Pennsylvania SWAT Officer Death May Go To Grand Jury: There are
indications that the attorney general may hand off the investigation of
the unintentional shooting death of an Easton Swat officer by one of his
teammates to a grand jury. Article focuses more on the grand jury
process than the unclear events.
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1-5grand-rjun24,0,3019255.story?coll=all-newslocal-hed
---
Second Chance Encourages Replacement Of Zylon Vests: I chatted with Rich
Davis at the IALEFI ATC, as well as hearing his formal presentation.
Second Chance, in the hands of his ex-wife and her second husband, is
apparently in the process of going belly up. Rich is starting up a new
business, Central Lake Armor Express.
http://www.clickondetroit.com/money/4639651/detail.html?rss=det&psp=news
---
Necessity Defense?: A former police officer who operates a Chicago-area
gun shop says he should not be sentenced to prison for possession of two
unregistered short-barrel shotguns because he needed them to defend his
business against robbers, who are not deterred by handguns.
http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/253nd4.htm
---
Ten Years Of Oklahoma CCW: Article looks at the drop in violent crime
over the first ten years of licensed CCW in Oklahoma. (Once again, even
if violent crime had risen, the right to self-defense should still not
be infringed.)
http://www.muskogeephoenix.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050624/NEWS01/506240302/1002
---
Oregon Supremes Uphold Felon Gun Ban: The Oregon Supreme Court has ruled
that the state's constitutional RKBA provision does not preclude the
legislature from banning firearm possession by those who are
"identifiable threats."
http://www.kgw.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8ATJBGG1.html
---
Et Tu, San Diego?: The San Diego County Fair will seek an opinion from
the state's attorney general regarding its policy of prohibiting
off-duty officers from carrying firearms at its fair. Curiously, this is
a county that actually issues CWP's, although not to the extent that it
did under Sheriff Duffy.
http://www.10news.com/news/4644477/detail.html
---
From GOA:
Senate Bill Would Grant FBI Unlimited Access To Gun Sales Records
Gun Owners of America E-Mail Alert
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-321-8585 / FAX: 703-321-8408
http://www.gunowners.org
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Registration leads to confiscation. We all know that, and that is why
GOA has vehemently opposed all attempts by government forces to compile
or retain information pertaining to lawful firearms purchases.
But the United States Senate does not appear to see it that way. People
on Capitol Hill seem to think that any "edge" in the war on terror is
worth trampling on the rights of law-abiding Americans, no matter what
the Constitution (and current law) happens to say.
At issue is a provision in the Patriot Act reauthorization bill (S.
1266) authored by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS). Now, GOA has long opposed the
vast majority of Patriot Act powers as being detrimental to freedom in
general and dangerous to gun owners in the particular.
In short, Sen. Roberts' language would allow the FBI to seize ANY
business records it believes would be relevant to an anti-terrorism
investigation... without first seeking permission from any court in the
land.
Gun sales are business transactions, and FFL holders must retain copies
of the 4473 forms (yellow sheets) filled out on every gun sale. Thus, an
anti-gun administration could easily determine that such records would
be useful in the fight against terrorism, and demand them all. (In fact,
shortly after 9/11, liberal Democrats in Washington were screaming for
exactly that.)
It gets worse. It is conceivable that your local gun dealer would risk
his license, his business, and lots of money to protect your privacy and
refuse to turn over the records. But under this legislation, the
Attorney General could order the dealer NOT TO TELL YOU WHAT IS GOING
ON. So that dealer would be the ONLY person who could contest the action
before your life is raked over the coals... and honestly, how many among
us would risk everything rather than tell the feds who it was that
stopped by to pick up a Glock a couple of months ago?
After having used an "administrative subpeona" (again, not subject to
judicial review) to collect all gun purchase records across the country,
your friendly anti-gun but oh-so-patriotic government would have brought
about the gun owner's second-worst-case scenario: a national firearms
registration list.
Registration leads to confiscation.
This monstrosity must be stopped. Please take the action requested
below, and urge all freedom-loving Americans you know to do the same.
ACTION: Contact your United States senators. Politely but firmly demand
that they oppose the bill to expand the Patriot Act (S. 1266), and
specifically, its provision to allow "administrative subpoenas" of all
gun records.
You can use the pre-written message below and send it as an e-mail by
visiting the GOA Legislative Action Center at
http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm (where phone and fax numbers are
also available).
-----Pre-written letter-----
Dear Senator:
The Patriot Act expansion bill (S. 1266) would allow the United States
government to seize every lawful gun sale record in the country...
solely on the basis of a bureaucrat's determination that a national
registry of gun owners would be useful in an anti-terrorism investigation.
Registration leads to confiscation.
Section 213 of the bill allows a designee of the Attorney General to
issue "administrative subpoenas" for any business records which, in his
opinion, are relevant to investigating terrorism. Even more ominous, the
Attorney General could order gun dealers NOT to disclose the existence
of the investigation to their customers, meaning that the dealer (rather
than the gun purchaser) would be the only person who could contest this
action. And why should he risk his livelihood on my behalf?
None of the above is subject to prior judicial review -- it is massive
gun control by simple executive fiat.
I believe that a national gun registry is a step this country cannot
afford to take, and one that the citizenry will not abide.
I would ask you, in the strongest terms, to oppose this Patriot Act
"reform" bill outright, and especially its administrative subpoena
provision.
Sincerely,
****************************
Defend The 2nd Amendment Through Creative Giving...
As we confront the challenges of the future, we know that the generosity
of those who assist us will make all the difference in our success.
That's why GOA seeks your long-term support.
Please call 703-321-8585 during regular business hours or e-mail
goamail@gunowners.org to request information on how to keep control of
your assets and make a gift at the same time through:
a bequest
a retirement plan
a will or living trust
an insurance policy
Requests for information are confidential and do not represent an
obligation.
****************************
---
From The NRA-ILA:
NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 12, No. 24 06/17/05
BRADY CAMPAIGN LIES AGAIN--
Nevada Law Enforcement Officials' Names
Wrongly Added to H.R. 800 Opposition Letter!
On March 15, 2004, the "Brady Campaign" testified before the House
Judiciary Committee in opposition to H.R. 800--"The Protection of Lawful
Commerce in Arms Act"--federal legislation that would protect
law-abiding firearm manufacturers from reckless, predatory, and
potentially bankrupting lawsuits. During testimony, the group attempted
to bolster its argument by introducing a letter that listed five Nevada
law enforcement officials who purportedly lent their names to the
Brady's effort to thwart the bill. The Bradys and another anti-gun
organization--the "Million Mom March"--even posted the opposition letter
on their websites as a way to garner key support for their gun-banning
efforts.
But, as it turns out (and not surprisingly), the Brady Campaign
apparently added the sheriffs' names to the letter without their
knowledge or approval!
Due to phone calls generated by NRA members, we're happy to report that
all five sheriffs have since contacted NRA to report the error and to
determine how to have their names removed. Incidentally, the letter in
question has suddenly been removed from the Brady's website.
Members should call the Sheriffs--Ron Unger of Lander County; Gene Hill
and Brian Jonas of Humboldt County; Dennis Balaam of Washoe County; and
Bill Young of Clark County, and thank them for their support and quick
action! The sheriffs can be reached at:
Lander County Sheriff: (775) 635-1100
Humboldt County Sheriff: (775) 623-6419
Washoe County Sheriff: (775) 328-3010
Clark County Sheriff: (702) 229-3231
CONTINUE YOUR PROACTIVE SUPPORT
FOR S. 397 AND H.R. 800
As regular readers of the "Grassroots Alert" know, in the recent past we
have frequently reported on the need for passage of S. 397 and H.R. 800,
the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act."
As we continue to emphasize, it is imperative that you contact your U.S.
Senators and your U.S. Representative and ask them to cosponsor and
support this critically important legislation--without any anti-gun
amendments-- and put a halt to these reckless lawsuits once and for all.
Again, please be sure to contact your lawmakers and urge them to support
this legislation. And be sure to let them know that you consider any
votes in support of anti-gun amendments to this legislation as votes
against the bill itself.
You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the
"Write Your Representatives"
tool at www.NRAILA.org
, or you can call
your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and your U.S. Representative at
(202) 225-3121.
D.C. PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
One of NRA-ILA's top legislative priorities in Congress continues to be
the passage of S. 1082 and H.R. 1288--the Senate and House versions of
the "District of Columbia Personal Protection Act." This legislation
seeks to restore the constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights
of the residents of the District of Columbia.
The need for this legislation is obvious. While effectively banning
handgun ownership for over a quarter-century, Washington, D.C.
consistently has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation.
"D.C.'s politicians have stripped law-abiding residents of their ability
to defend themselves and their families," said NRA-ILA Executive
Director Chris W. Cox. "Passage of the 'District of Columbia Personal
Protection Act' will remedy this senseless and dangerous injustice."
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and ask
them to cosponsor and support S. 1082 and H.R. 1288.
For a list of Senate cosponsors, please visit
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:SN01082:@@@P
.
For a list of House cosponsors, please visit
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:HR01288:@@@P
.
You can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, or your U.S.
Representative at (202) 225-3121.
HOUSE REJECTS .50 CALIBER EXPORT BAN
On June 16, the House voted to reject an amendment that would have
restricted gun manufacturers' exports of .50-caliber rifles. The
amendment, by notoriously anti-gun Representative James Moran (D-Va.),
sought to block .50-caliber exports to civilians.
In what was the first time Congress had been required to vote on any
type of .50 caliber ban, the measure was soundly defeated by an
overwhelming majority of 278-149.
LOCATE "Second Amendment Activist Centers"
In previous issues of the Grassroots Alert, you've read about a new
campaign we have launched to identify Second Amendment Activist
Centers--area businesses that will assist in distributing legislative
and election-related materials to NRA members and gun owners.
The response thus far has been great, as to date, we've already
identified some 22 Activist Centers. The proprietors of these
establishments have been contacted, have been advised of their role, and
are stocked with materials. To find out if there is an Activist Center
near you, please visit
http://www.nraila.org/ActionCenter/ActivistCenters.aspx
or call the
NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683. If there is an Activist
Center near you, please stop by to pick up materials for your own
personal use and for distribution throughout the pro-Second Amendment
community.
Of course, we are constantly looking to grow our network of Second
Amendment Activist Centers and are counting on you to assist. Here is a
reminder of what is involved in this endeavor:
* Determine which venues in your area would be suitable to serve as an
Activist Center and contact them to see if they would be willing to
participate in this program. Obvious places to solicit would include
(but aren't limited to) gun shops, gun & hunting clubs, and shooting
ranges. These Centers will provide NRA members and gun owners with NRA
buttons, Fact Sheets on legislation and issues, volunteer sign-up forms,
voter registration materials, and, in election years, information on
grassroots activities and events. Also, we are encouraging all Second
Amendment Activist Centers that are able to do so, to make a computer
terminal with Internet access available to their patrons so they may
access our website--www.NRAILA.org--and e-mail their lawmakers,
on-the-spot, utilizing our site's "Write Your Representatives"
and other features
(specifically, the "Help Save America's Firearms Industry" section).
* Specific dates will be determined where individuals may go to the
Activist Centers to pick up their materials for their personal use and
to distribute to others, and NRA-ILA will alert its members and
supporters to these dates and venues. (Individuals will also be free to
stop by the Centers at their leisure to retrieve items.) Thus, an
additional incentive for a business to become a Second Amendment
Activist Center is that, not only will NRA-ILA work to inform area NRA
members and gun owners of the dates to pick up materials, but we will
also promote all Second Amendment Activist Centers via e-mail, on our
website, in the NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert, and through our monthly
newsletter, "Freedom's Voice." So in addition to helping us disseminate
critically-important information, NRA-ILA will also promote these
establishments to our members and supporters which may increase business
for them!
Please reach out to area businesses whom you think would be good
candidates to serve as Second Amendment Activist Centers, and ask if
they will agree to serve in this capacity. If so, either call (800)
392-8683 and ask to speak to your state's Grassroots Coordinator, or
have someone from the potential Activist Center do so him or herself. If
you are the owner/manager of an establishment that wants to participate
in this program, please call the aforementioned number and ask to speak
directly to your state's Grassroots Coordinator.
As legislation to end reckless, predatory lawsuits against the gun
industry prepares to be voted on (H.R. 800/S. 397), and as the 2006
elections approach, this project will pay huge dividends not only for
gun owners, but for area retail businesses as well!
Please visit http://www.nraila.org/ActionCenter/ActivistCenters.aspx
or call the
NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 today to find out if there
is a Second Amendment Activist Center near you!
NRA URGES LT. GOV. KAINE TO STOP MISLEADING VIRGINIA VOTERS
In a brazen attempt to mislead Virginia voters, Democratic Gubernatorial
candidate Tim Kaine deliberately misused comments made by former NRA
President Charlton Heston. Kaine's campaign advertisement implies that
Mr. Heston lauded Kaine for reduced crime in Richmond. In reality,
Heston was praising Project Exile, a program implemented prior to Kaine
becoming Mayor of Richmond.
Commenting on the allegations, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox
said, "It is shameful and dishonest to manipulate comments in an attempt
to mislead voters during this gubernatorial campaign. We would like to
set the record straight and ask Tim Kaine to cease and desist his false
advertising campaign."
Charlton Heston's spokesman, Bill Powers stated, "Charlton Heston knows
Jerry Kilgore. They've campaigned together and spent time with each
other. There is no doubt that if Mr. Heston were to hit the campaign
trail this year, he would be in full support of Jerry Kilgore for Governor."
Project Exile, a successful anti-crime program that strictly enforces
all current federal, state and local gun laws against criminals, was
recognized as a vital tool in reducing Richmond's violent crime rate.
NRA spent over $1 million to help start this program in Richmond. Tim
Kaine was not mayor when Project Exile was implemented.
In fact, as Richmond mayor, Kaine used taxpayer money to send eight
chartered buses to gun control rallies (Richmond Times Dispatch,
6/15/00). Also as mayor, he advocated suing lawful gun manufacturers for
the actions of criminals (Richmond Times Dispatch, 3/14/99).
Referring to Kaine's suggestion in the advertisement that he had worked
with Mr. Heston and that the actor supported him, Powers replied, "To my
knowledge, Mr. Heston has never even met the man."
"Clearly, Kaine's record and rhetoric don't match. This raises a
legitimate and disturbing credibility issue with this candidate,"
concluded Cox.
PRO-GUN CANDIDATES SUCCESSFUL IN VIRGINIA PRIMARY ELECTIONS
Virginia NRA Members and law-abiding gun owners turned out in full force
for the June 14 Primary Elections as 88% of NRA-PVF-endorsed candidates
won their primary races. At the top of the ticket, gubernatorial
candidate Jerry Kilgore (R) handily won his race with 82.5% of the vote,
and, in the Republican Primary for Lieutenant Governor, Bill Bolling won
with 54.5% of the vote. Winners in contested Primaries for the House of
Delegates included: Delegate Preston Bryant Jr. (R-23); Delegate Edward
T. Scott (R-30); Delegate Bobby Orrock (R-54); challenger Chris Craddock
(R) unseated incumbent Gary Reese in the House District 67; and Michael
Golden (R) won the nomination the House District 41.
A special thank you to all Virginia NRA Members, law-abiding gun owners
and sportsmen for a extremely successful Primary Election. Please be
sure to check www.NRAPVF.org
, and future
issues of the Grassroots Alert, for updates and election information
regarding Virginia's November 8, 2005 General Election.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(****For all of the action items below, you can find contact information
for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives"
tool at www.NRAILA.org
. As always, thank
you for your support****)
CALIFORNIA
Anti-gun legislation, Senate Bill 357, is expected to be heard in the
Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 28. This bill would
establish a program requiring serialization of handgun ammunition to be
enforced by the Department of Justice. The manufacture, transfer, and
possession of non-serialized handgun ammunition after July 1, 2007,
would be considered a crime. SB 357 would also require ammunition
vendors and manufacturers to register with the Department of Justice.
Please contact members of the Committee at (916) 319-3744 and ask them
to oppose SB 357. Assembly Bill 996 is expected to be considered by the
Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 21 at 9:30 a.m. AB 996
would require all retailers to display and sell ammunition in a manner
that is only accessible by an employee, not the purchaser. Any violation
of this measure would result in a misdemeanor. This bill has been voted
down twice during the 2005 Legislative Session because eisting law
already makes it a crime to sell ammunition to a minor, or ammunition
designed for a handgun to anyone less than 21 years of age. Assembly
Bill 352 is also expected to be considered by the Senate Public Safety
Committee on Tuesday, June 28. AB 352 expands the definition of "unsafe
handguns" to include semi-automatic pistols that are not designed and
equipped with an array of microscopic characters which identify the
make, model, and serial number of the pistol by imprinting the
characters on each cartridge case when the firearm is discharged. This
legislation could essentially ban all semi-automatic pistols commonly
used by California gun owners. Please contact members of the Senate
Public Safety Committee at (916) 651-4118 and ask them to oppose AB 996
and AB 352.
MICHIGAN
NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) Jerry Kraus (MI-9) would
like to invite you to attend the "Michigan Friends of NRA Celebrity
Shoot" with celebrities such as Dennis Hextal from the Detroit Red
Wings, and Mickey Lolitch from the Detroit Tigers, among others! Jerry
has coordinated several events, and participated in several Celebrity
Shoots, in the past,
and this year's event promises to be a success. So come on out and join
your fellow shotgun shooters for a day of shooting while raising money
for the Friends of the NRA! The event will be held on Friday, August 5,
at 10:30 a.m. at the Detroit Gun Club, 2775 Oakley Park Road, Walled
Lake, MI 48390. Admission prices vary, for ticket information and
additional information, please contact Jerry Kraus by phone at
248-706-1513 or by e-mail at jerrykraus@comcast.net
.
NEW YORK
Lawmakers have sent a NRA-supported measure to Governor George Pataki's
(R) desk. A 4853A/S 918A will allow hunters to use a rifle during open
season for deer and bear in the counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus,
Chenango, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie and
Tioga, as well as certain rural towns in Broome County in those areas
east of the Susquehanna River. In addition to increasing hunting
opportunities in New York State, this measure will go far in alleviating
the dramatic rise in deer/car collisions and crop damage resulting from
a drop off in hunters and a rise in deer population. Thanks go out to
all who voted for this measure, but most importantly to sponsor
Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte (D-138). Please contact Governor Pataki,
at (518) 474-8390, and ask him to sign A 4853A/S 918A into law! With
just days left in the legislative session, many gun-related measures are
still pending. In the Senate are A 673, which creates the crimes
offailure to store a weapon "safely" and criminally negligent storage of
a firearm; A 2302, which would prohibit the retail sale of a handgun
that does not contain a "child proofing" or integrated safety device; A
4471/S 2590, which would ban the sale, use and possession of .50 caliber
firearms; A 2345, which would impose new restrictions on firearm
dealers; and two bills which would expand the state's ban on "assault
weapons," A 2466 and S 5504. Please contact your State Senator TODAY and
urge him/her to oppose all of the above measures! You can reach your
Senator by calling (518) 455-2800. A 6608, an NRA-backed proposal which
would exempt shooting ranges already in existence from new local noise
ordinances, awaits action in the Assembly. Please contact your Assembly
member today and urge him or her to support A 6608! Your Assembly member
can be reached by calling (518) 455-4100. Finally, please make plans to
join NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) Rich Mullin (NY-22),
and fellow NRA activit s for a volunteer meeting on June 18, at 5:00
p.m. The meeting will be held at Gander Mountain in the Seminar Room,
located at 528 Harry L. Drive, Johnson City, NY, 13790. Please call Rich
Mullin at (607) 757-9657, or e-mail David Decker at deckerdm@stny.rr.com
with any questions.
OHIO
The Columbus City Council, led by Safety Committee Chair Michael C.
Mentel, will be hosting a public hearing concerning legislation that
would ban "assault weapons." It is vital that NRA members attend this
meeting and voice their opposition to any restrictions on their Second
Amendment rights. Please be sure to spread the word to family, friends,
and fellow firearm owners to do the same. The hearing will be held on
Thursday, June 30, at 8:30 a.m. on the 2nd Floor of the Council Chambers
at 90 West Broad Street in Columbus. Please plan on arriving early,
because speaker slips will be given out at 8:00 a.m. and will only be
accepted until 8:30 a.m.
OREGON
The "Salem Friends of NRA" cordially invites you to attend their NRA
Dinner and auction fundraiser tomorrow, Saturday, June 18 at 5:00 p.m.
The dinner will take place at The Eagles Lodge, located at 2771 Pence
Loop SE, in Salem. Seating is limited and it is expected to be a
sold-out event, so get your tickets early! There will be a live auction,
silent auction, special drawings, and door prizes. Prizes include
limited edition firearms, custom knives, and NRA Commissioned Art.
Banquet tickets are $35.00 each. For additional information on tickets,
event sponsorships, contributions, or to assist the committee, please
call Jim Jacobe at (503) 931-1629 or Wendy Coombs at (503) 871-0634.
WISCONSIN
On Tuesday, June 14, NRA supported Assembly Bill 56 passed out of the
State Assembly by a vote of 65 to 34. Also known as the "Reckless
Lawsuit Preemption Bill," AB 56 may receive a hearing in the Senate as
early as next week. This critical legislation protects firearms-related
businesses and organizations from reckless lawsuits intended to hold
them liable for the criminal or negligent acts of others over whom they
have no control. Anti-gun forces have attempted to use these lawsuits in
order to bankrupt firearm businesses and to seek regulations and
prohibitions through activist courts that they have been unable to enact
through the State Legislature and Congress. With the passage of AB 56,
Wisconsin will become the 34th state to have enacted this critical
protection of our firearm's heritage. It is essential that you call your
State Senator as soon as possible and ask him/her to strongly support AB
56. You can reach the Wisconsin State Senate at (608) 266-217.
NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 12, No. 25 06/24/05
CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS IN SUPPORT OF S. 397 AND H.R. 800
As regular readers of the "Grassroots Alert" know, in the recent past we
have frequently reported on the need for passage of S. 397 and H.R. 800,
the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act."
With time drawing short before your legislators adjourn for the "Summer
District Work Period" (August 1-September 5), it is imperative that you
continue to contact your U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative and
ask them to cosponsor and support this critically important
legislation--without any anti-gun amendments--and put a halt to these
reckless lawsuits once and for all. Again, please be sure to contact
your lawmakers immediately and urge them to support this legislation.
And be sure to let them know that you consider any votes in support of
anti-gun amendments to this legislation as votes against the bill itself.
You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the
"Write Your Representatives"
tool at
www.NRAILA.org ,
or you can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and your U.S.
Representative at (202) 225-3121.
ALERT US TO AND ATTEND TOWN HALL MEETINGS!
Congress' "Independence Day District Work Period" is scheduled for July
4-July 8. During this time, your Senators and Representative will be
back home in their respective states and districts. Many lawmakers use
this time to hold town hall meetings, where they can report on what
they've been doing in Washington, and take questions from their
constituents. These meetings offer a tremendous opportunity for you to
personally voice your strong support for S. 397 and H.R. 800--the Senate
and House versions of the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act,"
and S. 1082 and H.R. 1288--the Senate and House versions of the
"District of Columbia Personal Protection Act." Please contact your
lawmakers' district offices and ask when they plan to hold their town
hall meetings during the break. If you do not know the number for your
lawmakers' district offices, you can use the "Write Your
Representatives"
tool at www.NRAILA.org
, or call the
NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683.
If you get a chance to meet with your lawmakers, be sure to: Urge Your
Senators To Cosponsor And Support S. 397/H.R. 800 and S. 1082/H.R. 1288.
In addition to attending meetings and speaking out in support of our
Right to Keep and Bear Arms, please forward the dates, times, and
locations of any town hall meetings to your family, friends, and fellow
firearm owners, and to the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division, so we may
compile this information and share it with the pro-gun community. Please
forward this information to the Grassroots Division by calling (800)
392-8683, by faxing to (703) 267-3918, or by sending an e-mail to
townhall@nrahq.org .
TEXAS GOVERNOR PERRY SIGNS ALL NINE NRA-BACKED BILLS
In the June 3, edition of the Grassroots Alert, we wrote that the Texas
Legislature had adjourned sine die on May 30, after passing an
unprecedented number of pro-gun bills to protect hunting, benefit our
troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, further reform the state's
Right-to-Carry law, and--at the same time--expand your right to
self-defense without a license.
We are happy to report that, late last week, Texas Governor Rick Perry
(R) signed all nine of the NRA-ILA supported bills!
Commenting on the signings, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox,
stated, "We would like to thank Governor Perry for signing these bills.
The great state of Texas, once again, leads the way to protect and
strengthen the rights of all law-abiding citizens."
Governor Perry concurred and in summation stated: "The right to keep and
bear arms is a fundamental right of every law-abiding citizen in our
country. This legislation will clarify existing firearms laws, enhance
protections for law-abiding gun owners and reduce barriers for gun
ownership."
PETA'S TREATMENT OF ANIMALS
The fanatical anti-hunting group People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals (PETA), made headlines recently, not for "ethically" treating
animals, but for killing them.
Last week, two PETA employees were each charged with 31 felony counts of
animal cruelty, and nine misdemeanor counts related to illegal disposal
of dead animals and trespassing, after authorities found them dumping
the dead bodies of 18 animals they had just picked up from a North
Carolina animal shelter in a dumpster. According to The Associated
Press, 13 more dead animals were found in a van registered to PETA.
Veterinarians and animal control officers reportedly stated that PETA
workers promised they would find homes for the dogs and cats
relinquished to their care, rather than euthanize them.
SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2004 NRA-ILA VOLUNTEER AWARDS
The "NRA-ILA Jay M. Littlefield Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award" is
an annual honor that recognizes an individual NRA member who
demonstrates exceptionally meritorious activism in defense of our Second
Amendment rights. Similarly, the "NRA-ILA Volunteer Organization of the
Year Award" is bestowed upon a group that has gone above and beyond the
call of duty in defending our freedom over the past year.
All nominations must be submitted by NRA members in good standing and be
accompanied by a one page description of why the nominee is deserving.
Winners will be selected by NRA-ILA staff, and will be acknowledged at
this Fall's NRA Board of Directors Meeting.
Nominations for these honors for last year (2004) should be submitted
to: NRA-ILA Volunteer Awards, c/o Jennifer Bradey, NRA-ILA Grassroots
Division, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030. Nominations may
also be faxed to Jennifer at (703) 267-3918, or e-mailed to
jbradey@nrahq.org . The deadline for
submissions is July 1, 2005.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(****For all of the action items below, you can find contact information
for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives"
tool at
www.NRAILA.org .
As always, thank you for your support****)
CALIFORNIA
Anti-gun legislation, Senate Bill 357, is expected to be heard in the
Assembly Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 28. Recently amended,
this bill requires that all handgun ammunition carry a unique serial
number engraved on both the bullet and the case and be registered to the
purchaser. SB 357 bans the manufacture, transfer, and possession of
non-serialized handgun ammunition after July 1, 2009, and possession of
non-serialized ammunition would be a crime. SB 357 would also require
ammunition vendors and manufacturers to register with the Department of
Justice. Please contact members of the Committee and ask them to oppose
SB 357. For a list of committee members and their contact information,
please go to www.nraila.org/CurrentLegislation/Read.aspx?ID=1652-L
. Assembly Bill
996 has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. AB 996
would require all retailers to display and sel ammunition in a manner
that is only accessible by an employee, not the purchaser. Any violation
of this measure would result in a misdemeanor. This bill has been voted
down twice during the 2005 Legislative Session because existing law
already makes it a crime to sell ammunition to a minor, or ammunition
designed for a handgun to anyone less than 21 years of age. Please
contact members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ask them to
oppose AB 996. Assembly Bill 352 is expected to be considered by the
Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 28. AB 352 expands the
definition of "unsafe handguns" to include semi-automatic pistols that
are not designed and equipped with an array of microscopic characters
which identify the make, model, and serial number of the pistol by
imprinting the characters on each cartridge case when the firearm is
discharged. This legislation could essentially ban all semi-automatic
pistols commonly used by California gun owners. Please contact members
of the Senate u blic Safety Committee and ask them to oppose AB 352.
MICHIGAN
NRA-ILA Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC) Jerry Kraus (MI-9) would
like to invite you to attend the "Michigan Friends of NRA Celebrity
Shoot" with celebrities such as Dennis Hextal from the Detroit Red
Wings, and Mickey Lolitch from the Detroit Tigers, among others! Jerry
has coordinated several events, and participated in several Celebrity
Shoots, in the past, and this year's event promises to be a success. So
come on out and join your fellow shotgun shooters for a day of shooting
while raising money for the Friends of the NRA! The event will be held
on Friday, August 5, at 10:30 a.m. at the Detroit Gun Club, 2775 Oakley
Park Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Admission prices vary, for ticket
information and additional information, please contact Jerry Kraus by
phone at 248-706-1513 or by e-mail at jerrykraus@comcast.net
.
NEW YORK
Lawmakers returned to Albany today, one day past their scheduled recess,
to complete bills still under negotiation. The good news is that at
press time, the Senate had not acted on several NRA-opposed measures,
including A 673, which creates the crimes of failure to store a firearm
"safely" and criminally negligent storage of a firearm; A 2302, which
would prohibit the retail sale of a handgun that does not contain a
"child proofing" or integrated safety device; A 4471/S 2590, which would
ban the sale, use and possession of .50 caliber firearms; A 2345, which
would impose new restrictions on firearm dealers, and two bills which
would expand the state's ban on so-called assault weapons: A 2466 and S
5504. Though legislators will be heading back to their districts, all of
these bills remain alive during the recess. We will keep you informed of
any plans by the legislature to return to Albany. Also, a special
election will be held on Tuesday, June 28. If you area registered voter,
you are eligible to participate in this election! For more information
on the candidates in this election, please call the NRA-ILA Grassroots
Division (800) 392-8683. Voter turnout is expected to be low, so it's
more important than ever that you vote on Tuesday, June 28!
OHIO
The Columbus City Council, led by Safety Committee Chair Michael C.
Mentel, will be hosting a public hearing concerning legislation that
would ban semi-automatic firearms. This legislation goes much further
than the recently expired federal semi-automatic ban, making it the
worst of its kind. The proposed measure does nothing more than strip law
abiding-citizens of their Constitutional Right to Keep and Bear Arms. It
is vital that NRA members attend this hearing and voice their opposition
to this egregious act brought on by Mr. Mentel and other council
members. Please be sure to spread the word to family, friends, and
fellow firearm owners to do the same. The hearing will be held on
Thursday, June 30, at 5:00 p.m. on the 2nd Floor of the Council Chambers
at 90 West Broad Street in Columbus. Please plan on arriving early, as
speaker slips will be given out from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will
only be accepted until 5:00 p.m. If you are unable to attend the
meeting, lease call the Columbus City Council at (614) 645-7380 to voice
your opposition.
WISCONSIN
AB 56, the "Reckless Lawsuit Preemption Bill," is NRA-supported
legislation which protects firearms-related businesses and organizations
from reckless lawsuits intended to hold them liable for the criminal or
negligent acts of others over whom they have no control. Anti-gun forces
have attempted to use these lawsuits in order to bankrupt firearm
businesses and to seek regulations and prohibitions through activist
courts that they have been unable to enact through the State Legislature
and Congress. With the passage of AB 56, Wisconsin will become the 34th
state to have enacted this critical protection of our firearm's
heritage. AB 56 could be heard on the Senate floor at anytime. It is
essential that you continue calling your State Senator and ask him/her
to strongly support AB 56. You can reach the Wisconsin State Senate at
(608) 266-2517.
From John Farnam
(I saw John in person for the first time in over six years at the IALEFI
ATC. I also met his wife Vicki and her associate and co-author Diane
Nicholl. The third item refers to an armorer course conducted at the
ATC. The fourth item reinforces my impression that Kahr's PM series
seems most prone to problems than the rest of their lineup.)
17 June 05
More on Movement, from an experienced LEO friend:
"Our discussion of tactical movement reminds me of this quotation from
Jurassic Park:
'Try to imagine yourself in the Cretaceous Period. You get your first
look at this 'six-foot turkey' as you enter a clearing. It moves like a
bird, lightly, bobbing its head. You keep still, because you think his
visual acuity is based on movement, like that of T-Rex. He'll surely
lose you if you don't move. But no, not Velociraptor. You stare at him,
and he just stares right back. That is when the attack comes, not from
the front, but from the side, from the other two (female) raptors you
didn't even know were there! Velociraptor is a pack hunter. Their
attack model is always multi-directional and coordinated, and they are
out in force today. She slashes at you with a
six-inch, retractable claw, like a razor, on her middle toe. She
doesn't bother to bite your carotid as would a lion. No, no. She
slashes at you here, or here, maybe across the belly, spilling your
intestines. The point is, you're still alive when they start eating
you. So, you know, try to show a little respect!'"
Comment: I'll grant you that movement always attracts attention, but
force directed at it is often too late and either over or under-shot.
That is the advantage movement give us. It give us the ability to
survive the first blow and the time to deliver a precise, and deadly,
counter-blow.
/John
18 June 05
On Fox OC, from one of our instructors:
"We just completed an All-Women's Defense Class this past Tuesday. We go
into disengagement techniques, plus the use of pepper spray. We did a
demo and actually sprayed the key-chain (personal size) Fox OC at a
paper target. Quantity of agent is limited, and you need to be on
target (face) for it to be effective in stopping the fight.
My advice to all to buy three containers at a time. One to test, one to
carry, and one to immediately replace the primary if called into use.
There is no guarantee that you are safe from harm during the next two
weeks, until UPS drops off your new one.
We also worked on getting students to jettison the OC container
immediately after use and disengaging or, if that is not an option,
quickly transitioning to blade or knees and palm heels. Nothing is so
effective that we can plan on relaxing right after applying it!
Comment: Good advice!
/John
23 June 05
SA XD
I attended part of the SA XD Armorer's Class yesterday. It is clear
that SA is making a sincere effort to get the XD accepted by the police
community as an legitimate, duty gun. As I've said in the past, XDs
we're had in classes have all worked fine.
However, real problems made themselves apparent during the class.
Glocks, even at the armorer level, are nearly impossible to reassemble
wrong. Glock parts are designed to fit together only one way. When
they don't fit together, that is a hint that you are doing it
incorrectly. SA engineers need to take note. A number of XD parts can
be easily put in place backwards and/or upside down, with no clue that
assembly is inappropriate. When assemble is complete, the pistol won't
work. In fact, the is one blind hole, designed to receive a pin. If
the pin inadvertently goes in backward, it cannot be removed and must be
drilled out!
If SA is serious about making inroads into the police market, they are
going to have to make engineering changes in the XD that make the job of
the armorer less tedious. The XD is a good gun, but it is not up to
Glock standards yet.
/John
24 June 05
Kahr Customer Service:
"John, I sent my Kahr PM9 back to factory, at their expense. This is
the one that didn't work from the day I opened the box. Received phone
call from factory tech the next day offering apologies and free night
sights on the replacement PM9. Tech also stated that he personally fired
a hundred rounds through the replacement pistol without problems. He
indicated the one I sent back to them had an 'improperly machined
slide.' I received and test-fired the replacement PM9 today. Problem
free!"
Comment: The "lemon" never should have left the factory, but customer
service from Kahr is excellent, and they deserve credit for that.
Thumbs up to Kahr for making things right.
/John
From Force Science Research Center:
THE FORCE SCIENCE NEWS MAILBAG
The Mailbag is a dynamic forum where you can share your questions, comments
and professional force-related experiences, with opportunities for feedback
not only from researchers at the Force Science Research Center but from our
thousands of readers worldwide as well. It's a great vehicle for networking
and exchanging valuable information. If you have comments or questions to
share, please e-mail us at info@forcescience.com
Our recent 2-part series on edged -weapon defense [FS News #17 & #18]
challenged one of the old standbys of law enforcement training, the 21-foot
rule. In this issue's Mailbag, we share how some readers reacted:
[Please note that the comments, suggestions and opinions reflected in the
Force Science Mailbag are those of the original author and do not
necessarily reflect those of the Force Science Research Center, its
research partners or its advisors.]
"BREAD & BUTTER" TACTICS WORK BEST AGAINST SPONTANEOUS KNIFE ATTACKS
There are 2 types of knife attacks that an officer can encounter: a
non-spontaneous attack where the officer is aware in advance that the
subject has armed him/herself with a knife, and a sudden, spontaneous
attack at close range, where there is a high probability that the officer
will not even know that a knife is involved. These are 2 distinctly
different types of scenarios that need 2 distinctly different training
solutions.
Almost every officer-safety instructor will agree on how to deal with
non-spontaneous knife assaults. Gain and maintain firearms readiness, keep
distance from the subject, use barriers if available and if attacked, shoot
while moving off the line of attack. Where instructors disagree is on how
to train an officer for spontaneous knife assaults. Some believe in a
block, strike and ground strategy. Others believe in blocking the attack,
seizing the attacking arm and attacking the subject until the threat is no
longer present.
Lets look at some realities of spontaneous knife attacks. The problem with
strategies that promote grabbing the attacking arm and engaging the
attacker is the assumption that the officer knows he is being attacked with
a knife and will actually stop the attack and overwhelm the subject.
Rationally, this strategy fails. If a small, weaker officer cannot
overpower an unarmed attacker because of physical limitations, what chance
will he or she have with that same attacker armed with a knife? This is
not a fatalistic attitude, simply a reality.
Some instructors promote not attempting to draw your firearm. And some
trainers contradict themselves by saying expect to be cut in a knife
attack, but don't attempt to go for your firearm because you leave yourself
open to being cut. Yet the only thing that can consistently end a knife
attack is a bullet penetrating the subject's body. Play the odds: What is
the percentage of times officers will be able to seize the attacking arm of
a subject versus going for a gun sitting on their hips?
With the time constraints on teaching skills to recruits, we must look at
maximizing our training. We have to look at existing skills each individual
has and tap into theses skills. Trainers and students need to look at
"internal stimulus training" which involves a shift in traditional
thinking. The natural "flinch" reaction to a sudden attack becomes the
stimulus to the officer, not the "attack" that caused the flinch. Let the
officer do what he or she is going to do anyway--"flinch"--then begin their
training there.
Train them once they finish flinching to respond with what ever technique
they feel natural responding with. You will find that people prone to
grappling will grab and interfere with the attack, many hockey players will
respond with strong side punches, etc. When they respond with their "bread
and butter" technique, their goal is to gain distance, get off the line of
attack and move to one of their weapons, depending on what type of attack
they believe they are under.
Every officer should have a Bread & Butter Response that is an instinctive
reaction to an assault. Whether you are grabbed or the subject strikes out
at you, your bread and butter response will not differ. Your response
should be built around a flinch. Just as you blink when someone flicks an
object at your eyes you will flinch when someone spontaneously assaults
you. As you are flinching, it needs to be automatic that you are moving off
the line of attack.
>From your flinch your Bread & Butter Response should revolve around your
strengths. In confrontations there are strikers and grapplers. Your goal
for either will be to create distance to allow you to escalate force
options. If you are a striker you build your response around striking. If
you have a background in grappling (i.e.: judo) it will revolve around a
simple throw to gain distance. If you are a soccer player you'll make a
response around using your legs. Instructors will work with you to
determine target selection.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia Use of Force Unit in September
2004 ran a knife scenario with 70 recruits that trained in controlling the
delivery system (arm). All recruits were told simply that a scenario was
going to unfold and they were to act accordingly. When the recruit turned
from facing a wall to begin the scenario, an assailant immediately ran
approximately 6 feet directly at the recruit with the knife held in his
right hand and started to stab the recruit in the midsection.
Four recruits attempted the arm control principle and one recruit was
successful. Just that fact alone indicated that if the recruits were not
employing the technique under a spontaneous and dynamic circumstance that
we needed to "change the way we do business." Even if the technique worked
100 per cent of the time, if the recruits were not using the technique it
is not going to be effective.
Of the 70 recruits more than half indicated that they did not know that a
knife was involved until after the scenario was finished. The ones who were
successful were the ones who created distance by either getting off the
line of attack by striking or simply dynamically moving.
Another group of 22 recruits was not taught the arm-control principle. They
were taught to initiate their Bread & Butter move and get off the line of
attack or to fight to gain distance and escalate force options. Again the
recruits who did best were the ones who created distance either immediately
or upon striking.
In this group of 22, 14 were able to create space and either go to their
baton (if they did not see the knife) or gun (if knife was observed). Eight
recruits were not able to get off the line of attack, and ended up in a
clinch situation. Nine recruits indicated that they knew a knife was
involved upon being stabbed while 13 did not.
The one aspect that is evident is that the successful recruits were those
who immediately went into action to create space and/or get off the line of
attack!
One very important aspect of a system built around creating space is that
it is easier to train, more realistic, gives you time to make a better
force decision and is a proven entity.
Insp. Kelly Keith
Atlantic Police Academy
Prince Edward Island, Canada
(Assisted by Sgt J. Quail, Winnipeg Police Service, and Sgt J. Irvine,
Justice Institute of British Columbia, Vancouver)
EVEN FALLING IN CACTUS, YOU STILL HAD TO WIN
During firearms training when I worked as a Law Enforcement Ranger in
Yellowstone National Park, we tested the 21-foot rule, from the holstered
position (snapped) to being on target. In most instances the subject
running at you made it to you. This was used to show that if we saw someone
with an edged weapon within this distance and it went sour, we'd better be
prepared to make adjustments.
We did our training in sagebrush with large rocks around. It made it pretty
interesting, especially when you fell and landed in cactus. Even if you
fell, you were still expected to win in your situation. Our trainer did
not allow any of us to accept failing for any reason.
Dep. Thomas Totland
Park County Sheriff's Office
Livingston, MT
SIMULATOR ATTACKS PROVE 21-FT. RULE IS ANTIQUATED
Scott Reitz of ITTS (International Tactical Training Seminars) and lead
firearms instructor for the elite Metro division at LAPD, has created a
knife attack simulator and has been preaching for several years that the
21-foot rule, based on his observations of student performance on the
simulator, is antiquated. Over and over again, officers are defeated when
the attack comes from 21 feet.
Reasons vary but include poor/slow holster work, missed shots due to no
front site picture, etc. Increases in distance show the shooters beginning
to get hits on target before being stuck or slashed by edged weapons.
Scott's research and training philosophy fall into place with the good work
your organization is putting out.
Patrol Officer Shannon Jay
National Park Service
San Francisco, CA
BEST DEFENSE: RETREAT IF POSSIBLE
Officers are in an imminent life-threatening situation whenever a person
with a knife or club is noncompliant and advancing toward the officer.
Shooting even at close range will not guarantee the assailant is
incapacitated by bullet wounds before inflicting a fatal injury on the
officer.
Two things we know: Officers often miss the suspect entirely (even at close
range) and when they do hit, many bullet wounds are simple soft tissue
through-and-through wounds, not incapacitating.
Best defense for officer: Retreat if possible. Make suspect come to
you--much clearer proof of threat.
Reece Trimmer
former North Carolina Justice Academy legal instructor
Salemburg, NC
In Transmission # 20, Force Science News reported a study that linked red
uniforms to athletic success, but we cautioned against projecting that
favorable finding onto police uniforms. Readers who responded agreed.
RED IS NOT THE IMAGE COPS WANT
As the researches have pointed out, red is already
aggression/confrontation-driven and does not augur well with the
professionalism and image of the policeman. The police in many instances
are already a problem for the community to relate to and red does not
generate "friendliness." Red means "halt," "stop," "dangerous,"
"problematic," "warning to indicate some sort of trouble ahead," etc.
Yellow/amber/orange are also bad because they generally predict some form
of warning and to be cautious ahead. Green and grey are good but they seem
to be "militaristic."
Colors like maroon, beige-brown or dark purple are generally better.
Executive Officer Dominic Chan
Human Rights Dept.
Bar Council Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
WHEN 'BANGERS SEE RED
I wonder what the gangbangers would think of cops in red uniforms? Red is
Norteno [Northern California] color while blue is for the Sureno
[Southern]. And then there are the Crips and the Bloods. Not to mention the
Asian gangs. Anyway who wants to be that visible?
Coordinator Tom Huff
South Bay Regional Police Standards & Training Council
San Jose, CA
================
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================
--
Stephen P. Wenger
Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.
http://www.spw-duf.info
.