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Answers Concerning Actions of Florida Sheriffs Association

Thursday, April 14, 2011

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

Click here to view an article in the St. Petersburg Times that reported on the conduct of Sheriffs and Deputies in a recent committee hearing where they lobbied against gun owners. 

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.
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Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.