Heavily-Armed Cartel Attacks Mexican Army;
Weapons Used Show U.S. Gun Laws Not To Blame
At the end of March, troops of a major drug cartel launched a series of attacks on military personnel and installations in a half dozen cities in the northern Mexican states of Nueva Leon and Tamaulipas. Fortunately, things did not work out as the narco-thugs had hoped. At least 18 of them are now taking the kind of siesta from which there is no awakening and, at last count, only one Mexican soldier was injured.
Contrary to the notion that the cartels depend on semi-automatic rifles bought illegally in the United States, the cartel conducted its attacks with a variety of weapons that cannot be legally bought anywhere in our country. As the Los Angeles Times reported, "In coordinated attacks, gunmen in armored cars and equipped with grenade launchers fought army troops this week. . . . The army said it confiscated armored cars, grenade launchers, about 100 military-grade grenades, [and] explosive devices" in addition to a large quantity of ammunition.
Questions Arise Over Army Bases' Disposition of Surplus Cartridge Cases: Last week, NRA-ILA learned that quantities of once-fired small arms cartridge cases recovered from firing ranges on military bases, which by federal law the Department of Defense is prohibited from demilitarizing or destroying, were being sold for scrap.
Outrage Of The Week: This week's Outrage concerns a legal case that comes to us from New Jersey, where a well-meaning firearm owner, through a series of events that were no fault of his own, inadvertently ran afoul of the law (or, rather, an interpretation of the law).
New Forest Planning Regulations Will Affect Hunting and Target Shooting: The Forest Service is working on a new planning rule that will guide future development of land management plans for the 193 million acres within the National Forest System. The planning focus will be on such topics as wildlife protection, restoration of forests and grasslands, climate change, and watershed protection. What is unlikely to be discussed, unless raised by hunters and shooters, is how this new planning rule will protect and promote public recreation on national forests, especially hunting and shooting.
Alert Us To And Attend Town Hall Meetings: Congress is currently on its Spring District Work Period until April 9. During this time, your Senators and Representative will be back home in their respective states and districts. Many lawmakers use this time to hold town hall meetings, where they can report on what they've been doing in Washington, and take questions from their constituents. These meetings afford you an opportunity to personally voice your strong support for our Second Amendment rights. Please contact your lawmakers' district offices and ask when they plan to hold their town hall meetings during the break. If you do not know the number for your lawmakers' district offices, you can use the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683.
Plan To Attend Free Grassroots Workshop At NRA's Upcoming Annual Meetings In Charlotte, NC! With the 2010 elections rapidly approaching there will be no better time than during NRA's Annual Meeting to ensure we are prepared to register pro-gun voters, mobilize them for action, and turn them out to vote on ELECTION DAY!
Get Your Copy of Stephen Halbrook's Freedmen, the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Right to Bear Arms, 1866-1876: Does the Second Amendment apply to the states? The Supreme Court will soon decide that critical question. As that historic day approaches, there's no better time for all Americans to learn more about this issue.
Second Amendment March On Washington Scheduled For April: There will be a Second Amendment March in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendees will gather on the northeast corner of the Washington Monument grounds at 10:00 a.m., and the entire event will take place there (due to logistics, the event will be more of a "rally" than an actual march). For more information about the march in Washington, D.C., or to find out about marches in your state, please visit http://www.secondamendmentmarch.com/
Join The NRA Online Advisory Panel: Last November, the NRA introduced a new service and community for our members, the NRA Online Advisory Panel. Inside this community, NRA members can vote and comment on Second Amendment issues, see how they compare to Congress, and track key legislation. The panel now has more than 10,000 members. The opinions and feedback of the Online Advisory Panel are helping to guide the strategy and agenda of the NRA heading into a critical political cycle. If you're not already a member of this growing community, you don't know what you're missing. We hope you will take a moment to join today by clicking HERE.
STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.)
ALABAMA: Bill to Repeal Ban on Short Barreled Rifles and Shotguns Pending Action House Bill 2 is still pending action in the State Senate. HB2 would repeal the section of the Alabama statute that prohibits the possession, sale, receipt, or use of short barreled rifles and shotguns. These firearms are already legal under federal law when properly registered. HB2 is anticipating a final read and a Senate vote in mid-April. Please continue to contact your State Senator TODAY at (334) 242-7800 and respectfully urge him or her to support HB2. Contact information for your Senator can be found here.
ALASKA:Important Alaska Self-Defense Reform Needs Your Help! House Bill 381, an important self-defense reform measure, is currently on the move in Juneau. With just three weeks in the legislative session remaining, it is imperative that you stand up and make your voice heard in support of this legislation. HB381 would remove the duty to retreat in Alaska. Under this bill, Alaskans would have the right to use force, including deadly force, for self-defense anywhere they have a right to be. Please contact your State Representative and your State Senator TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB381. To determine who your State Legislators are, please click here. Contact information for your State Representative can be found here. Click here to find contact information for your State Senator.
ARIZONA: House Passes Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment On Wednesday, March 24, HCR 2008, Arizona's Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment, passed its third and final reading in the House by a vote of 37 to 18, with five listed as absent. HCR 2008 will now head to the Senate for assignment. Although it has been an activity conducted by humans since the beginning of time, hunting has been targeted for extinction by the well-funded animal "rights" extremists at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). They spend $120 million a year lobbying and litigating against hunting and science-based wildlife management. Hunters are America's true conservationists. No other group contributes more in order to preserve and reestablish wildlife populations and their habitats. It is time that hunting receives the highest form of protection available and that is what is provided in HCR 2008. The emotional cries of the animal "rights" extremists cannot be allowed to dictate the future of Arizona's wildlife policies. If passed and approved by the voters, HCR 2008 would make Arizona one of nearly a dozen states with such a constitutional protection. Please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to support this important constitutional amendment. Contact information can be found by clicking here.
CONNECTICUT:Two Bills Pending Action in the Senate Two hunting-related bills are currently pending consideration in the State Senate. Anti-hunting Senate Bill 274, a bill that would prohibit the "unreasonable" confinement and tethering of dogs, passed out of the Environment Committee and is pending consideration on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 207, a bill designed to reduce the recent fee increases associated with hunting and fishing licenses, also awaits action. In the meantime please contact your State Senator and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE S274 and SUPPORT S207 when action is taken on the floor. Contact information can be found here.
Anti-Gun Bill Fails to Move Forward in Connecticut Governor's Bill 28 failed to be approved by the Joint Committee on Government Administration and Elections before the committee deadline of Friday, March 26. Introduced at the request of Governor Jodi Rell (R), Governor's Bill 28 would have had a negative impact on Connecticut's law-abiding gun owners by transferring operations of the Board of Firearm Permit Examiners to the Department of Public Safety. If passed, an applicant who is denied a pistol permit would have had to appeal to the very body, the Department of Public Safety, which rejected the permit. The dismantling of this currently independent board would have made it harder for law-abiding gun owners to regain their pistol permits if they have been revoked or denied without proper cause. Thank you for taking the time to contact your lawmakers in opposition to this anti-gun legislation.
FLORIDA: Contact Governor Charlie Crist Today! Governor Charlie Crist has signed SB-1158 into law, the Trust Fund Protection bill. SB-1158 is the Concealed Weapons Licensing Trust Fund Bill that is necessary to protect the fund from future raids by the legislature. Governor Charlie Crist received the bill on Monday, March 29th and signed it the next day, Tuesday, March 30th. Now, Governor Crist needs to sign HB-315 to stop adoption agencies from registering firearms of prospective adoptive parents. Please email Governor Crist at [email protected] right away and thank him for signing SB-1158 and urge him to sign HB-315 the Adoption/Firearms bill.
IDAHO: Gun Rights Restoration Bill Passes in Idaho Legislature On Monday, March 29, House Bill 631 was unanimously passed by the Senate. The bill will now head to Governor Butch Otter's (R) desk for his consideration. HB 631 is designed to update Idaho state law to meet the requirements set forth in the Federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (NIAA). People who have been placed under certain types of mental health-related orders are banned by Federal law from possessing firearms. The NIAA established clear standards for states to use in crafting laws to give persons subject to these prohibitions a means of relief. This legislation, under the guidelines established by the NIAA, would allow a court to grant relief from the federal prohibition upon a finding that the petitioner will not be likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety and that the granting of the relief would not be contrary to the public interest. Please contact Governor Butch Otter and respectfully urge him to sign HB 631. Governor Otter's contact information can be found here.
IOWA:Legislature Passes "Shall Issue" Right-to-Carry Legislation! On Monday, March 29, the House of Representatives passed Senate File 2379 by a vote of 81 to 15 and it will now head to Governor Chet Culver (D) for his consideration. SF2379 had previously passed in the Senate by a vote of 44 to 4. This bill is a huge victory for gun owners in the Hawkeye State and reinforces the legislature's intent to treat the provisions of the Second Amendment as rights, not state-granted privileges. This NRA-backed bill would change Iowa from a "May-Issue" state to a "Shall-Issue" state. This legislation would require sheriffs to issue a permit to carry weapons to all applicants, unless they are subject to certain specific disqualifiers. For more detailed description of the bill please click here. Please contact Governor Culver TODAY and respectfully urge him to sign this important legislation into law. Contact information can be found here.
KANSAS:Castle Doctrine Clean-Up Bill Moves to Governor's Desk On Tuesday, March 30, the Kansas State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 381. This bill, commonly known as "castle doctrine legislation," would make important corrections to Kansas' current self-defense statute. The bill now moves to the desk of Governor Mark Parkinson (D) for his consideration. NRA has diligently worked with the legislature in both chambers to make sure that Kansas citizens' self-defense rights are clearly articulated to minimize the chances that the State Supreme Court will misinterpret the legislature's intent. Please contact Governor Parkinson TODAY and urge him to support this important self-defense clean up bill. For more information on the bill and the Governor's contact information please click here.
KENTUCKY:Pro-Gun, Pro-Hunting Bill Heads to the Governor's Desk in Kentucky!
On Monday, March 29, the Kentucky Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 64 by a 37 to 0 vote. SB64 now heads to the desk of Governor Steve Beshear (D) for his consideration. Prior to receipt by the House, SB64 was amended at the last minute to include several NRA components, which include allowing a law-abiding citizen to carry a firearm for self-defense during bow hunting season. The bill would also create a "no-net-loss" hunting policy for public hunting lands, requiring that the Commonwealth maintain at least the same amount and quality of available public hunting land as currently exists. It would also require that additional lands be opened to hunting if land that is currently open to hunting is closed. Please contact Governor Beshear TODAY at (502) 564-2611 or visit http://governor.ky.gov/contact/contact.htm to send an email.
MARYLAND: Civil Immunity Legislation to be Heard in House Committee On April 6, at 1 p.m. the Maryland House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear Senate Bill 411. This important self-defense legislation had previously passed the Senate with overwhelming bi-partisan support by a vote of 45 to 2. SB411 would provide civil immunity from damages when force, including deadly force, is used and reasonable under the circumstances to repel an attack in the persons dwelling or place of business. Maryland residents deserve the right to defend themselves and loved ones without the threat of being bankrupted in a civil suit. The right to self-defense is one of the most important civil liberties. That right should not be negated by laws that allow attackers to sue their intended victims. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee listed below and respectfully urge them to support SB411. Contact information can be found here.
Permit to Purchase Bill Handed a Defeat in Maryland! On Friday, March 26, the Maryland State House Judiciary Committee gave an unfavorable report to House Bill 820, Delegate Sandy Rosenberg's (D-41) egregious and overzealous "Handgun Permit to Purchase" legislation. House Bill 820 would have required Marylanders to obtain and apply for a "Handgun Permit to Purchase" before acquiring a handgun. Thank you to all NRA members who answered the call in defense of our rights and against further encroachment by Maryland politicians who blame you for the actions of criminals!
MISSISSIPPI:Carry Reform, Park Carry Bill Headed to Governor! Last week, the Senate voted to accept an NRA-supported House amendment to SB 2862, giving the measure final approval and sending it to Governor Haley Barbour (R) for his consideration. Originally Senate Bill 2862 would make retired law enforcement officers eligible to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under the provisions of the federal law enforcement safety act by gaining certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. State Representative Warner McBride (D) successfully added a House floor amendment to SB 2862 that repeals the current state ban on the possession of firearms in public parks by Mississippi Right-To-Carry permit holders. This change in state law will allow Mississippi permit holders to carry in state parks and to benefit from the new federal law that took effect last month removing the ban on possession of firearms in national parks and wildlife refuges located in the state. Thank you to all those who contacted their legislators during this process.
MISSOURI:Pro-Gun Bill Scheduled to be Heard Next Week! On Tuesday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m., the Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear House Bill 1692. This legislation, sponsored by State Representative Jason Smith (R-150), contains numerous pro-gun provisions, such as lowering Right-to-Carry age requirements from 23 years to 21 years, expanding Missouri's "Castle Doctrine" protections to any property boundaries one leases or owns, and exempting antique firearms from "unlawful possession" citations. Please contact the members of the State Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB1692 with the pro-gun provisions. Contact information for the committee can be found here.
NEW YORK: Several County Legislatures Passing Resolutions Opposing Anti-Gun Bills in Albany In recent months, several county legislatures in New York have passed resolutions opposing the package of anti-gun bills pending action in the State Assembly in Albany. This includes bills such as gun and ammo bans, renewal requirements for pistol permits and attacks on lawful firearm retailers and manufacturers. Counties speaking out against these assaults on our freedom include Rensselaer, Niagara, Herkimer, Chenango, and Seneca. If you live in one of these counties please contact your local lawmakers and thank them for speaking out. If your county is not listed here, call your county legislators and encourage them to send a message to Albany, as well!
PENNSYLVANIA: Please Attend the 5th Annual Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally! Please join Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice President, other Second Amendment activists, and countless patriots for the opportunity to voice your support for our cherished firearm freedoms. On Tuesday, April 27 at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol in Harrisburg, Second Amendment supporters will gather in solidarity for our gun rights. Don't miss this great opportunity to meet with legislators and urge them to stand up and support the Second Amendment by passing pro-gun advancements currently pending action in the legislature. For more information and to register, please visit www.2ARally.com. Note: attendees must pre-register.
Help Expand Recreational Shooting Opportunities in the Scranton-Area! On Monday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m., the Ransom Township Board will allow the public to submit inquiries to a consortium which is seeking to expand a recreational shooting range in Ransom, just west of Scranton. Ranges like this one offer a safe, controlled environment for local shooters to hone their skills as well as practice and promote safe firearm handling. Anti-gun forces will surely mount an offensive to block this range from expanding. Please attend this meeting and voice your support for this range. The meeting will be held at 2435 Hickory Lane , Clarks Summit, PA 18411 .
TENNESSEE: Restaurant Carry Bill Takes a Step Forward in Tennessee! On Tuesday, March 30, the House Judiciary Voted 8 to 4 to pass House Bill 2694, NRA-backed Restaurant Carry legislation. HB2694 was filed as an alternative to House Bill 3125 and is similar but does not include a provision for restaurants to post to prohibit permit holders. HB3125, with an NRA-backed amendment, would enable a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm for self-defense into restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. Senate Bill 3012, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), is the companion bill to HB3125 and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday, April 6. Please contact your State Representative TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB2694. Contact information for your State Representative can be found by clicking here.Also, please continue to contact members of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Budget Sub-Committee and respectfully urge them to vote for HB3125 with the NRA-backed amendment. Contact information for the committee can be found here.
Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment Heads to Governor's Desk! Senate Joint Resolution 30 passed the State House on Thursday, March 18, by a vote of 90-1. This is the final step in the legislative process to get the Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment on the ballot this November. SJR30 would propose an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution recognizing citizens' right to hunt and fish. It provides truly meaningful protections against the anti-hunting activists who seek to ban all hunting in America. The ultimate adoption of this constitutional amendment by the voters this November would preserve Tennessee's rich hunting and fishing traditions for generations to come. Please contact Governor Bredesen and urge him to sign SJR30. He can be reach by phone at (615) 741-2001 or by email at [email protected].
TEXAS: Management Plan Includes Hunting on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge The Fish and Wildlife Service has released a plan to guide management actions for the next 15 years on the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,000 acre refuge spread across Aransas, Calhoun, and Refugio Counties. The plan proposes two management alternatives to the current management plan (Alternative A). Although Alternative B is the Service's choice, Alternative C calls for significantly expanding all priority public uses, including hunting. Public comments can be submitted until Tuesday, April 13 and emailed to [email protected]. The plan can be viewed at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/Plan/index.html. For further information please call 361-286-3559. It is important that the Service receives support for providing and enhancing hunting opportunities on the refuge. Anti-hunters can be counted on to pressure the Service against it.
VERMONT: Mentored Hunting Bill to be Heard Tuesday, April 6! House Bill 243 will be heard in the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee on Tuesday, April 6 at 11:30 a.m. This important mentored hunting legislation has proven an effective way to draw those interested in hunting to our fields and forests by allowing them to participate with experienced hunters. More then two-dozen other states already have some type of mentored hunter program, and this legislation seeks to give those in Vermont that same opportunity. As a result of this legislation, more citizens will complete hunter education and join the hunting ranks as a result. Please contact members of the Senate Natural Resources and Energy Committee and respectfully urge them to support H. 243. Committee contact information can be found here. Also, please contact your State Senator and encourage him or her to support H. 243 when it reaches the floor. Contact information for the Vermont State Senate can be found by clicking here.
VIRGINIA: Virginia Department of Forestry Accepting Public Comment on Concealed Carry in State Forests! The Virginia Department of Forestry is currently accepting public comment on the proposed amendment to Virginia State Forest Regulation 4VAC10-30-170, which would allow concealed carry permit holders the ability to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense in Virginia's state forests. Public comments will be accepted by the Virginia Department of Forestry until Friday, April 16. Please click here to submit comments respectfully urging the Virginia Department of Forestry to amend the Administrative Code and to support the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Virginians. Also, please attend a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 4 at 1:00 p.m. to show your support for this proposed amendment. The hearing will be held at the Buckingham Agriculture Center Auditorium located at 13360 West James Anderson Highway, in Buckingham.
