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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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11

Need a Gun? On the Terrorist Watch List? No Problem

Feds OK sales thanks to controversial law

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(Newser) – People placed on Washington's terrorist watch list can be prevented from boarding an airplane or getting a visa, but they can still buy a gun, the New York Times reports. In the last 5 years, people on the list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times, and current laws forced federal authorities to approve requests 90% of the time. One buyer even picked up 50 pounds of explosives.

Officials must clear gun purchases, the Times notes, unless potential buyers can be disqualified for being a felon, illegal immigrant, or drug addict. “This is a glaring omission, and it’s a security issue,” said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, who proposes granting the attorney general authority to block such sales. But the NRA says Lautenberg’s approach opposes “the interests of public safety.”

People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.   (Shutter Stock)
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.
People on the government?s terrorist watch list tried to buy guns nearly 1,000 times in the last five years, and federal authorities cleared the purchases 9 times out of 10.   (Shutter Stock)
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11 comments
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AClotfelter
Jun 20, 09 3:41 PM CDT
Stopping everyone on the "terrorist watchlist" sounds like a good idea, except that the watchlist is a joke. We hear all the time about people being falsely added to the lists, with people such as kids, senators, etc being tagged. There is no accountability, and you can't challenge your inclusion in one of these lists... so, yeah, it would be insane to use this for anything, Reply
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+5
IN RESPONSE:
Reader64481089
Jun 20, 09 4:26 PM CDT
After Vietnam many ex-GI's returned home and were a bit disillusioned, found it hard to fit back in to society...understandable. Many of these people joined together in a Motorcycle club called the Vietnam Vet's Motor Cycle Club and still others joined other organizations where they could share with others like themselves. All have one thing in common, they were ALL placed on a watch list by the FBI as they were trained in warfare and could be a Terrorist organization. From my perspective anyone who disagrees with "the powers that be" can pretty well consider themselves included even if you have never fired a gun, it all depends on the mood of the jerk with a badge.
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+5
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PaleRider
Jun 20, 09 11:33 PM CDT
I have news for you, If the bama gets his way, the person coming for your gun isn't going to be the conventional "person with a badge" as you know today so.
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+3
nick
Jun 20, 09 3:44 PM CDT
NRA: 1) People have a right to form a well organized militia. 2) Terrorists are people, OMG. Where does it stop? Reply
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+5
Fondue
Jun 20, 09 6:37 PM CDT
Fuck the NRA in the A! Reply
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-7

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