighbors and police have rallied to the defense of Patrick McCullough, who they believe only shot the youth in self-defense. The youth's mother is pressing the district attorney to file charges. Deputy District Attorney James Lee said Friday his investigation of the Feb. 18 incident is over and a decision should be made next week. Lee could be charged with assault or carrying a concealed weapon, or not charged at all, Lee said."


Russia: Surviving the asphalt jungle without a gun: "Under Big Brother's watchful eye, Soviet citizens were meant to feel perpetually safe and secure -- or else. The idea of a personal weapon, even a non-lethal one, was ideologically subversive, marking the citizen's individuality, personal freedom and dignity that were deemed inappropriate in the Socialist paradise. ... Even karate, while quite popular in the USSR in the 1970s, was outlawed by the Soviet government in 1984 but managed to survive in 'underground' clubs until 1989 when the ban was lifted. ... [T]here will always be a demand for a legitimate arms market, the weapon enthusiasts -- and survivalist community growing each day -- firearms ban or no firearms ban. And while Russian gun lovers may still be waiting for their Messiah, a Russian Charlton Heston, if you will, it�s always possible to obtain a hunting license and legally purchase your own personal weapon."


Illinois: Victim disarmament pols seek .50 caliber ban: "Anti-gun lawmakers are seeking a ban on .50-caliber 'sniper rifles,' saying they're favored by terrorists and can shoot down aircraft from a range of more than 2,000 yards -- though they don't appear to be tied to any crimes here in the last decade, a Chicago Sun-Times analysis shows. A spokesman for the National Rifle Association, which is pushing dozens of its own bills in the General Assembly, vowed to fight the sniper-rifle legislation backed by Representatives Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) and Beth Coulson (R-Glenview)."