GRNC Guerrilla Tactics for Gun Rights Warriors Seminar

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)-Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education’s annual legislative tactics seminar, taught by GRNC president Paul Valone, will teach you how to better defend your rights.

Far beyond the typical “write-your-congressman” approach, the updated and expanded seminar will feature hardball tactics for making politicians and corporations accede to your demands.

Learn why citizen groups often fail, and why the political process is not “broken.”

As one sage put it: “The legislative process works just fine. It just doesn’t work the way you think it does.”

Following the seminar, GRNC will conduct its meeting of the board of directors, after which attendees are invited to join us for drinks and dinner.

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

Location: Rights Watch International office, 2016 Cameron St., Suite 217, Raleigh, NC 27605.

Agenda:

• Legislative Tactics Seminar: 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM
• Board of Directors Meeting: 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM
• GRNC dinner get-together: 6:00 PM until?

Registration: Contact GRNC president Paul Valone at President@GRNC.org. Fee is $30, waived for active or new GRNC volunteers. Proof of a demonstrated history of supporting gun rights may be requested / required.

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

AmmoLand Gun News

Trenton, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- For more than thirty years NJ Firearms Law has all but banned Citizen use, ownership or possession of hollow point type ammunition, but with the obligatory exemption for Military and Police.

It is true that Citizens can in fact buy, and use hollow points under extremely limited and exceptionally narrowly tailored circumstances, but even most cops aren’t aware of them.

Ask nearly any anti-gun politician or spokesperson for an anti-gun group and the inevitable answer justifying the law is predicated on utter ignorance and unsupportable rhetoric. Opponents will invariably exclaim that hollow point bullets are “extra lethal “and “they are designed solely to cause devastating wounds, inflicting un-necessary pain and trauma “and they “pose a grave threat “or other variations of the meme.

Yet there’s that pesky exemption for the Military and Police. The only conclusion one can reach is that the Legislature approves of and supports the issuance and potential use of these “extra lethal” rounds of ammunition by Police Officers in the performance of their duties, essentially suggesting and overtly approving that it’s perfectly acceptable for an alleged criminal to be shot by a Police Officer with them if the situation calls for it. This means, it is the stated policy of the NJ Legislature that a person engaged in a criminal act, but not having yet had a trial or having been convicted of such an act in a Court of Law, can suffer “ un-necessary pain and trauma “ and suffer “ devastating wounds “ if an Officer decides to shoot the suspect for whatever reason.

Now, let’s shed the harsh light of scientific facts on the issue.

A hollow point bullet is not designed “solely to cause devastating wounds “ its design and construction is engineered to have the bullet expand on impact with a surface, any surface; including concrete, steel, wood, fabric and yes, flesh. By expanding on impact, the surface area of the bullet increases and causes the kinetic energy stored in the bullet to be dispersed over a greater surface area, that’s it!

Remember I mentioned fabric amongst the list of surfaces that will cause a hollow point to expand when it impacts? What are Police issue Kevlar Bullet Resistant Vests made from? That’s right, fabric. In fact, when Police issue Body Armor is tested by both the manufacturer and the government agency responsible for certifying its effectiveness, it’s tested against hollow point bullets!
Police Body Armor is actually much more likely to be more effective at stopping a hollow point bullet then a “full metal jacket “type of bullet, which is the height of irony. Because of the Legislature’s incredible ignorance of the subject and their apparent willingness to swallow the baseless lies and fear mongering of Anti gunners, they’ve unintentionally created a more potentially deadly situation for those they claim to be trying to protect, Police and innocent Citizens.

I have in my custody an internal Ballistics Test Report from the NJ State Police that conclusively proves that the use of full metal jacket ammunition in a defensive shooting situation is exponentially riskier in terms of the likelihood of over penetration and or “target pass through “with the significant potential to injure innocent people well outside the area of the shooting.

A study performed by the NYPD found the same thing and validated the findings of the NJ State Police, that the use of full metal jacket style ammunition was much more likely to result in the unintended injury of innocent bystanders due to the ability of the round to strike its intended target, generally retain its shape and energy, pass through the target and continue on its path to strike something else. As opposed to a hollow point bullet whose design ensures that upon impact it expands and deposits its energy in its original target, thereby becoming significantly less likely to hurt or kill an innocent bystander.

The Legislature cannot have it both ways. They can either admit that if they truly believe that hollow point style ammunition actually is “ extra lethal “ and all the other assorted, overheated adjectives they use to describe them, that this is what they approve of for use against criminals, which certainly seems like a clear cut case of “ extra judicious “ force. Or they can simply admit they made a mistake, take responsibility for it and fix it by treating hollow point ammunition just like any other bullet.

Help Put Teeth in Kentucky's Firearms Preemption Law

Kentucky Concealed Carry Coalition

Frankfort, Ky --(Ammoland.com)- Since 1984 when the General Assembly passed KRS 65.870, the Pre-emption Statute, the Kentucky State Constitution and state law prohibit city and county governments from passing gun control laws.

Since that time all laws regulating firearms must come from the state government in Frankfort and nowhere else.

Yet for the last 28 years many city and county governments have ignored this law and have infringed on the rights of law abiding citizens.

Over the years, members of KC3 and other groups concerned with our rights and freedoms, such as Take Back Kentucky, have actively confronted many of these cities and counties, forcing them to revoke these illegal ordinances and to remove illegal signs and prohibitions.

Now, a few local governments are flagrantly ignoring state law and thumbing their noses at the authority of the General Assembly. The reason they flaunt the statute is that there is no penalty for breaking it.

The City of Bardstown is one of the local governments that is acting illegally. Members of KC3 have spoken with and written to the Mayor and city officials of Bardstown demanding that the city conduct its business legally and to refrain from violating the constitutional rights of the citizens of Bardstown.

The local newspaper has run several articles on the situation. The city of Bardstown stubbornly refuses to comply, even informing the Kentucky League of Cities that it’s a dead issue to them.

This year amendments to KRS 65.870 have been introduced in the General Assembly in the form of House Bill 290 which will provide the means to punish those who ignore our laws and violate our rights. Modeled on a law that was enacted in Florida last year, this bill will add serious teeth to the state law and provide strict punishment for city and county officials that refuse to recognize the authority of the pre-emption statute.

It calls for fines of up to $5000 to be collected from offending local officials and prohibits them from being defended at taxpayer expense. All Ky. gun owners should support HB 290 and urge their legislators to work to pass it.

Without this bill the work done to safeguard our rights is being made a mockery. Florida solved the problem of local governments infringing on gun owners rights and they rushed to get into compliance when they realized how much it would cost them to continue their lawless ways.

The pre-emption law already exists in Kentucky. We just want it enforced as written, with substantial penalties for those who refuse.

Unfortunately, partisan politics in Frankfort make it possible that this important bill may not get a hearing and a vote, and only YOUR intervention can ensure its passage.

Kentuckians of all parties and creeds must join together to force our politicians to put aside petty political differences and do what’s right for our citizens, just as we did in 1996 when we banded together to achieve the passage our outstanding concealed carry law, House Bill 40, now KRS 237.

This is a fight for all Kentuckians, not just those who live in the cities that are engaged in these abuses. This could spread to your hometown, or you may visit one of these places and be arrested under an illegal ordinance which could cost you thousands of dollars in legal fees, or even land you in jail. Failure to pass this bill may encourage other city and county governments to join Bardstown in this lawlessness.

If you want to stop these local governments from infringing your rights and liberties, take the time NOW to call your state legislators and urge them to support or co-sponsor HB 290.

Tell them that you expect the members of the House Committee on Local Government to move this bill out of committee and onto the House floor.

This is the most important gun legislation of the last 28 years. You can call the Capitol switchboard at 1-800-372-7181 and tell the operator you want to leave a message for all the members of the House Committee on Local Government.

That message is – ‘support HB290 and bring it to the House floor with a favorable report‘.

We must work as citizens united to stop gun control from taking root in our cities and counties, and send a message to corrupt local officials that they, too, must obey Kentucky’s laws – ALL of Kentucky’s laws.

About Kentucky Concealed Carry Coalition:
Since 1994, KC3 has led the struggle to secure your right to carry a legally concealed weapon for your defense and the safety of your loved ones. Visit: www.kc3blog.blogspot.com

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Dear Second Amendment Supporter,

We told you about the most anti-gun Republican in the U.S. Senate, Dick Lugar of Indiana.

MSNBC calls Lugar “Obama’s favorite Republican.”

And it’s no wonder; Lugar voted for Obama’s anti-gun Supreme Court nominees, and both the President and the Senator support banning guns.

But don’t take our word for it – listen to what Lugar said when he was running for president in 1996 about his support for the Clinton gun ban.

In this YouTube video, Lugar brags about his vote and implies that supporters of the Second Amendment lack “common sense.” The year the so-call “assault weapons” ban passed, Lugar also received a contribution from leftist George Soros.

Even worse, Lugar supports the global, UN small arms treaty. And if Republicans take back control of the Senate – which is likely in 2012 – Lugar will become chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. You can bet Lugar will pull out all the stops to cram that treaty through the Senate.

Thankfully, this year we have a tremendous opportunity to defeat Lugar.

Richard Mourdock, Indiana’s current State Treasurer, is battling Obama’s favorite Republican in the state’s May 8th Republican primary.

Mourdock is a genuine gun rights supporter. He will oppose the anti-gun agendas of Obama, the UN, and the leaders of either political party. Richard Mourdock has the pro-gun community and grassroots conservatives on his side.

Where Lugar has an advantage is in money, which is pouring in from his liberal allies across the country. In fact, he is already up on TV misleading voters about his record, and he will stay on the air through the primary.

But if gun owners and sportsmen from across the country all chip in a few bucks, while we might not be able to out raise Lugar, we can ensure that Mourdock will have enough to get his message out to the voters.

So check out this 31-second commercial, and then please visit www.richardmourdock.com and click the “Donate Now” button.

Working together, we can send Lugar packing, before he does even more damage to our gun rights.

Thank you for standing with GOA, and for your support of Richard Mourdock.

PS Let’s not let Dick Lugar get away with further eroding our gun rights. Check out this video and then visit www.richardmourdock.com today to make a contribution.

Paid for by Gun Owners of America Political Victory Fund. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

About:
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Special Agent in Charge Gary Orchowski, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Houston Division and Special Agent in Charge Jerry Robinette, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement –Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio announced that two San Antonio men–23–year–old Keith Edwards and 22–year–old Ricky Gonzales– have been sentenced to 87 and 42 months in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a firearms straw purchasing and trafficking investigation.

Edwards and Gonzalez, who were sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Del Rio, are two of 22 defendants who have pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges in connection with this investigation. The other defendants include San Antonio area residents Marino Castro, Jr., age 27; Edward Levar Davis, age 33; Jake Lee Cardenas, age 22; Ricky Castillo, age 23; Ronald Joseph Edwards, age 27; Samuel Antonio Escobar, age 23; Roxanne Bernal Guerra, age 32; Oralia Naranjo Ortega, age 45; Roxann Marie Rodriguez, age 24; Rosendo Rodriguez, Jr., age 37; Carlos Veliz, Jr., age 23; David Hance–Colon, age 25; Brittany Hernandez, age 20; Linda Luevanos Gonzalez, age 37; Joanna Elaine Flores, age 25; Crystal Marie Adame, age 20; Israel Cantu, age 31; Maria Montelongo Zavala, age 50; Jose Ytuarte, age 31; and, Antonia Naranjo Lopez, age 46.

According to court records, the defendants, under the direction of ringleaders Castro and Davis, conspired to illegally purchase firearms from San Antonio area firearms dealers. Once retrieved from straw purchasers, Castro and Davis admittedly arranged to transport the firearms to a staging location in Eagle Pass where they were to be smuggled into Mexico to members of the Los Zetas Drug Trafficking Organization. Between May 2010 and August 2010, authorities intercepted five different shipments attributed to this trafficking cell and seized over 200 firearms, including handguns, AK–47 and AR–15–style assault rifles and one .50 caliber Barrett sniper rifle.

“People who make false statements in connection with the purchase of firearms need to know two things: first, it is likely that those firearms are being used by those who eventually receive them to commit violent crimes, often against innocent victims; and two, that their role in facilitating the acquisition of firearms by criminals – even if that role is being paid a couple of hundred dollars for buying a firearm and passing it off to a middle man – will net them a federal prison sentence of up to ten years,” stated United States Attorney Robert Pitman.

To date, nine of the defendants have been sentenced to federal prison terms–14 years (Davis), 10 years (Castillo), 87 months (Edwards), 72 months (Cardenas), 57 months (Linda Gonzalez), 42 months (Ricky Gonzales), 37 months (Hance), 21 months (Ortega), and 12 months (Veliz). Marino Castro is scheduled to be sentenced at 11:00am on May 21, 2012, in Del Rio before United States District Judge Alia Moses. Antonia Lopez died of cancer prior to sentencing. Sentencings for the remaining defendants are scheduled throughout February, March and April.

“This is an example on how Federal and State agencies working together can deny the criminal element the tools of their violent trade. Lives were saved by denying the criminals hundreds of firearms,” stated Special Agent in Charge Gary Orchowski, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Houston Division.

“One of HSI’s top priorities is the dismantling of organizations involved in the smuggling of firearms to Mexican drug cartels,” said Jerry Robinette, special agent in charge for HSI in San Antonio. “The collective expertise and authorities of our law enforcement partners during this investigation significantly contributed to preventing hundreds of rifles and handguns from reaching violent criminal organizations and prosecuting those who were responsible.”

This case was investigated by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE–HSI) with assistance from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Seal is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- The New Jersey Appellate Division decided two cases this week in support of fair treatment for those who received mental health care, but who no longer suffer from such disabilities in such a manner that would handicap them in the safe handling of firearms.

The law firm of Evan F. Nappen, Attorney at Law PC of Eatontown, New Jersey, (www.evannappen.com) represented both of these appellants.

Both cases were partially funded by the NRA’s Civil Rights Defense Fund.

IN RE M.L., PETITIONER FOR EXPUNGEMENT
Two years ago, M.L., a retired law enforcement officer with over 25 years of service, suffered from a bout of depression, from which he had significantly improved. He voluntarily admitted himself to a mental health facility and, thereafter, received outpatient treatment. He sought to have his voluntary commitment records expunged to relieve the stigma associated with his hospital stay and to help him gain employment as a security guard. M.L.’s treating doctor testified that M.L. was presently of sound mental health. Despite the above, the trial court denied the petition.

Louis P. Nappen, Esq., appeared on behalf of M.L. both at the trial court and on appeal. On appeal, Mr. Nappen argued that the Ocean County Trial Court erred in applying the wrong standard of review and in failing to conclude M.L. met all requirements for expungement under the statute. The Appellate Division agreed, finding that “the trial court’s opinion appeared to ignore the provisions of the statute” and that “the denial of expungement premised upon a possible future weapons application is erroneous.”

It was clear that the petitioner received unfair treatment from the trial judge, and on February 8, the Appellate Division ordered, “”We conclude the trial court’s review was deficient as it failed to comply with the requisites of the statute. Accordingly, we reverse the October 15, 2010 order and remand the matter for consideration by a different Law Division judge[.]“

When asked about the decision, Attorney Nappen stated, “Basically, the judge refused to apply the statute to the facts of the case, but instead promoted an anti-gun agenda. I am glad that the Appellate Division saw the unfairness of the situation.”

This decision is available at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/opinions/a1499-10.pdf .

IN RE WEAPONS OF A.S.
Following a dismissed temporary restraining order (regarding which the wife’s allegation could not be proven), the State moved to forfeit A.S.’s firearms that were seized in accordance with the temporary order.  Firearms were not involved in any way in his wife’s allegations of domestic violence. A.S. has no criminal record or other absolute bars to firearm possession.

Despite the above, the prosecutor insisted on a mental health evaluation based on information provided by the wife that A.S had threatened and attempted suicide in the past. Appellant testified that he has suffered from chronic back pain since 1997, and he has also been diagnosed with depression. Appellant testified that he had been under the care of psychiatrists.

At the hearing, A.S. presented a doctor’s letter in response to the prosecutor’s demand that attested to A.S.’s present mental health stability. Despite the doctor’s letter, the trial court granted the State’s petition for forfeiture.

The defendant appeared pro se at the Sussex County Trial Court, but hired Evan F. Nappen, Attorney at Law, PC for the appeal. Louis P. Nappen, Esq., argued the appeal for the firm.

On February 6, the Appellate Division found that the appellant was misled at the trial court level. “He should not have been deprived of fair notice that the State would not accept [his doctor’s] letter as satisfying the statutory requirement.”

The Court stated, “Over appellant’s earlier objections, the court had granted two adjournments to the State to prepare its case. It should also have granted a continuance of the hearing to appellant to seek more evidence of his mental fitness.” Therefore, the Appellate Division reversed and remanded the matter to reopen the hearing and permit A.S. to present additional evidence of his fitness to possess his firearms.

This decision is available at http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/opinions/a3192-10.pdf .

The above decisions also mirror the Appellate Division decision in State v. Pyskaty, July 8, 2011, where the Court reversed a Monmouth County trial court that refused to consider a doctor’s written evaluation in support of the return of firearms and firearm rights. The Pyskaty case was argued by Richard V. Gilbert, Esq., also of the Nappen Firm, and is available at http://lawlibrary.rutgers.edu/courts/appellate/a3742-09.opn.html.

When asked about the A.S. and M.L. appeals, Attorney Nappen commented, “These victories do not just support firearm rights, but also civil rights for those who face unfair treatment by the courts or by the state as a result of seeking mental health treatment. The Appellate decisions send a message that judges should stop discouraging people from seeking mental health counseling at the fear of losing their personal reputations and firearm rights.”

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- House Bill 4054 is scheduled to be heard in the state House Health Care Committee on Monday, February 13.

This hearing will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Hearing Room E of the Oregon Capitol.  Sponsored by state Representative Jim Thompson (R-23), HB 4054 would prohibit the Public Employees’ Benefit Board from authorizing or requiring the collection of information or maintenance of records about firearms from eligible employees or family members applying for health benefits.

HB 4054 was introduced after state Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli (R-30) secured commitments from both Kaiser Permanente and the Public Employee’s Benefit Board to purge gun ownership data that had been collected after implementing a new employee initiative called the “Health Engagement Model.”  After Senator Ferrioli’s inquiries, both plans dropped the questions related to firearms.

Please call and e-mail members of the state House Health Care Committee TODAY and urge them to support HB 4054.  Their contact information can be found below.

House Health Care Committee:

• Representative Mitch Greenlick (D-33), Co-Chairman
  503-986-1433
  rep.mitchgreenlick@state.or.us
• Representative Jim Thompson (R-23), Co-Chairman
  503-986-1423
  rep.jimthompson@state.or.us
• Representative Val Hoyle (D-14), Co-Vice Chairman
  503-986-1414
  rep.valhoyle@state.or.us
• Representative Bill Kennemer (R-39), Co-Vice Chairman
  503-986-1439
  rep.billkennemer@state.or.us
• Representative Jason Conger (R-54)
  503-986-1454
  rep.jasonconger@state.or.us
• Representative Margaret Doherty (D-35)
  503-986-1435
  rep.margaretdoherty@state.or.us
• Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer (D-46)
  503-986-1446
  rep.alissakenyguyer@state.or.us
• Representative Julie Parrish (R-37)
  503-986-1437
  rep.julieparrish@state.or.us

About:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Today, the Virginia House of Delegates passed two pro-gun bills: House Bill 25 and House Bill 754. HB 25 passed in the state House by an 81 to 17 vote and HB 754 passed by a 74 to 22 vote. Both bills will now go to the Virginia Senate for its consideration.

HB 25, sponsored by Delegate Mark Cole (R-88), seeks to prohibit the Clerk of the Court from disclosing information contained on a concealed handgun permit application or on an order issuing a concealed handgun permit.

Sponsored by Delegate Ben Cline (R-24), HB 754 would eliminate the optional fingerprinting requirements for initial concealed carry permits.

We thank NRA members who contacted their Delegate and asked them to support these crucial bills.

Tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. in the Fourth Floor West Conference Room of the General Assembly building, the House Committee on Militia, Police and Public Safety Subcommittee #1 will hold a hearing on the following bills of interest to Virginia gun owners:

Pro-Gun Bills
House Bill 859, introduced by Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R-15), would provide an exemption from the required criminal history record information check for firearms transfers in the Commonwealth for persons holding a valid Virginia-issued concealed handgun permit.

House Bill 1135, introduced by Delegate R. Lee Ware, Jr. (R-65), would remove certain requirements for an out-of-state concealed handgun permit to be recognized and accepted in Virginia. Requires an out-of-state permittee to carry and present a valid government-issued photo identification in order for his or her valid out-of-state concealed weapon permit to be recognized and accepted in Virginia.

House Bill 1279, introduced by Delegate Christopher P. Stolle (R-83), would provide that a prisoner may be charged under both the crimes by prisoners code section and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Anti-Gun Bills
House Bill 797, introduced by Delegate Joseph D. Morrissey (D-74), would create a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person carrying a handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and prohibits a person from obtaining a concealed handgun permit for five years following such a conviction. This prohibition applies regardless of whether the person is carrying the handgun openly or concealed. Current law makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to carry a concealed handgun in a public place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but does not speak to openly carrying a handgun while under the influence.

House Bill 1197, introduced by Delegate Jennifer L. McClellan (D-71), would create a Class 3 misdemeanor for the offense of failing to report to law enforcement that a firearm a person owns or lawfully possesses has been lost or stolen. Subsequent violations of the law would be a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill also creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for the knowingly false reporting of a lost or stolen firearm.

House Bill 1223, introduced by Delegate Patrick A. Hope (D-47), reads “Except those lawfully possessing a handgun, no person shall possess a weapon in legislative buildings and all persons, except General Assembly members, staff or any law enforcement officer.”

House Bill 1226, introduced by Delegate Luke E. Torian (D-52), would give the board of visitors or other governing body of an educational institution the power to establish rules and regulations for the possession or transportation of firearms or ammunition on property owned or operated by the institution.

House Bill 1257, introduced by Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D-43), would provide that it is a Class 1 misdemeanor for a person who is under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs to carry a loaded firearm on or about his person in a public place and that a person found guilty is ineligible to apply for a concealed handgun permit for a period of five years. This bill also creates a Class 2 misdemeanor for a person who carries a loaded firearm on or about his person onto the premises of any restaurant or club licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption and consume an alcoholic beverage while on the premises.

Please continue to check AmmoLand, your e-mail and www.NRAILA.org for more updates on these issues.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Please Contact your state Representative NOW!

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Today, House Bill 1523 will be before the full House for its second consideration.

As predicted, at least thirteen anti-gun amendments have been filed to the bill for second consideration.

These amendments range from “ballistic imaging” mandate to gutting the current “state preemption” statute. It is imperative that you call AND e-mail your state Representative THIS MORNING and urge him or her to support HB 1523 and OPPOSE any and all House floor amendments.

This much-needed pro-gun bill would make critical changes to enhance Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption law.

House Bill 1523, sponsored by state Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-12), would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearms preemption law to further ensure firearm and ammunition laws are uniform throughout the state. If enacted, House Bill 1523 would help eliminate the need for litigation by gun owners who have been unduly burdened by local ordinances which violate the current state firearm preemption law. Citizens with no criminal intent should not be placed in jeopardy of running afoul of local restrictions they don`t even know exist simply because they have crossed from one municipality to another.

Please call AND e-mail your state Representative and urge him or her to support HB 1523 as amended by the state House Judiciary Committee. To find contact information or help identifying your state Representative, please click here.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

NRA-ILA's Chris W. Cox

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Last Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder appeared before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to answer questions about his role in the deadly “Fast and Furious”gun-running scandal.

However, instead of answers, Congress got more defiance, more arrogance, and more wasted time with an attorney general who clearly feels no sense of obligation to the American people or our rule of law.

But for all the stonewalling, there was at least one telling moment at this hearing, and it should concern law-abiding gun owners and all Americans who expect accountability from our government.

In a rash attempt to deflect attention away from himself and his own irresponsibility, Holder let Congress know that the Obama administration is still working toward the day when it can reinstate former President Bill Clinton’s so-called “assault weapons” ban.

According to Holder:

This administration has consistently favored the re-institution of the assault weapons ban. It is something that we think was useful in the past with regard to the reduction that we’ve seen in crime, and certainly would have a positive impact on our relationship and the crime situation in Mexico.

It’s difficult to follow Holder’s logic here, but it goes something like this …

The Obama administration — particularly Eric Holder’s Justice Department — oversaw an epic scandal whereby our own federal government illegally funneled thousands of firearms into the hands of Mexican drug lords. This contributed to the death of one U.S. Border Patrol agent and hundreds of Mexicans.

Despite being head of the Justice Department and our nation’s chief law enforcement officer, Eric Holder claims he doesn’t know how or why this scandal occurred, or even who under his charge may have authorized it. He also refuses to turn over critical documents to congressional investigators that could help prevent something this tragic and corrupt from ever happening again.

Therefore, Obama and Holder are confident that if they can ban a large number of the legal firearms that law-abiding Americans use every day for self-defense, hunting, and recreational and competitive target shooting, it will help solve Mexico’s crime problem.

What’s particularly galling about Holder’s shallow and illogical attempt to use “Fast and Furious” to further the Obama administration’s gun-ban agenda is that during the same hearing, he lectured Congress for playing political “gotcha” games in an election year.

Amazingly, Holder seems incapable of understanding that this isn’t a Republican or Democratic issue, it’s an American issue, and all Americans deserve to know how and why their government purposefully allowed thousands of guns to flow into the hands of murderous Mexican drug cartels.

The family of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry deserves to know why two of these guns were found at the scene of Terry’s murder.

Eric Holder’s Justice Department oversaw this illegal operation, but all Holder is willing to do is call for gun bans on law-abiding Americans, withhold critical information from Congress, and pat himself on the back for a job well done.

As Holder told Congress on Thursday: “I’m proud of the work that I’ve done as attorney general of the United States, and looked at fairly, I think I’ve done a pretty good job.”

Eric Holder has long since proved himself inept and incapable of holding the trust that Americans place in our nation’s chief law enforcement officer. The longer Holder refuses to step down as attorney general, the more lasting his damage to this sacred institution will be.

Chris W. Cox is the executive director of the National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) and serves as the organization’s chief lobbyist.

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Obama's "Healthcare" Mandate - What Would Reagan Say

Editor’s note: Dr. Kengor will be a participant in an April 19-20 conference hosted by The Center for Vision & Values on “The Challenge 2012: The Divided Conservative Mind.”

The Center For Vision & Values

Grove City, PA --(Ammoland.com)- February 6 was the anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s birth.

It comes at an appropriate time. February is also the month of Presidents Day and the birthday of Lincoln, the other Republican standard-bearer. Every Republican presidential candidate tries to claim the mantle of Reagan: “I believe as Ronald Reagan believed….”

Well, what did Ronald Reagan believe? It’s a question I get often. I’ve been giving a lecture titled, “What is a Reagan conservative?” I’ll be giving it again at the CPAC conference on Feb. 11 and our Center for Vision & Values conference in April. In that lecture, I lay out the core fundamentals of “Reagan conservatism.”

Some of those fundamentals have special relevance in light of the ongoing scandal known as the “Obama mandate;” that is, President Obama’s unprecedented “healthcare” decree mandating that all Americans—including Catholics and Catholic organizations— forcibly pay for contraception, sterilization, and birth-control drugs that cause abortions.

Two core Reagan fundamentals stand out:

1. Reagan’s belief in the sanctity and dignity of human life; and
2. Reagan’s thoughts on the “idea” of America.

On the first, Reagan insisted that without the right to life, there can be no other rights. The right to life is the first of all freedoms, without which other freedoms literally cannot exist.

“My administration is dedicated to the preservation of America as a free land,” said Reagan in 1983. “And there is no cause more important for preserving that freedom than affirming the transcendent right to life of all human beings, the right without which no other rights have any meaning.”

For Reagan, that right to life began in the womb. It began at conception. As president, Reagan supported a Human Life Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which would have inserted into the Constitution these words: “the paramount right to life is vested in each human being from the moment of fertilization without regard to age, health or condition of dependency.” He favored providing every human being—at all stages of development—protection as “persons” with the “right to life” under the 14th Amendment.

That amendment never passed. Too bad. It would have killed Obama’s mandate, or at least posed a significant challenge.

In addition, Reagan extolled America as a country based on timeless, eternal values: on universal, God-given inalienable rights. Reagan gave innumerable statements on these rights, but I’m struck by one he gave way back in June 1952 at tiny William Woods College in Missouri.

There, Reagan said that America is “less of a place than an idea,” a place that resided deep in our souls. “It is simply the idea,” said Reagan, “the basis of this country and of our religion, the idea of the dignity of man, the idea that deep within the heart of each one of us is something so God-like and precious that no individual or group has a right to impose his or its will upon the people so well as they can decide for themselves.”

Well, the Obama mandate imposes President Obama’s personal will upon all of the American people, and especially Catholics whose consciences dictate otherwise. The mandate violates something God-like and deep within the heart of religious believers who profess the dignity of man from the moment of conception—whose faith implores them not to violate that dignity.

President Obama, via his fiat, has instructed certain believers not only to go against their conscience and Church’s teachings but to subsidize the transgression.

In another speech years later, in August 1983, Reagan referred to Americans’ inalienable rights as “corollaries of the great proposition, at the heart of Western civilization, that every … person is a ressacra, a sacred reality, and as such is entitled to the opportunity of fulfilling those great human potentials with which God has endowed man.”

For many Americans, their faith calls upon them to defend those persons, each one of which is a sacred reality that must be permitted to achieve the great human potential that is God’s hope for all of us.

This is what Ronald Reagan believed. The current president’s “healthcare” mandate is a flagrant rejection of these principles.

Dr. Paul Kengor is professor of political science at Grove City College and executive director of The Center for Vision & Values. His books include “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism,” and his latest release, “Dupes: How America’s Adversaries Have Manipulated Progressives for a Century.”

© 2012 by The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. The views & opinions expressed herein may, but do not necessarily, reflect the views of Grove City College.

Exodus Armed - Responsibility, Safety & Security

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The weekly reading of B’Shalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) tells of the emergence of the Jewish People as a Nation: Pharoah has finally been overwhelmed by the ten plagues Hashem has wrought upon Egypt and the Jewish People depart. No longer slaves, we take our first steps in freedom as our own Nation and People.

Our first steps in freedom are described thus (Exodus 13:18):

“And G-d led the people round about by way of the desert of the Red Sea, and the Children of Israel came up armed from the Land of Egypt.” [1]

Armed? Yes indeed! And it was so significant that we were armed that the Torah makes sure to mention it. Why? Like all slaves, we were disarmed in Egypt. Nothing symbolized our freedom from Egyptian bondage greater than bearing the arms of a free nation, a nation learning to take responsibility for its own well-being — beginning with the responsibility to defend itself.

Lest there be any misunderstanding, Rashi’s commentary explains the verse:

The word ‘chamushim‘ can only mean ‘armed‘. Because G-d caused them to wander in the wilderness, they needed to take arms with them from Egypt, for they did not pass near civilizations where they could acquire arms and supplies but rather had to take everything out from Egypt with them. [2]

Where did the fleeing slaves get arms? From the Egyptians themselves! At the end of last week’s reading, two verses before the Hebrew slaves actually depart from Egypt, they act “according to Moses’ instruction” and asked the Egyptians for “silver, gold, and garments.” After 210 years of slavery, G-d saw to it that the Egyptians would look favorably on them; the Egyptians gave even more than they requested, and they immediately depart (Exodus 13:35-37, with Rashi) — armed, as we are told this week.

Having despoiled Egypt in payment for their long enslavement, the Jews depart having been paid for their and their ancestors’ labor. With their gold and silver, garments, and newly acquired arms of freedom, they depart “triumphantly” — literally, “with a high hand” (14:8), which Rashi understands as “with openly displayed might.”

And indeed, at the end of the weekly reading, our arms and might are put to the test. The nation of Amelek attacks (Exodus 17:8) and the Jewish People go to war. Joshua leads the battle; Moses, Aaron, and Hur ascend to the top of a hill to oversee (17:9-10). When Moses raises his hands to the Heavens, the Jewish people are victorious; when his hands drop, the Amalekites surge. The Mishna (Rosh HaShanah 3:8) explains: when Moses raises his hands, the Jewish People are reminded of G-d, and this strengthens their hands in battle; when they forget G-d, they are defeated.

So it has always been for the Jewish People: we must arm ourselves and take responsibility for our own safety and security, but we must also always remember that G-d is our source of strength.

May we always be blessed with the freedom to self-arm, the discipline to use our arms only in righteousness, and the knowledge that our security comes only from G-d Himself.

• 1. Translation mine.
• 2. This is an exposition of Rashi’s comment, not a literal translation thereof.

Rabbi Bendory is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor.

The Rabbi’s Archive page.

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Gun Rights Examiner David Codrea

USA --(Ammoland.com)- “’The problem with Internet quotations is that many are not genuine.’—Abraham Lincoln”

Humorous as that may be, it’s true, and for those of us striving to keep the argument in favor of an armed citizenry credible, it can be maddening seeing activist gun owners promulgating the spurious Washington “Liberty teeth” quote, or the supposed “1935 will go down in history!” crowing from Adolf Hitler.

As with spreading unfounded Internet rumors, all it takes is the antis catching you passing along debunked sayings as truth, and they’ll use it to attack your reliability on everything else.

That’s where “Proclaiming Liberty,” partially inspired by the above “Lincoln quote,” can really help. Written by Second Amendment scholar, writer and speaker Philip Mulivor, who also serves as director of media relations for the grassroots group Ohioans for Concealed Carry, this is a book that can quickly—and enjoyably—be devoured in an afternoon, yet returned to often as a handy and definitive resource.

Continue reading on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-national/proclaiming-liberty-a-great-resource-for-keeping-gun-quotes-accurate-review

About David Codrea:
David Codrea is a long-time gun rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament. He is a field editor for GUNS Magazine, and a blogger at The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance. Read more at www.DavidCodrea.com.

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- While Attorney General Eric Holder continues to “stonewall,” as Congressman Issa (R-CA) describes it, and make excuses concerning Operation Fast and Furious, the Mexican Government is making arrests.

According to the LA Times, over the weekend Mexican authorities arrested Jose Antonia Torres Marrufo, “a reputed enforcer for the country’s most powerful drug cartel — a man also alleged to have amassed weapons from the U.S. government’s failed Fast and Furious gun-smuggling operation.” (Italics mine)

Torres  “was in charge of operations in the border state of Chihuahua,” which includes the crime-ridden city of Juarez: a city that is just across the border from El Paso, TX, and one to which Fast and Furious weapons were believed to have been transported. Moreover, Torres, “[who] was wanted in connection with numerous crimes including murder, extortion, kidnapping and the sale and distribution of drugs,” had “two assault rifles and two  [semi-automatic] pistols” with him.

I can’t help but wonder, “Where did Torres get the rifles and the pistols?” Let’s see, he was “alleged to have amassed weapons” via Fast and Furious and he admits to taking over “armed operations for the organization in Chihuahua during the last two to three years.” Hmmm…it doesn’t seem like it should be difficult to figure this one out.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, where we’re all supposed to take comfort in the fact that Holder swears he did not authorize gun walking and that he believes gun walking to be a foolish tactic, this news just isn’t that comforting. In fact, this arrest should put the focus squarely back on any (and all) communications between Holder and Criminal Division Chief Lanny Breuer.

For according to Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), on the very day the DOJ was denying it “would ever let guns walk,” Breuer was having discussions with Mexican officials about “plans to let guns cross the border.”

AWR Hawkins

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- The Stand Your Ground bill hearing is tomorrow. Please call and email the senators below and urge them to vote YES on HF1467!

If you attended your precinct caucuses last night, can you tell us whether the RKBA amendment resolution wasproposed and adopted?

Please visit http://goo.gl/Javog and fill out our brief form.

Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee, and urge them to vote YES on HF1467/SF1357.

Their contact info is below:

• Sen. Claire A. Robling
  Committee Chair
  (651) 296-4123
  sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
• Sean R. Nienow
  Vice Chair
  (651) 296-5419
  sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn
• Richard J. Cohen
  Ranking Minority Member
  (651) 296-5931
  Mail Form
• Terri E. Bonoff
  (651) 296-4314
  sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn
• Michelle L. Fischbach
  (651) 296-2084
  sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn
• Barb Goodwin
  (651) 296-4334
  Mail Form
• David W. Hann
  (651) 296-1749
  Mail Form
• Bill Ingebrigtsen
  (651) 297-8063
  sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn
• Keith Langseth
  (651) 296-3205
  Mail Form
• Doug Magnus
  (651) 296-5650
  sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn
• Scott J. Newman
  (651) 296-4131
  sen.scott.newman@senate.mn
• Gen Olson
  (651) 296-1282
  sen.gen.olson@senate.mn
• Mike Parry
  (651) 296-9457
  sen.mike.parry@senate.mn
• LeRoy A. Stumpf
  (651) 296-8660
  Mail Form
• Linda Higgins
  (651) 296-9246
  sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn ,
sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn ,
sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn ,
sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn ,
sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn ,
sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn ,
sen.scott.newman@senate.mn ,
sen.gen.olson@senate.mn ,
sen.mike.parry@senate.mn ,
sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

If you use those lists above, don’t forget these senators:

Richard J. Cohen’s Mail Form
Barb Goodwin’s Mail Form
David W. Hann’s Mail Form
Keith Langseth’s Mail Form
LeRoy A. Stumpf’s Mail Form

Please forward this email to gun owners and civil rights supporters, and ask them to sign up at http://www.gocra.org/join.html

About:
We are the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the organization behind CCRN (Concealed Carry Reform Now!). We are people from all walks of life who have banded together to preserve and protect all of our civil rights as gun owners. Visit: www.gocra-mn.org

NRA - ILA

Charlotte, NC --(Ammoland.com)- Another NRA priority bill is moving forward in the Iowa House of Representatives.  House File 2114, the firearms preemption legislation, passed the state House Public Safety Subcommittee yesterday by a 2 to 1 vote.

State Representatives Matt Windschitl (R-56) and Dwayne Alons (R-4) supported this critical legislation, while state Representative Rick Olson (D-68) voted against it.

HF 2114 has been scheduled to be voted on by the full House Public Safety Committee. 

Upon passage of the Iowa’s shall-issue law in 2010, some counties in Iowa sought to ban firearms from public properties including parks – effectively denying your ability to protect yourself outside your home.  Fortunately, Iowa has a firearm preemption law that prohibits counties from passing ordinances that are more restrictive than state law.  However, the firearms preemption statute needs to be strengthened to prevent current and future attempts to circumvent this law.  This proposed legislation, crafted on the NRA’s successful firearms preemption statute in Florida, rests the sole authority on these matters with the state legislature and prevents a rights-infringing patchwork of local ordinances.

One problem with local firearm ordinances is the sheer variety.  Where no uniform state laws are in place, the result can be a complex patchwork of restrictions that change from one local jurisdiction to the next.  It is unreasonable to require citizens, whether residents of a given state or persons passing through or visiting a state, to memorize and comply with a myriad of laws. When so many local ordinances exist, citizens with no criminal intent are placed in jeopardy of running afoul of restrictions they don`t even know exist.  This can affect hunters, target shooters and firearm collectors who travel through multiple jurisdictions on the way to hunting areas, shooting ranges, and exhibitions.  Additionally, individuals who travel with firearms for personal protection are at risk of breaking the law simply by crossing from one municipality to another.  If charged with a violation of an obscure local ordinance, the honest gun owner faces, at the very least, great expense and devotion of time to clearing his or her good name in court, and retrieving any firearms and other property confiscated by law enforcement officials.

Please call AND e-mail members of the state House Public Safety Committee TODAY and urge them to support this critical legislation and keep law-abiding citizens from becoming criminals just because they cross over an imaginary line.  Contact information for this committee can be found here.

Members of the House Public Safety Committee

• Clel Baudler (R-58), Chairman
• Tom Shaw (R-8), Vice Chairman
• Ako Abdul-Samad (D-66)
• Dwayne Alons (R-4)
• Deborah L. Berry (D- 22)
• Mark Brandenburg (R- 100)
• Joel Fry (R- 95)
• Ruth Ann Gaines (D- 65)
• Chris Hagenow (R- 59)
• Jarad Klein (R- 89)
• Bob M. Kressig (D-19)
• Dan Muhlbauer (D- 51)
• Rick Olson (D- 68)
• Steven N. Olson (R- 83)
• Henry V. Rayhons (R- 11)
• Thomas R. Sands (R- 87)
• Kurt Swaim (D- 94)
• David A. Tjepkes (R- 50)
• Matt W. Windschitl (R- 56)
• Mary Wolfe (D- 26)
• Gary Worthan (R- 52)

About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit: www.nra.org

Iowa Firearms Coalition

IOWA – -(Ammoland.com)- Contact Public Safety Committee members today and urge them to vote YES tomorrow on HF 2114, the Iowa Firearm Preemption Act.

Ask these members to vote YES and support current state law in Iowa code 724.7 and 724.28 that explicitly state that permit holders should be allowed to carry anywhere except where state and federal law allow. Punishing law-abiding citizens that are fully screened and have had extensive background checks by disallowing them access to public buildings is dishonoring to Iowans.

It also puts honest, law-abiding citizens at risk of inadvertently violating these unnecessary, illegal laws that fail to offer protection from criminals to begin with.

IFC and the NRA have been working hard to defend the rights of Iowans and we need you to e-mail and call today on this important issue.

Check out the NRA-ILA Alert as well for more information.

Iowa Firearms Coalition put together a comprehensive package for activists to fight these preemption issues at the city and county levels around the state. Our organization spent much of 2011 fighting dozens of local battles in Washington Co., Kalona, Ft. Madison, Marion, Keokuk, Jefferson Co., Burlington, Benton Co., Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Carroll, Plymouth Co., Woodbury Co., Emmet and many, many more city and county battles across the state with tremendous success, but some jurisdiction insisted on hampering the rights of honest, law-abiding citizens. Some cities have even gone to the extreme of implementing wanding procedures for law-abiding citizens prior to entering city council meetings.

This kind of fight is a difficult task for a totally volunteers organization, but yet with true grassroots activism our members mobilized by the dozens to take our preemption message to the streets. Becoming a member today, or donating to our cause, helps us put 100% of your funds toward fighting for Second Amendment rights in Iowa.

IFC is the only Iowa-based pro-Second Amendment organization in Iowa that has a history of tangible victories at the Capitol and around the state in dozens of counties and cities. Please consider supporting us today to help us continue being the leading firearms rights organization in Iowa!

Also, be sure to encourage your friends to join our e-mail alert list today absolutely free! Our organization only utilizes your e-mail for IFC purposes and will not sell you out to other groups trying to make a buck on other issues. We are a Second Amendment centric organization that will not ever sell out, or give out, your personal data to any non-IFC entity!

Thanks for supporting us in the fight,

Jeff Burkett
President – Iowa Firearms Coalition
NRA Endowment Member

About Iowa Firearms Coalition:
The mission of the Iowa Firearms Coalition is to be THE firearms rights organization in Iowa, representing Second Amendment concerns for all firearms owners in the state. We will staunchly defend the rights of hunters and sportsmen as well as the rights of all Iowans to defend themselves and their loved ones. We seek to partner with other like-minded organizations to increase our effectiveness in accomplishing these goals. Visit: www.iowafc.org

Please Re-Elect Scott Bach & Bob Viden To The NRA Board Of Directors

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- There are many things to discuss in today’s President’s Letter. Please it read to the end.

In summary, I will talk a bit about our recent WIN at the NJ Assembly Law & Public Safety hearing on bill A588, and yet another CITIZEN ACTIVIST who succeeded in getting his town to withdraw an offensive form from their handgun purchase permit procedure.

There is our upcoming meeting with successful Supreme Court attorney Alan Gura, the Non-resident CCW licensing program, the fact that Scott Bach and Bob Viden are being endorsed by the NJ2AS for positions on the NRA Board of Directors, and some excellent opportunities for you to get involved in our various committees, and more.

NJ2AS MEMBERS ROCK THE NJ ASSEMBLY
Last week we discovered that the NJ Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee was planning to hold a hearing on the Introduction of two bills potentially affecting firearms owners in New Jersey – A588 & A 1013. I sent you all an email asking you to contact the members of the committee with phone calls, emails and FAXES. Well… YOU GUYS AND GALS *ROCK*!!!

YOUR response was INCREDIBLE! Every committee member was inundated with calls, email and FAXES to the point where there were calls asking us to stop. On Tuesday January 30, 2012 a number of your fellow members and I attended the hearing. YOUR efforts were not in vain. Most of the committee members expressed OUR concerns to the sponsor of the bill Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer. Then Scott Bach of the ANJRPC testified after which I testified. All this effort resulted in Bill A588 being TABLED. I doubt if it will ever see the light of day again. JOB WELL DONE PEOPLE! I thank everyone who participated (and I KNOW there were a LOT of you), and I encourage everyone to stand ready to *ACT* again the next time we need to face off against an unfair bill. As far as bill A1013 is concerned, we were told that it would be recommended to the full assembly, but with amendments to protect law-abiding firearms owners from being negatively affected. We will keep a vigilant eye on the progress of A1013.

CITIZEN ACTIVISM STRIKES AGAIN
One of our members, Angel Hernandez contacted me a little over a week ago regarding an intrusive form his town, Hopatcong, was requiring him to complete in order to apply for a handgun purchase permit. They were refusing to process his application without it. I explained to Angel the following approach, which was successful in getting the form dropped. I recommend this procedure to anyone facing a similar problem. I will also post this on our website for people to refer to:

HOW TO DEAL WITH ADDITIONAL FORMS

1.) Remember to *ALWAYS* be polite. Just because you are ‘right” it does not mean you will be successful MERELY by demanding your rights. Politely ask to speak with the police chief. Make an appointment if necessary. This step is very important. Please explain to your police chief (or the person who is ultimately in charge of signing your permit) that according to 2C:58-3(f):

“There shall be no conditions or requirements added to the form or content of the application, or required by the licensing authority for the issuance of a permit or identification card, other than those that are specifically set forth in this chapter”.

If they still insist that they will not process application without completing the form, thank them and politely indicate that you will have to take your request to the town council and mayor for their opinion. You have been assured by the President and Board of Directors of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society that Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd has ruled that all towns and municipalities are required to comply with all NJ state statutes with regard to the processing of these permit applications.

2.) Contact the Assembly Representative and Senate Representative for your district (you can locate them from THIS page). Make an appointment to meet them if possible. At the very least make sure they receive the following request (in your own words if you like):

“I would like to ask for your help. I have lawfully applied for a Firearm Identification Card/Handgun Purchase Permit (whichever applies). I was told by officer “Soandso” (it helps to have the person’s name) that I am required to complete a form that is not allowed by the New Jersey Firearms Statutes according to 2C:58-3(f) (and cite the statue above).

It is my belief that this/these additional form(s) (be sure to attach if sending an email or include if sending through the mail) is/are a clear violation of the statutes and I am asking for your help in convincing the “YourTownName” Police Department to discontinue the use of this/these form(s).

I would also appreciate it if you would contact Lt Daryl Williams, the Unit Head of the NJ Division of State Police Firearms Investigation Unit about this matter. Perhaps you will be more successful in convincing him and or the Attorney General’s office to help. Many of my friends and associates from other towns are experiencing the same difficulties. I know that you agree that your constituents and the law-abiding residents of New Jersey deserve to be treated fairly by those who are sworn to uphold the laws of the state of New Jersey and I would appreciate it if you would intercede on my behalf”.

3.) IMMEDIATELY make an appointment with your Mayor and/or town council to discuss this problem and ask politely for their assistance. You are trying to follow the law and you expect your town to comply with state statutes. You are not asking for any special favors. You are only asking to be treated FAIRLY according to the law as it is written. DO NOT THREATEN! DO NOT LOSE YOUR TEMPER! This is simply a process we HAVE to go through in order to have standing if we need to take further steps. PLEASE – make our job easier by keeping a journal of EVERYONE you talk to about this, with dates, times and basic result (i.e. On 2/25/2012 Chief promised to look into it and get back to me in two days). Always be sure to try and get a specific time commitment as to when you can expect a follow up communication from the people you contact.

4.) KEEP US IN THE LOOP. Email legislation@nj2as.com and let us know what you are doing and the results. There are times when *WE* will want to add our “two cents” by writing to your representatives or by visiting your Chief of Police or Councilman with you (if possible). We will do our best to guide you through this process.

5.) THIS PROCESS WORKS! One by one NJ towns are dropping these additional forms and requirements. We will begin working on getting them to comply with the 30 days processing limits as well, but for now we have to concentrate on getting rid of these forms.

NOTE – The procedures listed above will be updated and revised as necessary – please check for the latest version on www.nj2as.com.

*** PREREGISTER*** ALAN GURA TO ADDRESS THE NJ2AS FEBRUARY 29, 2012

As you may be aware, successful Supreme Court attorney Alan Gura will be the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society on Wednesday evening February 29, 2012 at 7:30pm at the American Legion Post 129 on 2025 Church Road in Toms River, NJ. All are invited and ENCOURAGED to attend this very special event. Due to limited seating, it is EXTREMELY important that you PREREGISTER for this FREE event. Preregistration will make it easier for us to process people through the door and get you seated as quickly and easily as possibly. Those who do not preregister will be required to sign in at the door and will be seated on a FIRST COME/FIRST SERVED basis. We expect a large crowd for this meeting. Don’t be disappointed – REGISTER TODAY! For further information and to REGISTER please go to our website at www.nj2as.com under “EVENTS”!

WE WILL HOLD THE NON-RESIDENT CCW LICENSING PROGRAM PRIOR TO THE MEETING

You *MUST* preregister and prepay for this processing PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 25, 2012 to be eligible. Requirements and complete details are listed on our website www.nj2as.com.

SCOTT BACH & BOB VIDEN RUN FOR NRA BOD!

The ballots have gone out to the NRA Life Members to record their choice for membership of the NRA Board of Directors. The NJ2AS endorses Scott Bach and Bob Viden to represent New Jersey. I urge you to cast your ballot for Scott and Bob. Let’s keep New Jersey adequately represented on the NRA BOD. For additional information and biographical information please visit www.bachbio.com and click on the YouTube Video below:

COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED

Several members have asked me how they can help move the NJ2AS mission forward. Recently the board of directors and I developed a framework of committees that require your help and participation. We have left the descriptions fairly open and flexible because the duties and responsibilities of the committees will grow and change as the membership grows. We will be able to do much more when we have enough members working in these vital areas. Here is a list of the various committees and who to contact if you would like to participate. You will notice that there are a LOT of areas that need help. Please keep in mind that we are all pretty much amateurs. If you have any special skills that would be great, but no special skills are required. As long as you are willing to help, we can use you. There are a lot of opportunities for people to shine. Many of the areas are just getting off the ground. Some do not have a leader or any members yet. Why not tackle one of these committees? You will have plenty of opportunity to interact with members of the other committees and there will be quite a bit of overlap. If you discover something I have neglected, please let me know and I will try to add it to the list. If for some reason you have difficulty getting in touch with one of the committees, please email me. THANK YOU!

LEGAL – legislation@nj2as.com

Research

• Identify firearms possession cases that were pled down to lessen or avoid prison time.
• Uncover other abuses and infractions by LE of individual rights and NJ Firearms statutes

Ongoing Litigation

• The OPRA appeal
• Operation Establish Compliance

Legal Defense

• Prepare for the defense of individuals who deserve and require our assistance
• Evaluate and develop a plan to emulate a civil rights defense strategy

LEGISLATIVE – legislation@nj2as.com

Political Action

• Form district committees to monitor and organize action against unfavorable legislation
• Develop programs to promote and support favorable legislation

Petitions

• Evaluate opportunities to enlist community support through petitions
• Organize and coordinate letter writing campaigns, letters to the editor, etc.

MEDIA – media@nj2as.com and communications@nj2as.com – Tom Watt & Mark Steele

Communications

• Internal communication of relevant information and appeals for action
• External promotion of meetings events and activities
• Formulating and distributing Press Releases

Web & Internet

• Frequent maintenance and updating of website to keep it fresh and relevant
• Encourage participation in NJ2AS BLOG, Facebook and Twitter (perhaps forum)
• Develop cooperative relationships with other relevant online groups

Newsletter

• Evaluate the need for “hardcopy” newsletter or. “e-zine”
• Gather, coordinate, develop, Edit and format content for the newsletter
• Enlisting sponsors and advertisements
• Recruiting and coordinating “artistic” talent for original content

Speakers

• Represent the NJ2AS at shows, clubs, and events
• Give presentations on the mission, goals and accomplishments of your Society
• Answer questions. Assist with press conferences.

Distribution – distribution@nj2as.com – Corey Vaughan

• Design, develop, and distribute mailings and posters promoting events & meetings

Merchandise

• Evaluate, design, develop and procure NJ2AS merchandise for promotion & fundraising

MEMBERSHIP – membership@nj2as.com – John Willett

Recruitment

• Among other responsibilities convert “attendees” into members at meetings & events
• Expedite problems with membership processing or updates
• Promote renewals

Meeting Planning

• Identifying and recruiting relevant speakers and presenters for the monthly meetings
• Arranging for venues
• Setting up venues for meetings

Diversity – Kimberley Ball

• Identify issues specifically of concern to women
• Identify programs and recruitment opportunities

Membership Registration

• Assist with preregistration for meetings, events, activities and programs
• Greeting members and guests and assisting with sing-in

SPECIAL EVENTS – events@nj2as.com

• Beginner Shooting Events – Michael Kunkel
• Finding venues, working with ranges, assist Media committee with promotions
• Arrange for proper personnel and safety procedure for these events

CCW Licensing Programs – Anthony Colandro

• Assist with the registration, collection of fees and processing of participants
• Troubleshoot and expedite problems and questions
• Arrange and facilitate special demonstrations.

FINANCE – president@nj2as.com – Frank Jack Fiamingo

Accounting – Avi Finkel

• Keep accurate records of ALL financial transaction made on behalf of the NJ2AS
• Responsible to the Treasurer for monitoring, auditing and financial reporting

Fund Raising

• Evaluate, develop, plan and execute fund raising drives, events, matching funds, etc.

Insurance

Assist in identifying insurance needs and ensuring we maintain adequate coverage

EDUCATION

• Identify, evaluate, design, develop and execute community education programs
• Assist in educating committee heads and members in their duties

EXECUTIVE – president@nj2as.co Frank Jack Fiamingo

Committee Liaison

• Assist the board and President with supporting and monitoring committee’s progress
• Help develop strategic relationships with State and Nations rights groups.
• Help with succession planning
• Plan and run elections
• Bylaws
• Examine the bylaws of similar group to develop and improve NJ2AS bylaws.

EVAN NAPPEN VIDEO

Before I forget – for those of you who missed the presentation by gun rights attorney EVAN NAPPEN , the introduction by yours truly is located on our YouTube Page http://www.youtube.com/user/nj2as. Look under “Featured Play lists”. Part two is available on our website www.nj2as.com.

YOUR SOCIETY

You have a lot of reasons to be proud of your Society. We are without a doubt the single most active firearms owners’ rights group in New Jersey. We have more meetings and more active grassroots participation than any other group in New Jersey. In less than two years this Society has grown to have a significant impact on the restoration and preservation of the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes. Please help us do even better. Join one of our committees TODAY, and become one of the people who is actually DOING something positive to regain FREEDOM and LIBERTY in the great garden state of New Jersey! Don’t forget to join us for the fun on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/groups/nj2as/. Until next time, please remember-

THE TIME IS NOW!!!

About:
New Jersey Second Amendment Society – Our mission is to promote the free exercise of Second Amendment rights within the community and Legislature of New Jersey, to educate the community regarding the enjoyable, safe, and responsible use of firearms, and to engender a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among the members and their families. Visit: www.nj2as.com

Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore

Maryland --(Ammoland.com)- The House Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on most of the gun bills on what has become known as “Gun Bill Day”.

This hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 1:00 PM, in the House Judiciary Committee which is located in Room 100 in the House Office Building.

We need a very strong demonstration of strength to support gun rights in Maryland. Please make plans now to attend the hearing on Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 1:00 PM.

Please view the embed below for the AGC House “Gun Bill Day” Information Pack & Action Plan. This publication is intended to answer your questions regarding bills, contact information, directions, parking, security procedures etc..

If you are concerned about changing Maryland’s “may issue” on permits to carry a concealed handgun to a “shall issue” system as is the case in many other states; you need to make your voice heard.

Don’t wait for “Gun Bill Day“; use the links below and start contacting your legislators today!

For those readers who are new to the Legislative Email Network, blue underlined text contains a hyperlink to additional information. Clicking on the text will take you to that information. Please be sure to take these links for “test drive.”

In this issue:
AGC’s House “Gun Bill Day” Information Pack & Action Plan
Quick Links for 2012 Session Gun Bills & Related Informatio

2012 Maryland House Bill Hearing Action Pack

Note: This document is constantly being updated to reflect the latest information.
Quick Links for 2012 Session Gun Bills & Related Information

Note: The information contained on these links is constantly being updated. Check back often for updates.

Bill Hearing Schedules and Information on Bills to Support or Oppose

This link contains the following information:

1. List of gun bills to date with bill numbers and bill titles
2. AGC’s position in support of, or in opposition, to the various bills
3. Synopsis of the bills
4. Hyperlinks to information on the bills and bill status
5. Hyperlinks to the actual text of the bills
6. Hyperlinks to the committee information with committee contact numbers and hyperlink email addresses

• Action Alerts  (latest information and guidance on bills and issues requiring our immediate action)
• Situation Report: Annapolis   (a continually updated chronology of the latest news and events in Annapolis arranged from the most recent to the oldest)
• Information on Gun Rights Ratings & Contact Information for the Maryland General Assembly
• Civic Action Email System (a very easy way to contact your legislators via email)
• Gun Legislation    (gun legislation and weapons legislation tend to overlap to a large extent)
• Weapons Legislation   (gun legislation and weapons legislation tend to overlap to a large extent)
• Hunting Legislation

About:
Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, Inc. (AGC), located in Marriottsville, Maryland. The Associated Gun Clubs of Baltimore, Inc. was formed on July 1, 1944 when a number of World War II veterans in the Baltimore, Maryland area began looking for a place for recreational and competitive shooting. They organized with several other Baltimore area shooting clubs to form the “AGC” Visit: www.associatedgunclubs.org

Virginia Gun Owners Coalition

Virginia --(Ammoland.com)- VA Gun Owners; The good news is that Castle Doctrine passed the Senate but Constitutional Carry is being killed by its bill sponsor Mark Cole.

Castle Doctrine moves to the House.

The Senate vote is below.

YEAS–Black, Blevins, Carrico, Garrett, Hanger, Martin, McDougle, McWaters, Newman, Norment, Northam, Obenshain, Petersen, Puckett, Reeves, Ruff, Smith, Stanley, Stosch, Stuart, Vogel, Wagner, Watkins–23.

NAYS–Barker, Colgan, Deeds, Ebbin, Edwards, Favola, Herring, Howell, Locke, Lucas, Marsden, Marsh, McEachin, Miller, J.C., Miller, Y.B., Puller, Saslaw–17.

Constitutional Carry was going to be carried by some freshman delegates who got elected with my support but they got talked out of it by Republican Party Boss William Howell.

He convinced them to let one of his trusted chairmen, Mark Cole, run the bill. Now where is HB 139? No where! Not even assigned to a committee for a vote.

Why because Howell can’t trust the Democrats to kill the bills he wants killed.

That’s right!

HB 1052 allowing carry at airport baggage claims and ticket counters passed out of the kill committee 3-2.

Why?
Because an anti-gun Democrat was tired of Republican Party Boss Howell’s game of sending a bill he wants killed to a tiny sub-committee of 5 to be killed by 2 pro-gun delegates and 3 anti-gun delegates.

Three cheers for the smart Democrat.

That is funny enough in and of itself but what is really hysterical and a story for the  - Political Museum of 2nd Amendment Absurdities - is Republican Party Boss lap dog Mark Cole’s explanation to VGOC members as to why he sponsored a bill he planned to kill by doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – - nothing except insure that a new delegate did not run the bill and get a recoded vote.

Below is Cole’s explanation in BLACK w ith my interpretation in RED

———————————————————————————————————————————

From: Mark Cole [mailto:DelMCole@house.virginia.gov]
Sent: Monday, February 06, 2012 11:31 AM
To: Ron Browne
Subject: Re: HB 139 Constitutional Carry.

Thank you for contacting me regarding HB 139. First let me say that no gun group (you and all the other members of VGOC who contacted me don’t count) or organization has contacted me with a request to discharge the committee considering HB 139. Unfortunately, I do not expect HB 139 to get a hearing this session (Because I intend to do nothing). It has a negative fiscal impact on state revenues, and since the budget is tight, even if it were to pass the Militia and Police Committee it would be sent to Appropriations where it would die due to lack of funding.it (Actually it won’t require funds but might lose some revenue and obviously taxes are more important than constitutional rights.)

Also, some legislators who are normally pro-gun, and whose votes we need for passage, are not sure HB 139 is a good idea. (They like being able to access your name in a government data base to use at election time to get your vote or raise money talking about how pro-gun they are). Sometimes ideas need to simmer a while before people eventually come around. It took nearly a decade (Which involved much pressure to discharge and multiple mailings into Senator Hanger’s District exposing him for actually killing the bill several times to protect anti-gun Reublicans from voting on the record) to get enough people to come around to repeal the restaurant ban. (Please try to forget that we had to wait to get a Democrat Senate Majority so that Hanger could no longer protect his anti-gun Republicans thus giving him an opportunity to run the bill and clean his skirts) The same for repealing one-gun-a-month, but we are on the verge of passing it.

If we had pushed too hard like some lobbyists had demanded back then, all it would have done was harden the opposition (Please don’t get mad at me for trying to blame gun owners for wanting their gun rights restored) and we would not have gotten them passed at all. (Please believe me when I say that all of us down here vote for what’s right not what makes our party bosses happy by keeping them in office by keeping controversial votes off the record. And please don’t talk to those lobbyists who threatened Senator Hanger’s job and motivated him to run the bill to clean his skirts.)

In Proverbs 25:15 the Bible offers us some good advice on what it takes to sway people on issues like this, patience and gentle persuasion. (Please don’t notice that this is in reference to kings who cannot be voted out of office even though patience and a soft tongue actually do break the political backbones of politicians when they think their job is on the line. The judge in Luke 18 is instructive but please don’t read that. And please don’t walk softly and carry a big stick when you approach me. It scares me.) It will probably take several years to get HB 139 passed IF we approach it correctly. If not, then it will never pass. (Which is really my plan and please don’t ask me why I ran the bill. It would embarrass me.)

I am pleased to report that 3 of my 4 gun bills are moving forward in the House this year (HB 22, HB 25, and HB 26). (I love to sponsor minor bills that are not controversial.) As I mentioned before, the House has passed a repeal of one gun a month and two years ago we were successful in repealing e restaurant ban. 2nd Amendment rights are moving forward in the Commonwealth!

I guarantee you that NONE of that would have happened had pro-gun legislators bowed to pressure from some gun lobbyists to make futile attempts to discharge committees (Please believe this because it will help me continue to sponsor legislation that I have no intention of even getting a hearing on. It is critical that I continue to teach gun owners what my party boss wants them to do. Remember I represent the party boss not gun owners. And please don’t ask me why in the world I sponsor bills that don’t even get a committee hearing, it will make me look foolish.) and add non-germane floor amendments to other bills. (And of course please don’t remind me that what is germaine is what the Speaker rules to be germaine.) Not every gun lobbyist knows how to get legislation through. In fact, some do more harm than good. (Because they won’t play by the rules we use to screw them.)

Again, thank you for contacting me.

Mark L. Cole
Delegate, 88th District
Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fredericksburg, and Fauquier

ACTION ITEM: Email Mark Cole at DelMCole@house.virginia.gov the following:

Dear Mr. Cole,

Please don’t ever run Constitutional Carry again. We need someone who will use the rules to get recorded votes. We will never get controversial legislation passed if we never get votes on the record for use at election time. We hate losing but we would rather lose with a recorded vote than lose by sitting around waiting for ideas to “simmer”.

For Liberty,
Mike McHugh
President, VGOC

About:
Virginia Gun Owners Coalition is Virginia’s only no-compromise, non-partisan gun lobby patterned after Gun Owners of America on Capitol Hill. VGOC is a non-profit tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(4) of the IRS code. Because we lobby politicians to protect and defend the 2nd Amendment, contributions are not tax deductible for IRS purposes. Visit: www.vgoc.org

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- Senate Bill 1083, sponsored by Senator Bob Smith (D- Piscataway), would allow youth ages 10 and older and adults to hunt under an apprentice hunting license.

The apprentice license allows new hunters to try hunting under the mentor-ship of an experienced adult before completing a hunter education course.

A hearing for the bill has been scheduled for Thursday, February 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Committee Room 10 on the 3rd Floor of the State House Annex in Trenton. The bill is in the Senate Committee on Environment and Energy. New Jersey sportsmen and women should contact the members of the Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them that apprentice hunting is vital to the future of our outdoor heritage.

“Families Afield has a nationwide track record of safely recruiting new hunters through apprentice hunting licenses,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “This try-before-you-buy concept helps to boost hunter recruitment and retention, while keeping our hunting heritage alive for the next generation.”

Apprentice hunting licenses have been a hallmark of the Families Afield initiative across the country. The Families Afield initiative was established by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation to bring a new generation of sportsmen to the field. Along with the National Rifle Association and the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the coalition has worked to pass measures in 32 states with more than 600,000 apprentice or mentored hunting licenses sold since the program’s inception.
Companion legislation, House Bill 1544, is pending before the Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Take Action! New Jersey sportsmen should contact members of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today and ask them to support Senate Bill 1083. Tell them apprentice hunting licenses have been shown across the country to be a safe and successful way to recruit new hunters.

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

• Chairman Bob Smith (D- Piscataway) – Bill Sponsor
  Phone: (732) 752-0770 Email: senbsmith@njleg.org
• Vice Chair Senator Linda R. Greenstein (D- Plainsboro)
  Phone: (609) 395-9911 Email: sengreenstein@njleg.org
• Senator Christopher Bateman (R- Somerville)
  Phone: (908) 526-3600 Email: senbateman@njleg.org
• Senator Jennifer Beck (R- Red Bank)
  Phone: (732) 933-1591 Email: senbeck@njleg.org
• Senator Jim Whelan (D- Atlantic City)
  Phone: (609) 383-1388 Email: senwhelan@njleg.org

About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.

IllinoisCarry.com

Illinois --(Ammoland.com)- Judge Sue Myerscough, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, Springfield Division, has granted IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s motion to dismiss the Second Amendment Foundation’s challenge of the statewide ban on carrying a firearm for personal protection.

On Friday, Feb. 4th, 2012, Judge Myerscough stated in her opinion:

“This Court finds that the Illinois “Unlawful Use of Weapons” and “Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon” statutes do not violate Plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights. The United States Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit have recognized only a Second Amendment core individual right to bear arms inside the home.”

SAF Attorney David Jensen immediately filed an appeal on behalf of the plaintiffs Michael Moore, Charles Hooks, Peggy Fechter, Jon Maier, Second Amendment Foundation, Inc., and Illinois Carry. The appeal will move the case to the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

In response to the judge’s ruling Alan Gottlieb, SAF Executive Director, made this statement, “We look forward to winning this important case on appeal even if it means going back to the United States Supreme Court for a third time. The Second Amendment does NOT say, the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed except outside your home or that it only applies inside your house. We don’t check our constitutional rights at the front door.”

To follow the progress of the Moore VS Madigan challenge to the ban on Right to Carry in Illinois, go to IllinoisCarry.com.

About:
The IllinoisCarry forum was started in April 2004. The idea was that Illinois needed a central location to communicate ideas and information regarding 2nd Amendment issues in Illinois. There are many organizations in Illinois working to protect our 2nd Amendment Rights. Working with these groups IllinoisCarry has become the central location for information and Action Alerts. IllinoisCarry will not endorse political candidates. We simply provide information so voters can make informed decisions. Our goal is to join the other 48 states that allow their citizens to carry concealed firearms. We encourage you to register on our forum and join the fight for your 2nd Amendment Rights in Illinois. Visit www.IllinoisCarry.com

Commonwealth Second Amendment

Jamaica Plain, MA --(Ammoland.com)-  Today an appeal was filed in Hightower v. Boston in the First Circuit Court of Appeals.

The appeal seeks to overturn the lower court decision dismissing Stacey Hightower’s lawsuit against the City of Boston challenging the constitutionality of discretionary licensing in Massachusetts.

Stacey Hightower is an Air Force veteran and former Boston Police Officer. She resigned from the Boston Police Department in 2008 after 10 years of service to pursue a career in education.

The city responded by revoking her licensing to carry (LTC) firearms and seizing her personally owned firearm and ammunition.

During the district court proceedings the City readily conceded that there was no reason, statutory or otherwise, that would prohibit Hightower from owing and possessing firearms. Yet, they steadfastly insist upon their right to determine who can and cannot possess firearms in the City of Boston based upon the “interests of the Boston Police Department”.

This appeal challenges the lower court decision and the constitutionality of Chap 140 Sec 131 by making compelling arguments in support of:

• A Second Amendment right to carry (i.e. bear) arms outside the home
• Suitability as an invalid standard for licensing the exercise of a fundamental right
• The failure of discretionary licensing to meet any standard of scrutiny
• A liberty interest in the keeping and bearing arms and a property interest in the required license.

A copy of the appeal can be found here. We will continue to keep the Hightower webpage posted with developments in the case as they occur.

Please consider helping to support plaintiffs like Hightower with your tax deductible donation.

As always, thank you for your continued interest and support.

Commonwealth Second Amendment
Comm2A is a not-for-profit charitable organization as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue code. Donations made to Comm2A are fully tax deductable as charitable contribution for US federal income tax purposes. All donations are greatly appreciated and will be used to support a variety of legal and educational projects. Visit: www.comm2a.org

American diplomats, 1979, in Tehran, Iran

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- As someone who vividly recalls the Iranian “students” who took our diplomats hostage in 1979 and the 444 days it took to get them back, the repeat of this by the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo, putting 19 pro-democracy, non-government organization (NGO) Americans on trial on trumped up charges has an ugly repetitive feel to it.

The contempt the Iranian revolutionaries, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, had for America and, I might add, international law and practice that goes back centuries, is everything you need to know about dealing with militant Islamists, whether they are in Iran, Egypt, or anywhere else on the face of the Earth.

Just as then-President Jimmy Carter dawdled while looking for a diplomatic response, this same scenario is now being played out by Barack Obama and it won’t work now just as it did not work then. Carter authorized a failed military operation that, by most accounts, was poorly organized and executed.

What is needed now is a Navy SEAL unit or larger force to go in, rescue our American hostages, and extract them from Cairo.

We need direct military action, just as we need direct military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile operations, and the barracks of the Revolutionary Guards.

Just as Jimmy Carter was seen as weak, so too is Barack Obama and, for America and the world, that is very bad news. I don’t care if the Iranian leadership and other militant Islamists don’t like America. I want them to fear us.

Apparently they didn’t get the message when the U.S. killed Obama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan, the home city to its military college. While bin Laden was right up the street and around the corner, we are supposed to believe that no one in Pakistan’s military or intelligence structure had the slightest idea. He was living in a large walled compound. Short of buying his own groceries, you’d think someone might have noticed. And, of course, now they are angry at us for killing the man behind the murder of some 3,000 of our citizens, including an attack on the Pentagon!

When the Iranians went into the streets in June 2009 protesting the bogus election of Mamoud Ahmadinejad, Obama’s response was that the U.S. “shouldn’t meddle” in Iran’s affairs. A plot to assassinate the Saudi Ambassador to America in a Washington, D.C. restaurant was discovered and some people might call that “meddling” in our affairs.

This hostage-taking needs boots-on-the-ground action now. The only upside to this event is that the longer it goes on, the same disenchantment that resulted in the defeat of Jimmy Carter will be Obama’s fate in the November election.

The fact that Obama has imposed the largest debt/credit crisis that the nation has ever incurred, unemployment levels that rival the Great Depression, a housing market that is still in the tank, and is busy hollowing out the nation’s military capabilities at the worst possible time seems to gone unnoticed by the forty percent or more of Americans that think he’s doing a swell job.

Our present problem is that Obama does not like America any better than our enemies do. He does not like our Constitution, recently blaming the Founding Fathers for the limitations they wisely imposed to avoid a government grown too large and a president with powers beyond those granted.

This nation is in peril from the same gross stupidity that gripped it prior to World War Two until Pearl Harbor occurred in 1941. The war in Europe had been going on since 1939 and the Japanese had invaded China in 1937.

We are in a new, dangerous era with the chaotic situations in the Maghreb of northern Africa where U.S. assistance, via NATO, was provided to overthrow Gaddafi and Obama’s swift rejection of Egypt’s Mubarack led to his downfall. There are uprisings in Syria and Yemen. It is the result of massive resentment against dictatorial regimes, but the real problem will be how these revolutions turn out.

That is something we cannot control, but we must do what we can to protect American citizens abroad to protect our national interest and to project real national power.

The Middle East is tribal. With the exception of Israel the “nations” we must deal with are merely armies with a national flag, not modern democratic governments responsive to their citizens. That is why Iraq threatens to break apart. It is why the majority Syrians want to end the minority Alawite tribe’s control. It is why Palestinians are not welcome anywhere.

The President’s top intelligence adviser recently told a Senate committee that sanctions are not working against Iran, but the President wants to pretend they are. The U.S. and the rest of the world are waiting for the Israelis to do to Iran what we and our allies should be doing to end its nuclear threat.

Likewise, if we wait around while the Muslim Brotherhood in Cairo makes us look like a bunch of punks it will just get worse for us in Egypt and the Middle East just as it did in 1979.

In Egypt we need to get in, break some furniture, shoot some bad guys, get our people out, and then shut off the billion-plus dollar aid spigot.

No more American tourists, no more American aid, and no more Mr. Nice Guy.

c Alan Caruba, 2011

About:
Alan Caruba’s commentaries are posted daily at “Warning Signs” his popular blog and thereafter on dozens of other websites and blogs. If you love to read, visit his monthly report on new books at Bookviews.

Gun Rights Examiner David Codrea

USA --(Ammoland.com)- Attorney General Eric Holder “called to confirm a permanent ATF Director,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney asserted during her recognized time in the February 2 House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Fast and Furious hearing.

Dismissing the proceedings as “a politically-motivated fishing trip,” Maloney used the brunt of her time to demand more “gun control,” and to conflate Fast and Furious with previous investigations. She even referenced a video where American Al Qaeda Adam Gadahn told followers to buy “a fully automatic assault rifle without a background check” at gun shows. That this is untrue and demonstrates profound ignorance of existing gun laws did not stop Maloney from exploiting it as a scare tactic to stump for even more.

At 1:26:38 into the hearing recording, Committee Chairman Darrell Issa asked for Maloney to yield, and volunteered:

“I join with you in believing that Andrew Traver…should, in fact, be given an up or down vote, should, in fact, be given an opportunity to be confirmed…”

Continue reading on Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-national/traver-up-or-down-vote-must-include-fast-and-furious-answers

Photo © Oleg Volk. Used with permission.

About David Codrea:
David Codrea is a long-time gun rights advocate who defiantly challenges the folly of citizen disarmament. He is a field editor for GUNS Magazine, and a blogger at The War on Guns: Notes from the Resistance. Read more at www.DavidCodrea.com.

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)-They have already drafted an ordinance that clearly violates state law.

Their ordinance employs the now typical dishonest strategy embraced by several other anti-gun municipalities.

This strategy involves tortuously redefining broad park areas to fit within narrow exclusions tacked onto the new “Castle Doctrine/Concealed Carry Permitted in Parks” law. As a result greenways, hiking trails and entire parks are slated for impermissible gun bans.

While Orange County Commissioners believe themselves to be above state law, they will happily subject you to the wrath of their municipal ordinance if you dare lawfully defend yourself and your family within their parks; including a $500 fine, six months incarceration, and permanent loss of your Constitutional RIGHT to bear arms.

Thanks to the vigilance and quick reporting of a GRNC member we have an opportunity to make the voice of reason heard before this abomination is approved.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED: Attend Commissioners Meeting

Email Commissioners

Copy and paste email address list:

Temckee@co.orange.nc.us, syuhasz@co.orange.nc.us, bjacobs@co.orange.nc.us, gordonam@mindspring.com, vfoushee@co.orange.nc.us, phemminger@bellsouth.net, bpelissier@co.orange.nc.us

Deliver This Message

For email, use subject line: Comply with state law, do not ban guns in parks!

It has come to my attention that you intend to ban concealed carry permit holders from lawfully defending themselves in certain areas of Orange County parks. In order to do this you have planned to “redefine” certain park areas in an attempt to fit them under the narrow exclusions permitted under SL 2011-268.

This is clearly disrespectful and non-compliant with state law, and more troubling, a violation of our Constitutional rights to bear arms.

Why don’t you trust the citizens that elected you to responsibly defend themselves?

North Carolinian Concealed Handgun Permittees have shown themselves to be extremely responsible and are not a problem that you should be concerned about. Places within Orange County where citizens are not permitted to effectively defend themselves IS a problem that you should begin working to solve.

I will be following progress and will alert Grass Roots North Carolina if you make it necessary to do so.

Sincerely,

A Concerned NC voter

About:
Grass Roots North Carolina/Forum for Firearms Education is a non-profit, all volunteer organization devoted to educating the public about trends which abridge the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights, and engaging in grass roots activism to preserve those freedoms. Formed in 1994 to conduct a highly successful rally for the Second Amendment, GRNC has gone on to conduct projects like “Remember in November: A Gun Owner’s Guide to Voting,” bringing concealed carry to North Carolina. Visit:www.grnc.org

Obama Overlooks Another Famous Scriptural Passage - Thou Shall Not Steal

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- On Thursday, February 2nd, President Obama attended a National Prayer Breakfast for one of the few times during his presidency.

And as he stood before those gathered there, he said “we can all benefit from turning to our Creator” and “avoiding phony religiosity.” Not only that, but he added that our economy can benefit from higher taxes on the wealthy, and then intimated that no one supports higher taxes like Jesus supports higher taxes.

Therefore, as Obama pushed “spread the wealth 2.0,” he justified his latest attempts at financial redistribution by saying “it…coincides with Jesus’ teaching that ‘for unto whom much given, much shall be required.’” He even suggested that the idea of higher taxes on the wealthy was in line with the Golden Rule when he said, “I know that far too many neighbors in our country have been hurt and treated unfairly over the last few years, and I believe in God’s command to love thy neighbor as thyself.” The president didn’t explain how using confiscatory taxes to take money from one’s neighbor can be equated with loving one’s neighbor, but I guess he’s saving that for another time.

Anyway, as I listened, I couldn’t help but notice that the president steered clear of other popular quotes from scripture while making his spiel. For example, he didn’t bother referencing the command, “Thou shall not steal. (Although in all fairness, I suppose it’s somewhat counterproductive to make a push for confiscatory taxes on the one hand while making the case against stealing on the other.)  Nor did he reference the Apostle Paul’s words to the Thessalonians:

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. (2 Thessalonians 3:7-8)

Moreover, Paul said he had worked thus so the Thessalonians could see in him “a model…to follow.” Added Paul: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man does not work, he shall not eat.’” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

But I suppose if Obama had quoted these scriptures, or the many others like them, he might have accidentally reminded us that the Bible is demonstrably opposed to stealing by any other name. And he might have also helped us remember that the Bible is equally opposed to living off the government dole instead of working.

AWR Hawkins

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- At one point during the hearings before the House Oversight Committee on February 2nd, Attorney General Eric Holder said he hadn’t learned of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry’s death until 24 hours after it happened.

However, this timeline seems questionable at best when you consider that at 2:31 a.m. on very night of Terry’s death (Terry was shot on the night of December 14/15, 2010), then U.S. Attorney Dennis Burke received an email from an unnamed official that read:

On December 14, 2010, a BORTAC agent working in the Nogales, AZ AOR was shot. The agent was conducting Border Patrol operations 18 miles north of the international boundary when he encountered [redacted word] unidentified subjects. Shots were exchanged resulting in the agent being shot. At this time, the agent is being transported to an area where he can be air lifted to an emergency medical center.

Approximately one hour later, Burke received a follow-up email which said “our agent is dead.” The email was sent to Monty Wilkinson, Holder’s Deputy Chief of Staff at the time. And a few hours later, Wilkinson responded that the incident was “tragic” and added: “I’ve alerted the AG [Holder], the Acting DAG, Lisa, etc.”

Here’s the problem: the time-frame doesn’t match up. What I mean is, if we go by the times the emails were sent and the time at which Wilkinson responded to say he had alerted Holder about Terry’s death, it’s not unreasonable to suppose Holder knew within 12 hours of the murder. Claiming that he didn’t learn about Terry’s death until 24 hours after the fact gave him 12 extra hours in which he could go golfing or play tennis or perhaps even get his team at the DOJ on the same page before news of Terry’s death broke(?).

Such a scenario isn’t that far-fetched when you consider the fact that Burke, who was the middle man for the emails in the wee hours of the morning of December 15, was also the attorney who actively tried to conceal the ties between Fast and Furious and Terry’s death. And moreover, as recently as November 2011, when Holder testified before the Senator Judiciary Committee, his stated position was that, “It is not fair…to assume that the mistakes that happened in Fast & Furious directly led to the death of Agent Terry.”

Honestly folks, no wonder Josephine Terry, Agent Terry’s mother, is so absolutely frustrated right now. She just feels like Holder isn’t giving straight answers and that he isn’t taking her son’s death seriously.

Wrote Josephine on her Facebook page:

Mr. Holder. How come you can never say my son’s name? You never have. All I ever hear you say is “I didn’t find out or I can’t say.” I’m actually tired of hearing your double talk in answering questions. What a joke you are. You know my son was a real AMERICAN, a WARRIOR, and a HERO, who was also protecting COWARD POLITICIANS like you. [I] hope you remember that.

Signed,

PROUD MOM OF BRIAN A. TERRY

AWR Hawkins

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

Chuck Norris

Dallas, TX - -(Ammoland.com)- As a six-time undefeated middleweight world karate champion, I have a pretty good idea what makes a warrior.

And there’s presently one particular presidential candidate in the political ring who wears those gloves better than the others.

It’s one thing to enter a ring with a single opponent, but what if you had to enter with three — one candidate with unlimited money and two titans of political swing to back him? That is exactly what former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is facing right now.

Staggering Wealth
People see Newt’s primary GOP opponent as former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, but I don’t. I think the battle is with Romney’s and his cronies’ staggering wealth. Last week, The Washington Post exposed that there are 41 mega-rich individuals who bankroll Romney’s campaign and his purchase of the seat in the Oval Office: “Nearly a dozen of the donors have contributed $1 million or more. … Some of Romney’s biggest supporters include executives at Bain Capital, his former firm; bankers at Goldman Sachs; and a hedge fund mogul who made billions betting on the housing crash.”

In Florida, for example, they collectively spent $15.4 million to run about 13,000 negative ads against Newt (not Obama). Compare that with the 200 ads that Gingrich’s campaign ran. Romney’s campaign spent more on ads in Florida alone than John McCain spent during his entire presidential run.

Given that monstrous media assault, I was actually pleasantly surprised Newt received more than 500,000 votes, compared with Romney’s 700,000.

Mainstream Media
Newt’s second major opponent is the mainstream media, or MSM. All it takes is a quick flip through the major network channels to hear the pro-Romney accolades and defenses being offered via a variety of news anchors.

For example, after Newt spanked (with great audience fanfare) CNN anchorman John King at the South Carolina presidential debate for asking Newt to defend himself against his ex-wife’s accusations on ABC, CNN sent in its veteran bulldog, Wolf Blitzer, to host the Florida debate.

The next day, after his full-court press against Newt before a national audience, Wolf was on CNN gloating over his victory over Newt. Wolf said, “I was ready for him. … I wasn’t going to let Newt get away with that again” — “that” being Newt’s ability to shut down the power grid of the MSM.

So much for unbiased hosting and objective media!

And it’s no coincidence that radically left progressive globalist and billionaire George Soros, according to Fox News, wields his finances and pulls the strings in more than 30 major puppet outlets, including The New York Times, The Associated Press, The Washington Post, NBC and ABC. It’s also no coincidence that Soros likes Romney just as much as he does Obama. During a recorded television interview, Soros said, “Between Obama and Romney, there isn’t all that much difference.”

The MSM would have us believe that the GOP contest is over and Romney is the winner. But the battle has just begun. Newt was absolutely correct when he stated before the Nevada caucuses, “This race is not anywhere near over.

There are 46 states to go.” As Joseph Farah — CEO of WorldNetDaily, one of the few sources I trust for news — said on Sean Hannity’s Fox News Channel show last week, “nobody has 100 delegates yet. We are not even one-tenth of the way to the end of the GOP election.”

Perhaps a word about the power of the MSM from Thomas Jefferson is apropos here: “The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.”

GOP Establishment
The third enemy of Newt’s is the entrenched GOP establishment — a part of what Newt calls the Washington elite. Those in the establishment loathe Newt not because of what he’s done, but because he is a lethal threat to their way of life and existence, namely their political control and sway over your money and tax dollars.

When the establishment types saw Newt’s colossal win in the South Carolina primary, they scurried to bring forth a few of their kingpins, such as Bob Dole and John McCain, to try to convince us Newt is a danger to us, too. The Boston Globe even ran an article titled “GOP insiders rise up to cut Gingrich down to size.”

Newt retorted at a tea party gathering in central Florida by stating categorically, “The Republican establishment is just as much an establishment as the Democratic establishment, and they are just as determined to stop us.”

Dan Schnur, a former GOP campaign strategist who teaches politics at the University of Southern California, put it straight: “The Republican establishment might not be wild about Mitt Romney, but they’re terrified by Newt Gingrich.”

Rush Limbaugh reacted to the frightened squirms of the GOP establishment by saying: “Newt doesn’t act like he’s got any fear. … Finally, somebody’s telling the bad guys who they are, what to do and that we’re not going to take it anymore (just as Reagan did). … Newt has thrown this thing into a tizzy.”

While Romney decries that he is not a Washington insider, it is amazing to me that he gloats over the roughly 72 Washington elites who endorsed him, compared with Newt’s 11. Rather than a badge of honor, that’s a thorn of shame. How do they say it, birds of a feather flock together? I have only to remind you of the tea party’s initial receptivity in Washington, which was not exactly like an actual tea party.

I’m reminded of the wisdom of Samuel Adams: “If ever the Time should come, when vain & aspiring Men shall possess the highest Seats in Government, our Country will stand in Need of its experienced Patriots to prevent its Ruin.”

If it’s true that you always can tell one’s positions by the enemies he has — and I believe it is — then Newt is exactly where he needs to be, battling the trifecta of tyranny: Mitt’s treasuries, the MSM and the GOP elite.

One cannot, in any way, underestimate the grisly enormity of this triple-headed monstrosity. It is a goliath of ginormous proportions. And let there be no doubt: Only heaven and earth combining their forces will overcome this gargantuan foe.

Thomas Paine was correct: “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.”

(Please go to http://www.newt.org and help Newt triumph over the trifecta of tyranny.)

COPYRIGHT 2011 CHUCK NORRIS

About Chuck Norris:Action hero and Second Amendment activist, Chuck Norris is one of the most enduringly popular actors in the world. He has starred in more than 20 major motion pictures. His television series “Walker, Texas Ranger,” which completed its run in April 2001 after eight full seasons, is the most successful Saturday night series on CBS since “Gunsmoke.”In 2006, he added the title of columnist to his illustrious list of credits with the launch of his popular Internet column. Now Chuck is a regular contributor to AmmoLand, click the following link to See more of Chuck Norris on AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Second Amendment Foundation immediately filed an appeal following dismissal of its challenge to Illinois statutes that prohibit the carrying of loaded firearms outside the home for personal protection in the case of Moore v. Madigan.

The case is named for individual plaintiff Michael Moore, and defendant Lisa Madigan in her capacity as Illinois Attorney General. Joining Moore and SAF in the case are Illinois Carry, and three other private citizens, Charles Hooks, Peggy Fechter and Jon Maier.

The complaint was dismissed by Federal District Judge Sue E. Meyerscough, an Obama administration appointee who formerly served on the Illinois State Appellate Court.

In her ruling, Judge Meyerscough stated, “This Court finds that the Illinois Unlawful Use of Weapons’ and Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon’ statutes do not violate Plaintiffs’ Second Amendment rights. The United States Supreme Court and the Seventh Circuit have recognized only a Second Amendment core individual right to bear arms inside the home. Further, even if this Court recognized a Second Amendment right to bear arms outside of the home and an interference with that right, the statutes nonetheless survive constitutional scrutiny.”

In response, SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb suggested the judge’s ruling defies common sense.

“We look forward to winning this important case on appeal even if it means going back to the United States Supreme Court for a third time,” Gottlieb stated. “The Second Amendment does not say, the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed except outside your home or that it only applies inside your house. We don’t check our constitutional rights at the front door.”

Judge Myerscough denied SAF and its co-plaintiffs a preliminary injunction against two laws in Illinois that make it a crime to carry loaded firearms outside the home for personal protection. Instead, she supported the state’s motion to dismiss the case.

The Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) is the nation’s oldest and largest tax-exempt education, research, publishing and legal action group focusing on the Constitutional right and heritage to privately own and possess firearms. Founded in 1974, The Foundation has grown to more than 650,000 members and supporters and conducts many programs designed to better inform the public about the consequences of gun control. In addition to the landmark McDonald v. Chicago Supreme Court Case, SAF has previously funded successful firearms-related suits against the cities of Los Angeles; New Haven, CT; New Orleans; Chicago and San Francisco on behalf of American gun owners, a lawsuit against the cities suing gun makers and numerous amicus briefs holding the Second Amendment as an individual right.

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- In this 1996 ad, Sen. Dick Lugar boasts about his vote for the Clinton gun ban.

Lugar, the most anti-gun Republican in the Senate, is facing Richard Mourdock (www.richardmourdock.com) in a May 2012 primary.

Help educate gin voters on Lugar’s record of infringing on the Second Amendment, like this video and help spread this link around.

About:
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul

AmmoLand Gun News

Washington DC - -(Ammoland.com)- As Attorney General Eric Holder sat before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday February 2nd, his answers were as predictable as they were unacceptable: predictable because they were the well-rehearsed answers he gives each time he’s asked about Fast and Furious (except when he gives different answers because the timeline demands it) and they were unacceptable because many of his answers were simply contrary to reality.

For example, consider how Holder continued to defend (and rationalize) the speed at which the DOJ is releasing subpoenaed documents to the committee. How he simultaneously maintained that the DOJ has “shared huge amounts of information” and promised to share more, albeit on the DOJ’s timetable rather than that of the Oversight Committee.

But the reality is that the DOJ has only released 8% of the subpoenaed documents, or approximately 6,000 documents. And according to a report from the Oversight Committee, among these 6,000 were many which consisted “of blacked-out pages containing no information,” as well as “many duplicate documents” meant only “to bolster [the DOJs] page count.” (In other words, among the measly number of documents delivered, many contain no information on them.)

At the same time, Holder & Co. have turned over 92% more materials (about 80,000 documents) to the DOJ’s in-house Inspector General. And I’m not the only one who views this through a skeptical lense, especially since the IG falls under the auspices of the DOJ. In fact, it’s easy to assume that Holder’s being more open with the DOJ’s IG because he fears them less than he fears Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) and others on the Oversight Committee.

Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) certainly believes this is so. Thus during his exchange with Holder last week he said: “I think you’re hiding behind something here.  There [are] things you don’t want us to see.” Added Burton: “You ought to give us the documents.”

Stop for a moment and think about this: What would happen to the average American if they only provided a court or a federally-backed investigative committee with 8% of what that court or investigative body requested? Moreover, what if a portion of the 8% of documents they turned over were blacked-out pages “containing no information”?

Why then should Holder receive special treatment? (It’d be nice if the law were applied equally, to the ruling class as it is to the country class.)

The good news is that Issa is on record saying that if Holder hasn’t reversed course and complied with the document subpoenas by February 9th, the “committee will have no alternative but to move forward with proceedings to hold [Holder] in contempt of Congress.” Therefore, between now and the 9th Holder needs to hand over the documents  and we need to remind Issa that we expect him to follow through with the contempt charges if Holder simply thumbs his nose at the Oversight Committee again.

AWR Hawkins

About:
AWR Hawkins writes for all the BIG sites, for Pajamas Media, for RedCounty.com, for Townhall.com and now AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.

His southern drawl is frequently heard discussing his take on current events on radio shows like America’s Morning News, the G. Gordon Liddy Show, the Ken Pittman Show, and the NRA’s Cam & Company, among others. He was a Visiting Fellow at the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal (summer 2010), and he holds a PhD in military history from Texas Tech University.

If you have questions or comments, email him at awr@awrhawkins.com. You can find him on facebook at www.facebook.com/awr.hawkins.

Tough Targets: When Criminals Face Armed Resistance from Citizens

Cato Institute

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- This special publication uses an extensive collection of news reports from over an eight-year period to survey the circumstances and outcomes of defensive gun uses in America.

Federal and state lawmakers often oppose repealing or amending laws governing the ownership or carrying of guns.

That opposition is often based on assumptions that the average citizen is incapable of successfully employing a gun in self-defense or that possession of a gun in public will tempt people to violence in contentious situations.

Those assumptions, illustrated in this report, are false.

Such cases are an exceedingly small minority of gun uses by otherwise law-abiding citizens and a great number of tragedies-murders, rapes, assaults, robberies-have been thwarted by self-defense gun uses.

The vast majority of gun owners are ethical and competent – and thousands of crimes are prevented each year by ordinary citizens with guns.

This report’s analysis begins with an overview of the academic studies that have tried to estimate the frequency of defensive gun uses. It then examines recent legal issues and trends surrounding the law of self defense, and then explores the manner and circumstances in which people use guns against criminals.

This paper also examines instances of gun use in self-defense in order to provide a better understanding of their character. When ordinary Americans use guns in self defense, what is the nature of that use? How frequently do these events occur and what are the consequences? Finally, a lengthy Appendix provides scores of documented examples in which ordinary people have used guns to defend themselves.

Tought Targets: When Criminals Face Armed Resistance from Citizens, Cato White Paper No. 33

About the Authors
Author/Editor Summary:

Clayton E. Cramer teaches history at the College of Western Idaho and is the author of Armed America: The Remarkable Story of How and Why Guns Became as American as Apple Pie (Nelson Current, 2007).

David Burnett is a graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Business and Economics and serves as the director of public relations for the Students for Concealed Carry.

FOX Bans Firearms and Ammunition Advertisements

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) — the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry — has learned that FOX Sports Media Group has banned advertisements featuring firearms and ammunition from its coverage of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events.

While the UFC has yet to make an official announcement, NSSF has confirmed that “absolutely no firearms, ammo, hunting or knife companies will be permitted as sponsors in any Zuffa-promoted events.”

NSSF is encouraging all gun owners, sportsmen and firearms enthusiasts to contact FOX today and urge them to rescind this anti-gun corporate policy. FOX’s decision to ban advertisements for lawful products owned by more than 80 million Americans is nothing more than corporate gun control. We expect better from FOX. So should you.

Make sure your voice is heard. Here’s how to contact FOX:

About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

United States has fallen to the 10th-freest economy in the world. It is no coincidence that our economic growth has stagnated as economic activity has become less free.

The Center For Vision & Values

Grove City, PA --(Ammoland.com)- Chances are, you’ve heard economics referred to as “the dismal science.”

That unflattering description is glib and catchy; it is also 100 percent wrong.

Let me set the record straight and explain why economics —far from being dismal— is cause for hope, joy, cheer, and optimism.

Thomas Carlyle, a 19th-century Scottish essayist, coined the phrase “the dismal science.” Carlyle was reacting to grim predictions made by the classical economists David Ricardo (1772-1823) and Thomas Malthus (1766-1834). Ricardo posited an “iron law of wages” that sentenced laborers to a life of poverty at the margin of survival. Malthus became the intellectual forbear of today’s gloomy environmentalists by asserting that the human population tended to increase geometrically while the means of sustenance would grow only arithmetically, thereby, like Ricardo, condemning humankind to a poor, tenuous life.

Yes, those theories were dismal. Thankfully, though, they were utterly demolished by subsequent events. In country after country, populations and standards of living have multiplied since the days of Ricardo and Malthus. The classical economists failed to foresee such future phenomena as widespread middle-class affluence and people being defined as “poor” despite having cars, air conditioners, and cell phones (not to mention indoor plumbing, a reliable supply of clean water, and other conveniences that most people lacked in 1800).

Let’s not be too harsh in judging Ricardo and Malthus for their lack of foresight. Who, in 1800, could have foreseen the marvelous growth of productivity and wealth that would transform the world over the next two centuries?

To do so would have been to envision a state of affairs without precedent, entirely outside their scope of experience.

What was “dismal” to Carlyle was not economic science, but economic error. Would it be fair to dub aeronautics a “dismal science” on the basis of the many failed attempts at manned flight in the pre-Wright brothers era?

The fact is that “economics,” as a distinct science, was still in its embryonic stage when Carlyle wrote. Economics had not emerged as a distinct field of study, and there were no “economists.” Adam Smith was a professor of moral philosophy. Ricardo was a businessman, investor, and politician. Malthus was a preacher. The first chair in “political economy” (notice: NOT even “economics” yet) wasn’t established until 1825 at Oxford University.

The classical economists contributed greatly to our understanding of markets, the coordinating function of prices (the “invisible hand”), the division of labor, the need for freedom, and a very light hand for government—but they still hadn’t discovered the foundational principles of economics. They were still in the thrall of such persistent errors as “the labor theory of value.”

“Economics” as a modern science wasn’t “born” until the 1870s, when the neoclassical school emerged as a result of finally figuring out what “value” was. There is no “economic science” without understanding value any more than you can have chemical science without understanding valences or valid arithmetic without zero.

Since Carl Menger’s brilliant discovery and articulation of the “subjective theory of value” in 1871, economic science has flourished, culminating logically in Ludwig von Mises’ general theory of human action, called praxeology. Mises used the science of economics/praxeology to prove a priori that socialism literally could not be viable, and that if the goal of a wealthy society is one’s goal, then private property, limited government, and free markets are the means to achieve that goal.

In the decades since Mises explained how the world works, history has confirmed the validity of his theories.

Mises’ economic science has unlocked the secrets of wealth creation. We know which policies work and which are counterproductive. We now have the economic knowledge to unlock humankind’s potential for eliminating chronic poverty and coexisting and collaborating in a world characterized by peace and abundance.

Why, then, is there so much “dismal” news on the economic front today? Because political agendas and powerful special interests trample economic principles for their own selfish purposes, thereby thwarting the amazing economic potential that economic science makes available to us.

Since 1995, the Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal have published an Index of Economic Freedom, an examination of 10 political conditions that affect wealth creation. More freedom, as measured by this index, correlates significantly with economic growth.

The recently released 2012 edition shows that the United States has fallen to the 10th-freest economy in the world. It is no coincidence that our economic growth has stagnated as economic activity has become less free.

This bad news has a silver lining: We know what we need to do to return to prosperity. Economic science will work in our favor—if only we adhere to its inexorable principles and get the oppressive burden of Big Government and failed political ideologies off our backs.

The dismal clouds on today’s horizon are a toxic mixture of moral corruption, political power-grabbing, and economic error.

Economic truth is the sunlight that illuminates the way to a bright and glorious future. Thank God for this cheerful science.

— Dr. Mark W. Hendrickson is an adjunct faculty member, economist, and fellow for economic and social policy with The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College.e.

© 2012 by The Center for Vision & Values at Grove City College. The views & opinions expressed herein may, but do not necessarily, reflect the views of Grove City College.

ANJRPC Officers To Appear On WCBS-TV Report On Rising Gun Ownership

Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs

NY, NJ, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Tune in tonight to the 11pm news on WCBS-TV (Channel 2) to see their report covering the rising trend of gun ownership, entitled “Who’s Packing Heat?”

ANJRPC President Scott Bach and Treasurer Anthony Colandro (also of the Gun For Hire training facility) were interviewed for this story, along with an ANJRPC range member. Some of the footage was taken at Cherry Ridge Range.

“Ok so here is the deal. CBS is doing a gun special Monday night at 11:00 pm after the weather called “Packing Heat” GFH Radio and Bach as well as a few others we know are in it.

Best part is they are running promos every hour or so and they will be running them during the Superbowl, maybe we will run next to King Mike’s anti gun commercial! Nice!” says Anthony Colandro.

CBS promoted this story all weekend long. It’s scheduled to air sometime during the 11 pm news.

About Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs:The Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs, Inc. is the official NRA State Association in New Jersey. Our mission is to implement all of the programs and activities at the state level that the NRA does at the national level. This mission includes the following: To support and defend the constitutional rights of the people to keep and bear arms. To take immediate action against any legislation at the local, state and federal level that would infringe upon these rights. Visit: www.anjrpc.org

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
– Bill of Rights, Article 1

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- I’m not a scholar of the United States Constitution, though like most citizens, I certainly have a basic understanding of the meaning and intentions of the Constitution and its Amendments.

And like other patriots and defenders of the Second Amendment, I believe in the sanctity of this document and its integrity.

I’m no authority on Catholicism; with the exception of some comparative religion classes in college, my understanding of Catholic theology, ideology, and practice comes from growing up with a few Catholic friends and participating in interfaith dialogs among students studying for the clergy among various denominations.

But only a complete ignoramus of Catholic belief and Constitutional Law could fail to see hugely disturbing conflicts in a recent development in the executive branch of our federal government.

As reported in the Wall Street Journal (“A Battle the President Can’t Win”, by Peggy Noonan, WSJ 2/3/12):

The president signed off on a Health and Human Services ruling that says under ObamaCare Catholic institutions – including charities, hospitals and schools – will be required by law, for the first time ever, to provide and pay for insurance coverage that includes contraceptives, abortion-inducing drugs and sterilization procedures. If they do not, they will face ruinous fines in the millions of dollars. Or they can always go out of business.

In other words, the Catholic Church was told this week that its institutions can’t be Catholic anymore.

Whether you agree or disagree with the Catholic Church’s positions on abortion, sterilization, and birth control, this draconian maneuver by the Obama administration is simply untenable. This isn’t just about the federal government vs. the Catholic Church. It is about the federal government vs. religious autonomy in America.

Therefore, as a Rabbi, an Orthodox Jew, and an American, I stand with the Catholic Church and its right to freedom of conscience. If President Obama can force Catholics to pay for abortions, then no religious belief is safe in America, and an America in which religious beliefs are not sacrosanct is an America that is unsafe not only for Jews but for all people of conscience — whether people of faith or secularists.

While JPFO’s main focus is on the Second Amendment, we have always stood for all of the Bill of Rights for All of the People. While Second Amendment is the “Guardian” of the Bill of Rights, all of the rights reserved for We the People must stand intact for any of them to have meaning.

With that in mind, I would remind Obama and his ilk that there are moral issues that decent men and women will fight for – with pens and lawsuits at first, with arms if necessary. Freedom of religion and freedom of conscience are foremost among them.

The Second Amendment preserves not only our right to take up arms in self-defense but also our right to defend against a tyrannical government. May it be a right we never need to exercise.

Rabbi Dovid Bendory

Rabbi Bendory is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor.

The Rabbi’s Archive page.

About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy “gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO). Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament policies while advancing liberty for all.

JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization, not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org – Copyright JPFO 2011

Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance

Minnesota --(Ammoland.com)- Last year, Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance worked with Minnesota legislators to introduce the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act, a sweeping set of legislation that would fundamentally rebalance Minnesota law to protect and support the rights of law-abiding citizens.

Due to the showdown over the budget, our bill didn’t get the support and attention it needed. But you can’t keep a good bill down, and…

Stand Your Ground is Back!

We need your help.

Please contact the members of the Senate Finance Committee, and urge them to vote YES on HF1467/SF1357. Their contact info is below.

• Sen. Claire A. Robling
  Committee Chair
  (651) 296-4123
  sen.claire.robling@senate.mn
• Sean R. Nienow
  Vice Chair
  (651) 296-5419
  sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn
• Richard J. Cohen
  Ranking Minority Member
  (651) 296-5931
  Mail Form
• Terri E. Bonoff
  (651) 296-4314
  sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn
• Michelle L. Fischbach
  (651) 296-2084
  sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn
• Barb Goodwin
  (651) 296-4334
  Mail Form
• David W. Hann
  (651) 296-1749
  Mail Form
• Bill Ingebrigtsen
  (651) 297-8063
  sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn
• Keith Langseth
  (651) 296-3205
  Mail Form
• Doug Magnus
  (651) 296-5650
  sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn
• Scott J. Newman
  (651) 296-4131
  sen.scott.newman@senate.mn
• Gen Olson
  (651) 296-1282
  sen.gen.olson@senate.mn
• Mike Parry
  (651) 296-9457
  sen.mike.parry@senate.mn
• LeRoy A. Stumpf
  (651) 296-8660
  Mail Form
• Linda Higgins
  (651) 296-9246
  sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

You can email many of them at once by pasting this list into your email client:

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn ; sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn ; sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn ; sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn ; sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn ; sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn ; sen.scott.newman@senate.mn ; sen.gen.olson@senate.mn ; sen.mike.parry@senate.mn ; sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

Need that with commas instead? No problem!

sen.claire.robling@senate.mn , sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn , sen.terri.bonoff@senate.mn , sen.michelle.fischbach@senate.mn , sen.bill.ingebrigtsen@senate.mn , sen.doug.magnus@senate.mn , sen.scott.newman@senate.mn , sen.gen.olson@senate.mn , sen.mike.parry@senate.mn , sen.linda.higgins@senate.mn

If you use those lists above, don’t forget these senators:

Richard J. Cohen’s Mail Form
Barb Goodwin’s Mail Form
David W. Hann’s Mail Form
Keith Langseth’s Mail Form
LeRoy A. Stumpf’s Mail Form

Here’s some background on the bill:

HF1467/SF1357 Summary

HF1467/SF1357, the Defense of Dwelling and Person Act of 2011, brings “Stand Your Ground” protections to Minnesota, restores the presumption that a person using self defense is innocent until proven guilty, enhances Castle Doctrine, prevents the state from seizing guns during an emergency (remember Hurricane Katrina?), extends purchase permits to five years, improves carry reciprocity with other states and requires the government to do its job to serve law-abiding citizens

The full text of the bill can be found here: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=S1357.0.html&session=ls87

Here’s some more detail:

Adds Stand Your Ground
SF1357 brings “Stand Your Ground” protections to Minnesota, removing the requirement that an intended victim of violent crime must retreat from a place where he has a right to be before using deadly force in self defense.

Enhances Castle Doctrine
The bill also strengthens Minnesota’s “Castle Doctrine,” clarifying when and under what circumstances individuals can legally use deadly force to protect themselves in their homes and vehicles. In addition, it creates a presumption that, when faced with an apparent home invasion, carjacking or kidnapping attempt, a person may use deadly force in self defense.

Prevents Gun Seizures During a State of Emergency
Taking a lesson from the problems in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, the bill also bans government agencies from seizing guns or ammo, revoking permits to purchase or carry, closing gun shops, or otherwise suspending our constitutional rights during a civil emergency — or at any other time. It also prohibits law enforcement officers from seizing a person’s gun, unless the person is arrested, or the gun is evidence of a crime.

Extends Purchase Permits to Five Years
The bill also extends the validity of handgun purchase permits from one to five years, adds an annual background check for people holding those five-year permits. It requires the Minnesota Department of Human Services and state courts to make their background check records available electronically to authorized agencies, including the National Instant Background Check system (NICS) — a process that was supposed to have been in place 16 years ago! This should reduce purchasing delays as well as ensuring that state and federal checks produce the same results.

The bill also borrows a page from the Permit to Carry law, providing a more robust appeal process for denied purchase permits, and requiring that police chiefs and sheriffs whose purchase permit denials are overturned must pay the applicants’ legal costs.

Adds Universal Carry Permit Acceptance
Of particular interest to carry permit holders, the final article of the bill updates our carry permit reciprocity standards, allowing people holding carry permits from any other state to carry in Minnesota (under Minnesota law, of course). This should result in a large increase in the number of states where Minnesota permit holders can carry, since many states allow other states’ permit holders to carry on a reciprocal basis.

About:
We are the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance, the organization behind CCRN (Concealed Carry Reform Now!). We are people from all walks of life who have banded together to preserve and protect all of our civil rights as gun owners. Visit: www.gocra-mn.org

Buffalo Soldier Stories on Urban Shooter Podcast

Urban Shooter Podcast

Upper Marlboro, MD --(Ammoland.com)- The month of February 2012, I plan to provide a little black history knowledge here on the Urban shooter podcast.

Actually it’s a series on American history sub-categorized as black history. Knowledge alone is not power. It is what we do with knowledge that gives us power.

Gun control is based on Racism. American patriots know and fight against it, usually with those that should be our allies.

The black person in America has always been a part of the gun rights argument. like it or not, it is, what it is. I have discovered that if a person uses the terms “gun violence” or “black on black” crime there is a high probability they are parroting, misinformed,conditioned or purposely misleading others against self defense for “other” people.

Violence is force employed to do damage. the free, law abiding people I associate with in the gun culture do not advocate violence. Gun ownership does not equate to murderess intent. I own a few guns and I don’t want to kill anyone. And why do some sensationalize and promulgate, “black on black“? Why the self hate? Why the prejudice?

Those that don’t know their history are doomed to repeat it.

As a kid, I used to think history was boring. Now I understand that I am a part of history. The story of gun control in America is like that.

In the following weeks I hope to share some tidbits on:

• The Deacons of Defense
• dr. Ossian Sweet
• The buffalo soldiers
• Black American revolutionary war soldiers
• Personalities in the civil rights era that were a catalyst for the Gun Control Act of 1968
• The Old west Cowboys and outlaws
• Gabriel Prosser
• Nat Turner
• Harriet Tubman
• Frederick Douglass
• Richard F. Williams
• Dred Scott
• Cruikshank
• Otis McDonald

So stay tuned to this great blog and more from your friend and brother from another mother, the Black Man with a Gun.

Rev. Kenn Blanchard

Kenn Blanchard of Black Man with a Gun

About:
Kenn Blanchard is a contributor to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News and Producer of the Urban Shooter pod cast. In addition Kenn Blanchard is a pro-gun media producer & marketing professional that helps small businesses by providing information, entertainment , inspiration and support to the sport shooting community through blogs, voice -over, pod-casting and professional speaking. Visit: www.kennblanchard.com

One Handgun A Month Repeal Passes Virginia Senate

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- The Senate just passed the repeal of One Handgun a Month by 21 to 19!

The House had already passed it.

The Governor said he would sign such a bill, so barring something truly bizarre happening, the One Handgun a Month repeal will go on to become law in the next month or so and will become effective on July 1st.

We will continue to watch the One Handgun a Month bills as they now flow through the opposite House.

The albatross is almost dead.

About:
Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (VCDL). VCDL is an all-volunteer, non-partisan grassroots organization dedicated to defending the human rights of all Virginians. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms is a fundamental human right. Visit: www.vcdl.org