States with updates this issue: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, New York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
ANTI-GUN MAYORS HATCH SCHEME
Anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) convened a meeting with a cadre of like-minded mayors this week to discuss “reducing gun violence.”
Among the attendees was Anthony Williams (D), Mayor of Washington, D.C., where handguns have been banned for decades, but where the violent crime rate remains stratospheric. Predictably, the outcome of the meeting was yet another call for more restrictive gun laws to reduce crime.
According to Bloomberg, NRA represents a minority of opinion when it comes to Americans’ views on gun laws. “I think when you look at the numbers, when you do surveys, it’s a very small number of people who actually believe that people should be carrying concealed weapons…on the streets of our cities…” Bloomberg said. “Those kinds of extremist positions are held by very few people.” Apparently Bloomberg doesn’t realize that Right-to-Carry is both popular and the law of the land in 40 of our 50 states, and only two states deny their citizens the right to protect themselves and their families outside of the home.
Commenting on Bloomberg’s assertion, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox said, “The rest of the country does not want or care for his elitist gun control policies. It’s an elitist mindset that is typical of Mayor Bloomberg and his policies. This elitist mindset is captured perfectly by the list of concealed permit holders in New York City--the mayor’s political cronies, a handful of wealthy Wall Street executives and all of his movie-star friends.”
Typical of their elitism, the mayors’ excluded a true gun safety organization at the summit. On Monday, Larry Keane, Senior VP and General Counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), transmitted a letter to Mayor Bloomberg requesting his group’s inclusion at the event. In providing Bloomberg with NSSF’s law enforcement and gun safety credentials, Keane cited: 1) the City of Boston’s acknowledgement in dropping its suit against the gun industry that, “members of the industry and [NSSF] are genuinely concerned with and are committed to the safe, legal and responsible sale and distribution and use of their products”; 2) its “Don’t Lie for the Other Guy” straw purchase prevention and awareness program, that has been praised by BATFE; 3) its support of enforcing existing laws against truly corrupt or criminal FFLs; and 4) “Project Childsafe” that is funded by U.S. Department of Justice grants and the firearm industry. More than 30 million free safety kits, that include a cable-style firearm locking device and key safety messages about safe handling and storage of firearms, have been distributed. These kits have also been provided to the New York City Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association with firearm safety kits for its thousands of members.
One would think that any summit that truly sought to explore possible and proven solutions to reducing gun violence would be balanced, and would include those who have expertise in these matters. However, one would be wrong, as this summit was nothing more than a PR opportunity for Mayor Bloomberg and his cronies to promote their anti-gun rhetoric and propaganda.
…AND SPEAKING OF BLOOMBERG
Not all the hot-air, anti-gun rhetoric actually occurred at the mayors’ anti-gun summit, as just a couple of days prior, Mayor Bloomberg was displaying his hypocrisy in full force. A story in the April 22 edition of The New York Times reported how, as a boy, Hizzoner owned a rifle. Nothing nefarious or wrong with that, of course. However, listen to some of the points the Mayor raised in the article. “When I was 15 or so, I had a .22-caliber rifle, but I used it only at the range…Part of my hearing’s gone because of it.” Had Mayor Bloomberg followed the instruct of NRA, which recommends always using ear (and eye) protection when shooting, perhaps his apparently frequent trips to the range with his trusty .22 rifle would not have had such a deleterious effect on his ears. Of course, we welcome the Mayor or any other once and former gun enthusiast to contact NRA or visit our numerous websites to ensure that their experiences with firearms are not only enjoyable, but more importantly, safe.
The article also makes apparent that the Mayor is not pleased with the manner in which his parents comported themselves. When discussing people with children in their homes owning guns, Bloomberg noted, “That’s like waving a red flag in front of a kid.” Unless the Mayor’s rifle was stored outside of his home, we guess he would now admonish his parents for letting him have a firearm, as a child, in their home. The Mayor did get one thing right, though, when he noted, “…the big problem we have is there’s an enormous number of guns in the hands of criminals sold illegally.” (emphasis added) Too bad Hizzoner’s actions don’t match his words, as the Mayor’s crusade for laws that will be ignored by criminals, yet obeyed by law-abiding citizens marches on unabated.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
While Mayor Bloomberg works to erode our rights, NRA is concentrating on strengthening them. There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in Congress that require your action. Please review these legislative initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information can be found using the “Write Your Representatives” feature at www.NRAILA.org.
• H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE’s process for punishing FFLs and establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond, Va.-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommitee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.
• S. 2599/H.R. 5013-Legislation to prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during states of emergency. Would guarantee legal recourse for victims of illegal gun seizures
• H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968.
•S. 1082/H.R. 1288-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend themselves and their families.
• H.R. 4547-Federal legislation requiring recognition of out-of-state Right-to-Carry permits.
• H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws.
Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org.
NRA-ILA “MIX N’ MINGLES”
Much is at stake in this year’s elections; we will decide if we continue to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or, if we will revert to the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this election season.
To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA “Mix N’ Mingles” across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff; and fellow area NRA members—and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. “Mix N’ Mingles,” including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE!
Mix N’ Mingle events are scheduled for:
- Eau Claire, WI-- 05/23/06
- Ashland, WI-- 05/24/06
- Jackson, MS-- 06/03/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming “Mix N’ Mingles” are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats.
SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE SIGNS
It has been estimated that well-placed campaign signs can account for four percentage points on Election Day. Think back to the 2000 presidential election, where 537 votes in Florida separated George W. Bush from Al Gore, and four points seems like a landslide! While you are focused like a laser beam on the November 7 election, some gun owners may not be aware of what’s at stake for the future of the Second Amendment on Election Day.
To help us raise gun owner awareness of the impending election, and to market NRA’s campaign efforts, we have produced two colorful, patriotic campaign yard signs featuring our “I’m the NRA & I Vote” and “Vote Freedom First!” slogans. These high quality signs are bold, durable, and easy to assemble. Everything needed to assemble the sign is contained in one compact package, and all components made in the USA.
Each sign costs a very reasonable $14.95, or you can order a combination pack of both signs for $24.95 (includes shipping and handling). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to NRA-ILA to assist our efforts to protect, preserve, and strengthen our Second Amendment rights!
By proudly displaying your NRA yard sign, and showing your support for the Second Amendment, you will greatly enhance our ability to deliver victory for pro-gun candidates on November 7!
Please call (866) 869-6389 or visit www.nrailasigns.org to order your NRA yard signs TODAY!
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the “Write Your Representatives” tool at www.NRAILA.org. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New York, New York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.
ARIZONA
On April 24, Governor Janet Napolitano (D) signed SB 1145, the “Castle Doctrine” legislation sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (D-30) and Representative Jonathan Paton (R-30). SB 1145 has two components. One is Castle Doctrine, which presumes you are justified in the use of force if you believe you are in danger of serious bodily harm or death within your home or occupied vehicle. The second and most significant component is the return of the burden of proof in self-defense cases to the state, so law-abiding citizens who are forced to actually use their firearms or other means of protection for self-defense will not be wrongfully imprisoned or financially devastated by costs associated with their legal defense. They will once again be presumed innocent¾consistent with the American system of justice. A special thank you to all NRA members for your calls and e-mails in support of SB 1145 during the legislative session!
FLORIDA
HB 125, NRA-backed legislation sponsored by Representative Greg Evers (R-01), (a companion bill, SB 208, was sponsored in the Senate by Senator Carey Baker (R-20)), passed the Florida Legislature Friday, April 28. This important legislation will offer sportsmen who buy resident hunting and fishing licenses new opportunities to register to vote. HB 125 now heads to Governor Jeb Bush (R) for his signature. If signed, Florida will join a growing list of states that offer hunter-voter registration to their citizens.
GEORGIA
On April 27, in a ceremony at the state capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue (R) signed Georgia’s “Castle Doctrine” (SB 396) into law. Sponsored by Senator Greg Goggans (R-7), SB 396 was approved by the full House by a vote of 115-42 and passed the full Senate by a vote of 40-13. This “Castle Doctrine” bill removes the “duty to retreat” if an individual is attacked in his or her home, vehicle, place of business or any other place he or she has a legal right to be. This legislation also states that victims may use necessary force to defend themselves against the attacker. Congratulations, Georgia!
INDIANA
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 2. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For information about voting in Indiana, please visit www.in.gov/sos/elections/. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 2!
KENTUCKY
This week, Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) signed two NRA-backed bills into law. SB 38, a “Castle Doctrine” bill, establishes a presumption that citizens are justified in the use of force when violent criminals attempt to forcibly enter their home, vehicle, or other dwelling. It also codifies a court decision specifying citizens may meet force with force and have no duty to retreat when being violently attacked. The other bill was the comprehensive firearm rights reform package, HB 290. It includes provisions that allow employees to store firearms in their vehicles while at work so they may protect themselves as they travel to and from their jobsite. The Attorney General is directed to take legal action against employers who prohibit firearms storage or who attempt to punish those employees who choose to exercise their right to self-defense within their own private property¾their vehicle. HB 290 also guarantees the confidentiality of all information associated with carry permit holders and allows the permit to substitute for the phone call to the FBI during firearm transfers. Finally, the bill protects law-abiding Kentuckians against the kind of abuses endured by the citizens of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. It strictly prohibits government officials from in any way restricting the rights of gun owners, or those trying to legally acquire firearms for protection, during a state of emergency or disaster. Thank you to all NRA members who took time to call your State Legislators. This could not have happened without your help!
LOUISIANA
On Monday, the Louisiana House approved HB 760, by Representative Steve Scalise (R-82, Metairie), an NRA-backed bill amending the state’s emergency powers laws to prevent New Orleans-style gun confiscations in the event of another natural disaster in Louisiana, and HB 89 by Representative Eric LaFleur (D-38, Ville Platte), NRA-supported “Castle Doctrine” legislation similar to Florida’s landmark law passed in 2005. Both bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary C Committee for consideration (Note: HB 1097, the companion bill to HB 89 that grants immunity from civil liability for crime victims who lawfully use force to defend themselves, was referred to the Senate Judiciary A Committee.) Please contact the State Senators who serve on these two committees and urge them to support HB 89, HB 760, and HB 1097. Also, on Tuesday, the Senate approved SB 30 by Senator Joe McPherson (D-39, Woodworth), the NRA-backed “No Net Loss” of state-owned public hunting lands bill. The bill has been referred to the House Natural Resources Committee. Please contact the State Representatives who serve on this committee and urge them to support SB 30. To contact your state lawmakers, call the PULS line at (225) 342-2456 (from the Baton Rouge area) or (800) 256-3793 (outside the Baton Rouge area). For help identifying your State Legislator or for further contact information please use the “member contact” feature at http://house.louisiana.gov/ and http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/.
MICHIGAN
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed important self-defense legislation on Tuesday, voting in favor of the four-bill “Castle Doctrine” package that had broad bi-partisan support. HB 5142, by Representative Tom Casperson (R-108), passed on a vote of 91-15. HB 5143, by Representative Rick Jones (R-71), HB 5548, by Representative Tim Moore (R-97), and HB 5153, by Representative Leslie Mortimer (R-65), all gained House approval on a vote of 90-15. This legislative package allows law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in places where they have a right to be without fear of criminal prosecution or civil liability. The four bills have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Please call your State Senator at (517) 373-2400 and ask him or her to support the “Castle Doctrine” package.
NEBRASKA
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 9!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The House of Representatives passed two important pieces of pro-gun legislation sponsored by State Senator Peter E. Bragdon (R-11). SB 318, would reform “Castle Doctrine” laws so that: (1) a person would have the right to meet force with force to protect himself or herself and family members regardless of his or her location, and (2) there would be no “duty to retreat” from any place a person may lawfully be. SB 348, known as “Emergency Powers” legislation, would prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies or their agents from confiscating firearms from law-abiding citizens or prohibiting the transport, sale, carrying, and use of firearms during declared state emergencies, except in the course of enforcing laws against criminal possession or use of firearms. Please contact Governor John Lynch (D) today and respectfully ask him to choose your personal protection over partisan politics by signing SB 318 and SB 348. You can reach Governor Lynch by phone at (603) 271-2121 or via email at www.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp. It is unreasonable for victims of a crime to have to worry about being arrested or prosecuted if they use force to defend themselves or their family! Citizens throughout New Hampshire are counting on you to contact Governor Lynch TODAY!
NEW YORK
The Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range is in jeopardy of being closed by the persistence and pressure of anti-gun members of the Brookhaven Town Board. It is critical to show up in large numbers at the next two Brookhaven Town meetings and make strong positive arguments for reopening the range. The next two meetings of the Brookhaven Town Board are: Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16, at One Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738. If you are unable to attend the meetings, please contact Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley at the above address or via phone at (631) 451-9100, or via fax at (631) 451-6677. You should plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m., and sign-up to speak on the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range issue. You simply need to state your name and that you are a supporter of reopening the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range as soon as possible. Despite anti-gun board members’ claims, there has never been any lead contamination of the water supply, as proven by the Suffolk County Public Health Department and external reports that the County spent thousands of dollars to compile. This range has had the least possible impact of all the possible uses on this land. Any use of public property has an impact on the land, even a park with only a few facilities. To go so far as to reclaim this land the taxpayers of the county, including all residents of Brookhaven, would be saddled with a $7 million tax burden. This range is a valuable revenue raising resource for the area, as many outsiders come from across the region to partake in shooting sports. There are no such facilities in Nassau County or in New York City. The noise issue is, for all intents and purposes, nonexistent because when a garbage truck, delivery truck, school bus, noisy automobile, leaf blower, or lawn mower is used, it is the same level and duration of any noise coming from the range. In addition, the range has been in operation for over 50 years, long before any houses were near and long before Brookhaven passed a noise standard. In over 50 years of operation not a single accident has occurred at this facility. Juniors and others learning the safe and responsible handling of firearms use the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range. If the range is closed, it leaves those interested in understanding the proper, safe, and responsible usage of firearms no place to go. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for May 2 and 16.
NEW YORK CITY
Councilman David Yassky (D) is at it again. He has introduced Int 0320-2006, which imposes a civil penalty of $100,000 against firearm manufacturers and dealers for crimes committed after the manufacturer or dealer has legally transferred a firearm. Please contact your council member and tell them to OPPOSE Int 0320-2006! You can reach your council member by calling (212) 788-7210, or by visiting www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/member_list.cfm
NORTH CAROLINA
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 2. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 2!
OHIO
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 2. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For information about voting in Ohio, please visit www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/ElectionsVoter/ohioElections.aspx. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 2!
OKLAHOMA
On April 20, Governor Brad Henry (D) signed HB 2696, sponsored by Representative Trebor Worthen (R-87). This important legislation will eliminate any threat of restrictions being imposed on lawful uses of firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency. HB 2696 passed the House overwhelmingly with a vote of 94-1, and unanimously in the Senate with a vote of 46-0. On April 25, HB 2615, the “Stand Your Ground Law,” passed the Senate with a vote of 39-5, and will now go back to the House for concurrence. HB 2615, sponsored by Representative Kevin Calvey (R-94), recognizes that the citizens of Oklahoma have the right to expect absolute safety in a place that he or she has a right to be. Please call your State Representative at (405) 521-2711 and ask him or her to support HB 2615.
OREGON
Vote by mail ballots for the May 16 Primary Election are in the mail and will be arriving in your mailbox as early as this coming Monday. If you need help filling out your ballot, please visit the following link www.sos.state.or.us/elections/vbm/vbm_guide.pdf. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Don’t forget to return your ballot to your local election office by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday May 16 - postmarks do not count!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Thanks to your calls, the South Carolina House of Representatives amended H 4681, introduced by Representative Mike Pitts (R-14), returning the bill to its full strength. This legislation seeks to remove the ability of local governments to restrict the use, sale, or transportation of firearms during a state of emergency, and would also prohibit South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) from releasing the personal information of Right-to-Carry (RTC) permit holders unless the request for the information is part of an investigation by law enforcement. Although the House Judiciary Committee stripped out the language that would protect the privacy of permit holders, H 4681 was amended on the floor to reinstate the language, then the bill was passed on a unanimous vote of 104-0. This legislation now moves to the Senate, so please contact your State Senator and urge him or her to support H 4681. In addition, the South Carolina Senate has yet to act on H 4301, the “Castle Doctrine” legislation that would remove the “duty to retreat” if a law-abiding citizen is attacked anywhere that person may lawfully be. This legislation passed the House in February with virtually no opposition, while similar legislation has already passed in a number of states this year. South Carolina needs to be added to this growing list! Please contact your State Senator and urge him or her to support H 4301 and H 4681, and promote their passage through the Senate. The general phone number for the State Senate is (803) 212-6200.
VIRGINIA
Thanks to all your calls and e-mails, the Prince William County Board of Supervisors unanimously decided to reconsider a ban on the use of buckshot within the county. This prohibition would have allowed only shotguns loaded with slugs to be used for hunting in Prince William County and could have been the start of a ban on hunting there. Please contact the Board members below and thank them for their reconsideration of this anti-hunting resolution. Please visit www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040016000030000442 to find contact information for the Board of Supervisors.
WEST VIRGINIA
Early in-person voting ends May 6, for the 2006 Primary elections to be held Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. Early in-person voting will be held in designated areas within your County Courthouse. For more information about early in-person voting, please visit www.wvsos.com/elections/voters/absenteemethods.htm. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 9!
