GRNC Guerrilla Tactics for Gun Rights Warriors Seminar

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

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

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

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

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

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

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

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

Agenda:

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

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

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

Help Put Teeth in Kentucky's Firearms Preemption Law

Kentucky Concealed Carry Coalition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conservation Hawks

BIGFORK, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- Sportsmen have a new resource to protect fish and wildlife populations and hunting and fishing opportunities: Conservation Hawks is a new conservation group dedicated to educating hunters and anglers on the most important threats to our natural resources and outdoors traditions.

A non-partisan group run by passionate, dedicated sportsmen, Conservation Hawks’ mission is to “defend our sporting heritage and pass on a healthy natural world to future generations of Americans.”

Conservation Hawks believes climate change is this century’s most important threat to sportsmen. The group’s initial efforts will focus on informing and mobilizing the sporting community on the issue.

“It’s time to stand up and show we give a damn about our kids and our grandkids – and about our hunting and fishing,” said CH Founder and Chair Todd Tanner. “If we don’t get a handle on climate change, we’re putting everything we care about at risk.”

Conservation Hawks supports a science-based approach to climate change and climate change mitigation. The organization is convinced that America’s conservation legacy will evaporate and benefits from past habitat projects will disappear if future greenhouse gas emissions can’t be controlled.

Wildlife biologist William Geer, the climate change initiative manager for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and a former director of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, sits on the Conservation Hawks board of directors.

“As a biologist,” Geer stated, “I can tell you that climate change is real and that it’s already impacting our fish and wildlife. As a father and grandfather, I can tell you that global warming scares the hell out of me.”

Conservation Hawks is registered as a Montana nonprofit public benefit corporation and has received tax exempt status from the Montana Department of Revenue.

Learn more about Conservation Hawks and its vision for the future of hunting and angling.

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- ACTION ITEM: Last night Delegate Scott Lingamfelter’s bill HB 929 passed out of subcommittee.

VCDL opposes this bill because it lets RETIRED Commonwealth Attorneys carry concealed handguns everywhere they go, including places that a concealed handgun permit holder can’t carry, such as on K-12 school grounds! Also their names, addresses and other personal information can’t be given out by a Circuit Court Clerk like it can for a CHP holder.

HB 929 creates an unacceptable double standard. Lawyers who retire from the Commonwealth, and who have no firearms training, are given extraordinary concealed carry privileges, that are denied to CHP holders who have had firearms training!

The government loves to arm itself while denying the same level of protection to the citizens it is supposed to be serving. I, for one, am tired of it.

It’s not that we want retired Commonwealth Attorneys disarmed. Quite the contrary, they absolutely should be allowed to carry a gun for self-defense and a CHP will do the job nicely. Their lives are not less valuable than your life or mine, BUT their lives are also NOT MORE valuable than your life or mine.

Delegate Lingamfelter is usually good on guns, but this bill is simply wrong.

Let’s tell our Delegates to OPPOSE HB 929. Click on the link below: http://tinyurl.com/8ykl56f

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
On Thursday morning the following bill passed out of the Militia, Police, and Public Safety subcommittee #2:

• HB 237, Delegate Cosgrove, moves long gun background checks from the Virginia State Police to the federal National Instant Check System.
• Also on Thursday evening the following bills passed out of the Militia, Police, and Public Safety subcommittee #1:
• HB 25, Delegate Cole, protects concealed handgun permit info from dissemination by Circuit Court Clerks. VCDL strongly supports this bill
• HB 754, Delegate Cline, removes fingerprinting as local option for getting a CHP. VCDL strongly supports this bill
• HB 929, Delegate Lingamfelter, gives RETIRED Commonwealth Attorneys the special carry privileges of an off-duty police officer. VCDL opposes this bill

This bill was carried over until next year:

• HB 592, Delegate Merricks, exempts permit holders from a state background check on the purchase of a firearm.

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

Bid On Ruger SR9c Compact Pistol Black Finish

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- About 200 people have already signed up for this year’s Bash. We have a few seats left, but time is running out.

This coming Sunday, we’ll close registration and stop selling tickets. So this is your LAST CHANCE to sign up. We will not be selling tickets at the door. Once registration is closed and our attendance count is set, that’s it.

Please check your calendar right now. If you’re free the evening of February 11, why not join us for a gathering of Ohio patriots? Enjoy a great meal. Bid on guns and gear. Hear former NRA President Sandra Froman. Enter our “your choice” Ruger SR9c / SR40c raffle.

It’s going to be a fun and festive evening with your fellow Second Amendment supporters and an important fundraiser for Buckeye Firearms Foundation. The Foundation has worked hard for you over the years, even participating in two victorious U.S. Supreme Court cases. Can you spare just one evening to support the Foundation?

And speaking of Supreme Court Cases, we’ll be auctioning off an original copy of the Amicus Brief from Buckeye Firearms Foundation and the United States Concealed Carry Association that helped strike down the Washington D.C. gun ban and affirm an individual right to own firearms – the justice’s first major pronouncement on gun rights in U.S. history. A VERY limited number of these documents were ever printed. It’s your chance to own a piece of American history.

CLICK HERE to see some of the guns and other items we’ll be auctioning off, and to reserve your tickets.

About:
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities. Visit: www.buckeyefirearms.org

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- I am very happy and proud to announce the induction of three new LIFE MEMBERS into our Society.

Each of these members has made a significant contribution in service to our Society.

Please join me in congratulating Matt Sodano, Ryan McBeth and Ron Stanker as our newest life members. I hope to have the pleasure of introducing them to you at one of our upcoming meetings.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage all the subscribers on our mailing list who have not yet joined, to strongly consider doing so. We need your support and we need your voice. This is a critical time in the mission to restore and preserve the fundamental human right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes in New Jersey and throughout the nation. We are beginning to make some progress for the first time in years. In order to keep the momentum running in the right direction, we need as many people as possible standing with us in the fight to regain our rights. Please remember that this is an all volunteer Society. No one receives a salary for their time and effort. your fellow members all donate their time and talents, taking time away from their other responsibilities to help us make a difference. I know that you want to be a part of this great Society. Please join with us as soon as possible. Our goal is to reach at least 3000 members before the end of this year. With your help we can easily make this goal. THANK YOU.

For those of you who are interested, a link to the audio of the testimony before the NJ Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee on Monday January 30, 2012 is now available at the top of our media page at www.nj2as.com.

http://rmserver.njleg.state.nj.us/internet/2012/ALP/0130-0200PM-M0-1.wma

You can also access the video of the presentation by Evan Nappen on the same page. The introduction to the Evan Nappen event by yours truly can be found HERE. I hope that you enjoy all these links. We hope to have a link to the video of attorney David Jensen’s presentation up shortly.

If you would like to catch up on all of the press releases sent out on behalf of your society, there is a new link to the “Press Room” from the “MEDIA” button on our home page. I am looking forward to meeting a lot of the recent new members at the upcoming meeting with Alan Gura. We will be wrapping up the attorney series with ANJRPC Executive Director and NRA Board Member attorney Scott Bach in March. Scott is in an EXCELLENT position to summarize what all the recent activity in the RKBA movement means for the present and the future of our fundamental rights.

Beginning in the spring we plan some special surprises for our members when the New Jersey Second Amendment Society presents the “Media Personalities” series of presentations. Up until now all our meetings have been free and open to the public, due to significant increases in attendance, we may have to change that policy. There is a definite possibility that we may run some future meetings for members only, or we may have to charge non-members who wish to attend. Without giving anything away, *THIS* would be an EXCELLENT time for you and your friends and shooting buddies to become full fledged members if you have not already done so.

Please keep in touch with us on our Facebook Group, YouTube Account, Twitter @NJ2ASPREZ and our website at www.nj2as.com.

I look forward to seeing all of you at the upcoming meetings. Thank you,

“NOW IS THE TIME!!!”

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

Gunfacts.info

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- For over 12 years, Gun Facts has been available for free, handing gun rights activists the ammo they need to hunt anti-gun propaganda.

From the volume of Gun Facts copy/pastes I see all over the web, you are doing a great job forcing the gun control industry to play defense.

For the first time we are holding a fundraiser. For the month of February 2012, we are asking gun rights activists to donate – to keep Gun Facts in publication, extend Gun Facts’ reach and continue annoying the gun control industry.

Visit the Gun Facts 2012 Fundraiser page (http://gunfacts.info/fundraiser/)

We have big plans for 2012, and need your help. By donating, you not only help Guy Smith, but you feed the fund that will go toward:

Establishing a Gun Facts portal with blogs, discussion groups, and as the center for volunteer researchers.

• Settle some trademark issues and legally hammer anti-gun groups by doing so.
• Set-up an online system where volunteers can edit Gun Facts directly and help it grow more quickly.

There are five donation levels (.22, 9mm, .40, .50 and 12 Gauge) and different gifts for each level. Gifts include Bye-bye Barack 2012 t-shirts, autographed copies of Gun Facts and Shooting The Bull, customer posters from Day by Day Cartoon creator Chris Muir. Even the smallest donation receives a something.

Visit the Gun Facts 2012 Fundraiser page (http://gunfacts.info/fundraiser/), pick your donation level, keep Gun Facts in publication and keep the other side running for cover. If you have questions, ping me at guy@GunFacts.info.

About:
Gun Facts offers a free e-book that debunks common myths about gun control. It is intended as a reference guide for journalists, activists, politicians, and other people interested in restoring honesty to the debate about guns, crime, and the 2nd Amendment. Visit www.gunfacts.info

Fifty Caliber Institute

Choctaw, OK --(Ammoland.com)- The Fifty Caliber Institute (FCI) recommends the following persons for election or re-election to the NRA Board of Directors.

Most supporters of FCI are members of NRA and are eligible to vote in the election of the NRA Board of Directors.

We are asking everyone who is eligible to vote, to please do so.

This election is just the beginning of what will be the most important election in the history of America, and a vote for the people listed here will help to keep America strong.

John C. Sigler-Dover, DE

John C. Sigler-Dover, DE
Current Fifty Caliber Institute (FCI) President, Member of FCSA and has served as a sitting member of the BoD of FCSA. Former President of NRA and current Chairman of the Republican Party for the state of Delaware. John has been a strong supporter of the rights of the fifty caliber shooting community since the day he was introduced to shooting the .50 bmg at Reno, NV. in 2001.

While serving as the President of NRA, John took the opportunity to come to Raton, NM and shoot in the FCSA World Championships in 2005.

US Navy veteran (submarines) 1967-1971. Retired Police Captain, Dover, DE and is a practicing Atty. In Delaware & Maryland.

Ronnie Barrett-Murfreesboro, TN

Ronnie Barrett-Murfreesboro, TN
Current NRA Board member and long time member of the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). Ronnie has been one of the best friends of the fifty caliber shooting community since FCSA was formed in 1985. He has led by example as one of the strongest supporters of our 2nd Amendment rights as a manufacturer and a vocal supporter of legislation protecting fifty caliber shooters across America. A consistent donor of firearms to FCI for fundraising purposes since FCI was created and the most successful manufacturer of fifty caliber firearms in the world. Ronnie has never said ‘no’ when called on short notice to appear and testify on behalf of the fifty caliber shooting community.

Joseph P. DeBergalis Jr

Joseph P. DeBergalis Jr.-W. Seneca, NY
Current Member of the NRA Board of Directors and Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). Chairman of NRA’s “Education and Training” Committee, V. Chair of “Action Pistol” and member of Law Enforcement Activity and Sport Shooting Committees. VP-Operations of NYS Rifle and Pistol Association (with direct oversight of all shooting sports) Strong supporter of the fifty caliber community and NY-based .50 Caliber shooting events. Match Chairman of AR15.com/Rockcastle Pro Am Three-Gun Championship, the 3 Gun Nation Championship and Finale. 2005 NRA-ILA “Volunteer of the Year,” and staunch 2AD Advocate. Joe is a Law Enforcement Officer in NY and is currently serving in a sensitive position.

Robert L. Viden-Glassboro, NJ

Robert L. Viden-Glassboro, NJ
Current NRA Board member and long time member of the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). Bob is an activist who is a no nonsense, no compromise advocate of all 2nd Amendment rights and who has testified along with the Fifty Caliber Institute (FCI) in the state legislature of New Jersey on anti-fifty caliber legislation. Bob currently serves as Chairman of the Range Development Committee at NRA and is the owner of a shooting range in NJ. Bob also sits as a member of the important Legislative Policy Committee at NRA and is very instrumental in the political decision making on that committee.

David G. Coy- Adrian, MI

David G. Coy- Adrian, MI
A four term member of the NRA Board of Directors and a member of the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). A gun rights activist with a strong background in economics and financing who is a tenured Professor at Adrian College in Michigan and endorsed by the Michigan Rifle & Pistol Assoc. David is a dedicated no compromise 2nd Amendment Rights activist who has organized picket line protests against the Brady Campaign and debated prominent anti-gun activists at the University of Michigan.

Steven C. Schreiner-Englewood, CO

Steven C. Schreiner-Englewood, CO
Former NRA Board member and member of the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). The President and Founder of the Colorado Firearms Coalition (CFC) and virtually a full time gun rights lobbyist in the Colorado Legislature. Steve is a former US Army officer with service as an Airborne-Ranger in Vietnam and the recipient of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star (with V) and the Silver Star during his tours of duty. Steve is a dedicated 2nd Amendment Rights activist who has led the fight on several fronts in the state of Colorado to protect our constitutional rights to own and carry firearms. Steve is also the proud owner of a Barrett M82-A1 semi-auto .50 BMG rifle.

William A. Bachenberg-Bethlehem, PA

William A. Bachenberg-Bethlehem, PA
Bill is a current member of the NRA Board of Directors and a member of the Fifty Caliber Shooters Association (FCSA). He is a dedicated supporter of the 2nd Amendment and is co-owner of a sporting clays range in PA where he is renown for his ability to raise funds to support 2nd Amendment related projects. Bill is a dedicated supporter of promoting youth related projects and promoting the shooting sports to handicapped and disabled shooters. Bill currently sits on the Disabled Shooters Committee at NRA and serves as Vice Chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee and The Shotgun Committees.

Please give serious consideration to voting for the above candidates when you are casting your ballot for NRA Board of Directors. All of these candidates are strong supporters of the Fifty Caliber Shooting Sports.

John Burtt-Chmn

About:
The Fifty Caliber Institute is an national organization dedicated to the advancement of the .50 caliber shooting sports. FCI has a tradition of proud service to America’s law enforcement and military services, helping to make our streets and nation safer. Drawing on top experts ranging from firearm manufacturers to aerospace engineers, FCI rebuts wild anti-gun claims with clear, documented facts. If you want the honest truth, look to FCI. Visit: www.fiftycal.org

Scott L. Bach | Good NRA Leadership

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Freedom rest on our shoulders — let’s stand proud and defend it together”‘ says three term NRA Board member Scott Bach. “If all we have left to muster is sheer force of will and bold intention, we will always find a way to defend freedom – always.”

These words embody the spirit of a tenacious Second Amendment activist, who has devoted more than a decade to defending gun rights both nationally and on the “front lines” of the Northeast – where politicians who control government are hostile to firearms freedoms.

As president of the Association of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs for the past six years, and more recently as its first executive director, Bach has defeated numerous gun bans against near-impossible odds in a State House controlled by anti-gunners.

Bach has used the courts to advance Second Amendment rights, suing the State of New Jersey twice to overturn unconstitutional handgun laws, and held various agencies and municipalities accountable for infringing our freedoms.

Bach has championed Right to Carry and is credited with improving carry laws in several states. He also became a bear hunt advocate after a confrontation with a black bear near his home and he helped to reinstate New Jersey’s hunt after a 30-year ban.

An attorney licensed in four states, Bach served more than 12 years in law enforcement, archiving the rank of axillary captain in a large municipal police department. He also served as a U.S. congressional staff member and in special programs for a U.S. Court of Appeals judge and the U.S. Attorney’s office.

At NRA, Bach serves on the Executive Committee as vice chair of the Public Affairs Committee and on the Legislative Policy Committee. He is and avid shooter and makes regular media appearances.

• View Scott Bach NRA Election flyer here: http://www.scribd.com/doc/79255295/Scott-Bach-NRA-Election-Flyer-2012
• Hat Tip to American Rifleman for the Bio: www.americanrifleman.org/
• Scott Bach’s website http://www.bachbio.com/

NRA Election Profiles and compiled yearly by AmmoLand Shooting Sports News to help educate and introduce Board Member Canidates to AmmoLand readers and influence the NRA Board make up.

Top Threats To Gun Rights In 2012 & It May Be You

Buckeye Firearms Foundation

Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- Every January, Buckeye Firearms Association identifies the top 10 threats to our gun rights for the upcoming twelve months.

Historically, the list includes an ever changing line up of anti-gun personalities including the likes of Sarah Brady, Toby Hoover and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

One of the people included on the list more times than any other, however, is the apathetic and uninformed gun owner.

Few individual threats pose more danger to the right to bear arms than the self-proclaimed gun-rights advocate who doesn’t support the latest pro-gun reform, or who refuses to take their business elsewhere when a company discriminates against gun owners.

During 2011, the anti-gun gun owner was front and center during the debate over allowing legal concealed carry in places that serve alcohol. Despite the fact that the reforms proposed in SB17 were already law in every state that surrounds Ohio, the mainstream media didn’t have any trouble getting self-proclaimed die-hard gun owners to claim allowing legal concealed carry in bars was a crazy idea.

In many cases, the offending gun owner opened their anti-gun statement to the media by claiming to be an ardent supporter of gun rights, and often used their membership in the National Rifle Association as proof. Few things sound sweeter to the anti-gun establishment media than hearing someone with ties to the NRA, or another gun rights group, who then claims to oppose the latest pro-gun reform.

Just to be clear, that isn’t an indictment of the NRA, or any other gun group. Instead, it is an indictment of the individual gun owner who is willing to be a mouthpiece for gun-control.

Since 2012 is a presidential election year, the ability of the mainstream media to misrepresent members of the gun community as supporters of President Barack Obama has serious implications. If President Obama returns to the White House, he will be free to pursue anti-gun policies without fear of alienating the electorate, and he is likely to claim a mandate to attack the right to bear arms.

A mandate he will claim demands the appointment of another anti-gun activist judge to the United States Supreme Court.

Such a viewpoint wins President Obama and his campaign staff a spot on the 2012 list.

In the last 10 years, the anti-gun lobby has failed to win a single vote in Congress, or in the Ohio legislature. So, putting the likes of Toby Hoover, or anyone else connected to the Ohio anti-gun lobby on the list is a waste of time. After all, before we can call her a threat to gun-rights, she has to become relevant.

The same holds true for anti-gun Ohio legislators like Bill Patmon (D-10), who is so blinded by a hatred of guns that he is willing to use falsified statistics, misquotes and fabrications as a means to push his misguided agenda. Sadly, it appears only like-minded anti-gun zealots, his legislative staff and mainstream media sycophants fail to see just how impotent Representative Patmon appears to everyone else when espousing one transparently false statistic after another.

His best anti-gun effort remains one of the pro-gun community’s best assets. We can only hope nobody lets Representative Patmon in on the joke.

That means for 2012, we are left with only two true threats to our gun rights:

• Number TWO: President Barack Obama and his campaign staff – Everyone expects him to aggressively pursue an anti-gun agenda if elected to a second term as president. So, it is vital to the pro-gun community that every possible effort is made to see that he fails to win reelection.
• Number ONE: The Apathetic, Misinformed, or Anti-gun Gun Owner – A united pro-gun community can easily defeat President Barack Obama, just as a unified gun community defeated former Democratic Presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry (D-MA). Sadly, there were just enough gun voters tricked by Barack Obama during the 2008 campaign that he was able to carry Ohio and therefore win the presidency.

A situation that can’t be allowed to repeat itself in 2012.

Gerard Valentino, a former military intelligence analyst, is a member of the Buckeye Firearms Foundation Board of Directors and the author of “The Valentino Chronicles – Observations of a Middle Class Conservative,” available through the Buckeye Firearms Association store.

About:
Buckeye Firearms Association is a grassroots political action committee dedicated to defending and advancing the right of Ohio citizens to own and use firearms for all legal activities. Visit: www.buckeyefirearms.org

Moses Slaying the Egyptians

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The first weekly reading in the Book of Shmot (Exodus 1:1-6:1) introduces us to the central character who will be the main protagonist through the end of the Torah: Moshe (“Moses” in English).

Moshe is so important in Judaism that to this day we call him “Moshe Rabbeinu” — “our Rabbi and Teacher Moshe” – and indeed his teachings dominate not only the Written Torah but also the Oral Law. But just who is this man that will lead the Jews from slavery and bring us not only the Ten Commandments but also the entire Torah itself?

The Torah tells us few details about his early life; Torah is not intended to teach us history but rather the essential information that we need to understand the spiritual development of the Jewish People, and as such the lack of details of Moshe’s character are not surprising. But this dearth of detail magnifies the significance and importance of what is revealed.

Of his birth, we are told only that he is of the House of Levi. Fearful that their slaves will rebel, the Egyptians have decreed death upon all newborn Jewish boys; Moshe’s mother hides him from the Egyptian tyrants for some three months following his birth. When she can no longer hide him, she places him in a basket and he is found, adopted, and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. We know that he grew up in the Pharaoh’s palace and can guess at what that meant in terms of his education and social status.

A few verses later, we are told that Moshe grew up and “went out to see the suffering of his People.” (Ex. 2:11) Despite his upbringing, Moshe sees the Jews as his people — he identifies with the Jews, not the Egyptians. Rashi tells us of Moshe’ empathy: “[Moshe] directed his eyes and his heart to be distressed over [the Jewish people].” (Rashi’s comment is based on Ex. Rab. 1:27)

We are told of three incidents that follow in the coming six verses:

• First, Moshe sees an Egyptian beating a Hebrew slave, and the Torah tells us that Moshe sees the Jew as “his brother.” Rashi spells out the detailed background for us. The Hebrew was the husband of Shlomit, the daughter of Dibri, (who will be mentioned in Lev. 24:10), and this Egyptian had forced himself upon her. To complete his destruction of this Jewish family, the Egyptian now beat her husband. Moshe steps in and kills the Egyptian — a righteous punishment in defense of the dignity of Shlomit and her anonymous husband.
• The second incident follows the next day, when Moshe sees two Jews arguing so fiercely that one is about to strike the other. He steps in to settle the dispute, but his intervention is rejected by the guilty party who asks him: “Will you kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” (Ex. 2:14) Moshe realizes that if the Jews know that he killed the Egyptian, the Egyptians surely know as well. He flees from Pharaoh, in fear for his life. Though we are not told so, we can surmise that the penalty for striking down an Egyptian is death — and that there is no such penalty for killing a Jew.
• Moshe flees to Midian where we hear of the third incident. Resting by a well, he sees the seven daughters of Yitro draw water for their sheep. They are attacked by a group of men who steal their water; Moshe intervenes on their behalf, fighting off the group of male shepherds who attacked them, and justice is served. (Ex. 2:15-17)

What do these incidents tell us of the character of Moshe? Indeed, though terse in words, the Torah reveals much.

In these stories, we are told one of Moshe’s defining traits: he identifies with and stands up for the rights of the oppressed. Not only does Moshe defend the weak and powerless, including slaves and women, he identifies with the oppressed on a personal basis. Further, he is an equal-opportunity defender, defending Jew from Egyptian, Jew from Jew, and the Midianite women from non-Jews.

These incidents are apparently all we need to know of Moshe’s character to prepare us for his greatness. We are next given genealogical details – he marries, has children – and then we learn of Moshe’s encounter with G-d at the Burning Bush. He has been chosen by Hashem to free the Jewish slaves.

This same characteristic that defines Moshe’s greatness in his early life, his quest for justice, is one of the many ideals we strive for as Americans. Our all-American fantasy hero, Superman, stands for “truth, justice, and the American way.” We are a country of equality before the Law, founded on the principle that “all Men are created equal.” Our ideals allow the oppressed to seek redress in court where they can expect fair and equal treatment before the Law, and we expect justice for Jew and non-Jew, Egyptian and Midianite. Moshe sees the Jewish slaves as his brethren, but more, he sees them as human beings, not property – human beings created in the Image of G-d.

As such, Moshe doesn’t hesitate to stand up in defense of the innocent — even at the risk of losing his status in Egyptian royalty (which he does), even at the risk of great personal harm when he is outnumbered at the Midianite well, even to the point of using lethal force against the Egyptian who attacked the Hebrew slave.

Moshe embodies a model of law and justice that ideally would be manifest in all our leaders. At the very least, we can seek to emulate his model in our own behavior: defend the rights of the oppressed, protect the innocent from harm, and seek justice and equal treatment before the law. In perfecting these and other manifestations of his character, Moshe will grow into the great law-giver who transmits the Torah, G-d’s Law manifest on Earth.

May we aspire to display his respect for justice and the dignity of others.

Shalom,

Rabbi Dovid Bendory

Rabbi Bendory is an NRA Certified Firearms Instructor.

The Rabbi’s Archive page.

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

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

Commonwealth Second Amendment

Jamaica Plain, MA --(Ammoland.com)- As we embark upon a New Year we cannot help but be energized by the accomplishments and successes we’ve had over the past year.

For Comm2A 2011 was very much our ‘building year’.

We created a sustainable organization and began to take action, including filing our first federal lawsuit, to reform the regressive law, customs and practices that infringe upon the rights of Massachusetts gun owners.

The past year gave us the opportunity to participate in two federal civil rights lawsuits. Hightower v. Boston was an existing action that is currently on appeal to the First Circuit. Fletcher v. Haas originated with Comm2A and is currently awaiting a decision from the court. Additionally we’ve had unexpected opportunities to assist in the defense of several individuals whose prosecution for malum prohibitum offenses is only possible in Massachusetts.

2012 is a year bright with opportunities to improve the landscape for Massachusetts gun owners. We expect to file no less than two major legal actions in addition to following up on opportunities that will likely follow a favorable ruling in Fletcher.

We also plan to significantly raise our profile through education and outreach programs with Sportsmen’s clubs, Basic Firearm Safety instructors and more programs like the Massachusetts Licensing Survey.

This is an exciting time to be engaged in an effort to regain some of the rights that have been eroded over the last century. We appreciate your continued interest in Comm2A and look forward to sharing our progress with you. All of us at Comm2A want to wish you and your families all the best in 2012.

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

Austin community hero and IUPAT Local 1178 member Robin DeHaven was given the opportunity to hunt Colorado Elk on the first season of the USA’s Brotherhood Outdoors TV show for his heroic efforts during the terrorist attack on a Texas IRS building in 2010.

Union Sportsmen’s Alliance

Nashville, TN --(Ammoland.com)- With record membership numbers on the books, the addition of major national sponsors and international charter unions, the expansion of their popular shooting tour, the launch of a nationally televised show and the implementation of a new conservation program the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) boasted a banner year in 2011.

The USA began with an idea formed over a simple conversation at dinner. When it opened its doors in 2007, a handful of union members joined. They were followed by a few hundred and then a few thousand. In September, with a nationwide membership campaign sponsored by Cabela’s, the USA signed up its 25,000th member since inception—marking a tipping point for the organization in 2011.

With more than 70% of union members expressing an interest in hunting, fishing or shooting, the organization also teamed up with Sportsman Channel to launch Brotherhood Outdoors—a unique outdoor TV series that pairs union worker’s commitment to their communities with their love for the great outdoors and rewards them with a guided hunting or fishing trip in North America or the opportunity to take host Tom Ackerman to their own honey holes.

Made possible through the generous support of seven international unions and corporate sponsors like Buck Knives and Burris/Steiner, the show offers the USA a national platform to promote their commitment to protecting North America’s hunting and fishing heritage, public access and wildlife habitat.

With strong support from the union community and national sponsors like Chevy, the USA expanded its popular shooting tour to 25 markets in 2011. Debuting a Silverado 3500 HD and new shooting events trailer in June, the USA traveled to 16 markets in 12 states—covering nearly 10,000 miles during the summer and fall of 2011 and introducing hundreds of new individuals to the shooting sports.

“We feel privileged to have the unique support of the international unions and so many nationally recognized partners,” said USA Deputy Director Mike d’Oliveira. “Over the last four years, their support and commitment has significantly enhanced our efforts to not only grow our organization and support our members’ needs but encourages greater participation in hunting, fishing and the shooting sports across North America.”

The USA also wrapped up its first full year of Boots on the Ground (BOTG)—a unique conservation program that connects union volunteers with local, state and national wildlife and conservation organizations in need of skilled labor. Union volunteers are working on or have completed 14 projects in 12 states including Washington, Texas, Wisconsin, Ohio Illinois and more. Projects range from a new trail bridge in South Dakota to a special needs youth whitetail hunt in Ohio, a wildlife viewing tower in Alaska and numerous other projects that promote public access or the protection of wildlife habitat.

As the USA looks towards its 5th anniversary in 2012, it hopes to continue its efforts to unite the millions of active and retired labor union members who hunt, fish, shoot and spend time outdoors into one of the largest hunting and fishing conservation organizations in the country.

For more information on the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, visit www.unionsportsmen.org.

The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a union-dedicated outdoor organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the Union community to expand and improve hunting and fishing access and wildlife habitat throughout North America. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or www.facebook.com/unionsportsmen.

WGO on the institutional gun lobby .

Wisconsin Gun Owners

Wisconsin --(Ammoland.com)- Q: I’m already a member of the NRA. Why should I join WGO?
A: WGO is a state-based lobbying organization, meaning your support stays in Wisconsin, where gun legislation is decided. So instead of paying some Washington, D.C. executive’s six-figure salary, your donation is used to fund a grassroots fight in your own backyard — here in Wisconsin — where it makes a real difference.

Q: I’ve read that WGO is a “no-compromise” gun rights organization. I’ve always believed we shouldn’t compromise our inalienable rights, but doesn’t the ‘political reality’ dictate we must compromise?
A: The political reality is what you make it. Just ask the homosexual movement, whose numbers nationally are estimated by the Family Research Council to be around 2-3% of the population, who have successfully rammed their agenda into virtually every facet of public policy making. They understand that Politics is the art of confrontation, not compromise. What is often described as a “compromise” in the context of politics is rarely ever a true compromise by definition. Instead of both sides bringing something to the table to give up, anti-gunners initiate a confrontation by making outrageous demands. They then back off and demand less than they originally wanted, claiming they are being “reasonable.” Labeled a “compromise,” this strategic back-step is gladly accepted by establishment republicans and the institutional gun lobbies. But anti-gunners gave up nothing in the equation, it was only a net loss for gun owners — it was a trap. The ‘political reality’ is that “compromising” is the worst possible strategy and a proven recipe for political failure. For a graphic illustration of these concepts, visit our Political Cartoons page. Also visit NRAWOL to see more examples.

Q: I belong to several other state gun organizations, and they say our republican legislators are doing a great job defending our gun rights. Why are you so critical?
A: State politicians are doing a lousy job defending the Second Amendment. In the 2005-06 session, for example, republicans held a majority in both state houses. Instead of introducing a clean concealed carry bill, they introduced one loaded with gun control. This, they claimed, was the ‘political reality’ required to appease anti-gunners into voting for an override of Governor Jim Doyle’s veto. But anti-gunners know their own game and can’t be appeased. Thus, the move back-fired and divided gun owners (some gun owners don’t support gun control). Preemptive surrender fell flat on its face, just as WGO predicted. The reason you never heard this story, is because most state gun groups are led by untrained volunteers who understand only access politics. If they told you the truth, they’d lose access to their politicians. Some don’t know the truth and have been kept in the dark. Similarly, in the 2011-2012 session: This time we had republicans in control of both houses and a republican governor. Yet nary a peep was heard from anti-gunners because republicans surrendered the fight on Constitutional Carry before it began and rammed through a “compromise” bill instead.

Q: But lobbyists have to have access to politicians, don’t they?
A: Lobbyists need access to good legislators. However, it’s not the job of lobbyists to represent the views of bad legislators to their members, it’s the job of lobbyists to represent the views of members to bad politicians. The leaders of most organizations wind up working for politicians. Habitual cronyism feeds off itself and pretty soon the gun group defends the legislator at all costs … even when that politician is ramming gun control into law! In sharp contrast, WGO works for gun owners, not politicians.

Q: Okay, so other gun groups are sucking up to lousy legislators. But without the few ‘pro-gun’ legislators we have, we’d lose everything!
A: No, you’re already losing everything — incrementally. When bad legislators cut gun control deals with the left, many gun groups reward these politicians for their bad behavior. This results in more gun control. If your dog piddles on the rug, and you give him a treat and say ‘Good boy!’ he’ll keep piddling on your rug. WGO does not reward bad behavior. The reason establishment organizations tow the party line and resist getting crossways with legislators is simple: Money. It’s easier for them to raise more funds by telling everyone what they think they want to hear.

Q: Is WGO a professional lobbying organization?
A:  Volunteers are an important part of any battle, but wars are not won by armies led by volunteers. That’s the job of Generals. Those who are working against gun rights in Wisconsin are professional organizations, dedicated full-time to trashing your firearm freedoms. Founded in 2003, Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc. is a 501(c)4, Tax-Exempt non-profit organization. WGO is registered with the State of Wisconsin as a non-stock corporation (non-profit), and registered lobbying organization with the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board. In addition, WGO has a highly-trained staff and network of consultants specializing in political strategy. WGO is independent of — but often works in concert with — groups like Gun Owners of America (GOA), National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) and Campaign for Liberty (C4L). While WGO is not legally affiliated with these groups, you’ll often find our organizations fighting a unified battle to defend your right to keep and bear arms in Wisconsin.

Q: How does WGO use my membership donation?
A:  The primary focus of WGO is grassroots lobbying. This entails a sophisticated communications program — direct mail, online and print petitions, post card campaigns, phone bank operations, on-the-ground literature dissemination, member mobilization and communications with legislators and the press. Your contribution will be used to fund all of these important initiatives. At any time you can see where WGO stands on the issues, and how much money has been expended towards these efforts, via the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board by visiting our lobbying page.

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

2011 IllinoisCarry - A Year of Triumphs & Near Triumphs

IllinoisCarry.com

Illinois --(Ammoland.com)- A major triumph – IllinoisCarry, the ISRA, and NRA joined forces to produce an all new Right to Carry bill for Illinois.

This bill was voted on in the House on May 5, 2011, the first such vote in decades!

In a near triumph, we fell just 6 votes short of the needed super-majority of 72!

The narrow miss can be blamed directly on Gov. Quinn and the city of Chicago who pulled out all the stops in the final days before the vote to campaign against the measure. The bill, HB148, was put on postponed consideration and can be recalled for another vote between now and Jan. 2013. All supporters are working tirelessly to secure the needed handful of votes.

A major triumph – the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in Ezell vs Chicago. The court ruled the Second Amendment must be given the same measure of respect as the First Amendment, accused Chicago of thumbing its nose at the U.S. Supreme Court, and basically instructed the city to get their act together in regards to the individual right to keep and bear arms.

A major triumph – the barrier against Right to Carry is beginning to crack in the city of Chicago and Cook County. Elected officials are actually beginning to consider Right to Carry and are even hosting their own town hall meetings on the issue. This is new ground and could be just the break we need to garner the support needed to pass HB148. We feel this movement is due in large part to a group of dedicated IllinoisCarry, Second Amendment Sisters, ISRA and NRA members in Chicago’s black community. They have worked very hard on this issue holding several town hall meetings comprised of local Chicago folks. Our hats are off to these fine folks for their hard work and determination.

A major triumph, two lawsuits were filed challenging the ban on the Right to Carry for personal protection. IllinoisCarry is honored to be a plaintiff in the Second Amendment Foundation’s lawsuit Moore vs Madigan and the ISRA is spearheading a lawsuit with our feisty friend Mary Shepard. A favorable ruling from either of the court cases could expedite Right to Carry in Illinois.

IllinoisCarry spokesperson, Valinda Rowe, was awarded the prestigious Grass Roots Activist of the Year by the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. This national recognition reflects the diligence and commitment to excellence our organization has come to represent.

We have held many, many town hall meetings from one end of the state to the other, printed mountains of fliers, and marched in parades. We have helped turn Right to Carry into a topic of conversation all over the state. We have seen legislators, who once laughed at the notion of Right to Carry, attending these meetings and even conducting their own town hall meetings to discuss the issue.

IllinoisCarry members have been regular contributors to newspaper, radio and TV programs all over the state, but most importantly inside the city of Chicago. They have testified in committees, met with legislators, marched on the capitol, gone to court, raised funds, produced videos and a host of other activities. All this from a grassroots, all volunteer organization that owns no equipment or property!

IllinoisCarry membership has grown tremendously in this past year, over 600 new members were added to our roster. That’s 600 more voices dedicated to being heard, and hopefully 600 more members to add to the nearly 7,000 who will attend IGOLD on Mar. 7, 2012. Our Illinois-specific web site is heavily trafficked by thousands of the most dedicated and involved members and elected officials in the state. This is the result of a lot of people doing a lot of work and doing it right!

We are ready to start our Winter Tour 2012 of Town Hall Meetings in an effort to gain the handful of votes we need to pass Right to Carry. We don’t need all the legislators to vote for the bill, just enough of them.

There was a time when talking to legislators about right to carry they would laugh at us…WELL, THEY AREN’T LAUGHING NOW – now they are asking “How can I help”?!

Join us at IllinoisCarry.com and find out how you can help win back our Right to Keep and Bear Arms!!

A very special thank you to Barry Bourdage and the folks at Techpro for hosting the IllinoisCarry website.

Mark Your Calendars!

Schedule the day off from work!

Join the largest turn out of Right to Carry supporters Illinois has ever seen!

Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day

“IGOLD”

Wed. March 7, 2012

Prairie Capital Convention Center, Springfield, IL

10:30 a.m. – Doors Open

11:00 a.m. Concessions Open

Noon – Legislative Briefing

1:15 p.m. March to the State Capitol!!

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!

UPDATE: Illinois Lawsuits

Challenging Ban On Right to Carry

We receive many emails asking for updates on the two Illinois lawsuits challenging the statewide ban on carrying a handgun for personal protection. You can follow details of both the Moore vs. Madigan and Shepard vs. Madigan lawsuits on IllinoisCarry’s discussion forum.

To date, a hearing was held on Aug. 4, 2011 on the motion for a preliminary injunction in Moore vs. Madigan . We are still waiting on a ruling from the judge.

In Shepard vs. Madigan, the attorneys filed a motion for a preliminary injunction but no hearing date has been set. The judge could set a date for a hearing or could go ahead and rule without a hearing. Until we hear something from the court, we continue wait.

Help IllinoisCarry.com in the Fight for Right to Carry
IllinoisCarry will be sponsoring and co-sponsoring very important Right to Carry events in the coming months. Resources are needed for fliers, supplies, location and booth rental fees, etc.. You can be a part of these important events by contributing to the cause with your dollars. Be a part of bringing Right to Carry to Illinois – whether it’s in a big way or a small way – it all helps to reach the goal! We can’t do it without you!

We thank each and every one of you for your diligence and commitment to the Second Amendment. Please feel free to forward this post to your friends, family, and other contacts.

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

Protecting & Defending Your Civil Rights In The Coming Year

Florida Carry

Florida - -(Ammoland.com)- In this coming year we will have many decisions to face as Americans.

Federal and Local elections are going to set our direction as a nation; anti-gun bills need to be stopped; pro-gun bills need to be advanced.

The enemies of your civil rights are not resting. Neither are we!

Florida Carry will be communicating with our members and supporters throughout the election cycle to inform you of the record and positions of the candidates you will be asked to choose from.

Bills have already been filed in the Florida Legislature that seek to destroy your right to a means of effective self defense. There are also Florida Carry sponsored and authored bills that will protect our rights.

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

Above all, we hope for the health and safety of your family and friends in this new year. Be vigilant, be prepared, be safe!

Happy New Year!

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. Visit: www.open-carry.com

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- HAPPY NEW YEAR! ~ First of all I would like to wish each and every one of you and your loved ones Peace, Joy, Love, Liberty, Health and Happiness now and in the years to come.

Happy New Year everyone!

MEETING REMINDER!
Remember to attend the presentation by attorney David Jensen on January 11, 2012 at Gun For Hire Training Facilities on 75 Rutgers Street in Belleville, NJ. As you probably already know, David has been retained by the SAF and the ANJRPC as the lead attorney in the case against the state of New Jersey seeking to challenge the “justifiable need” clause contained in the current CCW licensing procedures. This is the most significant litigation impacting RKBA in NJ. The New Jersey Second Amendment Society was responsible for recruiting two plaintiffs for the case (one primary and one alternate). PLEASE REGISTER for this FREE event at www.nj2as.com under “EVENTS”. The meeting begins at 7:30 pm.

We will also be running the popular Non-resident CCW licensing program prior to the meeting beginning at 6:00 pm. For details and to register visit us at www.nj2as.com.

SUCCESS AND CITIZEN ACTIVISM!
The New Jersey Second Amendment Society has enjoyed some very positive press in the last few months. Our efforts have been mentioned in various Newspapers, online blogs and websites. Recently, Paul Mulshine of the Star Ledger wrote a very positive blog entry about our successful efforts to encourage Egg Harbor Township to eliminate forms that we considered to be an additional requirement not allowed under current NJ firearms statutes. As you can see from the article above, one of our members, Mr. drew Parker, played a significant role in bringing about this success.

THE NJ2AS ISSUES A CHALLENGE!
I would like to challenge you to follow Drew’s example as a “citizen activist” and challenge YOUR towns and municipalities to adhere to the guidelines dictated by NJ firearms statutes and the NJ Division of State Police Firearm Applicant Investigation Guide.

According to the recent decision handed down by NJ Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd and accepted by the attorney for the state, NJ towns and municipalities are indeed required to follow the admonitions not to require any additional forms beyond the standard Criminal Background and Mental Health forms required by the state. They may not arbitrarily delay the processing of applications or require anything beyond verification of employment. However, it is up to us as citizens to remind them that they are bound by these statutes and guidelines when they fail to properly follow them. With Operation Establish Compliance, the NJ2AS is positioning itself to step in wherever it makes strategic sense to challenge a non-compliant locality.

Please inform us if you are willing to be a plaintiff in a situation where a locality commits a serious breach of the proper procedures. We will evaluate your situation and try to assist you if at all possible.

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS NEEDED!
The NJ2AS is in the process of initiating a number of new projects which will require your assistance. We need individuals who are willing and able to do some online research. No special skills are needed and this is something you can do as you have time. We need to gather information on past events involving technical infractions of the firearms statutes by otherwise law-abiding individuals. Greg Revell, Joseph Pelleteri and Brian Aitken come to mind as examples. We believe that there may be many other examples that involve “plea deals” and other determinations that we are unaware of. If you are interested in participating in this effort, please email Bob Barush at legislation@nj2as.com.

MEMBERSHIP AND MEETING COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED!
We need several people who are willing to help us setup for our monthly meetings. This can involve anything from assisting people with sign in and membership applications, to setting up chairs and helping to accept and record membership fees and donations. We will also need people to help with recruitment. Please contact John Willett at membership@nj2as.com if you are interested in helping this committee.

POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE!
The NJ2AS intends to become more involved in the furthering our mission through political action in 2012. This is not about campaigning for any particular party or ideology. It doesn’t matter if you lean liberal or conservative. This committee will be dedicated to furthering RKBA in NJ. It will be up to the committee (with board approval) to decide how best to accomplish this goal. I will be assigning this responsibility to a committee head in the near future. If you are interested in working on this committee, please email PAC@nj2as.com.-

THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT!
In closing, I can tell you that your Society has a VERY aggressive agenda planned for the New Year. I am extremely confident that with YOUR help we will not only accomplish our goals, but we will exceed them. I am looking for and expecting a great deal of member participation this year. I know many of you have been anxious to help. It is important that we have the structure in place to support all our activities. In that regard, I would like the membership to make their recommendations for a candidate to assume the responsibilities of Vice President of the NJ2AS. This position will primarily be responsible for organizing and monitoring the various committee heads. It will take someone with good organizational and communication skills who can help keep the various committees on track and support their efforts.

I am looking forward to a VERY bright future for our Society this year and in the years to come. Let’s all work together to make RKBA in NJ a REALITY!

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

2ndamendmentpatriots.org

Indianapolis, IN --(Ammoland.com)- Tearing off another year on the calendar, wow. The year 2012 doesn’t seem like we could really have that year rolling up on us.

I mean most of the outer space movies from the 50′s and 60′s didn’t go that far into the future. I don’t think Rod Serling with his Twilight Zone TV show traveled that deep into the land beyond beyond.

Nevertheless, this is the mile post coming up on us.

We’ve sure traveled along way from 1776. Sometimes I wonder what the folks back then would say about this country if they could see it now. No doubt that there’s been a lot of accomplishments in medicine, agriculture, living comfort, communication and much, much more.

I kind of wonder if we haven’t been traveling in two directions though at the same time. While we have been experiencing these advances in everyday life, sometimes faster than we can absorb and comprehend I think it seems like as a society we’ve also be moving backwards.

Today there are so many people that know less about this country and how it began and what it is that makes America different than the rest of the world and why.

Back in 1776 the struggle was for freedom and liberty, today its to knock down the doors and people charging into the mall for a pair of Air Jordan’s. Somehow it just seems that we might be a little off track.

2012 is going to present another presidential election and some state elections, too. It would be nice if there could be a turnout of voters at the polls equal to the numbers of people who right after Thanksgiving dinner bolted out of the house with tent, sleeping bag and pepper spray in hand heading for the all night vigil outside the shopping malls. But then considering the mentality of some people maybe it wouldn’t be a good thing.

“We’re developing a new citizenry. One that will be very selective about cereals and automobiles, but won’t be able to think.” ― Rod Serling

Lets pray for a better New Year.

About:
The Second Amendment Patriots are a local group of citizens dedicated to preserving the rights, freedoms, and civil liberties of every American by educating the American public of the founding and history of this country and its founding fathers by explaining the role, functions and purpose of the U.S. Government; and by teaching the need and importance of an armed American public, in order to allow for a more prosperous and respectful country consisting of American citizens with a pledge of allegiance to their country and who will at the same time, voice their demand to take back the present overwhelming power of the U.S. Government and deliver it into the hands of the people to which it belongs. Visit: www.2ndamendmentpatriots.org

Iowa Firearms Coalition

Clive, IA --(Ammoland.com)- Caucus season is upon us and while Second Amendment issues are being discussed by presidential candidates, it’s extremely important for us to be active in the local party caucuses on Tuesday, January 3.

IFC and NRA do a tremendous amount of heavy lifting to advance your rights at the Capitol, but ultimately it’s the grassroots efforts of our members that really make the biggest difference.

For example, IFC members utilizing our Action Center:

• Accounted for the bulk of e-mails received by legislators when we achieved victory with Shall Issue in 2010.
• Helped us get behind the legislation that resulted in the mourning dove season in Iowa. This was an effort that had failed in Iowa for year after year until you helped us out!
• And, once again helped fight against the DNR’s covert attempt to slip a ban on traditional ammunition on to that dove season (a fight we still have on our plate for 2012!).

IFC and NRA are asking you to step up and help us in a big way. Visit our website for access to our 2012 Caucus Package page and help us add a plank to the party platforms that is extremely important for Second Amendment rights in Iowa.

We’ve also released our 2012 Legislative Agenda. When you go to the caucus to submit a plank supporting an enumerated right to keep and bear arms in our state Constitution, be sure to take copies of our legislative agenda to distribute to your pro-Second Amendment neighbors.

While you will often hear local media sources boasting of Iowa’s progressive actions on various political topics, it can’t be overlooked that Iowa is terribly behind the curve when it comes to recognizing Second Amendment and self-defense rights.

Iowa Firearms Coalition, your Iowa-based NRA Affiliate Organization, has garnered support from numerous other organizations in our efforts to move Iowa the right direction on Second Amendment initiatives. Iowa State Rifle and Pistol Association, Iowa Sportsmen’s Federation and IFC Affiliate, the Iowa Chapter of Safari Club International have all offered their support of our agenda.

Thanks for your support of Second Amendment issues!

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

Aaron S. Zelman Executive Director of JPFO (Passed)

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- A year ago today, the founder of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Aaron Zelman, passed away.

His sudden absence from our midst sent a shock wave through the true hard core freedom community.

It is appropriate today to review the official tribute JPFO prepared in Aaron’s memory. Please make sure you read the heartfelt comments others sent in to us.

It is also very appropriate to read the interview done with Aaron on the 20th Anniversary of JPFO’s founding. So much about the man’s motivation and great vision is found in this interview.

And finally, please take the time to review the list of JPFO’s projects and accomplishments.

These were just some of the fruits of Aaron Zelman’s labor on our behalf.

He was a lion for freedom. May G-d rest his soul.

Yours in Freedom, The Liberty Crew at JPFO

Protecting you by creating solutions to destroy “gun control”

Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership

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

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah, another holiday or no holiday, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all, the Beauty of Nature, the Joy of Family and Friends, the Peace that Love brings and the Happiness of Sharing all of those Blessings with those who are important to you.

The one thing we all share in common is our humanity. Whatever else we do at this time of year, perhaps one of the most important is to reflect on what it means to be a member of this AMAZING species. The mind of man has no limits other than the ones it inflicts upon itself. Perhaps our greatest challenge is to use the gift of our minds to improve our lives and those of our family and friends. If enough of our fellow humans embrace this challenge, we truly could have Peace on Earth.

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and all the best of the season and the years to come to you and your families.

Matching Pledges
Please allow me to once again thank our sponsor ArmsNAmmo for putting up a $500.00 matching pledge. We still have until the January 11, 2012 meeting to meet this challenge. Please don’t forget to mention “matching Pledge” on your donation in the comments section of PayPal or on the memo portion of your check. Thank you to those who have already donated. We will need every dollar we receive in order to fund Operation Establish Compliance, our activities, upcoming events and continuing obligations. Remember, as a non-profit organization, we rely upon your generosity to further our mission

Speaking of the January meeting, the SAF/ANJRPC lawsuit challenging New Jersey’s “justifiable need” clause is perhaps the most significant litigation directly impacting upon the right to discreetly carry a defensive handgun for self-defense and defense of one’s family. I know that every single member is going to want to show up in support of David Jensen and hear what he has to say about the future of this litigation.

Second Amendment Attorney David Jensen to Speak at NJ2AS

This event will be held on Wednesday evening January 11, 2012 at the Gun for Hire Firearms Training Center on 75 Rutgers Street in Belleville, NJ. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM. Be sure to have your questions ready for David’s Q&A session. This is usually the best part of these events. Remember to invite your family, friends and neighbors. Please register for this FREE event on our website at www.nj2as.com under events. We will also be running our Non-resident CCW program for those who may be interested.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage you to write your thoughtful letters to the editor regarding the fundamental right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes in New Jersey and throughout the Nation. You may have noticed lately that there have been a number of positive articles about our rights. Paul Mulshine and others have written several articles that question the way our RKBA is being handled by the authorities.

Firearms ownership is becoming more and more accepted in our state. We need to keep this momentum going. Remember, always stay positive and that discretion is the better part of valor. Let’s concentrate on all of the positive reasons there are to own firearms and to learn to safely and properly handle them for all legitimate purposes. This includes hunting and competitive shooting as well as for self-defense.

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

NRA - ILA

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- Here are some of the top stories we brought you in the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert in 2011.

With what will be a critically important 2012, we must increase our efforts to ensure we’re prepared to meet the great opportunities and challenges we will face next year.

We will continue to provide you with information in future Alerts to ensure our mutual success.

January:

• The Ohio Supreme Court issued a ruling upholding Ohio’s firearms preemption law and siding with both the state’s and NRA’s position, as outlined in a “friend of the court” brief filed with the court.  The case, City of Cleveland v. State of Ohio, stemmed from the city’s scheme to establish a series of restrictive gun laws despite Ohio law, which clearly prohibits such municipal gun ordinances.
• The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 was signed into law.  The legislation included several provisions developed by NRA-ILA and pro-Second Amendment members of Congress, that provide practical benefits to gun owners while protecting the privacy and Second Amendment rights of gun-owning military personnel and their families and civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
• U.S. Reps. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and Leonard Boswell (D-Iowa) introduced H.R. 420 — the “Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act.”  The legislation would provide a limited amnesty period for veterans who served overseas before 1968.  During the amnesty period, the veterans would be able to register war relic firearms without fear of prosecution. This amnesty would also extend to a veteran’s lawful family members.

February

• U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to respond to allegations that it allowed suspicious firearm transactions to proceed, and that a gun sold in one of those cases may have been involved in a shootout that claimed the life of a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
• The U.S. House voted for an amendment to H.R. 1 offered by Reps. Denny Rehberg and Dan Boren that prohibits the use of federal funds for a new and unauthorized multiple sales reporting scheme proposed by BATFE. The measure passed the chamber with broad bipartisan support.
• In 2009, the Obama administration approved the importation and sale of collectible, American-made M1 Garand rifles and M1 carbines from South Korea. However, the administration reversed its decision in March 2010, deciding instead to prevent these rifles –legal to make and purchase in the United States—from entering the country.  S. 381—the Collectible Firearms Protection Act—and its House companion bill, H.R. 615 were introduced.  The bills seek to once again allow these American-made firearms to be re-imported and sold in the U.S.
• NRA worked with a coalition of the nation’s largest hunting and conservation groups to address the wolf management crisis.  The coalition thanked members of Congress for taking several steps in the right direction for wolf conservation, and reminded Congress that all wolves in the Rockies and Great Lakes area are recovered and should now be managed by state biologists. The coalition supports all four pending bills in the House and Senate to move recovered wolf populations to state wildlife management.
• H.R. 822, was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.).  The measure would allow any person with a valid state-issued concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in any state that issues concealed firearm permits, or that does not prohibit the carrying of concealed firearms. A state’s laws governing where concealed firearms may be carried would apply within its borders. The bill also applies to Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.  H.R. 822 would not create a federal licensing system.  Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others’ carry permits, just as they recognize drivers’ licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards.
• A peerless friend of gun owners, retired U.S. Sen. James A. McClure, R-Idaho—who aggressively led the advancement of the Second Amendment cause in the U.S. Senate for two decades—died on February 26.

March

• U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Ensign (R-Nev.) introduced S. 570 — “a bill to prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloguing the purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns.”  The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for a multiple sales reporting scheme proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
• NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox sent letters to key leaders in Congress calling for hearings to examine the firearms trafficking investigations tactics employed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Those tactics have allegedly allowed firearms to fall into the hands of Mexican criminal organizations, with the knowledge of the BATFE.   In the letters sent to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-Mich.) and their counterparts in the U.S. Senate, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Ranking Member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cox wrote that the BATFE project “reportedly allowed over 2,000 firearms to be sold to individuals already linked to Mexican drug cartels.  Many of those transactions were reported as suspicious by the licensed firearms dealers themselves, but BATFE reportedly encouraged them to proceed with these sales, which the dealers would otherwise have turned down.”
• Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R) signed legislation authorizing a mourning dove hunting season. With this historic expansion of hunting opportunities through SF 464, the Legislature and Governor demonstrated their steadfast commitment to sportsmen and gun owners.
• Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) signed into law House Bill 2013 and Senate Bill 152. HB 2013 enables residents of Kansas to purchase long guns in non-contiguous states and residents of non-contiguous states to purchase long guns in Kansas.  SB 152 allows persons licensed to carry a concealed firearm to lawfully carry their firearm while hunting.
• “Permitless Carry” legislation, Senate File 47, and “Castle Doctrine” legislation, House Bill 167, were signed into law by Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead (R).
• House Bill 1079, signed into law by Gov. Dennis Daugaard (R), clarifies that residents of non-contiguous states may purchase long guns in South Dakota.
• Gov. Steve Beshear (D) signed into law House Bill 308.  The legislation will implement the federal NICS Improvements Amendments Act by enabling residents of Kentucky, who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health-related commitment or adjudication, to petition a court to have them restored.

April

• The continuing resolution for FY 2011 included a general provision that delists certain populations of wolves from the Endangered Species Act.  Wolf populations in Montana and Idaho as well as portions of Utah, Oregon and Washington would be declared recovered by reinstating the 2009 ruling from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), paving the way for regulated wolf hunting seasons.
• The NRA, and American gun owners, lost a loyal friend on April 16, 2011, when former U.S. Rep. Harold L. Volkmer died in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday, and was pleased to read the hundreds of cards he had received from grateful gun owners.
• The Mexican government continued its attempt to blame the American gun community for Mexico’s internal strife, and retained the New York City-based law firm of Reid Collins & Tsai to examine its options for suing U.S. gun manufacturers and distributors.  Such lawsuits have been used for decades as a tactic by anti-gun groups and governments in their attempts to bankrupt gun manufacturers and circumvent the political process.  However, the “Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act” protects firearm manufacturers, distributors, dealers and importers from lawsuits brought about as a result of “the harm solely caused by the criminal or unlawful misuse of firearm products or ammunition products by others when the product functioned as designed and intended.”
• U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Representatives Jeff Miller (R-Fla.), Mike Ross (D-Ark.), Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), introduced legislation to protect traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle from a potential ban by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) signed into law the “Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention Act.”  Senate Bill 856 protects lawful firearm retailers from illegal gun sting operations.
• Gov. Jack Dalrymple (R) signed into law two pro-gun reforms.  House Bill 1438 allows North Dakota workers to store their firearms in locked personal vehicles on publicly accessible parking lots without fear of being fired.  House Bill 1269 will grant persons who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health commitment or adjudication the right to petition to have them restored.
• Senate File 456, signed into law by Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad (R), is designed to improve the language under last session’s “shall-issue” law and allow Iowa state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
• Gov. Jan Brewer (R) brought pro-gun reforms to the state of Arizona by signing key pieces of legislation.  Senate Bill 1469 strengths the current “Castle Doctrine” language by broadening the definition of reasonable use of force, including deadly force, to provide greater protection for those forced to defend themselves or family from an attacker.  House Bill 2645 is designed to meet the requirements of the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act by enabling persons who have lost their firearm rights because of a mental health-related commitment or adjudication to petition a court to have them restored.
• Gov. Dave Heineman (R) signed Legislative Bill 512 into law.  LB 152 requires the state to provide information concerning mental health adjudications to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) database and sets up a relief from disabilities process.  In addition, LB 512 makes numerous improvements to Nebraska’s right-to-carry laws.

May

• On May 1, Navy SEALS provide America with an historic event that will forever be seared in our memories:  the killing of Osama bin Laden — the mastermind behind the September 11 terrorist attacks on our nation.
• NRA filed its formal comments on the “ATF Study on the Importability of Certain Shotguns.”  The “study,” published in January, proposed to ban the importation of any shotgun, regardless of action type, if it has one or more supposedly non-”sporting” features.
• NRA challenged the constitutionality of Illinois’ complete and total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense outside the home or place of business.  The case, in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, is Shepard v. Madigan. The lead plaintiff is church treasurer Mary Shepard; joining her is the Illinois State Rifle Association, NRA’s state affiliate.
• Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) introduced H.R. 1865, the Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act, which is designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
• Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) signed into law five pro-firearm bills:  Senate Enrolled Act 506 (Transport Permit Reform), Senate Enrolled Act 292 (Firearm Preemption Reform), Senate Enrolled Act 94 (Non-Contiguous State Firearm Purchase), Senate Enrolled Act 411 (Parking Lot), and Senate Enrolled Act 154 (allows loaded firearms on off-road vehicles on private property if the person has permission to be on the property).
• The FBI estimated that the number of violent crimes decreased 5.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, including a 4.4 percent decrease in the number of murders.  Because the U.S. population increased during the period, the figures imply that the total violent crime per capita rate and the murder rate decreased more than six percent and five percent, respectively.  This brings the violent crime to a 37-year low and the murder rate to a 47-year low.
• Assembly Bill 217, signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval (R), allows residents of non-contiguous states to purchase long guns in Nevada.  It also allows Nevada residents to purchase long guns in non-contiguous states.

June

• The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals conclusively and forcefully held, without need for oral argument, that the National Rifle Association has the right to recover attorneys’ fees in its lawsuits against the city of Chicago’s and the village of Oak Park’s unconstitutional gun bans. The court held that NRA was a prevailing party in the case of National Rifle Association v. City of Chicago and Village of Oak Park.
• Congressional hearings held by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform revealed that the gun smuggling investigation known as “Fast and Furious,” implemented out of the Phoenix Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives office, was conducted in a reckless manner that led to the illegal sale of thousands of firearms. Many of those firearms ended up in the hands of Mexican drug cartels and other criminals, and may have contributed to the death of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry.
• A proposal by U.S. Rep. John Campbell (R-Calif.) and Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.) to prohibit necessary and legal practices used to effectively manage wildlife and predator species was overwhelmingly defeated in the House of Representatives.  The amendment to H.R. 2112—the Agriculture appropriations bill—was strongly opposed by NRA and other pro-hunting organizations.  It was pushed by the Humane Society of the United States and other radical anti-hunting groups.
• Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) signed into law Senate Bill 321, worker protection/parking lot legislation.  The Governor also signed legislation to extend the Right to Carry to your boat or personal watercraft (House Bill 25); to allow properly permitted landowners or helicopter owners to contract with third parties to ride on helicopters and take depredating feral hogs and coyotes (House Bill 716); to prevent rules restricting a foster parent’s ability to transport a foster child in a private vehicle if a handgun is present (House Bill 2560); and to limit the ability of local governments to sue owners or operators of sport shooting ranges (Senate Bill 766).
• Lawful firearm retailers are protected from illegal gun sting operations such as those by anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.  Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley (R) signed HB 450, Fraudulent Firearms Purchase Prevention legislation
• Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) signed into law Legislative Document 35.  This key piece of legislation prohibits an employer from banning an employee with a valid concealed firearms permit from keeping a firearm in the employee’s vehicle as long as the vehicle is locked and the firearm is not visible.
• Gov. Rick Scott (R) signed into law Senate Bill 234 and House Bill 45.  SB 234 brings reform to Florida’s “Right-to-Carry” law and allows residents to purchase long guns in other states.  HB 45 stops local politicians and governments from violating Florida law by providing penalties for willful violations.
• Louisiana residents may purchase a long gun in any state with the passage of Senate Bill 39—signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal (R).
• Gov. John Kasich (R) signed House Bill 54 into law.  HB 54 brings Ohio in compliance with federal law to provide for the restoration of firearm rights for certain individuals.
• Gov. Bev Perdue (D) signed into law House Bill 650.  HB 650 contains “Castle Doctrine” language, Fraudulent Firearms Purchase language, allows Right-to-Carry permit holders to store firearms in their vehicles when parked on the grounds of certain state properties and courthouses, allows for the purchase of rifles and shotguns by North Carolina residents in other states, and makes other improvements.

July

• NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox joined Gov. Scott Walker (R) as he signed the Wisconsin Personal Protection Act into law. This made Wisconsin the 49th state to give law-abiding citizens an option to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection.
• Gov. Tom Corbett (R) signed Pennsylvania “Castle Doctrine” legislation into law.  This common-sense measure permits law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against attackers in their homes and any place where they have a legal right to be.  It also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by attackers or attackers’ families when force is used.
• The Obama administration formally announced that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will require firearm dealers in the southwestern border states to file “multiple sale” reports on detachable-magazine rifles larger than .22 caliber. Under the plan, each dealer will be required to report to the BATFE any sale of two or more such rifles to a single individual within five business days.
• NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre drew a line in the sand on behalf of American gun owners at the United Nations.  LaPierre spoke to the UN’s Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) Preparatory Committee, the group drafting an international treaty that will supposedly control all non-nuclear arms, worldwide, including civilian firearms. He told the audience of delegates from approximately 150 U.N. member states that the NRA would vehemently oppose any UN treaty that in any way restricts American gun owners’ rights.
• Gov. Jay Nixon (D) signed into law House Bill 294.  HB 294 expands a variety of firearm rights for Missouri gun owners, and addresses a number of Right-to-Carry issues.  HB 294 finally lowered Missouri’s Right-to-Carry minimum age requirement (formerly the oldest in the nation) from 23-years old to 21-years old.
• Gov. Jack Markell (D) signed into law House Bill 48.  This new law updates Delaware state law to meet the requirements set forth in the federal NICS Improvement Amendments Act. In addition to conforming Delaware law to the NIAA, this legislation also repeals Delaware’s instant check for firearm purchases and moves all background checks to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).

August

• NRA supports a lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s demand that Federal Firearms License holders report multiple sales of certain long guns in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. The suit asserts that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lacks statutory authority to demand these reports.
• Riots, looting, violent assaults and arson left London and other UK cities looking like war zones.  The current bedlam showed us what a disarmed country looks like and how little is left when free men and women surrender the right to own a firearm.  Chris Cox wrote a compelling op-ed on “Britain’s Criminal Utopia” for the Daily Caller.
• The Iowa Administrative Rules Committee met to review the Natural Resource Commission’s (NRC) final rule for Iowa’s first dove hunting season in nearly a century.  In a 9-1 bipartisan vote, legislators overwhelmingly rejected the NRC’s underhanded attempt to include a statewide traditional ammunition ban in the final rule.  This vote allowed for a “session-delay” of the lead ammunition ban, meaning the legislature will have to act during the next legislative session to remove the ban from the final dove rule.  However, Iowa’s first dove season will proceed and will not include a traditional ammunition ban.
• In what can only be described as “Washington D.C. logic,” the three BATFE agents who were responsible for the “Fast and Furious” debacle in Phoenix were promoted.  The Department of Justice announced the appointment of U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, B. Todd Jones, to serve as Acting Director of BATFE, replacing Kenneth Melson.  The DOJ also announced that Dennis Burke, U.S. attorney for the district of Arizona, resigned.  And the Wall Street Journal reported that Emory Hurley, the assistant U.S. attorney responsible for the day-to-day operations of “Fast and Furious,” was removed from his post and reassigned to the department’s Civil Division.

September

• Senators Jim Webb (D-Va.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.) introduced S. 1588—“The Recreational Land Self–Defense Act.“  S. 1588 is the Senate companion bill to H.R. 1865 and is designed to protect the rights of gun owners on lands owned or managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
• The Obama campaign launched a new website, AttackWatch.com. The purpose of the site is to give Obama supporters a way to report “attacks” on the president, implying that any criticism must be based on lies or misinformation.  When it comes to firearm issues, it’s this site that is misrepresenting President Obama’s record on guns.
• In what promises to be a continuing debate on the rights of law-abiding citizens, the Oregon Court of Appeals ruled that banning firearms on the grounds of Oregon’s public universities exceeded the scope of the university system’s authority, thereby opening up the state’s campuses to individuals who hold valid concealed handgun licenses.
• The New Hampshire House voted to override the Governor’s veto of Senate Bill 88.  SB 88 is now law, and establishes that the law-abiding have the right to defend themselves from assault wherever they have a legal right to be when they believe there is an imminent threat to their life and well being.

October

• A divided federal appeals court upheld the District of Columbia’s controversial ban on semi-automatic rifles and so-called “large capacity” magazines, but asked a lower court to reconsider certain aspects of its gun registration system.
• The “Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act,” which was added to H.R. 2349 as an amendment, passed the House.  The bill will provide individuals receiving veterans’ benefits with added protection against loss of the right to possess firearms due to mental health decisions.
• House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) subpoenaed the Justice Department in the “Fast and Furious” scandal.  The subpoena seeks documents and all communications between the office of Attorney General Eric Holder, his deputies, and the White House in connection with the now-infamous Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive’s failed operation.
• U.S. Sens. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska) introduced the Senate companion bill to H.R. 58, the “Firearms Interstate Commerce Reform Act,” which was reintroduced in the U.S. House in Jan. 2011.  This common sense reform to broaden lawful interstate sales of firearms has been an NRA priority for many years.

November

• NRA launched an ad campaign to tell President Obama to fire Attorney General Eric Holder.  The cauldron that is the “Fast and Furious” scandal continues to boil, with an increasing number of members of Congress now calling for Attorney General Eric Holder’s immediate resignation.  Meanwhile, the White House and the Justice Department remain silent and stubbornly continue to ignore the demands to remove Holder.
• The Washington state Court of Appeals affirmed that a gun ban in Seattle’s parks is illegal.  The decision comes more than a year after a King County judge sided with several area gun owners, NRA, the Second Amendment Foundation.
• The ongoing effort to fully vindicate the fundamental, individual right to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense took a major step forward with House passage of H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.” The bill, sponsored by Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), which had 245 cosponsors, was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 272-154.
• The final conference report on the combined Fiscal Year 2012 Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS) and Transportation/Housing/Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill was passed by both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate, and was signed into law. This conference report contains 12 provisions that strengthen legal protections for the Second Amendment.
• NRA will fight the proposal by the Obama administration and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to drastically restrict recreational shooting opportunities on public lands. NRA is particularly concerned about the stated motive of this action. A spokesman for the BLM told U.S. News and World Report that the proposed ban was being enacted in response to “urbanites” who “freak out” when they hear shooting on public lands. The spokesman also acknowledged that the impetus for this restriction was not rooted in safety, but to reduce “social conflict.”
• The Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism held a hearing on Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) S. 436.  Dubbed by anti-gunners the “Fix Gun Checks Act,” the legislation would eliminate private sales and gun shows as we know them and expand the range of persons prohibited from owning firearms.

December

• NRA opposition helps defeat the nomination of Caitlin Halligan to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.  Halligan had a record of attacks on the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans.  NRA’s opposition to this nomination began in March 2011, when we expressed our concerns to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary
• Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed Assembly Bill 69 into law.  This law provides essential protections for law-abiding citizens who defend themselves and their families from a criminal looking to do them harm.

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

Gun Owners of America

Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- “In the 35 years since its foundation, the GOA has maintained its staunch opposition to any form of gun control, often taking a harder stand than the NRA.” — Ben Garrett, award-winning journalist, newspaper editor and blogger

With your help, Gun Owners of America was able to accomplish quite a bit in 2011. We thank you for your support, which makes this announcement  possible.

As we approach the Christmas holidays, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

Here’s a partial list of what we accomplished together this year:

January

• * One of the first acts of the Congress in 2011 was to read the Constitution aloud, for the first time in history, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Virginia Rep. Bob Goodlatte led the effort in the House and credited GOA for helping make it happen.

“I want to thank Gun Owners of America for early support of the idea to read the U.S. Constitution on the House floor and for taking the lead to rally the grassroots in support of the Read the Constitution effort,” Goodlatte said.

Of course, reading the Constitution is one thing, abiding by it is another. And that is a battle GOA brings to Capitol Hill on a daily basis.

• *GOA began a year-long effort to call attention to Fast and Furious. This operation that was run out of the Justice Department helped criminals buy guns “legally” from American gun stores -­ with the hopes that the ensuing violence would drive calls for more gun control.

February – March

• * GOA began warning its activists that anti-gun Democrats might try to attach gun control restrictions on a bill to reauthorize funding the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). These proposals included a ban on high capacity magazines; restrictions that would end gun shows; and, potentially, a provision stripping millions of gun owners of their rights by placing them on “watch lists” without any due process of law.

GOA worked on the Hill by putting pro-gun amendments into the hands of certain Senators. Our efforts to counter these disastrous proposals with pro-gun initiatives backed the gun grabbers into a comer and stymied their plans.

• *GOA and its activists won temporary victories when the House voted to repeal the anti-gun ObamaCare law and to adopt the Boren-Rehberg amendment — which would defund ATF’s latest gun registry.

Gun Owners of America contacted every member of the House of Representatives prior to winning the votes on ObamaCare and Boren-Rehberg. Sadly, both of these victories were temporary, as the Democrat Senate refused to go along.

• * GOA began a national campaign to defeat restrictive legislation introduced by New York Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D). Her bill, HR 308, would resurrect the ban on high capacity magazines which passed during the Clinton administration — but later sunset in 2004. (GOA will spend the year mobilizing gun owners against this threat, and can thankfully report that, by year’s end, her bill has remained bottled up in committee.)

April-May

• * After President Obama nominated Goodwin Liu to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, GOA worked hard to alert Senators to his extreme, anti-gun record. Like many radical progressives, Liu believes that while our Second Amendment rights might have been necessary in the 1700s, they are no longer needed today. Thanks, in large part, to Liu’s radical views on the Second Amendment, his nomination was narrowly defeated.

• * Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) tied the Senate in knots for more than a week fighting for a GOA ­backed amendment which would have protected 4473’s and other gun records from blanket searches by the ATF under the so-called PATRIOT Act.

Because many leaders in his own party refused to back him, Sen. Paul was not successful this time, but he put a marker down that gun rights would not be violated without a fight from the pro-gun community.

Sen. Paul thanked “Gun Owners of America for their strong support of my amendment to protect the privacy of gun owners.”

June – August

• * GOA activated its grassroots members in opposition to S. 679, the Cover-up Protection Act — a bill that would exempt hundreds of federal appointees from Senate confirmation, thus allowing the President to stack his administration with flaming anti-gunners.

This battle underscored the power of the grassroots — and the effect that phone calls and emails can have upon their elected officials. After hearing from thousands upon thousands of GOA’s activists, Capitol Hill staffers confided to GOA that key Senators reversed course and decided to add amendments which would require the most important Presidential appointments to still be approved by the Senate.

• * The crescendo over the Operation Fast and Furious debacle continued to build. Dubbed as Obama’s Watergate, Fast and Furious highlights the extent that his corrupt administration will go to demonize gun owners. GOA has spent the first half of the year educating the media and the grassroots over Fast and Furious — and for its part, CBS and Fox News lead the media in covering this fiasco.

September

• * GOA began to energize its grassroots in favor of concealed carry reciprocity bill introduced by Georgia Rep. Paul Broun. His bill (HR 2900) will allow law-abiding gun owners to carry out­ of-state without requiring them to possess a concealed carry permit in the state they are visiting.
• *Gun Owners of America briefed an important case before the U.S. Supreme Court earlier in the year — and, in September, we won! The Court handed down its decision in Bond v. United States, where the U.S. government had made a “federal case” out of a domestic dispute involving a Pennsylvania woman who injured her neighbor.

There was absolutely no reason why the federal government should have been prosecuting Carol Bond, as opposed to the local authorities. So GOA got involved with the intent to help drive the federal government back into the parameters as outlined in the Constitution — a result which will, most definitely, benefit gun owners.

October- November

• * In late October, GOA began pressing hard for congressmen to start petitioning for Eric Holder’s resignation. Within a week, the number of Representatives calling for Holder’s resignation rose to more than two dozen — and the number has since doubled to more than four dozen.
• * The Obama Administration issued regulations earlier this year requiring agencies to lie to the public under certain circumstances. GOA alerted its grassroots in October to these regs and urged Congress to defund the administration’s ability to enforce them. The Administration pulled the regulations within the week.
• * In November, Gun Owners Foundation won a Supreme Court case in defense of a gun owner in Virginia. 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 … 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 clearly making an impact upon the courts in defense of gun owners’ rights!

• * Concealed carry reciprocity legislation passed on the floor of the House by a 272-154 vote. Representatives had two bills to choose from — although the weaker bill passed. The battle now moves to the Senate, where GOA will work to amend the legislation with the provisions of HR 2900, the “constitutional carry” friendly bill.

December

• * GOA worked hard this year to stall (or defeat) the nomination of anti-gun judges. One of Obama’s picks who stalled out was Caitlin Halligan, a judicial nominee with a history of anti­gun activism. But with most of the nation focusing its attention on the upcoming holidays, GOA had to call the troops into battle after Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tried to ram through Halligan’s confirmation in early December.
• * The response of Gun Owners of America members to the GOA alert was overwhelming and played an important role in defeating the confirmation of Halligan. On the Hill, Gun Owners of America briefed Senate offices right up to the time of the vote about the danger of confirming Halligan. Thankfully, in a procedural maneuver known as a “cloture vote,” Reid fell six votes short of getting the needed votes to move the nomination forward for a final vote.

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- MATCHING FUNDS: First, I would like once again to thank Ron Stanker for his generous matching fund pledge. I am happy to say that thanks to everyone who donated, we were able to meet the challenge and the entire $500.00 was matched and received.

We have been offered an additional $500.00 matching pledge from our newest sponsor “Arms –n-Ammo”. They have given us until the January 11, 2012 meeting to match their pledge. Once again, I ask you to be as generous as you can be in helping us to reach this goal. Also please consider this sponsor when making your next purchase. Remember to tell them you heard about them from the NJ2AS.

NEWS AND PRESS:
A lot has transpired since the last President’s letter. We have had two positive treatments in the New Jersey Press. The Atlantic City Press published replies from two of our members to a recent editorial they ran on HR 822 – We have a right to protect ourselves / Gun rights the same as civil rights: http://tiny.cc/k2wt7, and journalist Paul Mulshine printed the following article in the 12/8/2011 edition of the NJ Star Ledger: http://tiny.cc/60hmr

Your Society is beginning to be heard on a regular basis. I encourage you to keep writing letters to the editor and to comment on blog postings. The more we participate in these arenas, the better the chance we will continue to be heard. I would especially like to ask you all to try and get on the next “Ask the Governor” program on NJ101.5.

If you are successful, I hope that you would ask the following question:

Governor Christie, why don’t you issue an Executive Order to the Attorney General specifying that “self-defense” can be accepted as a “justifiable need” to obtain a permit to discreetly carry a defensive handgun to protect one’s life and the lives of their loved ones?

I suggest that the question be asked with as close to these words as possible since it is clear and concise and doesn’t leave that much room for maneuvering.

LITIGATION:
If you attended our most recent meeting, you are aware that Superior Court Judge Douglas Hurd ruled against us in our bid to gain access to the” NJ division of State Police Applicant Investigation Guide”.

We have decided to file an appeal and we will keep you informed of the progress. Rather than being a defeat, we view this as a challenge to redouble our efforts to free New Jersey residents from the increasingly restrictive regulations that infringe on our right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes. One very important byproduct of this litigation is the official establishment of “the guide” as a “Standard Operating Procedure Manual”. If this is indeed the case, then individual police departments do *NOT* have the latitude to vary from the dictates of these instructions. This guide can no longer legitimately be used as an excuse to delay processing, or to introduce forms that are not specified in the state regulations. We are in the process of formulating a strategy to use this information to our advantage. I have often been told, “When life sends you lemons, turn it into lemonade”. That is exactly what we intend to do.

I ask you all to use this experience to intensify your commitment to making the RKBA the norm in New Jersey.

Please keep in mind that we are still looking for additional plaintiffs in Atlantic County for our ongoing Operation Establish Compliance campaign; if you are interested or if you know someone who is, please contact us at legislation@nj2as.com. We have retained an attorney and plan to move forward once we have all the plaintiffs in place. It is always a good idea to have multiple plaintiffs for a case such as this. If you feel that you application has been delayed for an inordinate amount of time, or if you have been instructed to fill out forms other than the mental health check and criminal background check, we would like to speak with you.

MEETINGS:
On a more positive note, we held a VERY successful event with attorney Evan Nappen. Evan gave a terrific presentation and followed it up with an exhaustive Q&A session. Everyone in attendance was extremely impressed with Evan and this event. Sandy Berardi and Anthony Colandro of Gun for Hire Radio were on hand to capture interviews with Evan and your President. The result is available on the “MEDIA” page of our www.nj2as.com.

Evan Nappen’s appearance was the first of a series of exciting events we have scheduled for the next few months. On January 11, 2012, attorney David Jensen will bring us up to date on the “Muller” case which, as you all know, is challenging New Jersey’s “justifiable need” clause in order to obtain a permit to discreetly carry a defensive handgun. The current law puts every NJ resident at risk as soon as they leave their front door by preventing them from defending their life and that of their loved ones from anyone who might try to do they serious harm.

Then on February 29, 2012, attorney Alan Gura will address the group. Alan’s successful arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in the Heller and McDonald cases have given new hope to those who respect the fundamental right to keep and bear arms (RKBA) for legitimate purposes. Alan is truly the Standard Bearer for the RKBA on the National scene.

Alan Gura to Speak at NJ2AS Meeting

We are pleased and honored to be able to bring such important speakers to inform and educate both our members and the community at large. Please be sure to invite your friends and neighbors to register to see these dynamic speakers. How often do you get to hear from attorneys who argue such important cases at such a high level? These events are currently FREE and open to anyone interested in Freedom and constitutional protections. I hope as many of you as possible will register for these events. Seating is limited so please register as early as possible so you won’t be disappointed. Details of these events can be seen online at our website www.nj2as.com under “EVENTS”.

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

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- In an effort to better serve our members, we are implementing a program to share information useful to the firearms community.

If you want to access information on gun shows, shooting matches, VCDL meetings and special events, simply go to www.vcdl.org/static/calendar.html or from any page on the VCDL web site (www.vcdl.org) click on the VCDL Calendar link on the right hand side of the page.

Once on the calendar, you can click on an entry for more details including maps, times, contact information, links to web sites with coupons or entry forms, and other pertinent items.

You can also copy individual events to your personal calendar.

We are asking for your assistance with this project. If you belong to a club and would like your events posted on the VCDL calendar, all we ask is that you make our membership applications available to those attending your event. If you do not organize the event personally, please talk to the person who does and ask them to consider participating. We will ship you everything you need, including a holder, brochures and current CHP law wallet card. These displays come with a sticker containing instructions on replenishing supplies.

The goal of this project is to establish a central location where VCDL members can access information important to them and stay on top of current events. We hope you find this useful and informative, and that you will actively participate by sending notices of your club/range functions. Thanks to each of you for all you do. VCDL is truly a grass roots organization and is made strong and effective by the individual efforts of all our members!

Send details of your events to Pat.Webb@vcdl.org and be sure to include the shipping address so we can send you our membership display!

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

California Rifle and Pistol Association

Sacramento, CA --(Ammoland.com)- Executive Director, John Fields and CRPA President, Tony Montanarella report on:

• - AR-15 “Train a Soldier” program
• - CRPA 137th Gala at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario
• - Jackets and Vests Sale! https://store.crpa.org/
• - Nevada Firearms Coalition — http://www.nvfac.org
• - RCC – Responsible Citizens of California – http://responsiblecitizensofcalifornia.org/
• - CRPA Foundation Fundraiser
• - The Firing Line Online

Sincerely,

The CRPA Staff

About:
The California Rifle and Pistol Association “CRPA,” founded in 1875, is dedicated to defending the rights of law-abiding citizens to responsibly use firearms for self-defense and the defense of their loved ones, for sport, and for all other legal activities. CRPA is the official state association of the National Rifle Association. A California non-profit association, CRPA is independently directed by its own Board of Directors. CRPA’s members include law enforcement officers, prosecutors, professionals, firearm experts, the general public, and loving parents. CRPA has always worked to reduce the criminal misuse of firearms and firearms accidents, while actively promoting and organizing the competitive shooting sports and Olympic training programs in California. We are proud to say that many CRPA competitors are among the best in the world. Visit: www.crpa.org

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- This weeks President’s Letter is primarily about upcoming events:

EVAN NAPPEN will be the featured speaker at our meeting next Saturday December 3, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the American Legion Post 129 on 2025 Church Road in Toms River.

He is going to conduct an EXTENSIVE Q&A session after his presentation.

PLEASE PRE-REGISTER for this meeting at www.nj2as.com. The meeting is FREE and open to the community, but of course donations are always welcome and greatly needed and appreciated. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. If you have never seen Evan in person, you are in for a real treat, if you have – well then, I don’t have to tell you.!!!

If you can arrive a few minutes early and stay a few minutes after to setup and take down chairs, it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Tony Altieri at tjsportingarms@aol.com if you would like to help.

Don’t forget, we *WILL* be running the Non-resident CCW program, if you are interested in obtaining an out of state CCW license, this is your opportunity. For more information and to PRE-REGISTER please go to our website.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A MEMBER AND YOU ARE PLANNING ON JOINING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR DISCOUNT FOR THE CCW PROGRAM, PLEASE JOIN PRIOR TO SATURDAY’S MEETING. IT WILL SAVE EVERYONE A GREAT DEAL OF TIME.

***DAVID JENSEN – JANUARY 11, 2012***

We will be distributing posters and fliers for next month’s meeting featuring David Jensen. If you would like to help out, please email Corey Vaughan at coreyvaughan@gmail.com.

David Jensen has been retained by the SAF and the ANJRPC as the lead attorney in the case against the state of New Jersey seeking to challenge the “justifiable need” clause contained in the current CCW licensing procedures. The New Jersey Second Amendment Society was responsible for recruiting two plaintiffs for the case (one primary and one alternate). The case has been heard in Federal Court and received an unfavorable ruling – as expected. You will want to attend this meeting to find out more about what has transpired and where we go from here.

I recently saw David speak at the SAF Gun Rights Policy Conference. He is a DYNAMIC and talented presenter and you are all going to want to meet him. DON’T MISS THIS!

This meeting will be held at Gun For Hire Firearms Training Center on 75 Rutgers Street in Belleville, NJ at 7:30 PM on Wednesday January 11, 2012.

***ALAN GURA – FEBRUARY 29, 2012***

Alan Gura needs no introduction. As the winning lead attorney in the legendary Heller and McDonald Supreme Court cases, Alan has earned his reputation as *THE* Nation’s RKBA attorney. Alan has a presence that must be seen to be appreciated. I have had the pleasure of hearing Alan speak at the last two SAF Gun Rights Policy Conferences.

With his crystal clear logic, legal acumen and commanding performance it is easy to see why he is so successful as a champion of our most basic civil rights.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

Thank you,

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

New GRNC Weapons Help Defend Your Gun Owner Rights

Grass Roots North Carolina for Firearms Education

North Carolina --(Ammoland.com)- Gun rights supporters: We have some exciting news in this GRNC Update.

If nearly 18 years of defending the Second Amendment have taught GRNC leadership anything, it is that we must consolidate our wins. GRNC-led passage of House Bill 650 will dramatically improve your ability to defend your family.

Beyond even one of the strongest Castle Doctrine laws in the country, concealed carry and municipal and state parks, and other improvements, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission affirmed that the bill facilitates both concealed and open carry in most state game lands.

But just as GRNC killed the “Rapist Protection Act” in 2000 and then “mopped up” by decimating the so-called “Million” Mom March in North Carolina, we must now leverage our victory and continue the push to roll back decades of encroachment on our freedoms.

In coming months, you will see dramatic changes as we increase the size and impact of Grass Roots North Carolina – the gun rights organization which you have made the most vocal in the state. New, vibrant media, new tools for activating nearly 400,000 North Carolina gun owners.

But the most important element is you. Without your help – not somebody else’s – we will not be able to effectively defend your rights.

GRNC WEBSITE
Many of you have asked for an updated GRNC web site. Now you have it. With menus that provide ready access to vital information, easily accessible legislative alerts, searchable content, and the ability to contact GRNC leadership on vital issues, the new site equips you to defend against new and insidious threats to your rights.

As always, check: www.GRNC.org

You will find the new site features easily accessible legislative alerts displayed on the home page together with drop down menus giving ready access to GRNC’s many entities and services such as the GRNC Legislative Action Team, GRNC Political Victory Fund, “Remember in November” project, membership forms and questions, and far more.

To give gun owners a better idea of GRNC’s nearly 18-year string of victories, other sections feature videos of notable speakers and events, video and audio clips of GRNC interviews, GRNC-PVF radio spots attacking anti-gun candidates, and photos of events such as the GRNC Solidarity March, GRNC “Million” Mom Countermarch, and more.

Because the site is still under construction, gun rights supporters should check back often for new features. A discussion forum will follow soon. If you find “glitches,” please contact: webmaster@GRNC.org

GRNC ‘YouTube’ CHANNEL
For gun owners increasingly active with social media, GRNC has also started a YouTube channel available at: www.youtube.com/user/GRNCFFE%20%20

Beyond GRNC media interviews and events, we will soon introduce issue-specific videos to promote the gun rights agenda, so bookmark it for future reference.

GRNC ON FACEBOOK
And as a reminder, you can become even more in touch with the Second Amendment community by via GRNC’s Facebook page, which is now linked to the home page of the new site or available at: www.facebook.com/pages/Grass-Roots-North-Carolina-GRNC/146962105319196

There you will find not only the ability to communicate with other North Carolina gun rights supporters, but GRNC alerts and updates, information about gun shows GRNC works, and even the occasional (when he can overcome social media phobia) comment by GRNC president Paul Valone.

Find Your Representatives

• NC STATE House & Senate: http://www.grnc.org/contact_reps.htm
• FEDERAL Congressman: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
• FEDERAL Senators: http://www.senate.gov/

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

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- A reminder: Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is going to speak at the monthly VCDL membership meeting in Annandale on Thursday, November 17th!

If you are not attending the VCDL protest at Virginia Tech on November 17th, please come to this membership meeting and bring family and friends. It would be great if we could pack the room for this.

The Attorney General will be speaking about his support for the GMU gun ban, when he originally told VCDL members, as a candidate for Attorney General, that the ban wasn’t valid.

Here is the video of statement above or at this link: http://youtu.be/3bx1ZIusXiU?t=5m17s

I expect that the Attorney General will take some questions from those attending.

VCDL vice-president Jim Snyder will be running the meeting. As with all VCDL membership meetings, it is open to the public.

Fellowship starts at 7:30 PM and the meeting will be called to order at 8 PM and run until 9:30 PM. Afterwards, the group will adjourn to a local restaurant for continued fellowship.

Senator Houck concedes – power has now shifted to the Republican Party in Senate
Senator Houck has conceded his race against Bryce Reeves, turning control of the Senate over to the Republicans. The anti-gun Senate leadership has now had their power stripped from them. And, of course, Senator Marsh will no longer be chairman of the Senate Courts of justice committee! Be still my beating heart!

Gee, I wonder if Mayor Michael Bloomberg is happy with his $150,000 investment in making Virginia less gun-friendly?

The public has spoken, now to see if the Republican leadership was listening.

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- First of all, I would like to that the owners and staff of South Jersey Shooting Club for once again hosting a meeting of our Society.

The people at SJSC, especially Art Barton and Dan Walker, have been tireless and loyal supporters of the NJ2AS since we started.

Thanks to Anthony Colandro of Gun for Hire firearms training centers for the introduction to these wonderful people.

I would also like to thank Chet Wilson of ShootNJ firearms training for donating some terrific prizes for the meeting. Chet and his crew, including Dawn and Grant have always been and continue to be there for us. We are very fortunate to have attracted such great friends and supporters.

I want to thank Mr. Frank Virgilio, President of the NJ State Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs for his fine presentation at our meeting last night. His discussion of how to conduct yourself in the event of an encounter with law enforcement officials was of particular value to *ALL* New Jersey citizens.

And last, but most DEFINITELY not least, I would like to thank all of the members and guests who came to the meeting to support their Society. You folks are what this Society is all about. Another valuable lesson that we learned from Frank Virgilio last night is that there is STRENGTH in numbers. His group is able to influence FAVORABLE legislation for Sportsmen in New Jersey BECAUSE they have been able to garner the support of Hundreds of THOUSANDS of NJ Sportsmen.

If they are able to accomplish this task, *WE* must find the ability to do so as well if we are to succeed in our mission to restore and preserve the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in NJ!

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- The NJ2AS meeting this Wednesday November 9, 2011 in Winslow is EXTREMELY important.

In addition to updating you on the various programs, litigation and activities of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society, I would like as many people as possible to show their support.

We have invited the State President of the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs – Frank Virgilio to join us.

Among the variety of reasons you want to meet Frank Virgilio is:

• He heads up an organization of hunters and sportsmen that boasts a quarter of a million members. We *NEED* to hear what this man has to say!
• His group has been responsible for more PRO-2A legislation in New Jersey than any other organization. For instance they are responsible for decreasing the limit for bow hunting to within 150 yards of an occupied building. They were able to get legislation allowing Cross Bow hunting in New Jersey, as well as Bow hunting on Sundays. These accomplishments are no small feat in a State that uniformly has no respect for individual rights and freedoms.
• Arms are arms, and his group “The New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs” is DEFINITELY doing something very positive about the right to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes. We need to learn from him.

We also have to find ways of working together with hunters and sportsmen in order to achieve our mutual goals. What better way is there then to run a Q&A with the leader of the largest club in NJ.

So PLEASE, if there is *ANY* way you can make this meeting on Wednesday, I need you to be there. This is an opportunity to work together with one of the largest and most successful sportsmen’s organizations in our state.

I think that is a VERY worthwhile endeavor, don’t you?

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

LongIslandFirearms.com

Ronkonkoma, NY --(Ammoland.com)- Long Island Firearms, New York’s foremost online firearms enthusiast community, is delighted to announce that it has reached 4000 active members!

“For a local forum, focused around a central issue, I am simply amazed that we have grown so quickly” beamed Steven Blair, LIF’s founder and administrator.

“We have members who have been with us from day one, and we add new friends everyday”, he added. He listed the numerous Public Service activities performed by Long Island Firearms’ community, the foundation of the Long Island Second Amendment Preservation Association, and the formation of Club LIF, Long Island Forearms’ NRA-affiliated club as astounding achievements undertaken by an organization with very recently planted, but strong and fast growing roots.

“What this community has accomplished in such a short time, what we have become, makes me so grateful to our members, and to the staff at LIF.” “Without their support, generosity and enthusiasm, we never could have been such a success!”

Long Island Firearms is a web based community founded in 2009 to promote a sense of community within firearms enthusiasts on Long Island. You can find us online at www.LongIslandFirearms.com Long Island Freedom Fund is a not-for-profit organization filed in NY. Please visit www.liffreedomfund.org/ for more information.

Community activities performed by Long Island Firearms members can be found by visiting: www.KeepLongIslandClean.org

The Long Island Second Amendment Preservation Association was founded in 2011 to promote a vibrant and focused effort to maintain the civil liberties or the people of Long Island New York. Their website is www.lisapa.org/

Club LIF is duly chartered by the National Rifle Association, and is an affiliate club of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- Frank Virgilio is the State President of the New Jersey Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. His organization represents hundreds of thousands of hunters and sportsmen throughout New Jersey.

Mr. Virgilio has agreed to address Second Amendment issues from his personal point of view as well as that of the group he represents. It is obvious that he is a staunch supporter of the right to keep and bear arms.

Mr. Virgilio will also speak about those issues of particular concern to the people and groups he represents. This will give us a unique opportunity to understand those issues that are of most importance to the thousands and thousands of hunters and sportsmen in our great state.

There will be an interesting and informative Q&A session immediately after his presentation.

As always, I encourage you to invite your family, friends and neighbors to attend this presentation. The meeting is FREE and open to the community. Of course donations to help support our mission are always gratefully appreciated.

Please register for this meeting as soon as possible so that we can make appropriate seating arrangements.

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- So many people contribute to the success of an organization such as the New Jersey Second Amendment Society.

Sometimes it is difficult to to recognize and thank everyone properly. I would like to take this opportunity say thank you to a number of people who have helped to make our Society the success that it is.

First of all, I would like to thank all of you, our loyal members.

Obviously, without you there *IS* no Society. Thank you for your membership, your donations and your contributions and participation in our events and activities. In the brief period that we have been in existence, you our members, have made the NJ2AS (in *MY* humble opinion) the single most relevant pro Second Amendment organization in New Jersey. That is not meant to detract from any other 2A group that is making a contribution to the cause.

I believe that we are the most relevant group because we are the most active group at the “grassroots” level. I know that the term “grassroots” tends to be overused these days, but I can assure you that from the point of view of one who has been involved since the beginning, your Society truly *IS* a grassroots organization. I hope that you are as proud of that fact as I am.

Next, I would like to thank the founders and the board of directors of the NJ2AS. In their own way, each founder and the former and current members of your board have made a significant sacrifice and a significant contribution to the success of this Society. Those who have moved on were there to help guide us in the most important and formative period of our development. We are grateful for the continued support of those who have served in the past such as Chris Bastian, Anthony Marino, Tim Brooke, Jack Fahy, Maksim Netrebov Scott Rivera, Greg Gallaher, Tom Watt, Robert Barush, Shane Bryant and Tony Altieri. Many of these fine gentlemen are still active in the ongoing activities of the NJ2AS.

Your current board consisting of (in no particular order) Shari Spivack, Shane Bryant, Tony Altieri, Robert Barush, Anthony Colandro and Tom Watt, is the backbone of our group. Without these wonderful people we would not be able to deliver the campaigns, programs, activities, meetings and events that we provide to the membership and the community.

It is my honor to be associated with people of such high caliber (pun *INTENDED*).

I would like to specifically mention a few things that have occurred since my last letter to the membership. The video “The Never-ending Saga of Firearms Ownership in New Jersey” created by member Ryan McBeth has enjoyed almost *15,000* views since it was published on You Tube. With all of the competition for views on the Internet – this is nothing short of ASTOUNDING! More people are hearing about our Society than ever before; and although Ryan is not asking for the credit for producing this EXCEPTIONAL video, I would be extremely remiss in my duties as your President if I did not formally thank him for his dedication and creativity. He is hard at work developing even more content for the NJ2AS.

As you all know, we recently initiated our “Beginning Shooters Program”. Our first event was held on Sunday afternoon, 10/30/2011. It was an unqualified success. Even though some of the people had to cancel due to weather related issues, we were still able to introduce over 20 new shooters to the safe and responsible use of firearms that we have come to know and enjoy. many of these people will go on to become proficient in both the sport, and the ability to protect and defend their lives and that of their families. *YOU*, my fellow members, made this event possible.

I want to send a special vote of thanks to Anthony Colandro and his staff and volunteers from Gun For Hire Firearms Training Centers for the generous donation of their time talent and facilities. I am also indebted to Jen and Manny from “The Bullet Hole” firing range for the gracious donation of all the .22 caliber ammunition and ESPECIALLY for the range time. I would also like to thank Grant Gallagher of ShootNJ for his help and participation. Chet Wilson and his group at ShootNJ has agreed to assist me in holding more of these Beginning Shooters Events. I wish I knew the names of all of the volunteers who helped with this VERY successful event. I want to thank you *ALL* for making it *SUCH* a successful event. I look forward to holding additional events with you in the near future.

This letter is getting longer than I expected and I haven’t even thanked half of the people who have helped to support us with contributions and promotions. I would like to specifically mention Matt Sodano and Rob Lapinski both of whom have been especially generous to our Society. There are many more people that deserve mention and I will find an appropriate way to do so in future messages.

In an effort to keep you informed regarding the NJ2AS lawsuit against the NJ Division of State Police, I can tell you that we are expecting a ruling from Judge Hurd in New Jersey Superior Court this Friday, November 4, 2011. We are hopeful that the judge will grant us access to the NJ Div. of State Police Firearms Application Processing Guidebook. I will let you know the results of that court appearance in my next letter to you. Anyone who is able to attend the hearing is welcome to come and observe. We will not have an opportunity to speak at this hearing, but if you are interested is seeing how the wheels of justice revolve in the Great Garden State, you are more than welcome to join us.

In addition to all the activities of the NJ2AS, many of you have been following the progress of the SAF/ANJRPC case commonly referred to as “the Muller, et al.” proceeding. This case has tremendous implications for the future of RKBA in NJ.

We applaud the SAF and ANJRPC for bringing this case forward. The attorney in the case, David Jensen, will be addressing the members and guests of our Society at our meeting on Wednesday January 11, 2011. I am sure that he will have a wealth of information to share with us at that time. I can tell you that just this past week, “oral arguments” were heard and it went pretty much as we expected. The judge was entirely unsympathetic to the injustice perpetrated upon those individuals who have applied for CCW permits in New Jersey post Heller and McDonald. This case will have to be decided at a higher level, either in the Circuit Court of Appeals or perhaps all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. Although the NJ2AS is not an official party to this litigation, we can be proud of the fact that we were able to supply the SAF with plaintiffs for the case. Our own Greg Gallaher is a plaintiff and Scott Rivera has been chosen as an alternate. Obviously we fully support the efforts of the SAF and ANJRPC in this case. I encourage each and every one of you to find out more information about the Muller case, and to make contributions as you can to these terrific organizations.

This kind of litigation gets VERY expensive, but it is CRITICAL to the success of RKBA in NJ.

OK, I think that is more than enough information for one message. Please feel free to contact me by email at President@nj2as.com or on our Facebook Group Page if you have any questions, suggestions or comments.

I am sincerely interested in your thoughts and opinions and would like to hear from you.

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

2ndamendmentpatriots.org

Indianapolis, IN --(Ammoland.com)- Don’t forget the next 2nd Amendment Patriot meeting is this coming Saturday Oct. 29th.

It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on a full thirteen years since this movement started.

No one back in January of 1999 could have imagined all the accomplishments this group of patriotic citizens would be making. I think back about all of the guests we’ve had over the years including the Lt. Governor and all the many legislators both federal, state and local.

We have had countless candidates as well for every imaginable race from local to federal. Then there are all of the many guests over the years that spoke about so many different topics of interests and had so much information to share.

It was the 2nd Amendment Patriots that turned out the largest number of shooters for a single weekend shoot for the Appleseed program of any state. I think that record still stands.

Along with all that are all the pro gun legislation that the folks of the 2nd Amendment Patriots assisted in getting passed into law by working with state legislators. We don’t want to forget the events that made the news, like the Armed Forces Day and Bill of Rights Day celebrations where we brought attention to historic days on our calendars that don’t get the attention they once did.

The number one thing about this group of people is all the friendships that were made over the years. People who never would have met each other have made lasting relationships as a result of this movement. It has also brought about a great deal of inspiration to become involved and to see what happens when people do STAY UNITED.

I know over the years some have come and some have gone, but for the most part folks have stayed in for the long haul and new folks have come on board. We miss the ones who have drifted away, but are encouraged by the many who still attend the meetings and also the new faces we see each month.

Anoesis is a word defined as a state of mind consisting of pure sensation or emotion without cognitive content. That is a marked characteristic of the liberal sector of society that is imbedded throughout the population.

Thankfully, we have folks like those within the 2nd Amendment Patriots that help keep a balance in what the Framers of our Constitution envisioned.

Thank you very much Patriots. We look forward to seeing you Saturday. Margie wants me to ask folks to bring their favorite soup (no chili this time) for the meal and any desserts and soda pops would be most welcomed.

“The experience of all former ages had shown that of all human governments, democracy was the most unstable, fluctuating and short-lived.” John Qunicy Adams

About:
The Second Amendment Patriots are a local group of citizens dedicated to preserving the rights, freedoms, and civil liberties of every American by educating the American public of the founding and history of this country and its founding fathers by explaining the role, functions and purpose of the U.S. Government; and by teaching the need and importance of an armed American public, in order to allow for a more prosperous and respectful country consisting of American citizens with a pledge of allegiance to their country and who will at the same time, voice their demand to take back the present overwhelming power of the U.S. Government and deliver it into the hands of the people to which it belongs. Visit: www.2ndamendmentpatriots.org

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- It has been an extremely busy week for the NJ2AS. Our new video, “Saga of Firearms Ownership in New Jersey”, has created quite a “buzz”.

It has been picked up by everyone from the NRA to local blog sites across the country. The message it sends is clear, concise and clever. Even people who are not currently firearms owners view it and recognize the danger inherent in treating law-abiding citizens as if they were criminals. If you haven’t seen it yet, this EXCELLENT Video is available on our home page at www.nj2as.com.

In addition to the promotional video, the MEDIA section now contains the entire presentation given by Rob Pincus at the August 17, 2011 meeting of the New Jersey Second Amendment Society. Rob was VERY inspirational. We are extremely fortunate to have Rob both as a member and as one of our most enthusiastic supporters. The sound quality of the presentation is not quite as good as we would have liked but is useable. We will utilize a better method of recording the audio in the future.

The NJ2AS meeting in Belleville on Wednesday October 19, 2011 was well-attended. We presented and discussed both our own promotional video and the recent “Quiz” that Evan Nappen provided. Anthony Colandro did an excellent job of pointing out how easy it is to fall prey to New Jersey’s convoluted system of firearms statutes. Our best defense going forward is a GREAT offense. The NJ2AS is providing that offense. We have been and will continue to bring this fight to every branch of government – Executive, Legislative and Judicial. In addition, we are becoming more adept at utilizing new media such as Facebook, Twitter, Blogs and You Tube.

Several firearms and conservative oriented blogs such as Ammoland, FirearmsTruth and ConservativeNewJersey (among others) routinely post information about our Society and its activities. Just this past week, NJ1015.com placed our promotional video on the Dennis and Judy Show’s web page. The video itself is going viral on You Tube and it is being extremely well-received. We have also been featured on such programs as Tom Gresham’s Gun Talk Radio, Mark Walter’s Armed American Radio and Anthony Colandro and Sandy Berardi’s Gun for Hire Radio Podcasts. You should all be very proud of the attention your Society is attracting.

We are also beginning a series of programs to bring in beginning shooters. The first of these events will take place at Gun for Hire’s Belleville, NJ location this Sunday October 30, 2011. Registration for this event filled up almost as quickly as people found out about it. Many more such events will be scheduled in the coming months.

The single most important thing we can *ALL* do as members of this amazing Society of Patriots is for each of us to commit to bringing in additional members. In order to have the political and social impact to restore and preserve the fundamental right to keep and bear arms in New Jersey, we are going to have to SIGNIFICANTLY increase our active members. It is as simple as picking out one or two of your friends and convincing them to attend one of our meetings. Be a pest! It is for a *WONDERFUL* cause. Their rights as well as ours hang in the balance. Each of us has to know at least *ONE* person who would benefit by becoming an active member of our group. Invite them to participate. You might have to ask them up to 10 or 15 times before they finally decide to come. When they *DO*, make sure that they bring their checkbook with them and are ready to join. You will be doing them a favor.

Please remember to forward you thoughts, suggestions, comments, complaints and ESPECIALLY kudos to info@nj2as.com. We always want to know what you are thinking and we are trying our best to be responsive to the needs of our members. We have come a *LONG* way from our beginnings a little over a year ago and although we still have a *LONG* way to go, with your help, we will not only fulfill our mission, we will EXCEED it.

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

Virginia Citizens Defense League

Covington VA --(Ammoland.com)- Renewal Season is in full swing and the Second Notices were in the mail the week of October 10.

***The information for the renewal had to go to the printers the week before so if you renewed anytime after 9/30, you may get a second notice.***

FYI, the Membership Processing Center closes for Thanksgiving Week (the Membership Director, Jacque Blundell, goes to visit her mother) and then shuts down for Christmas on Dec 14 (the Membership Director transforms to a Christmas elf).

If you need your membership card for those early in the year CMP purchases, renew NOW! Paypal renewals take appx 4 weeks, check/money order renewals take approximately 6 weeks and credit card renewals take approximately 8 weeks so the deadlines are getting close!

ALSO, don’t forget that to qualify for the Serbu .50 BMG gun giveaway that EM Ed Levine has organized, you must be a member of record by midnight, December 1st, 2011. Oh, and we have gun dealers stepping forward to do the transfer FOR FREE to the lucky member! More on that later.

Here are the rules: http://ed.cx/vcdl/
and the gun: http://serbu.com/top/bfg50.php

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

National Rifle Association

FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- The 2011 “Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium” was held on Saturday, October 15, 2011, at the University of San Diego in San Diego, California.

Sponsored by The NRA Foundation, the annual symposium focused on recent developments in our nation’s courts regarding the Second Amendment, as well as topics that covered the historical, academic, and practical application of firearm law.

Over 150 lawyers, law students, and interested supporters attended the event that featured some of the nation’s most noted Second Amendment attorneys, such as Stephen P. Halbrook and David Thompson.

A panel on “Developments in Second Amendment Scholarship” featured David Kopel discussing his new law school textbook, “Firearms Law and The Second Amendment: Regulation, Rights, and Policy.” Other panels included various law practitioners addressing the new wave of firearms litigation post-Heller and McDonald decisions, as well as the special ethical issues facing attorneys in this new era of firearm law.

The 2011 “Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium” proved again to be a very thought-provoking discussion of one of the most important freedoms in the Bill of Rights.

To review the agenda from the event, please visit: http://www.nraila.org/media/PDFs/NRALawAgenda11.pdf. For more information on NRA-ILA’s annual “Firearms Law & The Second Amendment Symposium”, please contact Suzanne Anglewicz at sanglewicz@nrahq.org.

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

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- For those of you who have been waiting to view the video of Rob Pincus addressing his fellow Society members at the NJ2AS meeting, your wait is over.

The uncut version is now available in 4 parts.

Part 1 is on our YouTube Site. Also, if you haven’t already viewed The Never-ending Saga of Firearms Ownership in New Jersey (or even if you have – view it again – we want to increase the hits as much as possible ).

Here is Part1 of the Pincus Video: http://tiny.cc/robpincus  .

The remaining parts are available on our website under “MEDIA”. Please enjoy!

Thank you,

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

Subscribe to the New Jersey Second Amendment Society YouTube Page

New Jersey Second Amendment Society

New Jersey --(Ammoland.com)- As some of you may have noticed, we are beginning to make more use of social media.

With the introduction of our new NJ2AS promo, The Never-ending Saga of Firearms Ownership in New Jersey, we have struck a chord all across the country.

We need to build up our YouTube presence and I am asking all of our members and supporters to please subscribe to our YouTube Page – www.youtube.com/user/nj2as

If you are not entirely sure what that means, don’t worry – just ask your kids.

In all seriousness, it is VERY important that we begin to make as much use as possible of the tools that are available to us to spread the word of our mission to promote the fundamental right of every law-abiding individual to keep and bear arms for legitimate purposes.

I need your help. While you are at it, please join “Twitter” as well, and if you can figure THAT out – then please give *ME* a lesson. I am on there as NJ2ASPREZ. Please “follow” me.

If I look over my shoulder and I SEE you following me, I will wave. Eventually I will figure out how to make good use of Twitter. Right now we are concentrating on the website and YouTube.

Also, I am writing a check to our attorney tonight to retain him to handle the lawsuits we are initiating against those towns and municipalities that continue to trample upon our rights. As you can imagine, THIS TAKES MONEY. You may have noticed by now that I do not spend a lot of time begging for money. You get enough of that from the NRA, SAF, NAGR, GOA, etc. etc.

These organizations deserve your donations, but *WE* are RIGHT HERE in NJ and we are starting to do the heavy lifting. We will continue to fight for all our rights for as long as we can, but we cannot afford to run out of money. If we do, all the important work will have to stop, and then we can go back to moaning and groaning.

So, keeping in mind that this is an all-volunteer Society. No one gets paid a dime. PLEASE – whatever you can spare, we NEED your help. This retainer is going to leave us with very little money left in our coffers.

OK, enough of that. I hope to see as many of you as possible at tomorrow night’s meeting in Belleville. I am going to be the speaker for a change – *AND* I will be listening as well. So, if you have something to say, tomorrow will be a GREAT time for you to do so.

I will look forward to seeing you.

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