Date: April 14, 2011
To: USF & NRA Members and Friends
From: Marion P. Hammer
USF Executive Director
NRA Past President
Many of you have watched committee hearings on your computers or on the Florida Channel on TV when gun rights bills are being heard.
We've had many, many calls and e-mails asking what is going on with the anti-gun activities of the Florida Sheriffs.
Pinellas County Sheriff Jim Coates did, in fact, tell legislators that if the concealed weapons license reform bill (SB 234 and HB 517) passed that law enforcement would be "drawing down" on license holders. More than one tape of him making that statement can be found on youtube.com
To view Sheriff Coats’ comments to the committee on youtube.com click here
Excerpt:
"Law enforcement is going to start drawing their weapons and challenging these individuals, and something bad may very well happen," Coats testified. "I just ask that you take that into consideration."
And finally, an article by the Florida Open Carry group appears online at AMMOLAND.com that addresses these issues with candor. The article is candid and revealing. If you are at all concerned about the anti-gun owner activities by these sheriffs, the Youtube video and the two articles should answer your questions.