States with updates this issue: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
YOUR URGENT ACTION IS REQUIRED ON BATFE REFORM BILL!!!
The House of Representatives will soon vote on a critically important NRA-supported bill!
H.R. 5092--the “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) Modernization and Reform Act of 2006”--will improve BATFE’s process for punishing the few FFLs who violate the law, and will establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was drafted in large part to address recent, blatant BATFE abuses at Richmond, VA-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. This legislation has passed out of committee and will be voted on in the full House during the week of September 18.
It is imperative that you contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and urge him or her to VOTE FOR H.R. 5092 when it is brought to the House floor! Additional contact information can be found using the “Write Your Representatives” feature at www.NRAILA.org.
Please be sure to contact your Representative, and urge your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same!
“CEASEFIRE MARYLAND” SHOOTING BLANKS
Historically, the state of Maryland has had higher murder rates than the nation as a whole, and for quite a few years it has had a handful of very aggressive gun control supporters. So in 1994, when the now-defunct federal “assault weapon” ban was imposed, Maryland’s state government--dominated by anti-gunners at the time--additionally imposed a statewide “assault pistol” ban, a “large” magazine restriction, a seven-day waiting period on “assault weapon” sales, and a law limiting “assault weapon” sales to dealers in “Regulated Firearms.”
At the time, Maryland’s murder rate was 29% higher than the national rate. Since then, the federal ban, federal and many states’ waiting periods on gun sales, and numerous other gun control laws have expired or been rescinded, but Maryland has increased its gun control restrictions. And, Maryland’s murder rate is 71% higher than the national rate. More gun control, more murder.
The solution? If you are CeaseFire Maryland, a Brady Campaign offshoot in “The Free State,” it is more gun control. CeaseFire recently came out with a paper claiming that an “assault weapon” is “traced to a crime” once every 48 hours in Maryland.
The paper is nonsense, for a number of reasons. First, it is based entirely upon old BATF firearm tracing data, which the Congressional Research Service and other researchers have pointed out are unsuitable for drawing conclusions about the kinds of guns used to commit violent crimes. Most guns that are traced have never been used to commit a violent crime, and most guns that are used to commit violent crimes are never traced. CeaseFire conspicuously fails to mention that most of the “assault weapons” traced in Maryland had nothing to do with violent crimes.
In addition, CeaseFire used the Violence Policy Center (VPC) approach to defining “assault weapon,” including all guns defined as such in the defunct federal ban, all guns defined as “assault pistols” in Maryland, plus the M1 Carbine, Ruger Mini-14, and SKS. Not only that, but like VPC, CeaseFire categorized a gun as an “assault weapon” even if it did not meet the old federal definition, due to not having attachments like flash suppressors, folding stocks, and bayonet mounts. Pathetically, CeaseFire also refers to all of these guns as “assault rifles,” to misleadingly suggest that they are machine guns.
Finally, CeaseFire does not say how many violent crimes have been committed with “assault weapons,” or whether in any such crimes the type of gun involved was relevant. It mentions the Muhammad/Malvo “sniper” killings in the Washington, D.C.-area several years ago, without noting that in each crime only one shot was fired, which could have been accomplished with any firearm.
In trying to make a case for more gun control, CeaseFire has its work cut out for it. Despite having much more gun control than most states, Maryland’s murder rate is higher, compared to the rest of the country, than it ever has been. And while the U.S. rate has been steady the last five years, Maryland’s has risen 16%.
SECOND ANNUAL
“FIREARMS LAW & THE SECOND AMENDMENT SYMPOSIUM”
TO EXPLORE PRESENT DAY
APPLICATION OF THE SECOND AMENDMENT
The 2006 “Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium” will be held on Saturday, October 7, at George Mason University School of Law, in Arlington, Va. This event is hosted by Law Students for the Second Amendment at GMU, along with The NRA Foundation and NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund. Admission is free.
Capitalizing on the success of last year’s inaugural event, which brought together some of the nation’s sharpest legal minds and more than 100 attendees, this year’s symposium promises to be even better! Panelists will discuss and debate: current Second Amendment scholarship, litigation against the firearm industry, the U.N.’s intrusion into legal domestic gun ownership, and issues involving self-defense and Right-to-Carry reforms. Featured panelists at this year’s event will include some of the country’s most renowned experts on the Second Amendment and related issues, such as: George Mason’s own Professors Nelson Lund and Joyce Lee Malcolm; George Washington University’s Profs. Robert Cottrol and Renee Lerner; Lawrence Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation; attorney Richard Gardiner; David Kopel of the Independence Institute; Prof. Brian Patrick from the University of Toledo, and others.
This event promises to present a thought provoking discussion of what has become the most controversial freedom in the Bill of Rights. Each Symposium registrant will receive a packet that contains the panelists’ written materials on the subject--an excellent source for future reference. For guests who are attorneys, this year’s event may once again meet state requirements for continuing legal education. The event, including all materials, food and beverages, is being held without charge.
Don't miss this seminal event. To reserve your place, please visit http://www.nraila.org/workshops/Symposium.aspx?ID=GMUSL or call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683.
NRA-ILA “MIX N’ MINGLES”
Much is at stake in this year’s elections. Voters 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 this year.
To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidate, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA “Mix N’ Mingles” across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what you can do locally to propel candidates to victory. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, fellow 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:
- St. Joseph, MO 09/14/06
- Joplin, MO 09/16/06
- Green Bay, WI 09/21/06
- Towson, MD 09/23/06
- Henderson, NV 09/28/06
- Asheville, NC 09/28/06
- Norwich, CT 09/30/06
- Rock Hill, SC 09/30/06
- Stockton, CA 09/30/06
- New Hartford, NY 10/05/06
- Albuquerque, NM 10/10/06
- Tucson, AZ 10/12/06
- Cincinnati, OH 10/12/06
- Columbus, OH 10/14/06
- Eagan, MN 10/14/06
- Scottsdale, AZ 10/14/06
- St. Cloud, MN 10/16/06
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 “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.
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. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin.
ARIZONA
The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is seeking public comment on the draft “Wildlife 2012” plan, which, according to AZGFD, is a “strategic plan that will guide how the agency manages wildlife, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its own operations for the next six years.” Because the AZGFD oversees issues important to the pro-gun/hunting community in Arizona (such as shooting ranges, access to public lands, and overall hunting policies), it is extremely important that NRA members attend these informational meetings. The meeting dates are as follows (all meetings will be held from 6-9:00 p.m.): Kingman, Monday, September 11, Arizona Game and Fish Department/Regional Office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road; Flagstaff, Tuesday, September 12, Arizona Game and Fish Department/Regional Office, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road; Mesa, Thursday, September 14, Arizona Game and Fish Department/Regional Office, 7200 E. University Drive; Pinetop, Friday, September 15, Arizona Game and Fish Department/Regional Office, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.; and Tucson, Monday, September 18, Arizona Game and Fish Department/Regional Office, 555 N. Greasewood Road. For a copy of the “Wildlife 2012” plan, please visit www.azgfd.gov.
Also, don’t forget, the 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in Arizona, please use the following link: www.azsos.gov/election. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
CALIFORNIA
AB2714, sponsored by Assembly Member Alberto Torrico (D-20), is on the way to the desk of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). This legislation would require that no ammunition (or reloaded ammunition) may be sold in a retail transaction unless the purchaser personally presents evidence of his or her identity and age, as specified, to the seller of the ammunition. Additionally, it would severely undermine California’s state preemption law. Senate Bill 59 is also on the way to the Governor's desk. Sponsored by Senator Alan Lowenthal (D-27), SB59 would expand the definition of the term "firearm" to include the frame or receiver of the gun for purposes of the offense of failure to report a stolen or lost firearm. This bill would make it a crime for any person whose handgun is stolen or irretrievably lost to not report the theft or loss to a local law enforcement agency within 5 working days after his or her discovery of the theft or loss; or within 5 working days after the date he or she should have reasonably known of the theft or loss. SB59 will also provide that local governments are not prohibited from enacting ordinances imposing reporting requirements that are more strict than those specified in the bill. Please contact Governor Schwarzenegger today at (916)-445-2841, by fax at (916) 445-4633, and e-mail by visiting www.govmail.ca.gov/, to urge him to protect your Second Amendment freedom by vetoing AB2714 and SB59.
CONNECTICUT
On Thursday, Montville Mayor Joseph Jaskiewicz (D) confirmed to NRA that no new discharge ordinance has been drafted for introduction and that the proposed ordinance introduced at last month’s council meeting will appear on Monday’s council agenda, but ONLY for the purpose of requesting its withdrawal. Acknowledging the overwhelming opposition to the measure, Mayor Jaskiewiscz told NRA, “the people have spoken, and I am asking the council to withdraw the proposal.” Because the council must vote affirmatively to withdraw the ordinance, concerned citizens are encouraged to politely request that council members support the mayor’s motion for the measure to be formally dropped. To contact your Town Council member, please use the following link: www.townofmontville.org/CMS/default.asp?CMS_AreaID=122, or call (860) 848-1349.
Please keep checking your email and www.NRAILA.org for future updates on this threat to the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in the Town of Montville!
HAWAII
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Saturday, September 23. Early voting starts Monday, September 11, and continues through Thursday, September 21. For more information on voting in Hawaii, please use the following link: www.hawaii.gov/elections/. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on or before September 23!
MARYLAND
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in Maryland, please use the following link: www.elections.state.md.us/. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
Also, a Friends of NRA dinner and fundraiser will be held at the Holiday Inn in Cumberland, on Wednesday September 20, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The committee promises an entertaining evening with good food, great prizes, and a lively auction. Some of the great items featured for auction include the “2006 Weatherby .270 Gun of the Year,” the “Case Buffalo Knife of the Year,” and the “2006 Eagle Print of the Year,” by Cole Johnson. 100% of the money raised at the dinner will be used to fund programs such as Women’s and Youth safety and educational initiatives at the national and local level, with 50% of funds staying in the state of Maryland. For tickets or further information, please call chairman, Donald Schneider at (304) 738-2055.
MASSACHUSETTS
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 19! For more information on voting in Massachusetts, please use the following link: www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 19!
MICHIGAN
The “2nd Annual Friends of the NRA Michigan Celebrity Shoot” will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 9! Please come join us as we get warmed up for hunting season by shooting with local celebrities, or just come for dinner. Also enjoy our many gun raffles and limited edition NRA commemorative items in our live and silent auctions! The “NRA Michigan Celebrity Shoot” is being held September 9, at the Detroit Gun Club (DGC), in Commerce Township. This is a 100-target shotgun fun shoot that includes 50 targets of Sporting Clays, 25 targets of Skeet, and 25 targets of Trap. All targets, shells, lunch, and steak dinner are included! Everyone will also receive a 4”x 6” squad photo.
Some of the celebrities that attended last year were: former Detroit Tiger pitcher and World Series record holder, Mickey Lolitch; former Detroit Red Wing, Dennis Hextall; State Senator Nancy Cassis (R-15); and Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard (currently running for U.S. Senate against anti-gun Debbie Stabenow); among many others. This is a great time to gather and shoot with pro-NRA celebrities, while also raising money to protect and promote the shooting sports for future generations! Money raised at Friends of the NRA events go toward educational programs, with 50% of the money staying in Michigan to be made available for pro-Second Amendment worthy causes in the form of grants. ADVANCE TICKET SALES ONLY - NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT! To buy your tickets, or for further information, please contact Jerry Kraus, Chairman of Oakland County Friends of the NRA, at (248) 706-1513, or by e-mail at [email protected].
MINNESOTA
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in Minnesota, please use the following link: www.sos.state.mn.us/home/index.asp?page=134. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
NEBRASKA
The Nebraska State Patrol is holding a rulemaking hearing on Monday, September 18, at 10:00 a.m., in the Auditorium at the Nebraska Department of Roads, 1500 Nebraska Highway 2, in Lincoln. This hearing is regarding concerns citizens’ about the adoption of new regulations to the Nebraska Administrative Code, entitled “CONCEALED HANDGUN PERMITS” as adopted by the Nebraska State Patrol, as passed by the Nebraska Legislature in April. The regulations will provide for the permit application and issuance process and training and safety course required of applicants for a permit. All members are encouraged to attend and testify at the hearing. Members may also submit written comments at or prior to the hearing, which will be part of the hearing record at the time of the hearing. For more information please call Steve Shaw at (402) 479-4933. To read over the final draft for the new concealed handgun permits regulations, please use the following link: www.nsp.state.ne.us/FindFile.asp?ID=1587.
NEW YORK
The Shooters' Committee on Political Education (SCOPE) will be holding its 41st Annual "SCOPE Awards Banquet," on Saturday, October 14, 2006. Featured speakers will include NRA Second Vice President Ron Schmeits, and several local speakers. The Banquet will be held at the Diplomat Banquet Center, 1956 Lyell Avenue (same as 1 Diplomat Way), Rochester, NY 14606, from 5:30-11:00 p.m. For tickets, reservations, and more information, please visit http://www.scopeny.org/banquet.html, or contact Ken Mathison by phone at: (585) 663-8741, or by mail at: PO Box 12711, Rochester, NY 14612. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now!
Also, the 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in New York, please use the following link: www.elections.state.ny.us/portal/page?_pageid=35,1,35_8617&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
Finally, the Sportsmen’s Association for Firearms Education Inc. (S.A.F.E.) will be hosting its “2006 Right-to-Carry Conference & Second Amendment Rally” on Sunday, October 1, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (doors open at 12:00 noon). The event will be held at the Sheraton, Long Island, 110 Vanderbilt Motor Parkway, Smithtown, NY, (631) 231-1100, (on Motor Parkway on the North side of LIE between exits 53 & 55). In attendance at the event will be: Wayne R. LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President; Bob Barr, Former Member, U.S. House of Representatives and NRA Board Member; Jim Fotis, Executive Director, Law Enforcement Alliance of America; John Faso, Republican Candidate for New York State Governor; John Spencer, Republican/Conservative Candidate for U.S. Senate from New York; and John L. Cushman, S.A.F.E. President and Founder, and NRA Board Member.
Attendees will get the latest information on the Right-to-Carry nationwide and locally. You will meet and network with fellow sportsmen and women concerning your civil rights and those of your children and grandchildren. This conference will raise issues of concern and give suggested courses of action with local and national leaders of Second Amendment organizations and legislators from all levels of government. You will also have a chance to win valuable prizes in drawings limited to attendees only. Admission and parking are free, and the event is open to your family and friends.
RHODE ISLAND
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in Rhode Island, please use the following link: www.elections.state.ri.us/. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
WASHINGTON
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 19! For more information on voting in Washington, please use the following link: www.secstate.wa.gov/elections/. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 19!
WISCONSIN
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, September 12! For more information on voting in Wisconsin, please use the following link: http://elections.state.wi.us/section.asp?linkid=155&locid=47. Be sure to “Vote Freedom First” on September 12!
Registration for the NRA and Future Wisconsin Sportsmen’s Conference is filling up fast! This event is open to the public, and the cost is $10. The Conference will be held tomorrow, Saturday, September 9, at the Bluemound Gardens Conference Center, 11703 West Bluemound Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226. The event begins at 7:00 a.m., with a breakfast buffet. Conference speakers include State Senators Tom Reynolds and Dave Zien, and State Representative Scott Gunderson among others. In conjunction with this event, you’ll want to make plans to also join NRA-ILA Grassroots Division Director, Glen Caroline, and your fellow NRA members, for socializing at a FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingle beginning at 1:30 p.m. To RSVP, please call (414) 258-1719, or e-mail [email protected]. For more information, please visit www.widigest.com.
