ARMED PILOTS PROGRAM PASSES
On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate gave President George Bush (R) one of his top legislative priorities for the year—the passage of legislation establishing a new Department of Homeland Security. In doing so, the Senate also ensured passage of one of NRA’s top priorities—the establishment of a program that would allow qualified commercial pilots to be able to have access to firearms as a last line of defense against terrorist hijackers. The overwhelming, bipartisan 90 - 9 Senate vote followed last week’s overwhelming, bipartisan 299 - 121 vote in the House of Representatives. This legislation now awaits President Bush’s expected signature. Our thanks go out to all of our members who contacted their lawmakers and urged them to ensure the legislation that established the new Homeland Security Department included language that would establish an armed pilots program.
This week also brought an end to the 107th Congress, and we are happy to report that no anti-gun measures passed during this session. In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, anti-gun extremists did all that they could to exploit the horrific attacks on our country in order to promote their gun-ban agenda. Fortunately, reason prevailed, and Congress instead responded by passing the armed pilots program—adding a critical tool that will help guard against the possibility of commercial aircraft ever again being hijacked and used as a weapon of mass destruction.
But when the 108th Congress convenes next January, we anticipate the attacks on law-abiding gun owners will continue on Capitol Hill. We have already seen extremist organizations such as the gun-ban lobby that now calls itself the Brady Campaign (a.k.a. HCI) promoting its efforts to further restrict the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Rest assured that NRA will be ready to face every anti-gun challenge the future brings, and we will be sure to alert our members to any threats to our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
LOUISIANA SPECIAL ELECTION
While the winners of almost every race across the nation were decided on November 5, 2002, or soon thereafter, some are still up in the air. In fact, because of Louisiana’s election laws, any race in which a candidate does not receive a majority (50%+1) of the vote must be decided by a run-off between the top two vote recipients. Because no candidate received a majority in the race for U.S. Senate, every eligible voter in Louisiana will have an opportunity to cast his vote on December 7 in this important race. However, please keep in mind that December 7 is also Opening Day of Duck Season in Louisiana’s West Zone and Opening Day of Deer Season statewide. Therefore, every hunter must make sure his voice is heard by early or absentee voting or by voting at the polls on December 7.
In-person absentee voting is possible from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Monday, 11/25, Tuesday 11/26, Wednesday 11/27, and Saturday 11/30—BUT WILL BE CLOSED 11/28 & 11/29 FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY.
For more information regarding early and absentee voting in your Parish, please find your Parish Registrar’s Office contact information in the Blue Pages of your phone book. You can also click here, then scroll down to "Registrar of Voters" under the "Contents" column on the left of the screen.
NRA members in Louisiana will soon receive additional information regarding this race in the mail, but can also call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 for more election-related information.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
NEW JERSEY:
Despite the best efforts of the Republican leadership, the Democratic majority was able to push through Governor James McGreevey’s (D) so-called "smart gun" bill, A.700. The "McGreevey Gun Ban" was passed 47-11, with 19 abstentions and three not voting. The Republican leadership was successful in forcing the Democratic caucus to put up 41 votes (a simple majority) before releasing any Republicans to vote on the bill. Notably, three Democrats who had been on record as opposing smart gun legislation voted "yes," providing the margin of victory to the Democrats, and then later changing their votes to abstentions. District 3 Assemblymen John Burzichelli (D) and Douglas Fisher (D), as well as District 4 Assemblyman R.J. Smith (D), had previously assured NRA representatives and constituents that they would oppose the bill. Members from those districts should call their Assemblymen and register their outrage. South Jersey NRA members should watch for information explaining how they can get involved in the fight to retake these seats from these anti-gun incumbents. Anyone wishing to volunteer to work against these anti-gun legislators can call NRA-ILA Grassroots at (800) 392-8683. This bill now goes back to the Senate for concurrence and then to Governor McGreevey for his promised signature. All NRA members are encouraged to call the Governor’s office and ask for his veto of this gun-grabbing bill. Also passing the State Assembly on Monday, November 18, was the "ballistic fingerprinting" bill, A.438. This bill was passed by the Democratic leadership despite the efforts of the united Republican caucus and will now go to the Senate. Members are urged to call their Senators and ask for a "no" vote on A. 438. If you are unsure of how to reach your Assemblyman, please call the main State Legislature information line, (609) 292-4840, and ask for assistance. You can also use our "Write Your Representatives" tool.
RTBAV TRAINING
NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim®
program provides men and women with common-sense crime prevention and personal safety strategies that can be used to decrease their chances of being victimized. Since certified instructors schedule seminars on a daily basis, the most up-to-date schedule is available by clicking here, by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (800) 861-1166. Upcoming seminars:
11/23/02
Seminar—Mesquite, Tex.
Mike Smith—(214) 773-3453
[email protected]
11/23/02
Seminar—Kennewick, Was.
Kathy Rogers—(509) 946-8007
[email protected]
11/23/02
Seminar—Bayone, N.J.
Edward Kern—n/a
[email protected]
11/23/02
Seminar—Wilmington, N.C.
Susan Traxel—(276) 930-2599
[email protected]
11/24/02
Seminar—Mesquite, Tex.
Mike Smith—(214) 773-3453
[email protected]
11/25/02
Seminar—Royal Oak, Mich.
Ian & Paula Kinder—(248) 588-5050
[email protected]
11/30/02
Seminar—Utica, Mich.
Mary Polkowski—(586) 286-7233
[email protected]
12/1/02
Seminar—Atlantic City, N.J.
Thomas Jerdan—(609) 485-7713
[email protected]
12/3/02
Seminar—Madison, Tex.
Pam Brown & Mike Hamm—(615) 319-4842
[email protected]
12/4/02
Seminar—Atlantic City, N.J.
Thomas Jerdan—(609) 485-7713
[email protected]
BECAUSE OF THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY, NRA WILL BE CLOSED NEXT THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 & 29. WE WILL TRANSMIT NEXT WEEK’S GRASSROOTS ALERT ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27.
