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 ================ (c) 2005: Force Science Research Center, www.forcescience.org. Reprints allowed by request. For reprint clearance, please e-mail: info@forcesciencenews.com. FORCE SCIENCE is a registered trademark of The Force Science Research Center, a non-profit organization based at Minnesota State University, Mankato. ================ -- Stephen P. Wenger Firearm safety - It's a matter for education, not legislation. http://www.spw-duf.info .