Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day "IGOLD"

Illinois State Rifle Association

Illinois --(Ammoland.com)- In his zeal to keep law-abiding citizens defenseless, Rahm Emmanuel now wants to add to the already burdensome process of owning a handgun – not just for residents in Chicago but for EVERYONE in the entire state of Illinois.

Mayors cannot introduce legislation but, in keeping with former mayors of Chicago like Richard “Ban All Guns But Mine” Daley, Emmanuel is expected to send his proposal to Springfield via the representatives and senators from Chicago.

Rahm’s proposal would require statewide registration of all handguns. To add insult to injury the registration process would include a hefty fee of $65 for EACH handgun! Certificates of registration would have to be renewed every 5 years with a fee of $25 per gun. (for more details go to IllinoisCarry.com)

DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN!!

We Must Fight Chicago’s Insanity!!

Be in Springfield on Wed. March 7 for IGOLD 2012

Right to Carry Rally and March!!

Mark Your Calendars! Schedule the day off from work! Join the march to the Capitol for Right to Carry in Illinois!

Watch for details as they develop at IGOLD.isra.org and to reserve a seat on one of the many charter buses headed to Springfield!

About:
The ISRA is the state’s leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners Visit: www.isra.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

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

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.

Illinois Proposed "Assault Weapons Ban" is Back & the Fight Is On

U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance

Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- House Bill 1294, introduced by Rep. Edward Acevedo (D- Chicago), would prohibit acquiring new firearms that are classified as “assault weapons.”

The new definition for “assault weapon” would include many commonly used hunting firearms such as semi-automatic shotguns with a thumbhole stock or a pistol grip.

An exemption in the bill would allow a person to possess a so-called “assault weapon” while hunting and traveling to or from hunting. However, this is no relief for sportsmen or gun enthusiasts as the exemption would not include target shooting or the possession of “assault weapons” while at home.

The bill has been passed out of the House Committee on Rules and could be voted on by the full House soon.

“House Bill 1294 would ban many firearms that are commonly used by hunters in the state,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Sportsmen need to call their representatives today to protect their right to own a firearm.”

Take Action! Illinois sportsmen and gun owners should contact their state representatives and ask them to oppose House Bill 1294. Tell them that many firearms commonly used for hunting and target shooting will be banned under the bill. To find your state representative’s contact information, visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

For more information on this and other issues, contact the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance at 614-888-4868 or email info@ussportsmen.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.

Support for Starbucks Concealed Carry Letter - ilovegunsandcoffee.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- As you may have heard, it seems one of the endless number hoplophobic groups of anti-gun bigots is proposing to hijack Valentines Day to boycott Starbucks for not discriminating against law-abiding gun-owning customers and shoving them to the back of, if not entirely off, the bus.

Starbucks has resisted pressure from rabid anti-gun groups who are trying to force them into preventing customers from entering their premises with either a concealed or openly carried handgun.

Starbucks policy is to allow carry wherever local laws permit them. We support them in their effort to stand up to these anti-gun extortionists.

At the end of this email I have placed a link to a PDF document that you can download, print, sign and take to your favorite Starbucks to show your support.

It contains the following text which was written for us by one of our newest members – Kim Ball.

Support of Starbucks Concealed Carry Letter

I love coffee and guns patches at http://ilovegunsandcoffee.com/

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

Illinois Proposed "Assault Weapons Ban" is Back & the Fight Is On

IllinoisCarry.com

Illinois --(Ammoland.com)- Chicago legislators once again are trying to rule over gun owners statewide.

The outrageous “Assault Weapons Ban” is back via State Rep. Eddie Acevedo who represents District 2 in Chicago. HB1294 is a repeat effort to ban just about every sporting and self-defense gun owned in Illinois, along with magazines holding more than 10 rounds, unless of course you still have the receipt from when you bought the gun or magazine some 15-20-30 years ago.

This is another attempt by Chicago and Cook County’ to prevent law-abiding citizens from exercising their Second Amendment rights.

Anti-Gun IL State Rep. Eddie Acevedo, vote this guy out...

Along with HB1294, Acevedo also introduced HB1599, increasing the penalty of being in possession of high capacity ammunition when commenting an offense – what’s that you say? What’s high capacity ammunition? Apparently it is anything 50 caliber or larger but no distinction is made between pistol, rifle, or shotgun ammo.

All shotgun ammo over .410 would be banned.

Acevedo’s trio of atrocities against gun owners includes HB1855 which would penalize the victims of gun theft by barring them from owning firearms permanently if they didn’t report a theft within 72 hours of knowing about it – but who is to determine when someone knew or should have know about a theft? There in lies the danger.

Call your State Representative TODAY! Tell him/her to vote NO on HB1294, HB1599, and HB1855.

To find your district or state representative, go to the Illinois State Board of Elections

Logan Square – Chicago Right to Carry Town Hall Meeting!
Monday, Feb.20, 2012
7:00-9:00 pm
Logan Square Auditorium
2539 North Kedzie Blvd # 15
Chicago, IL 60647

Winnebago County Right to Carry Town Hall Meeting!
Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012
7:00 pm to 9 pm
Giovanni’s Conference Center
610 North Bell School Road
Rockford, IL

Please come show your support for Right to Carry. Bring your friends and family!

Do you have questions or concerns about Right to Carry? Come to the town hall meeting and let our panel of experts address those questions and concerns. 49 States Are NOT Wrong!!

Right to Carry Rally and March Coming!!
Watch for details as they develop at IGOLD.isra.org and to reserve a seat on one of the many charter buses headed to Springfield!

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

Chicago Freedom Hate Machine Is Coming For Your Guns

Illinois State Rifle Association

Illinois --(Ammoland.com)- On Tuesday, January 24th, the Chicago gun grabbers launched a surprise attack on your gun rights by moving two pieces of extremist anti-gun legislation out of committee and on to the House floor for consideration.

The first bill is HB1294. This bill would require the ban and forced confiscation of every semiautomatic firearm you own.

The second bill is HB1599. If passed, this bill would increase jail time for owners of any guns banned by HB1294.

THE MACHINE PLAN IS CLEAR – THEY WANT TO MAKE IT A FELONY FOR YOU TO EXERCISE YOUR 2ND AMENDMENT RIGHTS!

These two bills are not just random attacks on your rights! They have been carefully drafted and coordinated by some of the Chicago Machine’s most ardent gun grabbers to include: Rep. Edward Acevedo; Rep. Ann Williams; Rep. Greg Harris; Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie; Rep. Karen May; Rep. Carol Sente; Rep. Deborah Mell (Blago’s sister-in-law); and Rep. Marlow Colvin.

IF THESE BILLS PASS, YOU WILL HAVE 90 DAYS TO SURRENDER YOUR GUNS TO THE POLICE OR THE POLICE WILL BE COMING TO YOUR DOOR TO TAKE YOUR GUNS TO THE FURNACE, AND YOU TO THE PENITENTIARY.

This is the beginning of what could be a very bad year for law-abiding Illinois gun owners. The Chicago Machine does not care about the 2nd Amendment and is dead set on taking your guns away from you.

They are not patriots; they are not lovers of freedom; they are not Americans. These people have no respect for our Constitution or the ideals of liberty and self determination envisioned by the Founding Fathers.

They know that private firearm ownership is the bedrock of liberty and, if they can take your guns away from you, then they will be able to condemn you and your family to a life of servitude – groveling before the Machine for life’s necessities.

DO NOT LET THE CHICAGO MACHINE BEAT YOU DOWN LIKE A DOG!

HERE ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU MUST DO TO HELP PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS:

1. Use the link below to identify your State Representative and politely advise your Representative that you oppose HB1294 and HB1599 and that you expect them to vote against those bills if they come to the House floor for a vote.
• Illinois Board of Elections District Official/Search:

  http://www.elections.state.il.us/DistrictLocator/DistrictOfficialSearchByAddress.aspx

2. Pass this Alert link along to all your friends and family and urge them to contact their Representatives as well.
3. Post the link to this alert to any and all Internet blogs or bulletin boards to which you belong.
4. Please follow the directions below and make a generous donation to the ISRA so that we may continue the fight in Springfield to preserve and protect your rights. The suggested minimum donation for protecting freedom is $20.

REMEMBER: PRESERVING AND PROTECTING THE 2ND AMENDMENT IS A MORAL AND CULTURAL IMPERATIVE – WITHOUT THE FREE EXERCISE OF THE 2ND AMENDMENT, THERE WILL BE NO MORE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

About:
The ISRA is the state’s leading advocate of safe, lawful and responsible firearms ownership. Since 1903, the ISRA has represented the interests of over 1.5 million law-abiding Illinois firearm owners Visit: www.isra.org

KnifeRights.org

Gilbert, AZ --(Ammoland.com)- This past Friday, Knife Rights filed its response to New York City’s Motion to Dismiss in our Federal Civil Rights Lawsuit against New York City and District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr.

As with the DA’s earlier motion, the City’s motion was expected and is pro forma in a case such as this.

Much of the City’s motion simply aped the DA’s, but they did manage to come up with their own ludicrous interpretation and expansion of the New York state statute on gravity knives, claiming that somehow the fact that these knives do not require two hands to open is part and parcel of the statute: “If a person is in possession of a knife that can be opened with centrifugal force and locks in the open position by means of a device without the use of the other hand, it is a gravity knife,…” (emphasis added).

As before with the DA’s motion, the Knife Rights legal team, led by attorney David Jensen, have sliced and diced the City’s absurd arguments, laying waste to their arrogant, ill-conceived and baseless motion.

To quote from the introduction in Knife Rights’ papers: “The City seeks judgment on the pleadings for lack of standing and for failure to state a claim. To do so, the City embarks on a fanciful journey that selectively ignores the extensive evidence…Plaintiffs have provided…”

“This is an unconstitutionally vague application of the gravity knife law. The gravity knife law does not provide adequate notice that knives that are designed and intended not to open by gravity or centrifugal force might be prohibited, and the operative test employed by the NYPD is entirely subjective. It is literally possible for one knife to be simultaneously legal and illegal, and a person has no means of conforming his or her conduct to the law’s expectations.

The two documents make for interesting, perhaps even entertaining, reading:

Knife Rights Response in Opposition to New York City’s Motion to Dismiss
New York City’s Motion to Dismiss

About:
Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice in public policy. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Crime has decreased in our great state everywhere that concealed carry was made legal 18 years ago. Unfortunately, that predictable improvement did not extend to areas like parks that remained off-limits to lawful self-defense.

Former Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn was an active member of NYC Mayor Bloomberg’s anti-gun organization, MAIG. One of her final acts was implementation of an over-reaching, anti-HB 650 gun ban in parks.

Dunn’s ban was so over-the-top it twisted the definition of “dog park” into “playground” ensuring that only defenseless dog-owners can run their pets off-leash in Greenville.

Dunn’s misguided ordinance will cost the City thousands of tax dollars to implement, will force Greenville to defend a host of clearly illegal laws, in addition to creating liability for assaults that may occur where effective defense has been unlawfully prevented.

WITN reports that the Greenville City Council is reconsidering these misguided laws over a weekend retreat: http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/137744963.html?storySection=comments.

Election of a new Mayor, Allen M. Thomas, as well as new City Council members brings hope that pro-freedom thinking may take hold within Greenville.

Let’s send this promising new Leadership our gun-owning, pro-self-defense, pro-personal responsibility vote of confidence!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:
Email Greenville Leaders

Contact the Mayor and new Greenville City Council
Copy and Paste email addresses:

amthomas@greenvillenc.gov, rglover50@suddenlink.net, ksmith@greenvillenc.gov, mercerc99@yahoo.com, mjoyner@clementins.com, dmitchell@greenvillenc.gov, info@MarionBlackburn.com

Deliver This Message

Dear Greenville Representatives,

Greenville residents and other North Carolinians are encouraged by reports that you will consider rescinding the misguided and clearly illegal ordinance that prevents law-abiding concealed handgun permittees from effectively defending themselves and their families within Greenville parks.

These citizens are among the most law-abiding in our state and deserve your encouragement and support. Areas in which they have been permitted to carry in our state have seen a more than 40 % decrease in crime since “shall issue” law passed in NC in 1995.

This clear decrease in crime has not happened in areas where lawful carry has remained banned, such as within parks. The Daily Reflector recently reported that according to Greenville Police Department data, officers responded to 39 criminal incidents in the city’s parks and recreational facilities in 2005, and 93 incidents in 2010 – the most recent year for which complete data are available.

Crime is decreasing in Greenville, as it is across the rest of our state, except for within those areas where law-abiding citizens are not permitted an effective means of self-defense.

Please do the right thing and respect the rights of your citizens to effectively defend themselves and their families everywhere in Greenville. Reduce the area of “criminal empowerment zones” that still exist, and that unwise leaders have sought to maintain.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

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

Challenge to Chicago's Ban on Guns Outside the Home Goes Forward

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On January 19, a federal judge in Chicago allowed NRA-supported plaintiffs to move ahead with a challenge to that city’s laws that ban anyone from possessing or carrying a handgun except in his or her home, and that ban possession or carriage of a long gun anywhere outside his or her home or place of business.

The case, Benson v. City of Chicago, challenges several of the anti-Second Amendment restrictions that were enacted days after the city’s handgun ban was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. Other issues contested in the case include the city’s ban on nearly all firearm transfers and on the operation of gun stores, as well as its law that allows each Chicago license holder to keep only one “assembled and operable” firearm within the home.

On the carry issue, the city had argued that this count of the complaint should be dismissed, claiming that there was no way the courts could provide relief because the same conduct was prohibited statewide by Illinois law anyway.

In the ruling, Judge Edmond E. Chang of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois pointed out that Chicago’s ordinance actually was more strict than state law: Illinois does allow people to possess and carry guns in their places of business, or in another person’s home.

Briefs on the remaining issues in the case will be filed between now and April.

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

Florida Carry

Florida - -(Ammoland.com)- When Hueris Mora came to us, we did what we always do when contacted by someone who is facing gun carry charges.

We set about researching the charges and circumstances of the incident.

Florida Carry only gets involved in these cases when good people face unjust charges because they choose to lawfully carry defensive arms.

In his case, it was immediately apparent that continuing prosecution by the office of Katherine Fernandez Rundle, Miami-Dade State Attorney, was unjust at best. Our consulting attorneys statewide were in unanimous concurrence that prosecution of this case, despite the clear language of 790.053, was completely baseless. The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office must have also known that they were in an untenable position because they quickly agreed to take the possibility of jail time off the table.

Removing the possibility of imprisonment was not an olive branch offered in the interest of justice, it was in fact a Trojan Horse. This underhanded move was their only way to keep prosecuting the case because it had the calculated effect of taking away Mr. Mora’s public defender. Once the Assistant State Attorney prosecuting the case had effectively maneuvered to deprive Mr. Mora of legal counsel, an offer was made. An offer so common in Florida that it is considered the standard plea deal…

“You can retake the concealed course to get your license to carry back but kiss your gun goodbye.”

Hueris knew he was getting the shaft despite having done nothing wrong, so he did what nobody before in Florida (that we know of) had done. He didn’t sign the deal. This was a brave decision despite having no legal help at that time.

Florida Carry has consulting attorneys who do countless hours of pro bono work behalf of our members. Unfortunately, at that time we did not have a criminal defense attorney in Mr. Mora’s area. That’s when we reached out to Jesus “Jojo” Rodriguez. He didn’t blink. Pro bono defense of a truly worthy young man who needs our help? “Absolutely!” was Jojo’s immediate response. Our other attorneys and legal interns rallied together to provide support and Mr. Rodriguez, Florida Carry’s newest consulting attorney, drove this case home. The charge of violating Florida’s Open Carry Ban was dismissed with prejudiced. We finally won this fight that deprived Mr. Mora of his handgun for nearly six months.

Last year, when 2011 SB 234 was debated in the State Legislature, our elected leaders were told about law abiding gun owners being arrested and thrown in jail for even accidental or incidental exposure of lawfully carried firearms. The State Prosecuting Attorneys lobbyist repeatedly said that “Nobody has ever been prosecuted for open carry.” The fact is that nobody ever went all the way to trial. Many have been prosecuted; this was a case where a good man fought back. If this doesn’t meet some lobbyist definition of prosecution, we recommend a new dictionary.

Judge the case docket for yourself: http://tiny.cc/joq5l

It sure looks like prosecution to us.

The Florida Sheriff’s Association sent multiple lobbyists in uniform who said that law enforcement officers will use their “proper discretionary powers” and would never arrest someone for carrying a handgun if it became innocently unconcealed. Yet there is a 25 year history of some officers using subjective language in firearms laws to unreasonably arrest law-abiding people who choose to exercise their right to bear arms. In one such case a man lawfully carrying was permanently injured when handcuffs were put on him with such force that nerves in both wrists were severed. All because part of his handgun became unconcealed.

Early last year, Florida’s Open Carry Ban was amended to insert the subjective language asked for by the Florida Sheriffs and State Prosecuting Attorneys Lobbyist. This compromised language came with their promise that these incidents would stop. Subsequently Mr. Mora had to spend a night deprived of his freedom in jail and half a year fighting for his rights. Every month we are contacted by other law-abiding people who have been confronted, detained, and threatened with arrest because they were lawfully carrying a firearm in Florida and it “printed” through clothing or became unconcealed.

They have broken their promise and we now call on the Florida Legislature to repeal one of the most anti-gun laws in the country.

Despite the Florida Legislature’s clear intent that people who have lawfully carried handguns, which may become innocently unconcealed, face no charges. As long as the general ban on open carry exists, these arrests and prosecutions will continue unabated.

Florida Statute 790.053 is Florida’s very unusual open carry ban, it was a knee jerk reaction when passed in 1987 and it is long overdue for repeal.

We need your membership to make our work possible! Please protect your rights in Florida by joining Florida Carry Today! http://www.FloridaCarry.org/

About:
Florida Carry is a non-profit, non-partisan, grassroots organization dedicated to advancing the fundamental civil right of all Floridians to keep and bear arms for self defense as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I Section 8 of the Florida Constitution. Florida Carry stands only to represent our members and the over 7 million gun owners of Florida. We are not beholden to any national organization’s agenda that may compromise that mission.

Florida Carry works tirelessly toward striking down ill-conceived gun control laws that have been proven to provide safe havens to criminals and be deadly to law abiding citizens.

Obama Says He Won't Be Bound by Gun Control Ban in Omnibus

NRA News

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to John Frazer, NRA-ILA Director of Research & Information about a recent declaration by the Obama Administration that they will not abide by the recent bans on funding Gun Control passed in a recent Minibus appropriations bill.

Read More on these topics:

• Congress Packs Firearms Riders in Minibus
• Administration & Media Collaboration Continues Gunwalker Misdirection
• Bill Defunds United Nations If Arms Trade Treaty Is Adopted

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

Arsenal’s SGL12 Semi-Auto Saiga 12-Gauge Shotgun

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- This year, NRA-ILA worked with pro-gun legislators to include a provision in the 2012 Commerce, Justice and Science appropriations legislation to help prohibit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives from banning the importation of shotguns that are currently legally imported.

That legislation was a part of a consolidated appropriations bill that Congress passed to fund major portions of the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2012.

Unfortunately, some inaccurate reports have claimed that this provision would repeal the “sporting purposes” test for importation of firearms.

While NRA supports repeal of the “sporting purposes” test, the provision included in the recently enacted bill does not achieve this goal.

The provision supported by NRA-ILA was prompted by a recent BATFE “study” that sought to reinterpret the “sporting purposes” test in a manner that would have banned the import of certain shotguns that are currently legal to import.

The new provision prevents, at least in the short term, the expansion of any shotgun bans under the “sporting purpose” language, thus preserving the status quo.

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

Calguns Foundation - 2011 Year in Review

Calguns Foundation

California --(Ammoland.com)- I know that our fundamental right to keep and bear arms for self-defense is important to you.

This individual liberty ensures that we have an opportunity to protect our lives and those of our loved ones should the need arise. We Californians are all too aware of the many infringements of this enumerated right that regular, law-abiding people like us face on a daily basis, yet it’s for this very reason the road to freedom runs through the Golden State.

2011 was a notable year for gun rights and our culture of respect for the constitution. Over the past twelve months we’ve made some significant advancements in Second Amendment issues and taken major steps forward in our fight for this critical civil right, including:

• Taking the federal carry case of Richards v. Prieto to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to strike the “good cause” and “good moral character” prior restraints in California law and secure the People’s right to bear loaded firearms in public for self-defense on a “shall issue” basis (brought by attorneys Alan Gura and Donald Kilmer);
• Filing a lawsuit in federal court challenging as unconstitutional California’s “Assault Weapons” ban on common semi-automatic firearms, as well as Penal Code Section 12031 “(e) checks” (Richards v. Harris brought by attorneys Jason Davis and Donald Kilmer);
• Filing a federal civil rights case against Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith for violating Mr. Tom Scocca’s constitutional right to equal protection of the laws by denying him a firearms carry license while approving others (brought by attorneys Donald Kilmer and Jason Davis);
• Supporting the long-running federal lawsuit Nordyke v. King as it heads back to an “en banc” (full court) panel in March, 2012 (brought by attorneys Donald Kilmer and Don B. Kates);
• Winning the important carry license records case Calguns Foundation v. Ventura County Sheriff Bob Brooks, et al., and receiving $21,000 in court-ordered attorney fees (brought by attorney Jason Davis);
• Creating and publishing the CGF Carry License Model Policy for law enforcement agencies;
• Partnering with new Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean and his staff to create a vastly improved carry license policy and process, as well as the near-total adoption of the CGF Model Policy;
• Forcing the Los Angeles District Attorney to dismiss false charges against a law-abiding person properly carrying an exposed firearm (defense by Jason Davis funded by CGF);
• Causing San Francisco Sheriff Michael Hennessey to follow the law and establish a written carry license policy;
• Filing a lawsuit against Merced County Sheriff Mark Pazin and the County of Merced over unlawful carry license policies (Rossow v. Merced brought by attorneys Jason Davis and Donald Kilmer);
• Acquiring up-to-date statewide statistics on carry licenses from CA DOJ and publishing a comprehensive report down to the licensing authority level of detail;
• Filing a lawsuit against the County of San Mateo over its pre-empted ban on the carry of firearms in parks (Early v. San Mateo County brought by attorney Donald Kilmer);
• Numerous direct and indirect criminal defenses of innocent Californians;
• And many, many more.

While this isn’t anything nearing an exhaustive list of our efforts over the last year, we hope you’ll see why we’re excited about the future and how your generous donations have gone directly to the front lines of Second Amendment advocacy.

For more on these and other CGF cases, see our Litigation Past and Present Wiki page. 2012 will be full of new lawsuits, grassroots actions, and education campaigns to advance our rights, so be sure to sign up at our website and check back often for news and updates.

We’ve made it easier than ever to make a fully tax-deductible donation to CGF and hope you’ll include us in your charitable giving. To contribute by check or credit card on a one-time or (hopefully!) recurring basis, please use our secure website donations page, also linked at at www.calgunsfoundation.org/donate. (If you’re interested in sponsoring the Carry License Sunshine & Compliance Initiative and supporting our efforts to reform carry license policies in your county and across the state, please visit the Sponsorships section of the new CGF Store.)

Another exciting and easy way for you to contribute to CGF is to shop at Amazon… that’s right, just by making your purchases at Amazon.com through our convenient direct link, up to 15% of the total purchase will be sent directly to CGF! Please do share this email with your friends, family, and fellow gun rights supporters; we’re counting on you to get the word out that California gun owners have every reason to be optimistic about the future of our rights.

Advancing the Second Amendment and keeping government accountable to the People is a full-time job. With your help and support, 2012 can indeed be a monumental year for the right to keep and bear arms. Happy holidays, and best wishes to you and yours.

The Calguns Foundation (www.calgunsfoundation.org) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which serves its members and the general public by providing Second Amendment-related education, strategic litigation and the defense of innocent California gun owners from improper or malicious prosecution. The Calguns Foundation seeks to inform government and protect the rights of individuals to acquire, own, and lawfully use firearms in California.

Texas State Rifle Association

Houston, Tx --(Ammoland.com)- This Monday, December 19th, the city of Shavano Park, near San Antonio, will reconsider the passage of an ordinance dealing with the discharge of a firearm within the city.

Mayor David Marne refused to sign the ordinance, sending it back to the 5 member city council.

In a letter to the Shavano Park City Council, Mayor Marne lists the ordinance as unnecessary and over-reaching. Mayor Marne also notes that state law, currently in place, adequately covers public safety concerns. This far-reaching ordinance could be read to prohibit the legal use of a firearm for self defense.

The ban includes bb-guns and other such non-weapon toys even with adult supervision; non-firearms often used in safety training for youth.

The passage of Ordinance No. 200-01-11 was not incident driven and adds nothing to public safety.

Bad Gun Laws Begin At the Local Level!
Support the citizens of Shavano Park and let your voice be heard! Stop Shavano Park City Ordinance No. 200-01-11

Please call 210-493-3478 and support Mayor David Marne and stop the implementation of Ciity Ordinance No. 200-01-11

You can also send an email message by going to www.shavanopark.org and click on the “Contact Us” tab.
Join, renew, or upgrade your TSRA membership. Our money and our members are from Texas! Make your voice heard first in Texas. Go to www.tsra.com or call 512-615-4200 during business hours. Also, campaign information is posted at www.tsrapac.com More will be added as the election cycle heats up.

Debbie and Tab Bonidy live in the mountains of Colorado, and are the plaintiffs -- along with the National Association for Gun Rights -- against the Postal Service.

National Association for Gun Rights

Colorado -–(Ammoland.com)- Have you heard about the National Association for Gun Rights’ lawsuit against the U.S. Post Service‘s gun ban?

Just a few weeks ago, a federal judge ruled that NAGR’s lawsuit was valid, and we’re now moving forward with it.

The U.S. Postal Service uses bureaucratic rules to ban your right to carry in a Post Office or in the parking lot, and that’s important, even if you don’t carry concealed — it’s the camel’s nose under the tent.

You see, the U.S. Postal Service claims Americans don’t have the right to self-defense in Post Offices.

There’s one problem with that claim: it isn’t true.

The law cited by the U.S. Postal Service creates an exception for “lawful carrying of firearms” for “other lawful purposes.” On top of that, both the Heller and McDonald Supreme Court decisions guarantee “the individual right to possess and carry weapons in case of confrontation.”

Sounds like it should be simple, right?

Well, no government bureaucracy ever gave up power without a fight.

And, given the anti-gun nature of the Obama administration, we know they aren’t going to instruct the U.S. Postal Service properly.

So your National Association for Gun Rights acted quickly to file suit against the U.S. Postal Service.

National Association for Gun Rights members Debbie and Tab Bonidy live in the mountains of Colorado, and are the plaintiffs — along with the National Association for Gun Rights — against the Postal Service.

Debbie Bonidy doesn’t like going anywhere without her personal handgun, which is why she went through the trouble of being trained, proving she’s law-abiding, and getting her concealed carry permit. Not only does the U.S. Postal Service say she can’t carry that handgun for self protection in a Post Office, but they arrogantly claim she can’t even leave it in her car when in their lot.

If we win this lawsuit, that outrageous policy will change in every Post Office in America.

P.S. I hope you will support our lawsuit against the U.S. Postal Services’ ban on self-defense. If we win, they’ll be forced to allow legally-authorized individuals to carry in Post Offices across the country.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Constitutionally protected right-to-keep-and-bear-arms through an aggressive program designed to mobilize public opposition to anti-gun legislation. The National Association for Gun Rights’ mailing address is P.O 7002, Fredericksburg, VA 22404. They can be contacted toll-free at 1-877-405-4570. Its web address is www.NationalGunRights.org

Editorial Disclaimer: The opinions and views expressed above do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, AmmoLand Shooting Sports News, or other sponsors and partners. See the Editorial-Review Process for more details.

Wyoming Gun Owners

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- In an email response to gun owners regarding a Proposed Gun Ban , Casper Vice Mayor Kenyne Schlager defended her gun control position, making it quite clear that she believes the government owns your right to self defense.

While doing this Schlager even makes a foolish “sitting duck” argument by stating the following:

“Yes, I know someone who wants to do us harm will still get a gun…I can’t stop that”.

Of course you and I know better–that a criminal may face early retirement if they attempt to victimize an armed citizen.

Interestingly the vice mayors comments become even more convoluted and belong nowhere in the discussion!

Vice Mayor Schlager also stated this:

“When people say, “you should just have a gun in the meeting yourself”, that doesn’t work. What would the little 90 year old lady think while she is trying to talk to us about a lien we are putting on her house because she’s a hoarder.”

I am certain there are plenty of “other matters” that the city officials could entertain their time with besides these foolish arguments…

In addition to being disarmed can you imagine being 90 years old and on a fixed income –while having spent most of your life working to pay a portion of the politicians salaries– only to be shackled with a property lien that now jeopardizes the very home you live in!

Schlager’s comments prove that she is nothing more than a “self centered politician” that refuses to honor the oath she swore to defend the constitution.

Ultimately this is how the gun control crowd rolls, pulling at straws and using arguments that make no sense.

Please call and email Vice Mayor Kenyne Schlager and tell her you are appalled by her ridiculous thought process and attempts to disarms law abiding citizens.

Vice Mayor
Kenyne Schlager
kschlager@cityofcasperwy.com
(307) 234-4401

P.S. To view the entire email response from Casper Vice Mayor Schlager–used with permission of a Wyoming Gun Owners member.

Wyoming Gun Owners is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms as guaranteed by Article 1 Section 24 of the Wyoming Constitution and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Wyoming Gun Owners is the only organization taking action at this level–with an aggressive program designed to mobilize public support for pro-gun legislation as well as opposition to gun control.

About:
Wyoming Gun Owners is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms as guaranteed by Article 1 Section 24 of the Wyoming Constitution and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Wyoming Gun Owners is the only organization taking action at this level–with an aggressive program designed to mobilize public support for pro-gun legislation as well as opposition to gun control. www.wyominggunowners.org

NRA News

Fairfax, VA --(Ammoland.com)- NRA-News is a valued partner that continues to cover breaking gun rights news with a new and improved short video format in the “NRA News Minute” videos.

To view the current firearms or gun rights news video, please click above:

Cam Edwards talks to Nik Clark from Wisconsin Carry on one legislator’s attempt to ban concealed carry of guns in gas stations.

Read More on these topics:

• Court OKs Lawsuit Challenging Post-Office Gun Ban
• San Francisco Bans Guns From Advertising Posters
• Gallup Poll – Americans Say No to Gun Bans

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

Casper Wyoming Advances Gun Ban: Standing, from left: Kenyne Schlager, Keith Goodenough, Kim Holloway, Kate Sarosy, Maury Daubin, Stefanie Boster, Paul Meyer, Bill Brauer. Seated: Mayor Paul Bertoglio

Wyoming Gun Owners

Wyoming --(Ammoland.com)- On Tuesday night the Casper city council voted 5 to 4 in favor of a gun ban at city hall. That’s the bad news.

The good news is…

Thanks to your phone calls and emails we picked up another “no vote”.

But the hard work is far from over and with the final reading coming soon, I need your help.

Remember the last thing you and I want are these anti-gun politicians getting a foothold on creating additional gun free zones or better named “criminal safe zones” around Wyoming.

Of course we know their plan is to essentially “gut” constitutional carry by using incremental gun control schemes when they think we aren’t watching.

No matter how insignificant these proposed regulations appear to be, gun rights activists like YOU must stand firm against ALL attempts to redefine the God-given right to self defense.

And as everyone knows, the criminals never pay attention to posted signs that say “no guns allowed”.

Here’s where you can help–

The latest vote in council chambers reveals that vice mayor Kenyne Schlager and council member Paul Meyer both Republicans continue to follow the anti-gun lead of “Ultra-Liberal-Democrat” council member Kim Holloway.

An apparent Obamacrat from New Jersey –Holloway recently stated that– “guns are a sign of violence”-- as if law abiding gun owners like you and me are the bad guys.

Honestly, I expect this liberal rhetoric from someone who cherishes President Barack Obama.

But like you I don’t accept it from the Republicans!

Please call and email the following Republicans and tell them you will be watching how they act on this critical matter.

Vice Mayor
Kenyne Schlager
kschlager@cityofcasperwy.com
(307) 234-4401

Council Member
Paul Meyer
pmeyer@cityofcasperwy.com
(307) 237-7481

To Liberty,

P.S. Please consider donating $100, $75, $50, or what ever you can afford to help Wyoming Gun Owners continue the fight, traveling around the state and mobilizing second amendment supporters like you.

About:
Wyoming Gun Owners is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, single-purpose citizens’ organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the Right to Keep and Bear Arms as guaranteed by Article 1 Section 24 of the Wyoming Constitution and the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Wyoming Gun Owners is the only organization taking action at this level–with an aggressive program designed to mobilize public support for pro-gun legislation as well as opposition to gun control. www.wyominggunowners.org

CCRKBA.org

BELLEVUE, WA – -(Ammoland.com)- The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today applauded Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh’s introduction of legislation to withhold funding from the United Nations and assuring that the United States does not adopt any treaty posing a threat to national sovereignty or that abridges the firearms rights of American citizens as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.

Rep. Walsh’s bill, developed with the cooperation and assistance of CCRKBA staff, would block U.N. funding unless the President certifies that the world body “has not taken any action to restrict, attempt to restrict, or otherwise adversely infringe upon the rights of individuals…to keep and bear arms, or abridge any of the other constitutionally protected rights” of U.S. citizens.

“The United Nations’ effort to adopt a global gun control initiative needs to be reined in,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan M. Gottlieb. “For too many years, bureaucrats in the United Nations have become far too cozy with international gun prohibition organizations, and Congressman Walsh’s legislation seems the best way to get their attention. We’ve been delighted and honored to be part of this effort.

“It is an insult to United States sovereignty,” he added, “that the U.N. would be entertaining such measures while enjoying this country’s hospitality at its headquarters in New York City. It is the greatest irony, and perhaps the pinnacle of hypocrisy, for the United Nations to be discussing any treaty that might threaten our Second Amendment, because it has been the United States, with its citizen soldiers and our constitutional right to keep and bear arms that has come to the world’s rescue not once, but twice in global conflicts.

“When diplomacy fails, it is time to close our checkbook,” Gottlieb said. “The Bush administration opposed such a treaty, but the Obama administration is moving forward with discussions on an international Arms Trade Treaty. It is up to Congress to put the brakes on such efforts and protect our national sovereignty, which has been protected and defended for more than two centuries because our citizens have the right, and the resources, to defend it.”

With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States. The Citizens Committee can be reached by phone at (425) 454-4911, on the Internet at www.ccrkba.org or by email to InformationRequest@ccrkba.org.

Lawsuit Pending For Winston-Salem NC Gun Ban

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- GRNC seeking resident plaintiffs!

GRNC has just received legal analysis of Winston-Salem’s park ban, and the situation is even worse than originally thought. It is best we inform you of these developments as rapidly as possible – particularly because we need to immediately recruit Winston-Salem residents as plaintiffs!

WINSTON-SALEM PARK BAN VIOLATES STATE LAW!

You can find the law here: Winston-Salem Park Ordinance.

Specific problems include deliberate over-reaching by the City Council under Sec. 38-10 (a) (1): “Athletic facility means a building, structure or place including a walking trail, greenway and body of water such as a lake for engaging in sporting events, recreational activities, fitness or physical training”.

They plan to designate not only greenways and walking trails (both impermissible) but even whole lakes as “athletic facilities”.

Under (a) (2): “Playground means a piece of land used for and usually equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children including the adjoining area and shelter used by children for respite, eating and playing sedentary games.”

Since when are “sedentary games” and areas for eating “athletic facilities”?

Under subsection (d), they cite a long list of state parks allegedly containing “recreational facilities.” Under the statute, they need to specifically list each of the “recreational facilities” where concealed carry is banned — again, a violation of state law!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact the Mayor and City Councilors of Winston-Salem, NC. If you have already emailed, contact them again!

Cut and paste email list: danbesse@danbesse.org, vivianb@cityofws.org, denisea@cityofws.org, robertc@cityofws.org, derwinm@cityofws.org, mollyl@cityofws.org, wandam@cityofws.org, jamestjr@cityofws.org, allenj@cityofws.org

Deliver This Message

City of Winston-Salem Representatives,

It is clear from your November 21st meeting that your City Attorney rewrote city ordinances not to comply with state law (HB 650, Castle Doctrine and Concealed Carry Permitted in Parks), but to take every opportunity to “not comply” with this important freedom-promoting new legislation.

The predictable result is an intentionally over-reaching ordinance that is in clear violation of state law.

You want to ban legal carry on greenways, walking trails, and lakes, none of which can reasonably be described as “athletic facilities”. If you attempt such a ban you will violate state law and subject your city to the consequences.

Even more outrageous is your intention to ban within areas intended for eating and playing sedentary games. Considering these areas as “athletic facilities” is absurd.

Your ordinance is illegal, irrational, unjustifiable and a clear example of disrespect for both state law and the Constitutional rights of free Americans.

It must be rescinded immediately.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A concerned NC voter

GRNC is preparing to take appropriate legal action and needs to identify local plaintiffs

• Plaintiffs are currently needed for actions within Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Greenville and Smithfield. Please contact alert@grnc.org.
• Other municipalities may be added.
• Everyone should carefully monitor municipal ordinances, particularly those recently enacted.
• Any restrictions beyond “a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, or an athletic facility” should be immediately reported to alert@grnc.org.

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

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- They’re angry that their “right” to infringe your rights have been taken by HB 650.

The Winston-Salem town council expressed outrage during their November 21st meeting that our state Assembly has “usurped” their “right” to disarm law-abiding citizens within city parks.

THE TOWN’S DISCUSSION WAS LACK OF GOVERNMENT REASON IN ACTION:

HB 650 was called “Objectionable”, “Unacceptable”, “Unforgivable”.

The same broken record reason for banning carry in parks was offered by Police Chief Scott Cunningham: “When a weapon is present the situation could escalate – to a fatal incident instead of bumps and bruises”.

Chief Cunningham also stated that Winston-Salem concealed carry permittees are, “very much law-abiding.”

What the Chief didn’t say is that there is no evidence that a permittee has been violent anywhere in NC. City Councilor Vivian H. Burke encouraged Winston-Salem citizens to “Occupy Raleigh” to protest HB 650. Mayor Allen Joines characterized HB 650 as having, “taken away the ability of city government to regulate its own affairs.”

It is clear that the Winston-Salem Mayor and City Council need a strong dose of reality-inducing reason to understand that the Second Amendment trumps any of their ordinances, and that it is they who serve at the Assembly’s pleasure.

And we are just the people to administer this badly-needed medicine.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact the Mayor and City Councilors of Winston-Salem, NC.

Cut and paste email list: danbesse@danbesse.org, vivianb@cityofws.org, denisea@cityofws.org, robertc@cityofws.org, derwinm@cityofws.org, mollyl@cityofws.org, wandam@cityofws.org, jamestjr@cityofws.org, allenj@cityofws.org

Deliver This Message

City of Winston-Salem Representatives,

It is clear from your November 21st meeting that your City Attorney rewrote city ordinances not to comply with state law (HB 650, Castle Doctrine and Concealed Carry Permitted in Parks), but to take every opportunity to “not comply” with this important freedom-promoting new legislation.

The resulting ordinance is an unreasonable infringement of Second Amendment rights that conflicts with the very intent of the new state law to provide state-wide uniformity. It also sends a troubling message of willful lack of cooperation with state government, under which you serve.

HB 650 was intended to increase the ability of law-abiding permittees to defend themselves and their families when visiting North Carolina parks. The need for citizens to be able to effectively defend themselves in Winston-Salem parks was made clear by Chief Scott Cunningham’s admission that crime is a problem in these areas. The severity of these problems across our state was made clear earlier this month by the brutal murder of Leroy Staton in Greenville’s Jaycee park. Based upon these established facts, your criticism of the Assembly’s enactment of HB 650 is inappropriate.

Chief Cunningham’s claim that disagreements will escalate to homicide is unreasonable: across the state over 330,000 permittees have had 16 years of opportunity to become violent and have not. The Chief’s concern is similar to those expressed earlier against “shall issue” laws; there was to be “blood in the street” and “lead flying through the air”. These fears have not been realized and, like concern of disagreements escalating to shoot-outs, are unjustified. The Chief himself admits that, “Concealed carry permittees are very much law-abiding.” Why do you mistrust them?

Your ordinance is illegal, irrational, unjustifiable and a clear example of disrespect for both state law and the Constitutional rights of free Americans.

It must be rescinded immediately.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A concerned NC voter

GRNC is preparing to take appropriate legal action and needs to identify local plaintiffs.

• Plaintiffs are currently needed for actions within Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Greenville and Smithfield. Please contact alert@grnc.org.
• Other municipalities may be added.
• Everyone should carefully monitor municipal ordinances, particularly those recently enacted.
• Any restrictions beyond “a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, or an athletic facility” should be immediately reported to alert@grnc.org.

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

National Shooting Sports Foundation

NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- A federal judge in Denver has allowed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Postal Service’s ban on guns in post offices to go forward, the Denver Post reports.

A Colorado couple filed the lawsuit last year, saying the ban violates their Second Amendment rights.

Avon residents Debbie and Tab Bonidy filed the lawsuit last year, saying the ban violates their Second Amendment rights.

The Bonidys say they carry handguns for self-defense and both hold concealed-carry permits, and they do not receive mail service at their remote home.

Lawsuit Filed Against Post Office Gun Ban

They say the ban, which prohibits carrying guns both in post offices and in their parking lots, makes it impossible for them to pick up their mail.James Manley, an attorney at the Mountain States Legal Foundation who represents both the Bonidys and the National Association for Gun Rights in the lawsuit, said the case could have a nationwide impact.

“This is a situation that hasn’t been challenged before, where you have members of the general public who want to exercise their right to carry,” Manley said.

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.

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- The city council of Fayetteville NC claims to have been caught off guard by the implementation of HB 650 on Thursday, December 1st, so claims Mayor Tony Chavonne. So they meet tonight to consider the issue.

To give a flavor of the inclination of the city, Recreation Director Michael Gibson claims to respect the rights of lawful gun ownership, but illustrates a complete ignorance of the total lack of problems everywhere that legal concealed carry has been implemented by stating that he believes allowing it in areas where adults and children are together is “not a great idea” and that it makes him “uneasy.”

J.D. Pone, chairman of the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission, makes no bones about his opposition. Pone says that he wished the city could continue to have a blanket ban on guns in all parks.

Yesterday’s Fayetteville Observer says: The item is on Monday’s consent agenda, which is reserved for noncontroversial items that require no discussion. On the night of meetings, council members can request to have items taken from the consent agenda for a debate and a separate vote.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

• Attend the meeting at 7:00 pm tonight.
• Contact the Mayor and City Councilors of Fayetteville, NC.
• Cut and paste email list: mayor@ci.fay.nc.us dhaire2@nc.rr.com kbates05@nc.rr.com kdavy@ci.fay.nc.us askia25@aol.com Bobbyhurst@aol.com wjlcrisp@aol.com vapplewhiteccd7@yahoo.com tmohn@aol.com jarp@ci.fay.nc.us

Deliver This Message

City of Fayetteville Representatives,

HB 650 was intended to increase the ability of law-abiding permittees to defend themselves and their families when visiting North Carolina parks. The need for citizens to be able to effectively defend themselves in Fayetteville’s parks has been played out in parks the state over such as earlier this month in Greenville by the brutal murder of Leroy Staton in Jaycee Park.

I urge you to remove all bans of lawful concealed carry in Fayetteville parks in the spirit if not the letter of HB 650.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

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

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- In a classic example of “Pass the Buck,” Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn blames city attorney for over-reaching parks gun ban.

Those who have contacted Greenville representatives about their over-reaching and illegal parks ban have all received the same canned response from Mayor Dunn: “Please know that the city council has instructed the City Attorney to rewrite city ordinances to comply with state law.”

GREENVILLE REPRESENTATIVES ARE MISREPRESENTING BOTH HB 650 AND THEIR RESPONSE TO IT!

• HB 650 was intended to uniformly permit carry in parks state-wide.
• HB 650 does not require Greenville to ban guns in parks.
• The most expedient way to “comply” with HB 650 is by simply rescinding laws banning carry in parks.
  Media reports combined with the over-reaching nature of their ban makes it clear the instructions were to ban everywhere possible.
• This type of comprehensive ban is inconsistent with the intent of HB 650 to provide state-wide uniformity.
• Twisting the off-leash dog-park into a “playground” to implement a ban is a direct violation of state law.
• Telling gun owners a half-truth about “rewriting to comply” instead of the whole truth of “rewriting to ban everywhere and still comply” is dishonest and disrespectful.

THE GREENVILLE PARK BAN DOES NOT COMPLY WITH STATE LAW AND MUST BE RESCINDED!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact the Mayor and City Councilors of Greenville, NC.
Cut and paste email list: pdunn2@suddenlink.net, athomasemail@gmail.com, bryantkittrell@kittrellandarmstrong.com, ksmith@greenvillenc.gov, rglover50@suddenlink.net, info@marionblackburn.com, mjoyner@clementins.com

Deliver This Message

City of Greenville Representatives,

According to Mayor Dunn, the City Council instructed the City Attorney “to rewrite city ordinances to comply with state law [HB 650, Castle Doctrine and Concealed Carry Permitted in Parks].” The part left out of this is that the instructions were to ban lawful carry everywhere conceivably permissible.

The resulting ordinance is an unreasonable infringement of Second Amendment rights that conflicts with the very intent of the new state law to provide state-wide uniformity. It also sends a troubling message of willful lack of cooperation with state government.

The effort made to indiscriminately ban carry everywhere possible has predictably led to an over-reaching ordinance that violates state law. The classification of the off-leash dog park as a “playground” in order to implement a ban is a clear example of the attempt to circumvent state law that characterizes the entire ordinance.

HB 650 was intended to increase the ability of law-abiding permittees to defend themselves and their families when visiting North Carolina parks. The need for citizens to be able to effectively defend themselves in Greenville was made clear earlier this month by the brutal murder of Leroy Staton in Jaycee park.

There has been no attempt made by Greenville city government to justify why the Constitutional rights of citizens should be limited in Greenville parks. Thus it is clear that the new ordinance is nothing more than an autocratic and tyrannical effort to deprive citizens of freedom.

As you know, the simplest and most cost-effective way to comply with state law is by reversing current bans.

Your ordinance is illegal, irrational, unjustifiable and a clear example of disrespect for both state law and the Constitutional rights of free Americans.

It must be rescinded immediately.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A concerned NC voter

GRNC is preparing to take appropriate legal action and needs to identify local plaintiffs

• Plaintiffs are currently needed for actions within Kernersville, Greenville and Smithfield. Please contact alert@grnc.org.
• Other municipalities may be added.
• Everyone should carefully monitor municipal ordinances, particularly those recently enacted.
• Any restrictions beyond “a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, or an athletic facility” should be immediately reported to alert@grnc.org.

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

“My fellow Americans, let us keep this Thanksgiving Day sacred. Let us thank God for the bounty and goodness of our nation. And as a measure of our gratitude, let us rededicate ourselves to the preservation of this: the land of the free and the home of the brave.” — Ronald Reagan, Thanksgiving Address (1985)

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Calls increase for Holder’s ouster

The opposition continues to reverberate inside the Beltway, as more than 50 congressmen — and one Presidential candidate — are now demanding that Attorney General Eric Holder resign.

Gov. Rick Perry became the first presidential candidate to call for Holder’s ouster. Pointing to the Fast & Furious debacle, Gov. Rick Perry said this week that, “It is high time for Mr. Holder to step down. If he refuses to resign, Mr. Obama must fire him immediately.”

Operation Fast & Furious is the gun-running scheme where the Justice Department approved (and in some cases, helped fund) the purchase and smuggling of firearms into Mexico — all with the apparent intent of using the increased violence south of the border as a pretext for more gun control in this country.

In October, Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) became the first congressmen to publicly call for Holder’s resignation. Two weeks after Walsh “broke the ice,” Arizona Representative Paul Gosar organized a press conference where more than three dozen congressmen announced they were joining the call for Holder’s ouster.

“From what we’ve seen – lying to Congress in his dictations and prior comments – the audacity of this egregious injustice on American citizens as well as Mexican citizens, he’s got to go,” Gosar said.

In addition to Operation Fast & Furious, the Justice Department continues to engage in activities that target or demonize gun owners. U.S. News & World Report informed their readers last week that the Obama Administration has just put millions of acres of public lands off limits to hunting and target practice.

It’s actions like these which demonstrate the clear animus that President Obama has for gun owners. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories continue to develop.

GOF wins in the VA Supreme Court
Earlier this month, Gun Owners Foundation won a Supreme Court case in defense of a gun owner in the Old Dominion. Russell Ernest Smith had been wrongfully convicted of “willfully and intentionally” making a false statement on his 4473 form when purchasing a firearm. But GOF believed that the government’s argument against Smith was specious.

So Gun Owners Foundation prepared its amicus brief and submitted it on behalf of Mr. Smith. GOF was the only group making the case that Smith’s conviction should be overturned. After waiting several months for the verdict, the Virginia Supreme Court announced its verdict on November 4 … and Smith emerged victorious.

What’s both interesting and exciting in this case is that, in overturning Smith’s conviction, the judges used an argument that GOF had made — an argument which his own lawyer did not even make. GOF is making an impact upon the courts in defense of gun owners’ rights!

There’s much more to be thankful for — as the above is just the tip of the iceberg. Despite the many battles we have ahead, we enjoy unparalleled freedom as compared to most places in the world.

So with that in mind, we at Gun Owners of America hope that you will spend a safe and thankful holiday with your family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Now Greenville Mayor Pat Dunn leads a swan song cynical over-reach to circumvent HB 650. Apparently she refuses leave without also leaving her anti-freedom mark!

In violation of both the letter, and more importantly, spirit of the new state law that uniformly permits concealed carry within all North Carolina parks, the Greenville City Council, under out-going Mayor Pat Dunn, recently passed draconian legislation that mandates posting against carry in 25 broad areas and numerous sub-regions of Greenville parks - including a clear over-reaching ban in the city’s dog park!

• Dunn’s membership in New York City Mayor Bloomberg’s strident anti-gun MAIG organization was bad enough.
• Now, adding insult to injury, she seeks to make a final parting assault on lawful carry within Greenville’s recreational facilities.
• All this effort to disarm the law-abiding when violent crime in Greenville parks is a clear and present danger.
• Just last week Leroy Staton was brutally murdered in Jaycee Park. A park that will now be posted in seven areas.
• Every Greenville area that can be spun as a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, or athletic facility (and others that cannot) will be posted against lawful concealed carry.
• This type of exhaustive “kitchen sink” approach to bans is exactly what HB 650 was intended to prevent.
• This indiscriminate ban is clearly a cynical attempt to flout both state law, and Second Amendment rights.
• Such unreasonable and arrogant attempts to deprive free North Carolinians of their rights cannot and will not be tolerated!

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact

• Contact Mayor Pat Dunn, Mayor-Elect Allen Thomas, and the City Councilors of Greenville, NC.
• Tell them that Greenville, NC refuses to become a defenseless small-town image of NYC, Washington DC and Chicago.
• All of which are represented by MAIG members,
• All of which disarm the law-abiding to the benefit of violent criminals.
• Tell them to rescind their illegal ordinance!

Cut and paste email list:

pdunn2@suddenlink.net, athomasemail@gmail.com, bryantkittrell@kittrellandarmstrong.com, ksmith@greenvillenc.gov, rglover50@suddenlink.net, info@marionblackburn.com, mjoyner@clementins.com

Deliver the message below:

Deliver This Message

Greenville City Representatives,

It has come to my attention that you intend to ban guns within extensive areas under city control in response to recent ratification of HB 650, “Castle Doctrine and Concealed Carry Permitted in Parks”.

You should be aware that, although this new law does permit posting against concealed carry in certain clearly and very narrowly-defined areas, your recently-passed anti-gun ordinance is overly-broad and violates both the letter, and more importantly the spirit of this new, freedom-promoting state law.

In particular, banning of carry within the city’s off-leash dog park, that cannot be reasonably considered a “playground” is clearly in violation of state law. This also makes it clear that the ordinance was prepared to indiscriminately ban otherwise lawful carry within every region of Greenville that can be construed, however torturously, to be permissible under HB 650.

HB 650 was intended to create statewide uniformity in the regulation of legal carry. Your ordinance is a clear and cynical attempt to thwart this effort, and therefore must be rescinded immediately.

North Carolinian Concealed Handgun permitees have shown themselves to be extremely responsible and are not a problem that you should be concerned about. Places within Greenville where citizens are not permitted to effectively defend themselves IS a problem that you NEED TO BEGIN working to solve.

A clear example of the need for law-abiding Greenville citizens to be permitted effective means of self-defense is the this week’s brutal murder of Leroy Staton in Jaycee Park, a small facility within which you intend to post seven separate areas.

I insist that you abandon plans to disarm responsible permit holders, and immediately rescind your illegal ordinance.

I will be following progress through Grass Roots North Carolina.

Sincerely,

A concerned NC voter

GRNC is preparing to take appropriate legal action and needs to identify local plaintiffs

• Plaintiffs are currently needed for actions within Kernersville, Greenville and Smithfield. Please contact alerts@grnc.org.
• Other municipalities may be added.
• Everyone should carefully monitor municipal ordinances, particularly those recently enacted.
• Any restrictions beyond “a playground, an athletic field, a swimming pool, or an athletic facility” should be immediately reported to alerts@grnc.org.

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The final conference report on the combined Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) and Transportation/Housing/Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bills—also known as the “Mini-Bus,” was passed by both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, and has been signed into law.

One of the most important ways that Congress has protected the Second Amendment is through a number of general provisions included in various appropriations bills. Many of these provisions have been included in the bills for many years—some of the provisions go back almost three decades.

This conference report is no exception, as it contains 12 provisions that strengthen the Second Amendment and protect the American people.

Specifically, the conference report makes PERMANENT the following protections:

• Firearms Database/National Gun Registry Prohibition. No funds may be used to create, maintain or administer a database of firearms owners or their firearms. This prohibition has been in place since Fiscal Year 1979, and prevents the federal government from establishing a national gun registry.
• Former Firearms Dealers Information Retrieval Prohibition. No funds may be used to electronically retrieve personally identifying information gathered by federal firearms licensees. The provision prohibits the creation of a gun registry from dealers’ records that are required by law to be surrendered to the federal government when a dealer goes out of business. This provision has been included since FY 1997.
• Information Gathering Prohibition/24-Hour Destruction of Records. A prohibition on the use of funds to retain any information gathered as a part of an approved instant background check for more than 24 hours. This provision protects the privacy of law-abiding gun buyers by prohibiting gun buyers’ personal information about legal gun purchases from being retained by government authorities for more than 24 hours after a firearm background check. It has been included since FY 1999. In addition, the conference report adds two NEW provisions designed to bolster our gun rights and protect the Second Amendment from unelected bureaucrats who would twist the law to facilitate their gun-control agenda.
• Prohibit Funding for “Gun Walking” Operations. No funds may be used to knowingly transfer firearms to agents of drug cartels unless U.S. law enforcement personnel control or monitor the firearms at all time. This amendment is designed to prevent the Justice Department (or any government entity) from spending taxpayer dollars on “gun walking” programs like Operation Fast and Furious.
• Shotgun Importation Protections. Prohibits the Department of Justice from requiring imported shotguns to meet a “sporting purposes” test that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) has used to prohibit the importation of shotguns with one or more features disliked by the Agency, such as adjustable stocks, extended magazine tubes, etc.

Finally, the conference report RETAINS the following provisions:

• Curio and Relic Definition. A prohibition on the use of funds to change the definition of a “curio or relic.” This provision protects the status of collectible firearms for future generations of firearms collectors.
• Physical Inventory Prohibition. Prohibition on a requirement to allow a physical inventory of Federal Firearms Licensees. The Clinton Administration proposed a rule in 2000 to require an annual inventory by all licensees. While the Bush Administration eventually withdrew the proposal, Congress has still passed this preventive provision every year since FY 2007.
  Business Activity. A prohibition on the use of funds to deny a Federal Firearms License (FFL) or renewal of an FFL on the basis of low business activity. This provision prohibits BATFE from denying federal firearms license applications or renewals based on a dealer’s low business volume alone.
• Firearms Trace Data Disclaimer. A requirement that any trace data released must include a disclaimer stating such trace data cannot be used to draw broad conclusion about firearms-related crime.
• Firearms Parts Export to Canada. A prohibition on the use of funds to require an export license for small firearms parts valued at less than $500 for export to Canada. This provision removed an unnecessary and burdensome requirement on U.S. gun manufacturers that was imposed under the Clinton Administration.
• Importation of Curios and Relics.A prohibition on the use of funds to arbitrarily deny importation of qualifying curio and relic firearms. This provision ensures that collectible firearms that meet all legal requirements for importation into the United States are not prevented from import by executive branch fiat.
  

  The Dreaded M1 Garand rifle feared by our current president and gun banners can continue to be imported under this rule.

• Transfer of BATFE Authority. A prohibition on the use of funds to transfer any duty or responsibility of the BATFE to any other agency or department. This provision was written in response to a Clinton Administration plan to transfer firearms enforcement to the FBI or Secret Service. It also prohibits the Executive branch from skirting the will of Congress by allowing another agency to implement policies the BATFE is prohibited from implementing.

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

Arsenal’s SGL12 Semi-Auto Saiga 12-Gauge Shotgun

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Saiga 12’s, Benelli M4’s and virtually any other tactical/military shotgun can no longer be banned from import by the ATF.

A little noticed provision tucked into a large appropriations bill obviously flew under the radar of the “Brady Bunch” and the “Illegal Mayors.”

The new law effectively kills ATF’s plan to stop tactical/military shotgun imports by way of abusing the “sporting purpose” requirement and their agency rulemaking powers.

The “Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) and Transportation/Housing/Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bills”, also known as the “Mini-Bus”, was passed by Congress, and signed into law by President Obama on November 18, 2011.

The new law reads as follows:

SEC. 541. None of the funds made available by this Act may be used to pay the salaries or expenses of personnel to deny, or fail to act on, an application for the importation of any model of shotgun if–

(1) all other requirements of law with respect to the proposed importation are met; and
(2) no application for the importation of such model of shotgun, in the same configuration, had been denied by the Attorney General prior to January 1, 2011, on the basis that the shotgun was not particularly suitable for or readily adaptable to sporting purposes.

This new law became necessary due to the ATF releasing on January 27, 2011, a “Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns.” The “Study” argued “military shotguns, or shotguns with common military features that are unsuitable for traditional shotgun sports” should be banned from import into the U.S.

The ban would have applied to all shotguns including semi-autos, pump-actions, double barrels, etc. As part of the rulemaking process, comments from the public on the study were allowed to be submitted until May 1, 2011.

Many gun owners had been dreading the ATF’s decision, knowing full well what ATF’s intention was from the start.

Saiga-20 Autoloading Shotguns

For more info visit: http://tiny.cc/t2fob and search on the Phrase “shotgun”.

Side bar: Interestingly Section 219 of the same appropriations bill forbid funds to be used to provide working firearms to a drug cartel member. A year ago before Fast & Furious came to light, that would have seemed like common sense?

SEC. 219. None of the funds made available under this Act, other than for the national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act, may be used by a Federal law enforcement officer to facilitate the transfer of an operable firearm to an individual if the Federal law enforcement officer knows or suspects that the individual is an agent of a drug cartel, unless law enforcement personnel of the United…

About:
Evan Nappen (www.efnappen.com) is a criminal defense attorney who has focused in firearms and weapons law for over 23 years. He is the author of New Hampshire Gun, Knife, and Weapon Law and the New Jersey Gun Law Guide. He is a director and the General Counsel of Pro-Gun New Hampshire, Inc. (http://www.pgnh.org/).

Letters to the AmmoLand Editor: Got something on your mind? Let us know and you can see it here.

New York --(Ammoland.com)- Dear: Governor Cuomo, State-Senator Leibel(now in prison), State Senator Ball, Assemblyman ????? (does it really matter, your a democrat)

Every year some new idea about how to make our streets safer via “Gun Control” arrives in New York. We’ve registered our guns. Violent crime continues. We’ve banned assault weapons. Violent crime continues. We ballistically identify our legally possessed pistols. Violent crime continues. There are 200 to 300 million firearms in this country – they are woven into the fabric of our society. For all the “wiz bang” technology that modern society has invented – rifles and pistols are still the foundation of our national and state defense. Thousands of times an hour they are used to dissuade another from pursuing an ill advised path; whether in the hand of a police officer or a private citizen.

Yes – accidents and tragedies happen, and a mature society must look itself in the mirror and draw the proper conclusions from these horrible events, but to think that by passing law upon law the public at large will somehow be magically made safer via “gun control” is psychotic and dangerous.

I and many of you witnessed the attacks on September 11, 2001. Had those pilots – many of whom were ex military officers – been required to carry a side arm; that day would have ended much differently. Imagine all the lives and treasure that could have been saved but for an irrational fear of the law abiding gun owner. Can any of you honestly say that over the past few decades your collective efforts have made New Yorkers safer? If any of you answered yes then you must take a close look at the FBI statistics on violent crime – you’ll find disappointment waiting for you. No law can urge the lawless to ask permission from anyone for anything.

Remember ladies and gentleman criminals, terrorists, and sub human miscreants are dumb, but they are not stupid.

The latest iteration of this policy is the idea that putting a serial number on a bullet casing as it ejects from a semi-automatic pistol will allow law enforcement to detect and thus incarcerate more criminals – this is also referred to as micro-stamping. So let us pretend that all of you are now criminals – how would you alter your behavior to avoid detection? Police your brass. Use a sawed off shotgun. Use a revolver. Gasoline and a match are very effective. Explosives work exceedingly well in motor vehicles. Poison – women seem to prefer this method – Spitzer should hire a food tester. There are very effective ways of killing people that never include a semi-automatic pistol. Not to mention the most obvious trick – remove the firing pin and file off the serializing mechanism.

What about something even more devious – picking up used serialized brass at a firing range and place it at the scene of the future crime to throw off the police. Serializing casings of pistol cartridges not only will not work, but it will create more permutations of that section of the population of New York State that are hell bent on killing for profit or psychosis.

New York State currently operates a system that ostensibly should be doing what micro-stamping or serializing a cartridge would do. That system is called “The New York State Combined Ballistic Identification System,” or COBIS. To date COBIS has cost the taxpayers of New York $30,000,000 and has produced only two matches in its database. It costs $4,000,000 per year to operate. We are not the only State to have attempted such foolishness – Maryland has attempted it also. The only difference is Maryland abandoned it because firearms possessed by law abiding citizens are use to commit crimes in infinitesimally rare circumstances. I could fill five pages with all I know of ballistic identification and it’s pros and cons – I sincerely suggest all of you educate yourselves and rethink New York’s current approach – last I checked New York was running a $5,000,000,000 deficit saving a few million here or there might start adding up to real money.

Many proven methods work to prevent crime, a solid basic education in how to behave in civil society, economic growth, engaged and active parents, etc. But the most effective methods that exist for reducing crime is self defense and long term humane incarceration for those who cannot coexist peacefully with their fellow citizens. New York State concealed carry law is a mess – some counties provide permits to law abiding citizens with out much hassle while others, “you have to know somebody.” Fix this and you’ll have a safer society. Don’t get me wrong – have stringent rules and requirements that are not capricious for the officials as well as the applicants, but stop deluding yourselves in thinking that permit holders and firearms are in and of themselves the enemy – the opposite is true – concealed carry holders are the most productive and law abiding segment of society.

Florida maintains excellent statistics on this point – less then one hundredth of one percent of all permit holders has ever committed any crime in its entire thirty year history of concealed carry! Before Elliot Sptitzers behavior was detected he let 200 murderers out of prison. These people did not steal a loaf of bread to feed their children – THEY KILLED AND RAPED PEOPLE. Fix this and you’ll have a safer society. Bring back the death penalty for criminals that take an officers life.

Please stop attacking me and my fellow firearms owners we neither deserve your ire or your ad hominem attacks.

Focus your efforts on what works and not what will get any of you reelected, stop using firearms as a means to win votes in an effort to demonstrate to your misguided constituents that you can save them from violent crime if only they surrender more of their forgotten liberty, when the opposite is true – even they at some point will recognize your hypocrisy for what it is.

Respectfully,

Joe Doakes

Golden State Second Amendment Council Logo

California - -(Ammoland.com)- There will be a public hearing this Friday, November 18th in the Board of Supervisor’s Chambers at 10:00 a.m.Santa Cruz to consider the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club‘s proposal to add a new 1-story 3,200 sq ft clubhouse.

This is nothing more than ANOTHER attempt to use zoning regs to shut down the Los Altos Rod & Gun Club.

All interested persons are invited to provide comments to the Zoning Administrator either at the hearing or in writing.

If you decide to write a letter, deliver it to the GS2AC Meeting on Thursday, November 17th at Harry’s Hoffbrau. We will have people who will deliver the letters in person to the board.

If you can personally attend this meeting, please show up in business attire – no camouflage or BDUs, please.

For local people who plan to mail a letter, be sure it is in the local mail by tomorrow morning or it may not be delivered in time.

Los Altos Rod & Gun Club

We also recommend sending an email to Frank Barron, the project planner at pln782@co.santa-cruz.ca.us

Remember the meeting is at 10:00 am sharp. We recommend showing up earlier to ensure you get a seat.

There have been overtures made by the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District to object due to noise, litter, tree damage and lead pollution.

This is the same Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District that advises everyone to protect themselves from attacking mountain lions by hitting them with their hats.

GS2AC Mountail Lion Fighting Article:

About the GS2AC
The Golden State Second Amendment Council is an independent firearms rights organization dedicated to the advancement of the right to keep and bear arms in California. Formerly organized as the NRA Members’ Council of Silicon Valley, we have reformed ourselves as an affiliation of Second Amendment activists in order to do those things a Member’s Council generally can not. In summary, there is a void to be filled in the firearms rights community and we seek to fill it.
Our core concern is that the Second Amendment community must go on the offensive if we are to retain our right to bear arms in this state. Visit: www.gs2ac.com

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- As we have been apprising you, the city of Garner has plans to abridge your right to self protection in city parks as recognized by HB 650.

Like a number of towns, Garner appears to be planning to use a broad interpretation of a loophole in the new law which allows a town to post “recreation areas.”

By employing this tactic, Garner would severely hamper your ability to protect yourself and your family within parks and sporting areas.

When the will of the people and the authority of the law have spoken in a manner not to their liking, expect power hungry local politicians to do one of two things. They will either ignore the law or they will twist it into a tortured interpretation to mean whatever they want it to.

As you have undoubtedly seen before, this does not necessarily have to be the final word. When you speak with one strong voice, they will hear you. As it has been said, when you turn up the heat they see the light.

You will need to attend their next meeting on Tuesday, November 22. Contact Sean Sorrentino, who will be coordinating our efforts in Garner at sean@seansorrentino.com for more information.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED:

Contact

Email AND CALL the following people:

• Mayor Ronnie S. Williams – 919-773-4404; rwilliams@garnernc.gov
• Mayor Protem Kathy Behringer – 919-772-3515; kbehringer@garnernc.gov
• Council Member Ken Marshburn – 919-662-0902; kmarshburn@garnernc.gov
• Council Member Jackie Johns, Sr. – 919-772-0929; jjohns@garnernc.gov
• Council Member Gra Singleton – 919-772-0924; grantraceysingleton@earthlink.net
• Council Member Buck Kennedy – 919-624-3696; bkennedy@garnernc.gov

Deliver the message below:

ATTEND the meeting on November 22 at Garner Town Hall, Building B in the Council Meeting Room.

• Bring polite but pointed signs with the themes that
• Concealed handgun permit-holders have proven themselves responsible; and…
• People should be able to protect their families.

Deliver This Message

Dear Council Member:

I am writing to urge you to respect my right to self protection in city parks. The new law laid out in HB 650 mandates that you do so. It has been established that predators and other violent felons target defenseless citizens in places where the law abiding are not allowed their God given right to self protection.

In the years since its passing, the Concealed Carry law has shown those exercising that right to be sane, sober and law-abiding. Examine the facts rather than fabricated worst case scenarios and you are bound to reach the same conclusion. I will be monitoring your actions via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts.

Respectfully,

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

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- The WGO Don’t Buy List is a Citizen Watch-list exposing Wisconsin businesses that post No Concealed Weapons signs – businesses disrespectful of the rights of their customers.

George Webb’s: Official Criminal Safe Zone These businesses simply can’t afford to alienate pro-gun people in a state like Wisconsin where there are so many gun owners, but they are posting these outrageous signs nonetheless because they don’t anticipate the loss of any substantial revenue.

With your help, this program aims to change that.

Download the current (11/09/11) Don’t Buy List in .PDF digital format. Businesses that have been reported are listed in alphabetical order by city.

As of today’s date, there are roughly 50 businesses on the list, but we know there are many more out there across the state. That’s why we need your help to report offenders.

Gun Free Zones

No CCW Signs: = Segregation, Bigotry and Ignorance
These anti-gun, anti-concealed carry businesses will be notified that they have been added to the Don’t Buy List and given an opportunity to remove the signs. If the signs come down, they will be promptly removed from the list.

The Don’t Buy List will be distributed at gun shows, through the mail, the Internet, sportsman’s clubs, frankly anywhere and everywhere.

We are asking Wisconsin gun owners to do three things:

• Report all businesses posting no CCW signs using this form. This will give other permit holders a “heads up.”
• Inform these businesses that they have lost your business until the signs come down and they begin to respect the Bill of Rights. Take your business to the competition!
• Make a financial contribution to support this program. The more resources WGO can commit to this program, the wider we can distribute this list and the greater impact we’ll have. Donate

Thanks for your vigilance and support.

Report Wisconsin Anti-Gun Businesses Now

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- KERNERSVILLE PARKS RESTRICTIONS
On Monday, GRNC reported that just before the election, the Kernersville Board of Aldermen snuck through a last minute gun ban in public parks which not only prohibits guns in the narrowly-defined “recreational facilities” within parks which may still be posted under the provisions of recently-passed House Bill 650, but also included walking and running trails - a clear violation of state law.

Gun rights supporters responded in force yesterday, electing at least two new pro-gun aldermen, removing anti-gun incumbent Bob Prescott, and prompting remaining incumbents Dana Jones and Tracy Shifflete to contact a GRNC representative to say they want to “fix” the problem. What they are willing to do remains to be seen, but suffice to say that your calls and e-mails delivered our message. We will keep you apprised of progress.

Please note, only 42 votes separated the 4 lowest vote getters in the Prescott race. More than likely YOUR votes made the difference.

EXPANDED CARRY ON STATE GAME LANDS
Yesterday, Gordon Meyers, Director of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, stated that restrictions on both open and concealed carry in game lands would be lifted in accordance with section 14 of HB 650, and that carry would be permitted not only in state parks, but also game lands managed by the state but owned by the US Forest Service and others.

Section 14 of HB 650 says: “…it shall be lawful for a person to carry any firearm openly, or to carry a concealed handgun with a concealed carry permit, at any State-owned rest area, at any State-owned rest stop along the highways, and at any State-owned hunting and fishing reservation.”

We are gratified to see NCWRC take an expansive stance on interpreting the new language.

IMPORTANT CAVEATS
A limited number of game lands are exempted from the new law. According to NCWRC: “These exempted game lands are not state-owned game lands, but are lands enrolled in the WRC game lands program and owned by corporate entities, federal agencies, or other entities which requested the exemptions.”

For a list of exempted game lands, as well as firearms law on game lands in general, go to: www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/Regulations/FireArmsandConcealedCarry.aspx

FIREARMS DISCHARGE ON GAME LANDS IS STILL PROHIBITED: Beyond the taking of game, you may NOT discharge firearms in these areas, and one expert advises that rattlesnakes you may encounter are protected species and may not be shot or otherwise destroyed. GRNC has won the right to defend yourself in these areas, but YOU must keep it by using and carrying firearms responsibly.

For information on rules governing firearms on game lands and other areas, go to:

• http://www.ncwildlife.org/Licensing/Regulations.aspx
• http://www.ncwildlife.org/Hunting/LawsSafety.aspx
• http://www.ncwildlife.org/Boating/LawsSafety/BoatingRegulations.aspx

Next Steps

Thanks to your calls and e-mails, GRNC is busy expanding firearms carry throughout the state. The next step?

Restaurant carry! Keep the pressure on!

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- After weeks of stonewalling by the Department of Justice, a clearer picture of what its top officials knew about BATFE’s Operation Fast and Furious, and when they knew it, is slowly beginning to emerge.

On Tuesday, Lanny Breuer, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, testified before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism about his knowledge of BATFE’s gunwalking operations, and his support for gun control.

In April 2010, Breuer says, he knew that BATFE agents had allowed hundreds of guns to be illegally purchased and smuggled to Mexican drug cartels in 2006 and 2007 as part of Wide Receiver, a Tucson-based operation similar to Fast and Furious, which was hatched out of Phoenix.

Nevertheless, nearly a year later, when BATFE was accused of allowing guns to walk in Fast and Furious, Breuer suggested that he was convinced to not consider the allegations seriously.

“I recall that both the leadership of ATF and the leadership of the United States Attorney’s Offices in Arizona . . . were adamant about the fact that [gunwalking] was not, in fact, a condoned practice,” Breuer said. And as noted last week by the New York Times, last February the Justice Department sent a letter to Congress stating

“A.T.F. makes every effort to interdict weapons that have been purchased illegally and prevent their transport into Mexico.”

Seeming to corroborate the 2007 date Breuer mentioned, the Associated Press reported today that a briefing paper prepared in 2007 for then-Attorney General Michael Mukasey “outlined failed attempts by federal agents to track illicitly purchased guns across the border into Mexico.” But why Breuer did not give more attention to the gunwalking claims made against Fast and Furious is as unclear to him as to the rest of the country. “I regret that in April of 2010 that I did not draw the connection between Wide Receiver and Fast and Furious,” Breuer said. “Moreover, I regret that even earlier this year, I didn’t draw that connection.”

When it became Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s turn to question Breuer, the zealous anti-gun crusader from California tried to shift the focus of the hearings from battling international crime to battling those of us who support the Second Amendment.

The exchange between the two gun control supporters speaks for itself.

Feinstein: Mr. Breuer, in June of this year, I received a letter from the ATF. . . stating that 29,284 firearms [were] recovered in Mexico in ’09 and 2010, and submitted to the ATF Tracing Center. With those weapons, 20,504, or 70 percent, were United States sourced. . . . Is it fair to say that 70 percent of the firearms showing up in Mexico are from the United States?

Breuer: Thank you, Senator, for the question, and for your leadership on this issue. . . . Of the 94,000 weapons that have been recovered in Mexico, 64,000 of those are traced to the United States. We have to do something to prevent criminals from getting those guns, Senator. . . .

Feinstein: . . . .“[W]e have very lax laws when it comes to guns. . . . And so the question comes, do you believe that if there were some form of registration when you purchase these firearms that that would make a difference?

Breuer: I do, Senator. . . . Today, Senator, we are not even permitted to have ATF receive reports about multiple sales of long guns, of any kind of semiautomatic weapon or the like. . . . Very few hunters in the United States or sports people and law-abiding people really need to have semiautomatic weapons or long guns. . . .”

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), who has been co-leading Congress’ investigation of Fast and Furious with Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), disagreed with Feinstein’s and Breuer’s claim that 70 percent of guns seized in Mexico come from the United States.

“I released a report that I would like to ask be made a part of the record,” Senator Grassley said. “It refutes the numbers referenced early that 70 percent of the guns in Mexico came from the U.S. The answer isn’t to clamp down on law abiding citizens or gun dealers.”

While Mr. Breuer’s testimony shined a glimmer of light on who knew what and when they knew it, about the BATFE’s most disastrous operation since the 1993 Waco raid, it obviously did not, nor was it intended to, lead Congress or the American people to a proper understanding of how many firearms have been smuggled to Mexico without BATFE’s help, since the Mexican drug cartels began waging war on their country.

As has already been reported, many of the “guns traced to the U.S.” from Mexico were seized in that country many years ago, but have been only recently submitted for tracing at the urging of the BATFE. And to complicate things further, Mexican officials have acquiesced to BATFE’s urgings by submitting multiple trace requests on single guns.

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

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- The Washington State Court of Appeals for Division 1 today unanimously upheld a 2010 King County Superior Court ruling against the City of Seattle’s ban on firearms in city parks in a lawsuit originally brought by the Second Amendment Foundation, other gun rights groups and five individual plaintiffs.

SAF Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said he had always been confident that the Appeals Court would rule “in favor of the law and against the attempt by Seattle to dance around it.”

“We told former Mayor Greg Nickels he was wrong,” Gottlieb said, “and we have reminded the city under Mayor Mike McGinn that it was wrong, and now the Appeals Court has confirmed our position.”

SAF was joined in the lawsuit by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, the National Rifle Association and Washington Arms Collectors.

Writing for the Court, Presiding Chief Judge Ann Schindler noted, “We hold that under the plain language of RCW 9.41.290 and RCW 9.41.300, the city’s attempt to regulate the possession of firearms at designated park areas and park facilities open to the public by adopting the Firearms Rule is preempted by state law.”

“This is not only a victory for the citizens of Washington State,” he said, “but also for the State Legislature, which had the wisdom in 1983 and 1985 to pass and strengthen our preemption statute. This law has become the model for other state statutes across the country.

“The ruling is also an affirmation of Judge Catherine Shaffer’s original trial court ruling last year,” he continued. “She had the foresight to include observations about our state constitutional right to bear arms but also the Second Amendment.

“Now that the Second Amendment has been incorporated to the states through our victory in McDonald v. City of Chicago,” Gottlieb concluded, “it is going to be impossible for anti-gun politicians in the Evergreen State to defy our preemption statute and our constitutional rights. Such local rules and ordinances are illegal, and now they know it for sure.”

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.

Appleton Wisconsin Police on Concealed Carry

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Capt. Rudy Nyman of the Appleton Police Department discusses the implementation of Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law.

Capt. Rudy Nyman of the Appleton Police Department discusses the implementation of Wisconsin’s new concealed carry law.

Note: We are not endorsing Captain Nyman’s comments, but rather posting this so you can be aware of the attitudes of police toward concealed carry permit holders.

Note also that Capt. Nyman says that all public buildings in Appleton will post to prohibit concealed carry (a citywide de facto suspension of constitutional rights).

That means there will be suspension of constitutional rights (both state and federal) in our government buildings (those owned by taxpayers) throughout Appleton.

This hearkens back to the days of segregation. And it could be taken as “Martial Law Lite.”  But no matter how you take it, WGO will be tackling these outrageous city-level gun bans and creation of criminal safe zones by our aldermen one by one.

What’s one way you can help us repeal these local gun bans? Join us in this battle:

Whatch Now

About:
WGO works for grassroots gun owners, not politicians. While many gun lobbies fight for “reasonable gun control,” WGO sets a higher standard: Defining the terrain of pro-gun political battle. Sure, many groups claim they’re “pro-gun” – all the while they provide cover for anti-gun deals cut by politicians – but only WGO truly informs gun owners, remaining committed to a 100% pro-gun position. We oppose all gun control – regardless of the political party – and work tirelessly to restore the Second Amendment. Visit www.wisconsingunowners.org

Second Amendment Foundation

BELLEVUE, WA --(Ammoland.com)- Today’s revelation by Gallup that a record low number of Americans support a legal ban on handgun possession by private citizens demonstrates a positive change in the public attitude about personal protection and the Second Amendment, the Second Amendment Foundation said.

According to Gallup, only 26 percent of Americans favor a handgun ban. The annual Gallup Crime poll was conducted Oct. 6-9.

“American citizens have become increasingly aware that they are the true first responders’ when a crime happens in their presence,” noted SAF Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb.

“The public’s attitude about gun ownership has changed dramatically in the last decade, and especially since the Supreme Court’s Heller ruling in 2008 and our victory in the 2010 McDonald ruling, affirming the Second Amendment protects an individual civil right.

“The public has also realized that all the doom and gloom rhetoric from gun prohibitionists about more crime and violence associated with increased gun ownership has been wrong,” he continued.

“More Americans today own firearms than they did a generation ago, yet violent crime rates are at their lowest levels in many years.”

According to Gallup, there is also greater opposition to a ban on semiautomatic sport-utility rifles, often wrongly identified as “assault weapons.” Only 43 percent of those polled think these guns should be banned, down ten percent from the 2001 poll.

Support for stricter gun laws has also declined, with 44 percent believing laws should be left as they are, and 11 percent favoring less strict laws.

“The pendulum has definitely been swinging in favor of expanded gun rights,” Gottlieb observed. “For too long, people were fooled by hysteria and misinformation from gun prohibitionists and their cheerleaders in the press. But their alarmist rhetoric has failed the test of time, and now Americans by greater percentages than we’ve seen in generations are realizing that gun rights are important, to our security as a nation and to public safety in our own neighborhoods.”

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.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- Finally – we have a date and time for Operation Campus Safety at Virginia Tech!

**Mark your calendars, this is going to be big and you’re going to want to be part of it!**

We have approval for the protest from 8 AM to 4 PM on Thursday, November 17th. While some of us will be there early, the main protest will start at 11:30 AM and run until 4 PM. Speakers will start at 12 Noon and continue until 1:30 PM. We will need lots of people to carry signs, pass out literature, and answer questions.

This should be an excellent day to be on campus as it is a game day (UNC vs VT), allowing us maximum visibility. We are also looking at having a presence in nearby Blacksburg.

The protest will be held in front of the Squires Student Center (College Ave./Otey Street side), not far from the town of Blacksburg or the VT Drillfield.

More details will follow, including parking information and possible carpooling from area localities.

A very special thanks to Eric Smith, President of the Libertarians at Virginia Tech. The Libertarians are hosting the protest and Eric is working hard to make the protest a success, patiently working his way through the VT bureaucracy to get the event approved.

Another powerful force in bringing everything together is John Wilburn, a VT alumni. He has been doing all kinds of coordination behind the scenes and he, too, has made it a personal mission to make the protest a huge success.

This is a mission to save lives and that drives both Eric and John, just like it drives all of VCDL’s membership.

There is no way this would have come together so well without Eric and John!

Oh, and as if John isn’t doing enough already, besides running his own business (Hokie Real Estate, Inc.), he is a firearms instructor and will be giving away free CHP classes to two lucky attendees!

Thanks also to EMs Dave Hicks and Dave Knight, who are helping with both the VT and the Radford protests.

Radford and JMU students – come to Virginia Tech on November 17th and stand with Virginia Tech students in support of freedom and liberty. VCDL will ask the VT students to do the same when we announce the Radford and JMU protests in the near future.

Wild horses couldn’t keep me away – see you there!

No guns? NO FUNDS! (Remember: Donations for Virginia Tech can be sent to Blue Ridge Community College instead. )

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