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Grassroots Alert: Vol. 11, No. 27 7/9/2004

BEWARE OF CONTINUED ATTEMPTS TO
EXTEND THE CLINTON GUN BAN

Originally enacted in 1994, the Clinton crime bill claimed that banning gun ownership by law-abiding citizens was the solution to violent crime.  But anti-gun politicians were able to pass a measure banning so-called "military-style" semi-automatic firearms only after agreeing to "sunset" the ban in a decade. 

Now, with the September 13 expiration of the Clinton gun ban fast approaching, anti-gun activists across the nation are making a renewed push to re-enact this ineffective legislation.  But time is running out.  Congress will be in session for only 14 more work days before the sunset date arrives, and because time is short, the anti-gunners are redoubling their efforts to extend the ban.

Over the next few weeks we must remain extremely vigilant against any attempt by the anti-gunners to reauthorize this legislation.  Already, Representative Michael Castle (R-Del.) and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) have introduced bills to do just that--H.R. 3831 and S. 2498, respectively.  Feinstein recently claimed, "I really believe passionately in this.  I`m not going to give up."  Commenting further on the ban`s renewal, she said, "It`s only the sheer power of the gun lobby that stands in the way."

Obviously, our opponents will continue to work at every turn to try and accomplish their anti-gun goals.  At this time, more than ever, it is critical that we remain proactive!  Please visit NRA-ILA`s website-- www.ClintonGunBan.com --to learn the facts about this debate. And please continue to forward this website to others who need to know both the history and the truth about this issue.  Then, please immediately contact your Representative and Senators and urge them to oppose H.R. 3831 and S. 2498, and any other legislation seeking to extend the so-called "assault weapons" ban.

You, ultimately, are the ones who can "stand in the way" of Feinstein`s publicly stated goal:  "Mr. and Mrs. America, turn them all in!"  Please be sure to contact your legislators today!   

You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the "Write Your
Representatives"
tool at www.NRAILA.org, or you can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121,  or your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.

EDWARDS COMPLETES ANTI-GUN DREAM TICKET

On July 6, the apparent Democratic Presidential nominee, Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) chose former rival Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) as his vice-presidential running mate.

Edwards has much in common with Kerry when it comes to gun issues.  Both "Johns" ask us to believe the absurd and specious assertion that they are longtime hunters who support the Second Amendment, when the actions of both have  unequivocally proven the opposite.  Both have amassed abysmal voting records on firearm rights, with Kerry earning the notorious distinction of being among the most solidly "F-rated" candidates ever rated by NRA`s Political Victory Fund (PVF).  And last spring, both took time off from the campaign trail to return to Washington and vote for amendments to extend the "assault weapons" ban, and to effectively end gun shows--issues they viewed as  compelling enough to warrant a return to Washington, D.C., after long absences, and which  show gun owners where they truly stand.

Though they`re sure to continue their deception by saying whatever they deem politically expedient, Kerry and Edwards can`t have it both ways.  Their records clearly speak for themselves. 

The "Johns" are not pro-hunting and they are not pro-Second Amendment.  And they can count on having one more thing in common during this year`s campaign--NRA-ILA revealing, and holding them accountable for, their true positions on our issues.

SCHUMER`S DIRTY MONEY

A July 6 New York Post article disclosed that anti-gun Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has accepted thousands of dollars in campaign donations from convicted criminals.

The article reported that some of the money that Schumer received was from officials convicted in connection with an accounting scandal that involved conspiracy, securities fraud, and obstruction of justice. 

Schumer received additional contributions from a donor who was convicted in 1996 of ordering the killing of a show horse in order to collect insurance money.

In addition, Schumer accepted money from an executive convicted of taking bribes, and from a former Court of Appeals Chief Justice who was convicted of stalking his mistress and threatening to kidnap her daughter.  

Perhaps it is time for Senator Schumer to adjust the direction of his political agenda toward banning campaign donations from convicts, and away from banning the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.

SENATE PASSES POLICE CONCEALED CARRY BILL

NRA, the Law Enforcement Alliance of America (LEAA) and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) are applauding the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing HR 218--the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act of 2003.  Sponsored by Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-Calif.), the bill exempts qualified active and retired law enforcement officers from state and local prohibitions on carrying concealed firearms. Once signed, the legislation will allow active off duty and retired law enforcement officers to be able to carry their firearms even when traveling outside their own jurisdictions.

The House passed the bill in June and President Bush is expected to sign it when it gets to his desk.

NOT IN TOWN ON ELECTION DAY? 
WANT TO VOTE EARLY? 
NRA CAN HELP!

Once again, this year`s elections are expected to be extremely close.  It is critical that every NRA member and pro-Second Amendment supporter exercises his right to vote in order to protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. 

Even if you can`t vote in person on November 2, your voice can still be heard!

Most states allow voters to cast their ballots early (either in-person or by mail).  And every state allows absentee voting if you plan to be away on Election Day--November 2.  To make sure the vote of every Second Amendment supporter is counted this year, NRA is providing a free service that will  make voting easier in the 2004 general election.  Working with HelpingAmericansVote.Org™, a non-partisan service, we are providing you with information about early voting and absentee voting options that will make your participation easier. 

In addition to the information you will need to vote early or via absentee ballot, you can also use this service to register to vote, or to update your voter registration to reflect a recent change in residence.  To access this site, please go to www.NRAILA.org, and click on the NRA-ILA HelpingAmericansVote icon and select your state, or you can go directly to the site at http://NRA.HelpingAmericansVote.org.  Please forward these links to your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners, and encourage them to take advantage of this service to ensure that the voices of America`s 65 million gun owners are heard loudly and clearly in this year`s critically-important elections!

We can`t take a single pro-gun vote for granted this year.  Please visit http://NRA.HelpingAmericansVote.org and make sure your vote is cast to support your gun  rights.

A LOOK AT THE STATES

COLORADO
July 12 is the final day to register to vote for the August 10 primary election.   To find out more information and about NRA-PVF endorsed candidates, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). 

NEW JERSEY
The New Jersey Second Amendment Sisters are holding a rally in Trenton to support the sunset of Bill Clinton`s 1994 gun ban. It is intended to counter a "Million" Mom March demonstration supporting the renewal and expansion of the ban. The Moms are promoting their anti-gun agenda in New Jersey as part of a nationwide bus tour, even though sunset of the federal ban will not affect New Jersey`s statewide ban on many semi-automatic firearms.  The rally is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, July 16, on the State House steps, located on West State Street, in Trenton. It will last for approximately one hour. A broad coalition of New Jersey pro-Second Amendment organizations will be participating, and several Second Amendment leaders are scheduled to speak. Please visit www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/directions.asp for directions to the event. For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or call (908) 879-9089.

NRA ILA

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.