“Knowing is half the battle”
New York -(Ammoland.com)- We apologize for the one week delay in our newsletter, but that means we have a TON of interesting news stories both state and national to deliver to you.
At the state level, the legislative session is in full gear with adoption of a state budget expected by April 1. We can only expect that with this budget, there will be a range of backroom deals in exchange for pork and pandering policy changes. When the budget sessions end, we’ll need to keep a close eye on lawmakers to ensure they don’t sneak any anti-gun bills onto Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk.
We’re also keeping watch on state legislative races as the electoral battlefield gets set for November.
In New York State:
(1.) SCOPE was once again on the frontlines in the fight for our rights as they brought a contingent to Albany to press for both offensive and defensive action from our lawmakers. SCOPE President Stephen Altstadt gives an update.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETAsv9khGNU
(2.) NYSRPA broke a cardinal rule of public relations when they said they had no comment when approached by North Country Public Radio on President Obama’s pick of Marrick Garland for the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death.
(3.) Significant controversy erupted March 11 and the following week when Dark Storm Industries indicated they had been told by state police that most of the “fixes” to get around the SAFE Act’s assault weapons ban were actually non-compliant. With tens of thousands of rifles with spurs and maglocks and other modifications sold since January 2013, this generated a great deal of interest online which soon devolved into a he-said, she-said pissing match when some disputed Dark Storm’s claim. Here is a good summary of the situation.
(4.) We are unaware of any resolution to the Dark Storm controversy, but as it stands now, we know this: Paloma Cappana, the attorney who has worked closely with SCOPE, has been retained by Dark Storm and has sent a letter to state police seeking a determination on what is legal and what isn’t.
(5.) We saved the best for last when it comes to the state news round-up. Remember Dean Skelos? It turns out the disgraceful lump of dung, who previously served as senate majority leader and made a deal with Cuomo that allowed for the passage of the SAFE Act in return for pork and power, is a whiny little RINO snot. Fearing that he’ll join Jared Fogel in the prison beating department, Skelos is trying to get community service and is touting his support of the SAFE Act in a bid for leniency. We hope the judge sends him to Cell Block D.
Across the Nation:
(1.) The death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia is a spectre hovering not just over the New York State political scene because of its SAFE Act implications, it’s a huge deal nationally. Although the great Constitutionalist can never truly be replaced, President Obama has announced he would nominate Marrick Garland. Here is a story from the day of the announcement and one from recently with even more commentary and context. CBS News also weighed in with a piece that has a ton of links.
(2.) In other Supreme Court news, what some are saying is a “stunning” decision out of D.C. the court vacated a lower court ruling from Massachusetts that determined stun guns are illegal for citizens. The lower court now has to rehear the case.
This has gun owners raising some eyebrows and their hopes because the language in the ruling reiterated the Heller decision’s language about how arms that are “in common usage” are protected by the Second Amendment. It’s a certainty that the number of so-called “assault weapons” in this country vastly outnumber the number of stun guns. Here is some good commentary on the case.
The crazy thing is, this pro-2A decision by SCOTUS was unanimous, 8-0. So about that now-dead SAFE Act lawsuit…
(3.) Lastly, we have this from Idaho. We can’t even begin to tell you how important the lessons are from this situation. The Republican lawmakers who say they are pro-gun and against the SAFE Act are NOT our friends. They are just playing a game and unless we change the way we think about politics, we’ll always be the pawns.
Upcoming Events:
2nd Annual Bring Back America Festival hosted by the Southern Tier Chapter of SCOPE.
Date: Saturday July 13, 2016
Time: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: East Park, Norwich, NY 13815
Volunteers are needed
Because we’re feeling in a great mood today, here’s a BONUS – a complete listing of New York Gun Shows in 2016.
The VICTORY FUND is Back:
With 2016 and elections coming soon, we are preparing a new set of political fights to take more seats away from the gun-grabbers. In 2014, our NY2A Victory Fund was one of the most instrumental tools used in removing three NYS Senators who had voted/or supported the SAFE Act. The objectives have changed. The end goal has NOT! We WILL strive to remove every legislator who votes to strip us of our Second Amendment Rights.
We cannot do this without you. So please consider donating to NY2A Victory Fund. Unlike other organizations, NY2A makes absolutely certain every CENT is used strategically and not wasted. We proved that in 2014, and with your help, we can prove it again this election year. As a grassroots organization, we need the support of people like you. Together we can bring Liberty back to New York State.
Sincerely,
Jake Palmateer
NY2A
Follow Us:
About New York 2nd Amendment Coalition:
The NY2A Grassroots Coalition is exactly what our name implies: we are a coalition of grassroots organizations committed to defeating the NY SAFE Act and the legislators who voted for it! We are a mechanism for grassroots groups across New York to share ideas and coordinate efforts because we are more effective if we are working together. Below is a list of groups who are part of our coalition.
Is your group actively working to support the 2nd Amendment and fight back against the NY SAFE Act? Let us know if your group wants to join NY2A! And be sure to personally join in this fight by submitting your contact information on the home page!
still a 14-16 month wait for permits and amendments in Westchester