President Calderon’s Eyes On The Wrong Border?
Blaming America for Mexico’s problems has been something of a national pastime for Mexican politicians for many years. True to tradition, Mexican president Felipe Calderon has been blaming Mexico’s astronomically high murder rate on Americans who buy drugs and who sell guns, rather than on the Mexican drug cartels who commit a vastly disproportionate share of those murders, and the historic corruption in Mexico, from which the wicked cartels have spawned.
However, an article published by the Mexico City newspaper La Jornada suggests that el Presidente might better serve the good people of his country by looking to his southern border, instead of al norte.
As explained in English by the Latin American Herald Tribune, “The most fearsome weapons wielded by Mexico’s drug cartels enter the country from Central America, not the United States, according to U.S. diplomatic cables disseminated by WikiLeaks and published on Tuesday by La Jornada newspaper. Items such as grenades and rocket-launchers are stolen from Central American armies and smuggled into Mexico via neighboring Guatemala, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City reported to Washington.”
Outrage Of The Week: This week’s “Outrage” comes to us from the Garden State, where insult has literally been added to injury for Mr. Jeffrey Muller.
Congressman Refuses Award From Radical HSUS: This week, U.S. Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) refused an award from the Humane Society of the United States. As we have frequently reported, despite their innocuous sounding name, the HSUS is the most radical animal "rights" organization in the country. They are extremely anti-hunting and anti-gun.
Plan To Attend Free Grassroots Workshop At NRA’s Upcoming Annual Meetings In Pittsburgh, PA! In anticipation of a hectic legislative session at both the federal and state levels, and in order to lay the foundation for a successful campaign season in 2012, NRA-ILA will be hosting a FREE Grassroots Workshop on Friday, April 29, in conjunction with NRA’s Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh.
Panelists Announced For Special ILA Seminar! In addition to the FREE Grassroots Workshop being held in conjunction with this year’s Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division will be holding a Special Seminar.
ILA Dinner and Auction At Annual Meetings: The Institute for Legislative Action will hold its Fifth Annual Dinner and Auction in conjunction with the NRA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening, April 29th.
The Fifth Annual NRA-ILA Dinner and Auction will allow you to show your continued support for NRA-ILA, and enjoy a great evening filled with good food, friends, and an excellent live and silent auction.
This year, the auction will be held at Heinz Field. Don’t miss your opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind firearms, original artwork, knives, hunts and wines. This is also a great chance to meet NRA officers and ILA staff.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact John Commerford, 703-267-1141 or visit www.nraila.org/ilaauction.
Volunteers Needed For 2011 NRA Annual Meetings In Pittsburgh: The 2011 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits will be an exciting weekend, as thousands of NRA members will come together April 27--May 1, 2011, in Pittsburgh, PA. You can contribute to the success of our meeting by participating as an Annual Meetings Volunteer.
Another Way To Get Involved--Join NRA’s Facebook And Twitter Groups: Internet social networking has exploded in recent years, and websites such as Facebook and Twitter attract millions of users. This on-line community fosters a connection between its users, and allows distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).
Grassroots News Minute Video: To view this week’s “Grassroots News Minute” video, please click 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.)
For additional information, please click on the links provided.
ALASKA: House Finance Committee Reschedules Hearing on No-Duty-to-Retreat Legislation
House Bill 80 has been rescheduled for April 4, at 6:00 p.m. Please contact members of the House Finance Committee and respectfully urge them to support HB 80.
CALIFORNIA: Assembly Public Safety Committee to Hear Bill to Ban Open Carry
Assembly Bill 144 will be heard by the Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, April 12. AB 144 would make it a misdemeanor to carry an unloaded handgun in public under most circumstances. Please contact members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee and urge them to oppose AB 144.
CONNECTICUT: Update on Two Firearm-Related Bills Heard by the Joint Committee on Judiciary
The Joint Committee on Judiciary held a hearing on Senate Bill 1094 and Senate Bill 1210 on March 23, and has until April 15 to take action on these bills. SB 1094 would ban firearm magazines that accept more than ten rounds of ammunition, while SB 1210 is a self-defense reform bill. Please continue to contact members of this committee and urge them to support SB 1210 and oppose SB 1094.
FLORIDA: STOP Local Governments from Violating State Law
Senate Bill 402 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, April 4. SB 402 would provide penalties for government officials, local governments and agencies that willfully and knowingly violate the state firearms preemption law. Please e-mail members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to support SB 402.
STOP Doctors Violating Patients’ Gun Privacy Rights
Senate Bill 432 has been scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, April 4. SB 432 would stop anti-gun doctors from asking children and parents if they own guns and then telling them to get rid of their guns. Please e-mail members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to support SB 432.
GEORGIA: General Assembly Goes on Recess – Two Pro-Gun Bills Awaiting House Committee Action
On March 31, the Georgia General Assembly recessed and will reconvene on Monday, April 11. Senate Bill 26, “Emergency Powers” legislation, is scheduled to be heard in the state House Judiciary Committee on April 11. Senate Bill 98, which would expand the Right-to-Carry in public venues, is currently awaiting action in the state House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and could also be heard as early as April 11.
IDAHO: Campus Carry Legislation Defeated Because Three “Pro-Gun” Legislators Voted “No”
On March 25, the Senate State Affairs Committee voted to defeat House Bill 222. State Senators Brent Hill, John McGee and Chuck Winder indicated in their responses to our 2010 candidate questionnaire that they would support this self-defense legislation, but broke their promise on this issue. Please contact these three state Senators and let them know how disappointed you are that they did not honor their commitment to gun owners.
ILLINOIS: Right-to-Carry Legislation Gathering Support in Springfield!
Three pro-gun bills are up for Third Reading in the state House: HB 148 (Right-to-Carry), HB 265 (statewide standard for lawfully transporting firearms), and HB 264 (prohibit municipalities from requiring anything more than a Firearm Owners Identification Card for possessing a firearm). Three anti-gun bills are also up for Third Reading in the state House: HB 1871 (bans standard-capacity magazines that can hold more than ten rounds of ammo), HB 1296 (bans most private transfers of firearms), and HB 1294 (bans countless semi-automatic handguns, rifles, shotguns, and more). Please contact your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 148, HB 264, and HB 265, and to oppose HB 1294, HB 1296 and HB 1871.
INDIANA: Two NRA-Backed Bills go to the State House Floor - Another Priority Bill is Scheduled for a Committee Hearing
On March 31 the House Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions passed Senate Bill 411, the “Parking Lot 2.0” bill. On April 1, the House Public Policy Committee passed Senate Bill 506, Indiana’s “Firearm Transport Permit Reform”. Additionally, on April 6, the House Public Policy Committee will hear Senate Bill 292, the “Firearm Preemption” bill. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to support SB 292.
IOWA: Ban on Lead Shot Proposed by Natural Resources Commission
Iowa’s Natural Resources Commission has announced its intent to ban hunters’ use of lead shot on numerous state and federal wildlife areas across Iowa, except for use in turkey and deer hunting. Written comments are being accepted until April 27, so please e-mail Dale Garner, Wildlife Bureau Chief, and express your opposition to this proposed ban.
Dove Hunting Ban Lifted in Iowa
On March 24, Governor Terry Branstad signed legislation into law authorizing a mourning dove hunting season. With this historic expansion of hunting opportunities, the Legislature and Governor have further demonstrated their steadfast commitment to sportsmen and gun owners.
KANSAS: Right-to-Carry Reform Bill Awaits Governor Brownback’s Approval
On March 28, Senate Bill 152 was sent to Governor Brownback for his approval. This bill would allow persons licensed to carry concealed firearms to lawfully carry their firearms while hunting, and would allow any person who lawfully possesses a suppressor to use the suppressor while hunting. Please contact Governor Brownback and request that he sign SB 152 into law.
Pro-Gun Bill to Remove Obsolete Firearm Provision Signed Into Law
House Bill 2013 was signed into law by Governor Sam Brownback on March 25. HB 2013 will allow Kansans to purchase firearms in non-contiguous states and allow residents of non-contiguous states to purchase firearms in Kansas. Please contact Governor Brownback and thank him for signing HB 2013 into law.
KENTUCKY: 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up – Three Pro-Second Amendment Bills Pass
The Kentucky General Assembly’s 2011 Regular Session adjourned on March 21. NRA-backed House Bill 1, a Right to Hunt and Fish Amendment, passed the state Legislature and will be on the November 2012 ballot. House Bill 308, which provides a pathway to restoring gun rights, and House Bill 313, which allows for concealed carry in a vehicle’s installed compartment, were both passed and signed into law.
MASSACHUSETTS: Youth Hunting Legislation Introduced in the Commonwealth
State Representative Anne Gobi is circulating a letter to her colleagues for co-signing, which urges the Joint Committee on Public Safety to favorably release H.2400, “An Act Relative to Youth Hunting Programs.” Please call your state Senator and Representative today and urge them to sign this letter supporting H.2400.
MISSOURI: Annual Gun Rights Day Rally on Wednesday
This year’s Gun Rights Day Rally will be held on April 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the Missouri Capitol first floor rotunda. Please attend and show your support of the Second Amendment at the Missouri State Capitol!
NEBRASKA: Pro-Gun Bill Passes First Vote in the State Legislature
LB 512 would require the state to provide mental health information to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database and provide a relief-from-disabilities process. An amendment (Amdt. 976) was adopted by the state Senate that would waive Nebraska’s 180-day residency requirement for a concealed handgun permit as long as the new resident currently holds a concealed carry permit from his or her previous state, and that state’s permits are recognized by Nebraska.
NEVADA: Campus Protection Act Passes Out of Senate Committee
Senate Bill 231 passed in the Senate Government Affairs Committee on March 25, and now moves to the state Senate floor for consideration. Please contact your state Senator and all of your elected officials and urge them to support SB 231.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Castle Doctrine Bill Fixed and Heading to the House of Representatives for Consideration
The Senate Judiciary Committee added a hostile amendment to Senate Bill 88 that would have weakened this important self-defense measure. This amendment was voted down on the state Senate floor and SB 88 passed on March 30.
NEW MEXICO: 2011 Legislative Wrap-Up
The New Mexico Legislature failed to pass any pro-gun legislation before it adjourned on March 19. Senate Bill 29 and House Bill 140, NRA-backed bills eliminating the two-hour, mid-term refresher course for Concealed Handgun Licensees, both died at the end of the session. Senate Bill 220 and House Bill 228, NRA-backed “Castle Doctrine” bills, were never granted committee hearings. Several other pro-Second Amendment bills also never made it out of committee. Please contact your state Senator and Representative and let them know that you would like to see these important issues addressed next year.
NEW YORK: Phillipstown Gun Rights Rally
The Town of Phillipstown has filed a gun control proposal which would prohibit the carrying of firearms in public buildings, on town properties, or on any property that the town owns. A gun rights rally will take place at the next Town Hall meeting on April 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the Philipstown Hall. Please contact members of the Phillipstown Board and express your opposition to this gun control proposal.
NORTH CAROLINA: House Finally Considers and Passes Right-to-Carry Reform Bill
House Bill 111, which would expand where Right-to-Carry permit holders may lawfully carry firearms for personal protection, passed in the House of Representatives on March 30, and will now move to the state Senate. An anti-gun amendment was added to the bill to allow local governments to prohibit permit holders from carrying firearms onto certain “recreational facilities”. Please take a moment to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to work with the NRA to improve and pass H 111.
NORTH DAKOTA: Worker Protection Bill Awaiting Consideration by Governor
On March 30, the state Senate passed House Bill 1438, which would allow employees to lawfully store their firearms in locked personal vehicles on publicly-accessible parking lots without fear of being fired. This bill is now awaiting action by the Governor. Please contact Governor Dalrymple and respectfully urge him to sign HB 1438 into law.
OKLAHOMA: NRA-Backed Bills Continue to Move through the Legislative Process
The Oklahoma Legislature continues its work on several pro-gun bills, including the “Firearm Owner Privacy Protection Act”, the “Parking Lot/Worker Protection” expansion bill, and open carry legislation. These bills have been assigned to committee, but have not yet received a hearing.
House and Senate Vote Unanimously to Protect Lawful Firearm Retailers
On March 31, the state House voted to prevent deceptive, illegal gun “stings”, such as those regularly conducted in other states by cronies of anti-gun billionaire New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg by passing Senate Bill 856. Please contact Governor Mary Fallin and respectfully urge her to sign SB 856 into law.
OREGON: Additional Hearing on Gray Wolf Legislation Scheduled
On March 30, the state House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard seven bills relating to the management of gray wolves. Due to high interest on this issue, an additional hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 5. Please contact members of this committee and urge them to support HB3013, HB 3560, HB 3561, HB 3562, HB 3563, HB 2125, and HB 2126.
Concealed Handgun License Confidentiality Bill Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee
House Bill 2787A has been referred to the state Senate Judiciary Committee after passing in the state House. HB 2787A would prohibit a public body from releasing personal information that identifies the holder of or applicant for a Concealed Handgun License. Please contact members of the state Senate Judiciary Committee, as well as Senate President Peter Courtney, and ask that they take up HB 2787A without delay.
RHODE ISLAND: Anti-Gun Bill to be Heard in House Committee on Wednesday
On April 6, House Bill 5671 is scheduled for consideration by the state House Judiciary Committee. Under H. 5671, a minor could be prosecuted for simply possessing a firearm or ammunition, whether intentionally or otherwise. Please contact your state Representative and respectfully urge him or her to oppose H. 5671.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Commission Set to Vote in April on Proposed Lead Shot Ban
A private landowner filed a petition with the state Game, Fish and Parks Commission to ban lead shot for hunting on public roads and rights-of-way. The Commission will vote on the proposal at its meeting on April 7-8.
WASHINGTON: Legislation to Legalize the Use of Firearm Suppressors Headed to Governor’s Desk
House Bill 1016 passed in the state Senate on March 29 and will be sent to Governor Chris Gregoire for her consideration. HB 1016 legalizes the use of suppressors, as long as the suppressor is possessed in accordance with federal law.
