P.O.V. 18S Discussion Guide

n o s a e

The Brooklyn Connection A Film by Klaartje Quirijns

www.pbs.org/pov P.O.V. n o

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Letter from the Filmmaker

Dear Viewer,

Why did I want to make this film? The armed struggle in Kosovo is far from over. In 1999, after mediation by the UN, the Serbs and Albanians reached a ceasefire, but the Serbs want to retain control over the region and the Albanians (90 percent of the population) continue to strive for independence. A disarmament campaign has failed. Kosovo is ready to explode again. Florin Krasniqi, the main character in the film, was born in Kosovo and lives in Brooklyn. He is willing to do anything to gain independence for Kosovo. Florin and his comrades consider NATO and the UN their new occupiers. This time, they may use high-power sniper rifles against the “Internationals." But the real story began when Stacy Sullivan and I met five years ago. I was working on a documentary and approached Stacy because I was looking for a war correspondent. She was then writing a book about Florin Krasniqi, titled Be Not Afraid, For You Have Sons in America. At that time, her main character was an owner of a roofing company in Brooklyn. During the war (1997-1999), he collected millions of dollars from Albanian communities in the U.S. With this money, weapons were bought that were subsequently Filmmaker Klaartje Quirijns smuggled into Kosovo via Albania. Stacy introduced me to Krasniqi, and I was Photo courtesy of Marie Claire immediately persuaded toward his cause: he was charming, charismatic, funny, and ruthless all at the same time. Coming from the Netherlands, a country where you cannot own a weapon, this story shocked me. It was not just the easy access to weapons, but also the mechanism of the political lobby: you pay for politicians and they will pay you back. And on top of this, a person can legally export weapons to wherever he chooses. Not just small arms, but sniper rifles that can shoot down a helicopter and kill a person from a mile away. We had no funding and I was more than eight months pregnant, but Stacy, the cameraman, Martijn 't Hartl and I were determined to make this film. We went to Albania, traveled to Kosovo, and with the footage we shot, our Dutch executive producer George Brugmans convinced the public TV in the Netherlands that this film needed to be made. In the film, we tried to find an answer to the question, Where did all the weapons actually come from? We followed Krasniqi in his private life and in his "regular" work and at election meetings, where he carries out his lobbying activities. To me, the most striking thing about the story was here you have gun laws that make it possible to build a guerrilla army in the U.S., and then you have the situation in Kosovo where they are ready and willing to fight the Internationals. How did this happen? I like to make documentaries that let the viewer have their own thoughts. In this case, I was fascinated by the character of Krasniqi: Is he a freedom fighter or a terrorist? The line is very thin, and I wanted to show the complexity of this. He is a great guy, a charmer, but he can be ruthless as well. Is he a terrorist in the sense that he has killed civilians for his cause? No, I don't think so. Is he capable of it? Yes, I think so. He is radical, he wants independence for Kosovo, and he will do whatever it takes to make this happen.

Klaartje Quirijns Director/Producer, The Brooklyn Connection

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Table of Contents Credits, Acknowledgements

4 Introduction Writer 5 Potential Partners Faith Rogow, PhD 5 Key Issues Insighters Educational Consulting 5 Event Ideas 6 Using This Guide Guide Producers 6 Planning an Event Cara Mertes 7 Facilitating a Discussion Executive Director, P.O.V. 7 Finding a Facilitator Eliza Licht 7 Preparing Yourself Community Engagement Manager, P.O.V. 8 Preparing the Group Shabnam Ahamed 9 Background Information Community Engagement Assistant, P.O.V. 9 History Juliet Gorman 10 U.S. Policy on Kosovo Associate Producer, P.O.V. Interactive Design: Rafael Jiménez 11 U.S. Gun Control Policy Copy Editor: Anne Hellman 11 Biography: Florin Krasniqi 12 General Discussion Questions 13 Discussion Prompts Thanks to those who reviewed this guide: 15 Taking Action Klaartje Quirijns 16 Resources Filmmaker, The Brooklyn Connection 20 How to Buy the Film Stacy Sullivan Author, Be Not Afraid, For You Have Sons in America

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Introduction

Florin Krasniqi leads a double life. To most of his Brooklyn neighbors, he is an Albanian immigrant from Kosovo who owns a successful roofing company. But to the Kosovo Liberation Army, a guerilla group fighting for Kosovo’s independence from Serbia, Krasniqi is a major fundraiser and arms supplier.

The Brooklyn Connection, a feature-length (60 min.) documentary based on material from Stacy Sullivan’s book, Be Not Afraid, For You Have Sons in America, follows Krasniqi as he raises money, solicits political support, purchases arms and supplies, smuggles his purchases into Kosovo, and, like any normal father, celebrates his child’s birthday with a family barbeque on the roof of his Brooklyn home.

Krasniqi’s ability to easily and Florin Krasniqi and compatriots ride the ferry to legally purchase weapons suitable for a guerrilla army raises bring arms to Albania. Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection” questions about U.S. policy. Can the United States broker peaceful solutions to conflicts like the one in Kosovo when the conflict is being sustained by arms obtained through American gun shows, retailers, catalogues, and websites?

As The Brooklyn Connection provokes viewers to examine the worldwide impact of U.S. firearms laws, it also challenges people to consider their own ideas about patriotism, national identity, and independence. As an outreach tool, the film can spark frank discussions about the connections between human rights, U.S. foreign policy, the value of gun ownership, and the ultimate safety of American citizens.

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Potential Partners Key Issues

The Brooklyn Connection is well suited for use in a variety of The Brooklyn Connection is an excellent tool for outreach settings and is especially recommended for use with: because it features a person who is clear and open about his loyalties, actions, and beliefs. The film will be of special • Your local PBS station interest to people interested in exploring or working on the • Groups that have discussed previous PBS and P.O.V. issues below: films relating to war or war crimes and their relationship to national identity and/or human rights, • Arms control including Discovering Dominga, The Flute Player, • Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Regret to Inform, or War Feels Like War Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, • Groups focused on any of the issues listed to the right former Yugoslavia) • Legislators • Campaign financing • High school students • Ethnic identity • Faith-based organizations and institutions • Guerilla warfare • Academic departments and student groups at • Gun control colleges, universities, community colleges, and high • Human rights schools • Immigration • Community organizations with a mission to promote • Militarism education and learning, such as P.O.V.’s national • Muslim communities partners Elderhostel Learning in Retirement Centers, members of the Listen Up! Youth Media Network, or • Nationalism your local library. • Peace • Terrorism • U.S. Foreign policy • United Nations • War

Event Ideas

Use a screening of The Brooklyn Connection to:

• Host a discussion on arms sales policy or the Balkans. Invite a local expert on the issue to provide background or lead the discussion. You might focus on how availability of guns in the U.S. affects people outside of the U.S. • Convene Study Circles to investigate current conditions in Kosovo and current U.S. policy toward governments and ethnic groups in the region. Arrange for Study Circle participants to meet with local journalists to share what they have learned as background for creating a series of reports on the Balkans and how events there relate to ethnic groups where you live.

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Using This Guide

This guide is designed to help you use The Brooklyn Connection as the centerpiece of a community event. It contains suggestions for organizing an event as well as ideas for how to help participants think more deeply about the issues in the film. The discussion questions are designed for a very wide range of audiences. Rather than attempt to address them all, choose one or two that best meet the needs and interests of your group.

Planning an Event

In addition to showcasing documentary films as an art form, screenings of P.O.V. films can be used to present information, get people interested in taking action on an issue, provide opportunities for people from different groups or perspectives to exchange views, and/or create space for reflection. Using the questions below as a planning checklist will help ensure a high-quality/high- impact event.

• Have you defined your goals? With your partner(s), set realistic goals. Will you host a single event or engage in an ongoing project? Being clear about your goals will make it much easier to structure the event, target publicity, and evaluate results.

• Does the way you are planning to structure the event fit your goals? Do you need an outside facilitator, translator, or sign language interpreter? If your goal is to share information, are there local experts on the topic who should be present? How large an audience do you want? (Large groups are appropriate for information exchanges. Small groups allow for more intensive dialogue.)

• Have you arranged to involve all stakeholders? It is especially important that people be allowed to speak for themselves. If your group is planning to take action that affects people other than those present, how will you give voice to those not in the room?

• Is the event being held in a space where all participants will feel equally comfortable? Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it in a part of town that’s easy to reach by various kinds of transportation? If you are bringing together different constituencies, is it neutral territory? Does the physical configuration allow for the kind of discussion you hope to have?

• Will the set-up of the room help you meet your goals? If you intend to have a discussion, can people see one another? Are there spaces to use for small breakout groups? Can everyone easily see the screen and hear the film?

• Have you scheduled time to plan for action? Planning next steps can help people leave the room feeling energized and optimistic, even when the discussion has been difficult. Action steps are especially important for people who already have a good deal of experience talking about the issue(s) on the table. For those who are new to the issue(s), just engaging in public discussion serves as an action step.

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Using This Guide

Facilitating a Discussion Finding a Facilitator

Controversial topics often make for excellent discussions. Some university professors, human resource profes- By their nature, those same topics also give rise to deep sionals, clergy, and youth leaders may be specially emotions and strongly held beliefs. As a facilitator, you can trained in facilitation skills. In addition to these local create an atmosphere where people feel safe, encouraged, resources, groups such as the National Center for and respected, making it more likely that they will be Community and Justice (NCCJ) may be able to provide or willing to share openly and honestly. Here’s how: help you to locate skilled facilitators.

Preparing Yourself

Identify your own hot-button issues. View the film before your event and give yourself time to reflect so you aren’t dealing with raw emotions at the same time you are trying to facilitate a discussion. Be knowledgeable. You don’t need to be an expert on Albania or arms control to lead an event, but knowing the basics can help you keep a discussion on track and gently correct misstatements of fact. In addition to the Background Information section above, you may want to take a look at the suggested websites and books in the Resources section on p. 16. Be clear about your role. You may find yourself taking on several roles for an event, e.g., host, organizer, or even projectionist. If you are also planning to serve as facilitator, be sure that you can focus on that responsibility and avoid distractions during the discussion. Keep in mind that being a facilitator is not the same as being a teacher. A teacher’s job is to convey specific information. In contrast, a facilitator remains neutral, helping move along the discussion without imposing his or her views on the dialogue. Know your group. Issues can play out very differently for different groups of people. Is your group new to the issue or have they dealt with it before? Factors like geography, age, race, religion, and socio-economic class can all have an impact on comfort levels, speaking styles, and prior knowledge. Take care not to assume that all members of a particular group share the same point of view. If you are bringing together different segments of your community, we strongly recommend hiring an experienced facilitator.

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Using This Guide

Preparing the Group

Consider how well group members know one another. If you are bringing together people who have never met, you may want to devote some time at the beginning of the event for introductions. Agree to ground rules around language. Involve the group in establishing some basic rules to ensure respect and aid clarity. Typically such rules include no yelling or use of slurs and asking people to speak in the first person (“I think….”) rather than generalizing for others (“Everyone knows that…”). Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to be heard. Be clear about how people will take turns or indicate that they want to speak. Plan a strategy for preventing one or two people from dominating the discussion. If the group is large, are there plans to break into small groups or partners, or should attendance be limited? Talk about the difference between dialogue and debate. In a debate, participants try to convince others that they are right. In a dialogue, participants try to understand each other and expand their thinking by sharing viewpoints and listening to each other actively. Remind people that they are engaged in a dialogue. This will be especially important in preventing a discussion from dissolving into a repetitive, rhetorical political or religious debate. Encourage active listening. Ask the group to think of the event as being about listening, as well as discussing. Participants can be encouraged to listen for things that challenge as well as reinforce their own ideas. You may also consider asking people to practice formal “active listening,” where participants listen without interrupting the speaker, then re-phrase to see if they have heard correctly. Remind participants that everyone sees through the lens of his or her own experience. Who we are influences how we interpret what we see. So everyone in the group may have a different view about the content and meaning of the film they have just seen, and all of them may be accurate. It can help people to understand one another’s perspectives if people identify the evidence on which they base their opinion as well as share their views. Take care of yourself and group members. If the intensity level rises, pause to let everyone take a deep breath. You might also consider providing a safe space to “vent,” perhaps with a partner or in a small group of familiar faces. If you anticipate that your topic may upset people, be prepared to refer them to local support agencies and/or have local professionals present. Think carefully about what you ask people to share publicly, especially if you are involving people who may be subject to prosecution or deportation for their relationships with groups like the KLA. Explain things like confidentiality and whether or not press will be present.

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Background Information

HISTORY

Imagine a kaleidoscope in which the pieces of colored glass represent ethnic, religious, national, and geographic groups. Then imagine that for centuries various conquerors spin the kaleidoscope and recombine the pieces to form new communities, new alliances, and new enemies. That is the essence of the history of the Balkans. The modern result of ever-changing rulers and boundaries are citizens with sometimes uncertain and often complex sets of loyalties.

The state of Yugoslavia, which means “union of southern Slavs,” was created in the wake of World War II, uniting a diverse group of peoples—Albanians, Bosnians, Croats, Macedonians, Montenegrins, and Serbs—into one country, nominally allied with the Soviet Union in the eastern bloc. Although the various peoples adhered to different religions and had aligned themselves with opposing factions during the war, they all accepted their inclusion into the union of southern Slavs. All of them, that is, except the Albanians.

Unlike the rest of the country's nationalities, Albanians are not Slavs and never wanted to be a part of Yugoslavia. Rather, they wanted to be part of Albania, the neighboring country that was home to the majority of their brethren. But the land they inhabited, a diamond-shaped region in the southwest of Yugoslavia known as Kosovo, was contested property.

The Serbs viewed Kosovo not only as an integral part of Serbia, but as the cradle of Serbian civilization. The Serbian Orthodox regularly discriminated against them. After decades of Church was founded in Kosovo, and the Battle of Kosovo Polje— clamoring for self-rule, Kosovo was granted autonomy in 1974 a day that has gone down in Serbian lore as one of the most and the Albanians were able to take charge of the province's sacred in the country's history—was fought there. The schools, banks, police, and judiciary. Albanians counter that they were in Kosovo centuries before the Soon, however, the Serb minority in Kosovo began complaining Serbs, that they helped build the monasteries, and that they that their rights were being violated by the newly empowered fought alongside Serbian troops in the Battle of Kosovo Polje. Albanians, who often overlooked Serbs for promotions or failed By the time Yugoslavia was created, the predominantly Muslim to punish crimes committed against them. In the late 1980s, as Albanians made up the vast majority of Kosovo's population, Slobodan Milosevic began his rise to prominence in Yugoslav but because Kosovo had been incorporated into Yugoslavia, the politics on a wave of Serbian nationalism, he seized on the Christian Serbs were in charge. Intent on quelling Albanian issue of Albanian discrimination against Serbs and in 1989 separatism, the Serb rulers implemented an oppressive regime revoked Kosovo's short-lived autonomy. As part of his larger that forbade Albanians from studying in their own language and plan to unify his people in a "Greater Serbia," he fired Albanians

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Background Information

from all state jobs, outlawed the teaching of Albanian in Over the next year, Serbian forces, seeking to put an end to the schools, turned the province's university into a Serb-only growing insurgency but showing little regard for civilians, institution, and shut down Albanian television. When the destroyed hundreds of Albanian villages, displacing tens of Albanians protested, Milosevic sent in the army to squash their thousands of Albanians. In an effort to stop the ethnic cleansing demonstrations and set up an apartheid state. As Yugoslavia's campaign, NATO intervened in March 1999, bombing the region other nations fought, Kosovo Albanians waged a pacifist for 78 days until Milosevic agreed to pull back his troops. resistance, created a shadow government, and set up their own In June 1999, NATO forces moved into Kosovo and the United schools and hospitals. Nations took control of the province, but Kosovo's status— Not long after Milosevic revoked Kosovo's autonomy, the Berlin whether it was an independent state or still an integral part of wall fell, the Soviet Union imploded, and the communist Serbia—was left unresolved. The United Nations Mission in regimes across the region collapsed. For most of Eastern Kosovo (UNMIK) was given a mandate to help Kosovo transition Europe, the demise of communism resulted in democratic to democracy with the idea that while democratic institutions elections and the creation of a free-market economy. But in were being created, Kosovo's status could be resolved. Yugoslavia, communism's collapse brought about a nationalist However, today, six years on, little progress has been made and resurgence. Yugoslavia's various peoples, who had managed to the Albanians are growing increasingly impatient. Some, like get along with one another so long as they had an authoritarian those seen in The Brooklyn Connection, say they are willing to ruler to keep them in order, began clamoring for independence. fight again… The Slovenes, followed by the Croats, then the Bosnians, and eventually the Macedonians, declared independence, and in the early 1990s the country descended into war. U.S. Policy on Kosovo Fearing themselves powerless against Serb forces, and aware of the destruction and death plaguing the rest of the country, The United States currently supports U.N. Security Council Kosovo Albanians decided not to provoke the Serbian regime, Resolution 1244, which calls for autonomy (self-government) but rather to carry on with their pacifist resistance in the hope for Kosovo, but not full independence. The U.S. focuses its that whatever peace agreement would eventually end the wars efforts on supporting Kosovo’s transition to democracy as well raging elsewhere in the country would also solve Kosovo's as the guaranteed safety and freedom of religion, expression, status. The fighting went on for four years, until the United and movement for all people in Kosovo, regardless of ethnic States brokered the 1995 Dayton Peace Accord. But although background. the peace plan put an end to the fighting elsewhere in The U.S. also welcomed as a positive step the resignation of Yugoslavia, it did not address the trouble in Kosovo. Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, once a KLA Kosovo Albanians, disappointed by the international guerrilla commander who has now surrendered himself to the community's reluctance to address the increasingly intolerable United Nations war crimes tribunal in The Hague. situation, decided to take matters into their own hands. Just For more information about U.S. activities in Kosovo, check weeks after the peace plan was signed, in February 1996, the website of the U.S. Office Pristina (USOP): Albanian insurgents acting as part of the Kosovo Liberation pristina.usmission.gov. Army began attacking Serbian police and military positions. Each time they staged an attack, Serb forces retaliated, and by February 1998, Kosovo too had descended into war.

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S Background Information

U.S. Gun Control Policy lawmakers claim that restricting gun-purchase records may hinder police efforts to track down and capture terrorists. U.S. policies governing the sale of firearms are based on the Former Attorney General John Ashcroft argued that using Constitution’s Second Amendment, which says: “A well records for these purposes would violate the federal law regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, regarding the instant background-check system and could lead the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be to privacy and Second Amendment violations. In March of 2005, infringed.” Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) proposed a bill called the Interpretations of what this passage means in practical terms "Terrorist Apprehension and Record Retention Act" that would center around keep all records of any firearms purchased by a suspected • the context of a “militia”—does the law refer to only terrorist for at least ten years. It has since been submitted to arming participants in official military organizations or the Committee on the Judiciary. does it refer to all individuals?

• the meaning of “well regulated”—just how far should regulation go?

• the definition of “Arms”—what kinds of weapons should be legal and what should be off-limits?

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, gun legislation continues to be contested and remains an intensely debated topic. In September 2004, the assault weapons ban expired when Congress failed to renew it ten years after it was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The ban had been placed on nineteen military-style semiautomatic weapons.

That same month, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a new law banning the .50 caliber BMG rifle. California is the first state to ban this class of long-range rifles, and it is now illegal to produce, sell, deal, or import these guns within the state. Those who already own BMG rifles will have to register their firearms by April 30, 2006, if they wish to avoid Florin Krasniqi Photo courtesy of Klaartje Quirijns facing misdemeanor charges.

On May 25, 2005, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a Firearms Act (SB 1333), which addresses the gun show Biography: Florin Krasniqi loophole. The legislation mandates that background checks An Albanian-American supporter of the Kosovo Liberation must be conducted on all gun buyers before the purchase of a Army, Florin became a U.S. citizen in 2000. He has made weapon at private gun shows. Governor Rod Blagojevich has appearances on CBS 60 Minutes, CNN, FOX News, NBC, and announced his intention to sign SB 1333 into law. has been widely quoted in the U.S. press. Florin has developed The issue of how long to preserve records of gun purchases has a reputation in Kosovo as a businessman. He is building a fueled a debate at the federal level. FBI officials and some multi-million-dollar hydroelectric dam in western Kosovo.

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S General Discussion Questions

Immediately after the film, you may want to give people a few quiet moments to reflect on what they have seen. If the mood seems tense, you may want to pose a general question and give people some time to themselves to jot down or think about their answers before opening the discussion.

Unless you think participants are so uncomfortable that they can’t engage until they have had a break, don’t encourage people to leave the room between the film and the discussion. If you save your break for an appropriate moment during the discussion, you won’t lose the feeling of the film as you begin your dialogue.

One way to get a discussion going is to pose a general question such as

• If you could ask anyone in the film a single question, who would you ask and what would you ask them? • Did anything in this film surprise you? If so, what? Why was it surprising? • What insights, inspiration, or new knowledge did you gain from this film?

• Two months from now, which scenes do you think you Florin Krasniqi with former U.S. Ambassador to the will particularly remember from this film and why? United Nations Richard Holbrooke at a fundraiser for John Kerry in New York, Spring 2005. Photo courtesy of Klaartje Quirijns

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Discussion Prompts

Nationalism, Self-Determination, and • A popular bumper sticker says, “If you want peace, work Human Rights for justice.” How might that strategy be applied to the situation in Albania? Given what you hear from Florin, what do you think • Florin says he was motivated to get involved in supporting justice for Kosovo would look like to him? Aside from the KLA when his cousin was killed and that he would supporting the KLA, can you think of things that Florin and his “cooperate with the devil” to free his country. What would you do compatriots could do to achieve that vision? for your country? For your family? Do you think about one differently than the other?

• Florin says, “We have to win with words, not with rifles,” but he also says, “If Kosovo does not get its independence, there will be a war.” Struggling with the contra- diction, he asks, “You tell me what I should do to win our independence.” What would you tell him? Can you think of options that would guarantee the safety and well being of Albanians in Kosovo that wouldn’t involve military force?

• Look at news coverage of struggles of various peoples for self-determination. How are those demanding self-determination described (e.g., “revolutionaries,” “freedom fighters,” “terrorists,” “insurgents,” etc.)? What difference does a label make in how we understand and interpret conflicts? View of mountains in Albania. • Florin says, “It is a very thin line between a thug and a Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection” freedom fighter.” He describes a terrorist as one who intentionally kills innocent people, but claims that the guns he supplies to the KLA have not been used to kill innocent people. Would you describe Florin as a terrorist? Why or why not?

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Discussion Prompts

U.S. Foreign Policy

• In light of what you saw in the film, if you were in charge of crafting U.S. policy towards Kosovo, what goal would you have in recommending policy?

• Florin and his compatriots give significant political contributions to seemingly contradictory politicians, John Kerry (Democratic presidential nominee) and Rep. Henry Hyde (conservative Republican). How do you think these contributions influence U.S. policy? If you were writing campaign finance-reform legislation, would you include anything that would restrict these kinds of donations? Why or why not? General Wesley Clark, the Supreme Commander of NATO forces. • To Florin, who is trying to reopen a power plant, the United Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection” Nations is “here to make sure nothing moves too fast … because they are afraid if things move too fast [Kosovo] will declare independence and they are here to make sure we Gun Control Policy wouldn’t get independence.” What do you think would happen • Describe your reaction to the ease with which Florin can to the Serb minority in Kosovo if independence was granted and buy weapons and other supplies for an Albanian guerilla army the U.N. left the region? (recall his “elephant hunting” story in the gun store, his • According to Florin, the KLA has formed alliances with “fighting communists” story at the gun show, and his various governments and groups at various points in time. For commenting about getting Internet purchases shipped UPS as example, he says that they dropped a “friendship” with the long as you have a clean record and money). Are you Chinese because the KLA could get better weapons from the comfortable with the current laws governing gun sales, or U.S. In a struggle for survival, does it matter who you choose as would you recommend changes? If you would recommend allies? Assuming that you get what you need in the short term, changes, what changes would you make that would not conflict what impact do such “friendships” have in the long term? with the Second Amendment? • The filmmaker asks Florin, “Do you think the Americans are victims of their own weapons?” Florin points to examples like the Columbine shootings and says that “they are victims of their own weapons every day.” What do you think? As an American, are you comfortable with the widespread global availability of American firearms? Why or why not?

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Taking Action

Florin watches his cousin's funeral on TV. • Meet with Albanian-Americans and with Serbian- Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection” Americans. Find out if there are people of Albanian and Serbian descent in your community and create a screening or other opportunity to share their stories.

• Research your state's gun laws and gun control legislation. You can find links at: www.pbs.org/pov/pov2005/ thebrooklynconnection/resources_04.html. Write a letter to your local newspaper explaining what you like about them and what you don't and why.

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Discussion Guide | a 18e S Resources

WEBSITES What’s Your P.O.V.?

The film P.O.V.’s online Talking Back Tapestry is a colorful, interactive representation of your feelings about P.O.V.’s The Brooklyn Connection Website The Brooklyn Connection . www.pbs.org/pov/pov2005/thebrooklynconnection Listen to other P.O.V. viewers talk about the film The Brooklyn Connection companion website offers streaming and add your thoughts by calling 1-800-688-4768. video trailers, background on the Kosovo conflict, an update on www.pbs.org/pov/talkingback.html the status of Kosovo and U.S. gun laws, interviews with the filmmaker, and more, including the following special features:

KOSOVO IN CONTEXT

The state of Yugoslavia was created in the wake of World War II, NYTIMES.COM: TWO DISTINCT PEOPLE WITH TWO uniting a diverse group of peoples. Refresh your memory of DIVERGENT MEMORIES BATTLE OVER ONE LAND Balkan history and find out why Kosovo is such a contested www.nytimes.com/learning/students/pop/040499kosovo- territory with this helpful article. history.html CONNECT THE DOTS: U.S. GUN LAWS AND THE INTERNA- This article explores the long and contentious history between TIONAL ARMS TRADE the Serbs and Albanians. Be sure to check out the "Knowledge Small arms are the weapons of choice in most global conflicts Tools" that allows you to look up vocabulary words and and trading them is a $5 billion business worldwide. Learn geographic locations of the countries named. (April 1999) more in these interviews with experts about how these arms BBC NEWS: TIMELINE: KOSOVO are trafficked, and what role, if any, U.S. laws play in their news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/ proliferation. 3550401.stm An overview chronology of key events in Kosovo's history from General Background on Kosovo the 12th century up through March 2005. NYTIMES.COM: KOSOVO: A BITTER STRUGGLE IN A LAND OF ONLINE NEWSHOUR: SURGING INSURGENCY STRIFE www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/europe/july-dec98/kla_7-15.html www.nytimes.com/learning/general/specials/kosovo/ Charles Krause, a reporter for PBS’ Newshour with Jim Lehrer, This special site presents links to all articles about provides this 1998 overview and background on the Kosovo Times Times Kosovo, a literature guide, interdisciplinary classroom activities Liberation Army. and more. (2002) BBC NEWS: THE BALKANS AND THE SHAPING OF BBC NEWS: KOSOVO: AN UNEASY PEACE YUGOSLAVIA news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/kosovo_fact_files/ news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/map/yugoslavia default.stm The BBC has created a useful timeline of events in the Balkans This news feature offers extensive interactive features and links since 1992. and coverage of Kosovo after the war and the air strikes. (2001)

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CNN IN-DEPTH SPECIAL: FOCUS ON KOSOVO edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/1998/10/kosovo Explore highlights on the conflict, the future of the Balkan region, peace initiatives, military campaigns and the plight of the refugees. The site also includes a timeline, maps and a background of the key players. (2001)

TIME.COM: BALKAN FILES www.time.com/time/daily/special/kosovo Time presents analyses, photo essays and web resources. (1999)

Stacy Sullivan Be Not Afraid, For You Have Sons in America (St. Martin’s Press, 2004).

UN in Kosovo. Official Sites Related to Kosovo Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection”

UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN KOSOVO www.unmikonline.org/pub/focuskos THE ALBANIAN CONNECTION www.alb-net.com The official website of the U.N. forces in Kosovo includes activity and policy descriptions. Intended especially for Albanians living outside of Albania, this website provides news about events in Albanian lands, as well NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION: KOSOVO FORCE as links to help Albanians network with one another. www.nato.int/kfor/kfor/intro.htm The official site of NATO's Kosovo Force gives a background of the recent conflict and NATO's intervention.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT: KOSOVO www.state.gov/www/regions/eur/kosovo_hp.html The U.S. State Department’s page on Kosovo summarizes past U.S. policy and action and includes links to present policy.

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH www.hrw.org Human Rights Watch follows and reports on conflicts that threaten human rights across the world. At their site, type in “Kosovo” or “Serbia” or any of the other Balkan States to find current information.

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U.S. Gun Laws

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION www.nraila.org/GunLaws/FederalGunLaws.aspx?ID=60 The National Rifle Association, an organization dedicated to preserving Americans’ rights to own guns, has prepared a “Citizens Guide to Federal Firearms Laws,” a short and helpful overview of existing laws covering sale, purchase, and transport of firearms. Its website also features a compendium of State laws, pending legislation, and firearms statistics.

SOURCES ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT AND RIGHTS TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS IN STATE CONSTITUTIONS www.law.ucla.edu/volokh/2amteach/sources.htm Florin examines a gun. Photo courtesy of “The Brooklyn Connection” A set of resources prepared by UCLA law professor Eugene Volokh, who teaches firearms regulation policy and coauthors the blog The Volokh Conspiracy (volokh.com) and today the foundation of our federal gun legislation. Also visit the website of The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun CBS NEWS: TIMELINE ON THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS Violence for an overview of the major provisions of the Act www.cbsnews.com/elements/2002/12/09/in_depth_us/ (www.bradycampaign.org/facts/research/?page=1968&menu=g timeline532320_0_main.shtml vr). Familiarize yourself with the key events in the history of guns in America, through 2002. BRADY HANDGUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION ACT frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname= ABOUT.COM: GUN CONTROL TIMELINE 103_cong_bills&docid=f:h1025eh.txt.pdf usgovinfo.about.com/blguntime.htm Read the full text of the 1994 Brady Law that amended the Gun A timeline related to the right to bear arms, through 1999. Find Control Act, establishing a national system of background outlines of federal regulations on firearms, links to government checks for gun purchases. The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun organizations and to advocacy groups. Violence provides an outline of the major provisions of the bill. (www.bradycampaign.org/facts/issues/?page=bradylaw) FEDERAL FIREARMS REGULATIONS REFERENCE GUIDE 2000 ATF: STATE LAWS AND PUBLISHED ORDINANCES - www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/2000_ref.htm FIREARMS The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) provides a www.atf.gov/firearms/statelaws/25thedition reference guide to federal firearms laws and regulations, as A guide to state gun laws provided by the ATF for federally well as an online learning theater that gives examples of real- licensed gun dealers. life scenarios. THE BRADY CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE: STATE GUN CONTROL ACT OF 1968 GUN LAWS www.atf.gov/pub/fire-explo_pub/guncoact.pdf www.bradycampaign.org/facts/reportcards/2004/ Read the full text of this Act, passed in the wake of the assassi- The Brady Campaign, a gun control advocacy group, prepares nations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Senator Robert Kennedy report cards on each state's gun control legislation.

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Gun Control Debate

Gun Rights Advocacy Groups Gun Control Advocacy Groups

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION – INSTITUTE FOR BRADY CENTER TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE LEGISLATIVE ACTION www.bradycenter.org www.nraila.org Founded by Jim Brady, for whom the 1993 Brady Bill on The lobbying arm of the NRA, the ILA advocates on legislation background checks was named, the Center is the largest gun relating to the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. control advocacy organization in the country. Their programs, They also work on related issues such as wilderness conser- along with the work of the Brady Campaign vation, law enforcement, crime victim rights and criminal (www.bradycampaign.org/), focus on reducing gun violence justice reform. through legislation and regulation.

SECOND AMENDMENT FOUNDATION THE VIOLENCE POLICY CENTER www.saf.org www.vpc.org The SAF and its sister organization, The Citizen’s Committee for The Violence Policy Center, a foundation working to enhance the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, (www.ccrkba.org/) together gun control policy in the U.S., provides information on firearm advocate for the protection of Second Amendment rights and laws from an anti-gun perspective. against firearm registration. THE COALITION TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE GUN OWNERS OF AMERICA www.csgv.org www.gunowners.org This coalition of 45 national organizations working for Gun Owners of America is a lobbying organization focused on progressive gun firearm legislation emerged out of the civil firearms ownership issues in national and local legislation. rights movement.

The Brooklyn Connection s

Discussion Guide | a 18e S How to Buy the Film

For ordering information on The Brooklyn Connection go to www.docurama.com

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Front cover photo:

Florin Krasniqi in a gunshop in St Mary's, Pennsylvania Photo courtesy of Klaartje Quirijns