States with updates this issue: Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, and South Carolina.
U.N. ONCE AGAIN TRYING TO USURP
OUR SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS--
WILL CONVENE CONFERENCE ON "SMALL ARMS" THIS MONTH
With an absurdly lengthy title that tells you all you need to know, the “U.N. Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects,” will begin Monday, June 26. This meeting is a follow up to the “U.N. Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons” meeting that we reported on in the summer of 2001. At that time, we told you that the Bush Administration made it perfectly clear that the United States would not support any proposal that threatened our Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
But the U.N., fueled and financed by the likes of Rebecca Peters and George Soros, is at it again--and with a vengeance.
NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre has aptly noted that the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in defense of self, family, and country is self-evident. In essence, our Second Amendment shows profound respect for human freedom, worth, and self-destiny.
But two centuries after it was codified into our Bill of Rights, the U.N. is trying to declare that this civil liberty is a cause of the world’s violence. It is trying to claim jurisdiction over sovereign American citizens by crafting a global treaty that calls on us to surrender our firearm freedom and accept whatever lesser standard of freedom--if any--the U.N. deems appropriate.
The United States is the last truly free nation standing, offering every law-abiding human the greatest measure of freedom mankind has ever experienced, and neither the United Nations nor any other foreign influence may claim jurisdiction to meddle with the freedoms guaranteed by our Bill of Rights.
To learn how you can fight the U.N.’s Global Gun Ban and save your Right to Keep and Bear Arms, please visit www.stopungunban.org, or call (800) 672-0636. This site provides valuable information and an opportunity to order Wayne LaPierre’s new book The Global War On Your Guns. The book spells out a chilling warning that gun owners in the United States and abroad must heed, and exposes a far-reaching scheme to pass a global ban on civilian ownership of arms--including YOURS!
Help stop the U.N.’s attempt to thwart our Freedom. Please visit the site or call the toll-free number today!
FLORIDA GOVERNOR JEB BUSH SIGNS
RECORD NUMBER OF NRA-ILA-BACKED BILLS
Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R), accompanied by past NRA President, Marion P. Hammer, signed four pro-gun, and two pro-hunting bills in a signing ceremony this week. This represents a record number of major pro-gun and pro-hunting bills signed in a single Florida legislative session.
NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox, stated, “Once again, Governor Bush proves his long-standing support of the Second Amendment and our hunting heritage in America. He understands the importance of continuing our freedom and our traditions, and we sincerely thank him for his support.”
HB 125--the “Hunter Voter” bill--requires all businesses that sell hunting and fishing licenses to offer voter registration applications. The bill was sponsored by Representative Greg Evers (R-Milton), and Senator Carey Baker (R-Eustis), and passed the House 110-6, and the Senate 31-8.
HB 265--“No-Net-Loss of Hunting Lands”--sponsored by Representative Don Brown (R-DeFuniak Springs), and Senator Nancy Argenziano (R-Crystal River), passed the House by a vote of 118-0, and passed the Senate by a vote of 40-0. The new law requires the state to open the same amount of new land for public hunting when a specific amount of hunting land is closed.
HB 285-- “No Confiscation of Firearms During Emergencies” -- sponsored by Representative Mitch Needelman (R-Melbourne), and Senators Carey Baker (R-Eustis) and Bill Posey (R-Rockledge), prohibits confiscation of firearms following hurricanes (such as was done in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina). This measure passed the House 116-0, and passed the Senate 40-0.
HB 687-- “Public Records Exemption of CCW License Holders Information”--will protect the privacy rights of Right-to-Carry permit and firearm license holders. Sponsored by Representative Sandy Adams (R-Orlando), and Senator Mike Haridopolis (R-Melbourne), the bill passed the House 83-27, and the Senate 37-2.
HB-1029-- “Firearms in National Forests & State Parks”--will restore the right to possess firearms for self-defense and other lawful purposes while in National Forests and State Parks in Florida. Sponsored by Representative Dennis Baxley (R-Ocala) in the House and Senator Bill Posey (R-Rockledge) in the Senate, the bill passed the House 90-27, and the Senate 31-6.
SB-1290--“Concealed Weapons/License Renewal for U.S. Armed Services Members”--was sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano (R-New Port Richey) in the Senate and Representative Marti Coley (R-Panama City) in the House. This bill extends time for active duty military men and women to renew their Right-to-Carry permit while serving away from home. The bill passed the House 120-0, and the Senate 39-0.
Cox concluded, “On behalf of the NRA, I want to thank Marion Hammer for her hard work and commitment to protect law-abiding gun owners’ rights in Florida. Her perseverance is unparalleled. I’d also like to thank Senate President Tom Lee and House Speaker Allan Bense for their help to pass these bills.”
ANTI-HUNTING GROUP AT BASS PRO SHOPS STORE
DECLARED UNFORTUNATE ERROR
NRA-ILA was recently made aware of a situation in which a Hampton, Virginia-area “Bass Pro Shops” (BASS) store allowed the Society For the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)--an organization completely opposed to hunting--to participate in a “children’s day” at the store. When contacted by NRA-ILA, Bass Pro Shops’ Corporate Headquarters staff gave their assurance that they were indeed informed of the incident and that they had taken steps to insure it would not happen again.
Larry Whitely, a spokesman for BASS, told NRA-ILA that as soon as BASS found out SPCA had been allowed to set up at the store to conduct its activities, they contacted the store manager and took corrective action. BASS has informed all of their store managers that anti-hunting groups, including their local affiliates, will not be allowed to participate in store activities or operate at store locations.
Bass Pro Shops should be commended for taking such fast and decisive action to remedy this unfortunate error.
Bass Pro-Shops is one of the nations leading retailers of hunting supplies and firearms and is a strong partner in the fight to protect our hunting heritage.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
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 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.
• H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws.
• H.R. 5013/S. 2599-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.
• H.R. 1288/S. 1082-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/S. 3275-Legislation that would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if he or she meets certain criteria. Importantly, the laws of each state governing where concealed firearms may be carried would still apply within its borders.
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:
- Wallkill, NY -- Tomorrow, 06/10/06
- Addison, IL--07/15/06
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. For information on NRA-PVF candidate 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. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue (click state to be routed directly to story): Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, and South Carolina.
ARKANSAS
The 2006 Primary run-off elections are being held Tuesday, June 13. If you have questions regarding voting please visit the following link: www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections_voting_arkansas.html. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, June13!
ARIZONA
On Tuesday, June 6, Governor Janet Napolitano (D) signed House Bill 2076 into law. HB 2076 clearly states that firearm possession cannot be prohibited in public buildings unless temporary and secure firearm storage is provided and readily accessible upon entry to the building. The storage accommodations are to allow for “immediate retrieval” upon exiting the public establishment or event. A special thank you to all NRA members for your calls and e-mails in support of HB 2076 during the legislative session!
LOUISIANA
On June 2, Governor Kathleen Blanco (D) signed HB 89 by Representative Eric LaFleur (D-38) and Don Cazayoux (D-18), into law. This “Castle Doctrine” bill creates presumptions in law for the use of force against intruders in your home, car or place of business and explicitly states in law that you have no "duty to retreat" from criminal attack if you are in a place where you have a legal right to be. This law goes into effect August 15. Also, HB 760 by Representative Steve Scalise (R-82), which prohibits the confiscation of firearms from law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster, is currently awaiting Governor Blanco’s signature. A special thank you to all NRA members for your calls and emails in support of HB 89 and HB 760!
MICHIGAN
SB 1046, by Senator Alan Cropsey (R-33), and SB 1185, by Senator Ron Jelinek (R-21)--the Senate “Castle Doctrine” package--passed the Senate and is now awaiting a hearing in the House. Also, the four-bill House “Castle Doctrine” package (HB 5142 by Representative Tom Casperson (R-108); HB 5143 by Representative Rick Jones (R-71); HB 5153 by Representative Leslie Mortimer (R-65); and HB 5548 by Representative Tim Moore (R-97)), passed the Senate and is heading to the House for concurrence. These critically important pieces of legislation will help the citizens of Michigan in two ways. First, they secure the rights and duties of self-defense and the defense of others within one’s home and/or occupied vehicle; and second, they grant immunity from criminal prosecution and civil action for the use of such force protecting one’s self and family. Please call your State Representative and ask him or her to support the Senate and House “Castle Doctrine” packages. The general phone number to the House of Representatives is (517) 373-0135. If you need help identifying your State Representative, please us the following link http://house.michigan.gov/.
NEW JERSEY
Please immediately e-mail, call, or fax the Mayor and City Council of Jersey City to voice your opposition to three anti-gun ordinances scheduled for a public hearing and council vote on Wednesday, June 14. Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy (D) initiated the following ordinances: Ordinance # 06-074 would ban affordable personal defense handguns by misleadingly labeling them as “Saturday night specials” and “junk guns.” This includes short-barreled revolvers and semi-automatics without a manual safety or without a double action trigger, as well as many other compact personal defense firearms; Ordinance # 06-075 would ban the purchase of more than one handgun every six months; and Ordinance # 06-073 would require that loss or theft of a firearm be reported within 48 hours, and would punish the failure to disclose the name and address of the registered owner, even though there may not be a registered owner (many firearms are not required to be registered in New Jersey). It would also penalize the failure to report a theft within 48 hours even though the owner might not become aware of the loss until after that time. These ordinances also violate preemption laws, which prohibit municipalities from regulating matters already addressed by the state. It is important that you speak out not only to support Jersey City gun owners, but also to send a signal to other municipalities that may be considering similar measures that they will face vigorous opposition. Copies of the ordinances are available at: http://www.anjrpc.org/DefendingYourRights/djco060706.htm. If you wish to speak at the hearing, please call the Jersey City Office of the City Clerk at (201) 547-5150 to be placed on the speakers list. The speakers list closes prior to the council meeting. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 14, at 6:00 p.m., at Jersey City Hall, 280 Grove Street, 2nd floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302. If you are unable to attend, please call in opposition to the anti-gun ordinances by contacting Mayor Healy at (201) 547-5200 and the members of the Jersey City Council at (201) 547-5204.
NEW YORK
The New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA) Annual Meeting will be held tomorrow, Saturday, June 10! This event is open to the public, and the cost is only $10. The event will take place at the Wallkill Rod and Gun Club, 316 Bruin Turnpike, Wallkill, N.Y., 12589. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m. The range will be open and there will be displays by gunsmiths, taxidermists, collectors, and others 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. You can also try out top tier firearms and help elect pro-freedom candidates! The Annual Meeting will include a shoot to benefit the NYSRPA PAC. Test your skill using a superb assortment of firearms from Beretta, Benelli, Smith & Wesson, DS Arms, Magnum Research, and more! This is a great opportunity to shoot these firearms all at one event. 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. For more information, please call (800) 392-VOTE (8683) or visit www.nraila.org/workshops.
NORTH DAKOTA
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, June 13. If you have questions regarding voting please visit the following link: www.nd.gov/sos/electvote/voting/index.html. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, June13!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Don’t forget the 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, June 13. If you have questions regarding voting please visit the following link: www.state.sc.us/scsec/voting.html. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on Tuesday, June13!
