States with updates this issue: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico and New York.
WHOSE SIDE ARE THEY ON?
In a press conference yesterday, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox announced a two-part initiative to ensure that the forcible confiscation of lawfully owned firearms—such as occurred in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina—never happens again. As Wayne LaPierre aptly noted, “When the Second Amendment is only as good as your mayor or your police chief says it is, the NRA must take action.”
The first part of this important initiative consists of the nation’s mayors and police chiefs signing a pledge promising the citizens for whom they work they will never forcibly disarm them. Signing this pledge should be an easy task for these officials, as they already swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. This recognition of citizens’ Second Amendment rights should serve as a reaffirmation and acknowledgement of their oaths.
Second, NRA-ILA will be working to pass state and federal legislation to make it a crime to forcibly disarm law-abiding citizens. Penalties for violating this law will not consist of a slap on the wrist, a fine, or admonishment from a judge, but rather, arrest and hard prison time. In fact, yesterday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed H.R. 5013. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Bobby Jindal (R-La.), would prohibit the confiscation of lawfully owned firearms during states of emergency and guarantee legal recourse for victims of illegal gun seizures. H.R. 5013 is expected to be considered on the House floor next week. Please continue to contact your U.S. Representative and urge him or her to support H.R. 5013. You may call your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121. For additional contact information, please use the “Write Your Representatives” feature at http://www.NRAILA.org/.
In speaking directly to the law enforcement community, Chris Cox noted, “Don’t let anyone tell you this is NRA against police. Nothing is further from the truth. This is about NRA stopping your police chief or your mayor or any bureaucrat from ordering you to do what you know is wrong….Law enforcement officers should never be ordered to violate the Second Amendment by breaking into peoples’ homes and confiscating their guns.” No one—neither those who make, nor those who enforce the law—is above the law.
Our nation’s mayors and police chiefs will now have a choice—sign this pledge and stand with the law-abiding citizens in their community, the Constitution, and the Second Amendment—or abuse the power of their positions to erode, rather than protect, the freedom of those they serve.
ILA GRASSROOTS RALLIES FAITHFUL FOR ELECTION ’06!
This morning, nearly 200 enthusiastic NRA members convened at NRA-ILA’s Grassroots Workshop in Milwaukee to learn what more they can do in their local communities to elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this November.
As usual, the Grassroots Workshop featured remarks from NRA’s national officers—Sandra Froman (President), John Sigler (First Vice President), Ron Schmeits (Second Vice President), Wayne LaPierre (Executive Vice President), and Chris Cox (NRA-ILA Executive Director). One after the other, NRA’s officers thanked the volunteers for their dedication and hard work in the trenches, imploring them to continue their grassroots efforts to help ensure the electoral momentum gun owners have enjoyed in previous election cycles continues this year.
In addition to the rousing remarks given by NRA’s officers, there were also a number of other notable guest speakers. Following her remarks, President Froman recognized Colonel Jairo Paes de Lira, spokesman for the “Campaign of NO” group that opposed Brazil’s failed handgun ban. In his remarks, Col. de Lira lauded NRA and its grassroots programs as models for gun owners everywhere. Later in the program, attendees heard from Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman, who told the crowd that “no organization, on any issue, anywhere, is more important and effective than NRA…[that] preserves all our other freedoms.” Next, members heard from NRA-ILA’s Federal Affairs Director Chuck Cunningham and ILA State Liaison Darren LaSorte, who discussed ILA’s pro-gun federal and state legislative priorities.
Following the Workshop, scores of Wisconsin NRA members signed up to play an active role with various pro-gun candidates for office in the Badger State, pledging to begin practicing what had been preached during the seminar.
While most of those in attendance are already doing their fair share in support of pro-freedom candidates, NRA-ILA’s Grassroots staff provided additional information and training to bolster their existing efforts and to ensure they act as our ambassadors throughout the pro-gun community, encouraging other Second Amendment supporters to actively engage themselves in the political process, and help grow our formidable corps of grassroots volunteers.
(Editor’s Note: Look for a complete report on NRA’s Annual Meetings in Milwaukee in next week’s Grassroots Alert.)
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
NRA is continuing its work to strengthen your Second Amendment rights. 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 Reps” feature at www.NRAILA.org.
- H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE’s process for punishing the few FFLs who violate the law and it would 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. This 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 descend 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
- Wallkill, NY - 06/10/06
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: Arkansas, California, Idaho, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico and New York.
ARKANSAS
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 23 and early voting ends May 22! Please use the following link www.sosweb.state.ar.us/elections/elections_pdfs/county_clerks.pdf to see if early voting is being conducted at your county clerk’s office. 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 Arkansas, please use the following link www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections_voting_arkansas.html. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine’s mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 23!
CALIFORNIA
The State Assembly is targeting ammunition sales! Assembly Member Alberto Torrico (D-20) has sponsored a bill that would strictly cripple the rights of California’s firearm owners. Simply put, Assembly Bill 2714 would codify into California law a ban on the sale of ammunition through the mail or internet. Your phone calls are critical, as AB 2714 could be up for a vote as early as Monday, May 22! Please contact your State Assembly Member today at (916) 319-2800 and ask them to vote no on AB 2714! For more information, please visit www.CALNRA.com/.
IDAHO
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 23 and absentee voting has already started! For information about voting in Idaho, please use the following link www.idahovotes.gov/. 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 candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine’s mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, May 23!
MICHIGAN
The Senate will hear the “Castle Doctrine” legislation as early as Tuesday, May 23. This critically important legislation will help the citizens of Michigan in two ways: first, it protects your right to self-defense, and ensures you do not have a “duty to retreat” from a violent attacker; and second, it gives immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force. Please call your State Senator at (517) 373-3760 and respectfully ask him/her to support HB 5142, HB 5143, HB 5153, HB 5548, SB 1046, and SB 1185 , the “Castle Doctrine” package. Also, NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator Jerry Kraus (MI-9) would like to invite you to attend the “Michigan Celebrity Shoot” that is being organized by the Oakland County Friends of the NRA. Celebrities that attended last year included Dennis Hextal of the Detroit Red Wings; Mickey Lolitch of the Detroit Tigers; State Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Mich.-15); Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who is running against Senator Debbie Stabenow (D) for the U.S. Senate; among others! Jerry has coordinated several events and participated in several Celebrity Shoots in the past, and this year's event promises to be a success. So come on out and join your fellow shotgun shooters and celebrities for a day of shooting, while raising money for the Friends of the NRA! The event will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m., at the Detroit Gun Club, 2775 Oakley Park Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Admission prices vary and advance tickets are required. For ticket information and additional information, please contact Jerry Kraus by phone at (248) 706-1513 or by e-mail at [email protected].
MONTANA
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, June 6 and absentee voting has already started! For information about voting in Montana, please use the following link http://sos.state.mt.us/ELB/Voter_Information.asp#absentee. 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 candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine’s mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, June 6!
NEW MEXICO
This Saturday, May 20, early voting sites will open across the state for the June 6 Primary Elections. Voting early is an easy and effective way to make certain your voice is heard. If you have questions regarding voting please visit the following link www.sos.state.nm.us/Main/Elections/rights.htm. For NRA-PVF candidate information and endorsements, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683), or visit www.NRAPVF.org. If you go to the NRA-PVF site, you will have to provide your NRA member ID number to access the site. Your NRA member ID number can be found on the front of your NRA magazine or on your NRA membership card. Your ID number on the magazine’s mailing label is the 10-digit number that follows the code: #07901. Examples of how to find your ID number can also be found at www.NRAPVF.org on the log-in page accessed by choosing your state. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First!” on Tuesday, June 6!
NEW YORK
Registration for the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) Annual Meeting has started and is filling up fast! This event is open to the public, and the cost is only $10. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 10, at the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club, 316 Bruyn Turnpike, Wallkill, NY 12589. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The range will be open and there will be displays by gunsmiths, taxidermist, collectors, and more from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. there will be guest speakers, including NRA First Vice President John Sigler, and food from the annual chicken bake. To register call the NYSRPA office at 800-469-7772 or for more information visit www.nysrpa.org/. Also, in conjunction with the NYSRPA annual meeting, please join the NRA-ILA Grassroots staff and your fellow NRA members, for a couple hours of socializing and protecting freedom at a FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingle. To reserve your spot at the Mix N' Mingle, please call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.nraila.org/workshops.
