Date: Tue, 28 Feb 95 16:56:48 CST
From: bob@sunisis.nrlssc.navy.mil (Robert S. Linzell)
To: firearms-alert@shell.portal.com
Subject: ACTION: Family Circle Pushes Strict Gun Storage


Once again the media are supporting legislative measures aimed at trying to
make lawful firearms self-defense difficult or impossible.  Below is the latest
attempt by a women's magazine to push restrictive gun storage laws which are
at best unenforceable and at worst endanger some who need quick access to
defensive weapons.  As usual, the media try to take responsibility from the
people (gun-owning parents) and place it in the hands of the state.  I urge
all readers to write or fax _Family Circle_ at the address or phone number
given below.

The March 14, 1995, issue of _Family Circle_ magazine has an article on page
19 entitled, "DJ's Legacy:  Tougher Gun Laws," by freelance writer Elizabeth
M. Howard of Charlottesville, Virginia.

Five weeks after the death of the son of Susan Kenney, of Naugatuck, CT,
"she founded GRIEF (Gun Responsibility In Every Family), an organization to
insure responsible gun ownership and storage.  She also launched a campaign
to change gun laws."

"In just seven months--on October 1, 1990--the Connecticut "Kids and Guns"
act passed: 30 to 4.  (Florida had passed a similar bill the previous
year, the first state to do so.)

 [**************  This could be coming to your state soon.  **************]
"The law states that an adult gun owner can be charged with a felony, fined
$5,000 and be sentenced to up to five years in jail if a child is hurt or
killed or harms others with a gun improperly stored or secured by the
adult.  It also requires the new handguns be equipped with trigger locks,
and that all owners lock their guns away from children...."

"GRIEF now has over 6,000 members, with chapters in 23 states and Canada.
Together, they have persuaded legislators in 10 states to pass gun-safety
bills, and say they won't quit until every state has such laws.

"According to the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, more than 500 children
die each year in unintentional shootings; an additional 3,500 are injured."

The article mentions two similar women who started GRIEF chapters or other
groups like GRIEF.  A box at the end of the article states, "In recognition
of Susan Kenney's outstanding achievement, Stayfree is making a $1,000
contribution to the nonprofit charity of her choice."

[Perhaps a boycott of Stayfree by our women readers might also be in order;
at least a nastygram should be sent.]


Write to:
Your Letters
Family Circle
110 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY  10011
FAX: 212-463-1808
(Include your full name, address and daytime telephone number)