No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.5.1/327 - Release Date: 4/28/2006
Praise For Prohibitionist Mayors: An op-ed piece in The Washington Post
lauds the recent gun-banning conspiracy by big-city mayors. Their
expertise in firearms appears to be characterized by Milwaukee Mayor Tom
Barret, who said in an interview, "But there are other parts of the
country where if you say 'duck,' people will grab their rifles to go
duck hunting."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/27/AR2006042701686.html
Brady Bunch Chimes In:
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=64779
A More Rational Commentary:
http://usconservatives.about.com/b/a/257221.htm
---
Stand-Your-Ground Movement: John Longenecker comments on the wave of
legislation returning some power to citizens and sees anti-confiscation
bills as part of the same movement.
http://mensnewsdaily.com/2006/04/28/stand-your-ground-movement-stands-against-the-looting-of-america/
---
ISRA Reconsiders Boycott: The Illinois State Rifle & Pistol Association
is reconsidering its planned boycott of Jewel Food Stores and Osco
pharmacies after learning that the firm only donated $10,000 in gift
cards to a Chicago-area gun-buyback initiative.
http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/84702.asp
---
CCRKBA vs. Oklahoma State Senator: Oklahoma State Rep. Mike Shelton's
attitude about the rights of private citizens in an emergency reflects a
mentality that might better serve a police state than one of the United
States, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
(CCRKBA) said today.
http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=64823
---
Strange Twist In Trail-Shooting Trial: As the jury in the murder trial
of the retired teacher who fatally shot a man, who charged toward him on
an Arizona hiking trail, visited the scene of the shooting, a juror
found an empty 10mm cartridge case. Fish's attorney, Mel McDonald, said
he doubts the newly found spent cartridge is from his client's pistol
but he realizes detectives must investigate the possibility.
http://www.paysonroundup.com/section/frontpage_lead/story/23213
http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2006/04/28/news/20060428_news_27.txt
Related Article:
http://www.azdailysun.com/articles/2006/04/28/news/20060428_local_news_18.txt
---
Rule Four Reminder: A Tulsa (OK) PD officer shot his partner while
clearing a house during a burglary call. (This has implications in home
defense, with regard to people leaving the designated safe room. Rule
Four: Always be sure of your target and what's beyond it.)
http://www.kotv.com/main/home/stories.asp?whichpage=1&id=103095
---
Gun "Prank" Prompts Early Retirement: A police captain in Bethlehem PA
was "invited" to retire after he unexplainably pointed a loaded handgun
at the head of one of his officers. (Rule Two: Don't let the muzzle
cross anything you're not prepared to shoot.)
http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-5/1145679150125460.xml&coll=2
Related Article:
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/all-b1-4glockapr28,0,337142.story?coll=all-newslocalbethlehem-hed
---
A Look At S&W's New M&P Pistol: Charlie Petty reviews the .40-caliber
M&P. (Of greatest interest to me is that S&W has eliminated the
trigger-pressing stage in the takedown procedure. I know not what course
others may take; but as for me, give me at least a year for the
manufacturer to get the bugs out before considering the purchase of a
newly designed firearm.)
http://www.gunsmagazine.com/F05.html
---
From NRA-ILA:
NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 17 04/28/06
States with updates this issue: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, New
York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina,
Virginia, and West Virginia.
ANTI-GUN MAYORS HATCH SCHEME
Anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (R) convened a meeting
with a cadre of like-minded mayors this week to discuss "reducing gun
violence."
Among the attendees was Anthony Williams (D), Mayor of Washington, D.C.,
where handguns have been banned for decades, but where the violent crime
rate remains stratospheric. Predictably, the outcome of the meeting was
yet another call for more restrictive gun laws to reduce crime.
According to Bloomberg, NRA represents a minority of opinion when it
comes to Americans' views on gun laws. "I think when you look at the
numbers, when you do surveys, it's a very small number of people who
actually believe that people should be carrying concealed weapons.on the
streets of our cities." Bloomberg said. "Those kinds of extremist
positions are held by very few people." Apparently Bloomberg doesn't
realize that Right-to-Carry is both popular and the law of the land in
40 of our 50 states, and only two states deny their citizens the right
to protect themselves and their families outside of the home.
Commenting on Bloomberg's assertion, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W.
Cox said, "The rest of the country does not want or care for his elitist
gun control policies. It's an elitist mindset that is typical of Mayor
Bloomberg and his policies. This elitist mindset is captured perfectly
by the list of concealed permit holders in New York City--the mayor's
political cronies, a handful of wealthy Wall Street executives and all
of his movie-star friends."
Typical of their elitism, the mayors' excluded a true gun safety
organization at the summit. On Monday, Larry Keane, Senior VP and
General Counsel for the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF),
transmitted a letter to Mayor Bloomberg requesting his group's inclusion
at the event. In providing Bloomberg with NSSF's law enforcement and
gun safety credentials, Keane cited: 1) the City of Boston's
acknowledgement in dropping its suit against the gun industry that,
"members of the industry and [NSSF] are genuinely concerned with and are
committed to the safe, legal and responsible sale and distribution and
use of their products"; 2) its "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" straw
purchase prevention and awareness program, that has been praised by
BATFE; 3) its support of enforcing existing laws against truly corrupt
or criminal FFLs; and 4) "Project Childsafe" that is funded by U.S.
Department of Justice grants and the firearm industry. More than 30
million free safety kits, that inlude a cable-style firearm locking
device and key safety messages about safe handling and storage of
firearms, have been distributed. These kits have also been provided to
the New York City Patrolmen's Benevolent Association with firearm safety
kits for its thousands of members.
One would think that any summit that truly sought to explore possible
and proven solutions to reducing gun violence would be balanced, and
would include those who have expertise in these matters. However, one
would be wrong, as this summit was nothing more than a PR opportunity
for Mayor Bloomberg and his cronies to promote their anti-gun rhetoric
and propaganda.
AND SPEAKING OF BLOOMBERG
Not all the hot-air, anti-gun rhetoric actually occurred at the mayors'
anti-gun summit, as just a couple of days prior, Mayor Bloomberg was
displaying his hypocrisy in full force. A story in the April 22 edition
of The New York Times reported how, as a boy, Hizzoner owned a rifle.
Nothing nefarious or wrong with that, of course. However, listen to
some of the points the Mayor raised in the article. "When I was 15 or
so, I had a .22-caliber rifle, but I used it only at the range.Part of
my hearing's gone because of it." Had Mayor Bloomberg followed the
instruct of NRA, which recommends always using ear (and eye) protection
when shooting, perhaps his apparently frequent trips to the range with
his trusty .22 rifle would not have had such a deleterious effect on his
ears. Of course, we welcome the Mayor or any other once and former gun
enthusiast to contact NRA or visit our numerous websites to ensure that
their experiences with firearms are not only enjoyable, but more
mportantly, safe.
The article also makes apparent that the Mayor is not pleased with the
manner in which his parents comported themselves. When discussing
people with children in their homes owning guns, Bloomberg noted,
"That's like waving a red flag in front of a kid." Unless the Mayor's
rifle was stored outside of his home, we guess he would now admonish his
parents for letting him have a firearm, as a child, in their home. The
Mayor did get one thing right, though, when he noted, ".the big problem
we have is there's an enormous number of guns in the hands of criminals
sold illegally." (emphasis added) Too bad Hizzoner's actions don't
match his words, as the Mayor's crusade for laws that will be ignored by
criminals, yet obeyed by law-abiding citizens marches on unabated.
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
While Mayor Bloomberg works to erode our rights, NRA is concentrating on
strengthening them. There are a number of pro-gun bills pending in
Congress that require your action. Please review these legislative
initiatives and be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202)
225-3121, and your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, and urge him or her
to cosponsor and support these measures. Additional contact information
can be found using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at
www.NRAILA.org.
H.R. 5092-This bill would improve BATFE's process for punishing FFLs
and establish guidelines for BATFE investigations. This bill was
drafted in large part to address recent BATFE abuses at Richmond,
Va.-area gun shows highlighted in hearings before the U.S. House
Judiciary Committee's Subcommitee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security.
S. 2599/H.R. 5013-Legislation to prohibit the confiscation of lawfully
owned firearms during states of emergency. Would guarantee legal
recourse for victims of illegal gun seizures
H.R. 1384-This bill would remove several antiquated and unnecessary
restrictions imposed on interstate firearms business since 1968.
S. 1082/H.R. 1288-Legislation to repeal the draconian D.C. gun ban and
restore the right of lawful District residents to own firearms to defend
themselves and their families.
H.R. 4547-Federal legislation requiring recognition of out-of-state
Right-to-Carry permits.
H.R. 5005-This measure will codify congressional policies, roll back
restrictions, and correct errors in federal firearm laws.
Again, please contact your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators and
urge them to cosponsor and support these measures. For additional
information on these bills, please visit www.NRAILA.org.
NRA-ILA "MIX N' MINGLES"
Much is at stake in this year's elections; we will decide if we continue
to move ahead on the path of pro-gun reform, or, if we will revert to
the dark Clinton-Gore years. In order to ensure continued success for
the Second Amendment, we must elect pro-gun lawmakers to office this
election season.
To ensure victory for our pro-gun candidates this election year, NRA-ILA
will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA "Mix N' Mingles" across the country. These
events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do
locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The
meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize
with lawmakers, candidates, and their staffs; NRA-ILA Headquarters
staff; and fellow area NRA members-and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items
such as hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. "Mix N' Mingles," including
materials, food, beverages, and NRA items, are FREE!
Mix N' Mingle events are scheduled for:
- Eau Claire, WI-- 05/23/06
- Ashland, WI-- 05/24/06
- Jackson, MS-- 06/03/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to
www.nraila.org/workshops/ to reserve their seats on-line. NRA members
are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any
upcoming "Mix N' Mingles" are scheduled in their area. NRA members may
also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683)
for details and to reserve their seats.
SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE SIGNS
It has been estimated that well-placed campaign signs can account for
four percentage points on Election Day. Think back to the 2000
presidential election, where 537 votes in Florida separated George W.
Bush from Al Gore, and four points seems like a landslide! While you
are focused like a laser beam on the November 7 election, some gun
owners may not be aware of what's at stake for the future of the Second
Amendment on Election Day.
To help us raise gun owner awareness of the impending election, and to
market NRA's campaign efforts, we have produced two colorful, patriotic
campaign yard signs featuring our "I'm the NRA & I Vote" and "Vote
Freedom First!" slogans. These high quality signs are bold, durable,
and easy to assemble. Everything needed to assemble the sign is
contained in one compact package, and all components made in the USA.
Each sign costs a very reasonable $14.95, or you can order a combination
pack of both signs for $24.95 (includes shipping and handling). A
portion of the proceeds goes directly to NRA-ILA to assist our efforts
to protect, preserve, and strengthen our Second Amendment rights!
By proudly displaying your NRA yard sign, and showing your support for
the Second Amendment, you will greatly enhance our ability to deliver
victory for pro-gun candidates on November 7!
Please call (866) 869-6389 or visit www.nrailasigns.org to order your
NRA yard signs TODAY!
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.***)
States with updates this issue: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, Nebraska, New York, New
York City, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina,
Virginia, and West Virginia.
ARIZONA
On April 24, Governor Janet Napolitano (D) signed SB 1145, the "Castle
Doctrine" legislation sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (D-30) and
Representative Jonathan Paton (R-30). SB 1145 has two components. One
is Castle Doctrine, which presumes you are justified in the use of force
if you believe you are in danger of serious bodily harm or death within
your home or occupied vehicle. The second and most significant
component is the return of the burden of proof in self-defense cases to
the state, so law-abiding citizens who are forced to actually use their
firearms or other means of protection for self-defense will not be
wrongfully imprisoned or financially devastated by costs associated with
their legal defense. They will once again be presumed
innocent�consistent with the American system of justice. A special
thank you to all NRA members for your calls and e-mails in support of SB
1145 during the legislative session!
FLORIDA
HB 125, NRA-backed legislation sponsored by Representative Greg Evers
(R-01), (a companion bill, SB 208, was sponsored in the Senate by
Senator Carey Baker (R-20)), passed the Florida Legislature Friday,
April 28. This important legislation will offer sportsmen who buy
resident hunting and fishing licenses new opportunities to register to
vote. HB 125 now heads to Governor Jeb Bush (R) for his signature. If
signed, Florida will join a growing list of states that offer
hunter-voter registration to their citizens.
GEORGIA
On April 27, in a ceremony at the state capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue
(R) signed Georgia's "Castle Doctrine" (SB 396) into law. Sponsored by
Senator Greg Goggans (R-7), SB 396 was approved by the full House by a
vote of 115-42 and passed the full Senate by a vote of 40-13. This
"Castle Doctrine" bill removes the "duty to retreat" if an individual is
attacked in his or her home, vehicle, place of business or any other
place he or she has a legal right to be. This legislation also states
that victims may use necessary force to defend themselves against the
attacker. Congratulations, Georgia!
INDIANA
The 2006 Primary elections are being held Tuesday, May 2. NRA members
are encouraged to head to the polls and vote for those candidates who
support our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage
your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For
information about voting in Indiana, please visit
www.in.gov/sos/elections/. For NRA-PVF endorsement information, NRA
members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800)
392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted soon to the NRA-PVF
website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to "Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday,
May 2!
KENTUCKY
This week, Governor Ernie Fletcher (R) signed two NRA-backed bills into
law. SB 38, a "Castle Doctrine" bill, establishes a presumption that
citizens are justified in the use of force when violent criminals
attempt to forcibly enter their home, vehicle, or other dwelling. It
also codifies a court decision specifying citizens may meet force with
force and have no duty to retreat when being violently attacked. The
other bill was the comprehensive firearm rights reform package, HB 290.
It includes provisions that allow employees to store firearms in their
vehicles while at work so they may protect themselves as they travel to
and from their jobsite. The Attorney General is directed to take legal
action against employers who prohibit firearms storage or who attempt to
punish those employees who choose to exercise their right to
self-defense within their own private property�their vehicle. HB 290
also guarantees the confidentiality of al information associated with
carry permit holders and allows the permit to substitute for the phone
call to the FBI during firearm transfers. Finally, the bill protects
law-abiding Kentuckians against the kind of abuses endured by the
citizens of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. It strictly prohibits
government officials from in any way restricting the rights of gun
owners, or those trying to legally acquire firearms for protection,
during a state of emergency or disaster. Thank you to all NRA members
who took time to call your State Legislators. This could not have
happened without your help!
LOUISIANA
On Monday, the Louisiana House approved HB 760, by Representative Steve
Scalise (R-82, Metairie), an NRA-backed bill amending the state's
emergency powers laws to prevent New Orleans-style gun confiscations in
the event of another natural disaster in Louisiana, and HB 89 by
Representative Eric LaFleur (D-38, Ville Platte), NRA-supported "Castle
Doctrine" legislation similar to Florida's landmark law passed in 2005.
Both bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary C Committee for
consideration (Note: HB 1097, the companion bill to HB 89 that grants
immunity from civil liability for crime victims who lawfully use force
to defend themselves, was referred to the Senate Judiciary A
Committee.) Please contact the State Senators who serve on these two
committees and urge them to support HB 89, HB 760, and HB 1097. Also,
on Tuesday, the Senate approved SB 30 by Senator Joe McPherson (D-39,
Woodworth), the NRA-backed "No Net Loss" of state-owned publichunting
lands bill. The bill has been referred to the House Natural Resources
Committee. Please contact the State Representatives who serve on this
committee and urge them to support SB 30. To contact your state
lawmakers, call the PULS line at (225) 342-2456 (from the Baton Rouge
area) or (800) 256-3793 (outside the Baton Rouge area). For help
identifying your State Legislator or for further contact information
please use the "member contact" feature at
http://house.louisiana.gov/
and
http://senate.legis.state.la.us/Senators/.
MICHIGAN
The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed important
self-defense legislation on Tuesday, voting in favor of the four-bill
"Castle Doctrine" package that had broad bi-partisan support. HB 5142,
by Representative Tom Casperson (R-108), passed on a vote of 91-15. HB
5143, by Representative Rick Jones (R-71), HB 5548, by Representative
Tim Moore (R-97), and HB 5153, by Representative Leslie Mortimer (R-65),
all gained House approval on a vote of 90-15. This legislative package
allows law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in places where they
have a right to be without fear of criminal prosecution or civil
liability. The four bills have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary
Committee. Please call your State Senator at (517) 373-2400 and ask him
or her to support the "Castle Doctrine" package.
NEBRASKA
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to
head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to
Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends,
and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF endorsement
information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots
Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted
soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to "Vote Freedom
First!" on Tuesday, May 9!
NEW HAMPSHIRE
The House of Representatives passed two important pieces of pro-gun
legislation sponsored by State Senator Peter E. Bragdon (R-11). SB 318,
would reform "Castle Doctrine" laws so that: (1) a person would have the
right to meet force with force to protect himself or herself and family
members regardless of his or her location, and (2) there would be no
"duty to retreat" from any place a person may lawfully be. SB 348,
known as "Emergency Powers" legislation, would prohibit state and local
law enforcement agencies or their agents from confiscating firearms from
law-abiding citizens or prohibiting the transport, sale, carrying, and
use of firearms during declared state emergencies, except in the course
of enforcing laws against criminal possession or use of firearms.
Please contact Governor John Lynch (D) today and respectfully ask him to
choose your personal protection over partisan politics by signing SB 318
and SB 348. You can reach Goveror Lynch by phone at (603) 271-2121 or
via email at www.egov.nh.gov/governor/goveforms/comments.asp. It is
unreasonable for victims of a crime to have to worry about being
arrested or prosecuted if they use force to defend themselves or their
family! Citizens throughout New Hampshire are counting on you to
contact Governor Lynch TODAY!
NEW YORK
The Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range is in jeopardy of being closed by
the persistence and pressure of anti-gun members of the Brookhaven Town
Board. It is critical to show up in large numbers at the next two
Brookhaven Town meetings and make strong positive arguments for
reopening the range. The next two meetings of the Brookhaven Town Board
are: Tuesday, May 2 and Tuesday, May 16, at One Independence Hill,
Farmingville, NY 11738. If you are unable to attend the meetings,
please contact Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley at the above address or
via phone at (631) 451-9100, or via fax at (631) 451-6677. You should
plan to arrive by 5:00 p.m., and sign-up to speak on the Suffolk County
Trap & Skeet Range issue. You simply need to state your name and that
you are a supporter of reopening the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet Range
as soon as possible. Despite anti-gun board members' claims, there has
never been any lead contamination of the wter supply, as proven by the
Suffolk County Public Health Department and external reports that the
County spent thousands of dollars to compile. This range has had the
least possible impact of all the possible uses on this land. Any use of
public property has an impact on the land, even a park with only a few
facilities. To go so far as to reclaim this land the taxpayers of the
county, including all residents of Brookhaven, would be saddled with a
$7 million tax burden. This range is a valuable revenue raising
resource for the area, as many outsiders come from across the region to
partake in shooting sports. There are no such facilities in Nassau
County or in New York City. The noise issue is, for all intents and
purposes, nonexistent because when a garbage truck, delivery truck,
school bus, noisy automobile, leaf blower, or lawn mower is used, it is
the same level and duration of any noise coming from the range. In
addition, the range has been in operation for over5 0 years, long before
any houses were near and long before Brookhaven passed a noise
standard. In over 50 years of operation not a single accident has
occurred at this facility. Juniors and others learning the safe and
responsible handling of firearms use the Suffolk County Trap & Skeet
Range. If the range is closed, it leaves those interested in
understanding the proper, safe, and responsible usage of firearms no
place to go. Don't forget to mark your calendar for May 2 and 16.
NEW YORK CITY
Councilman David Yassky (D) is at it again. He has introduced Int
0320-2006, which imposes a civil penalty of $100,000 against firearm
manufacturers and dealers for crimes committed after the manufacturer or
dealer has legally transferred a firearm. Please contact your council
member and tell them to OPPOSE Int 0320-2006! You can reach your
council member by calling (212) 788-7210, or by visiting
www.nyccouncil.info/constituent/member_list.cfm
NORTH CAROLINA
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 2. NRA members are encouraged to
head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to
Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends,
and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For NRA-PVF endorsement
information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA Grassroots
Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will be posted
soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to "Vote Freedom
First!" on Tuesday, May 2!
OHIO
Primary election day is Tuesday, May 2. NRA members are encouraged to
head to the polls and vote for those candidates who support our Right to
Keep and Bear Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends,
and fellow firearm owners to do the same. For information about voting
in Ohio, please visit
www.sos.state.oh.us/sos/ElectionsVoter/ohioElections.aspx. For NRA-PVF
endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA
Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will
be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to
"Vote Freedom First!" on Tuesday, May 2!
OKLAHOMA
On April 20, Governor Brad Henry (D) signed HB 2696, sponsored by
Representative Trebor Worthen (R-87). This important legislation will
eliminate any threat of restrictions being imposed on lawful uses of
firearms or ammunition during a state of emergency. HB 2696 passed the
House overwhelmingly with a vote of 94-1, and unanimously in the Senate
with a vote of 46-0. On April 25, HB 2615, the "Stand Your Ground Law,"
passed the Senate with a vote of 39-5, and will now go back to the House
for concurrence. HB 2615, sponsored by Representative Kevin Calvey
(R-94), recognizes that the citizens of Oklahoma have the right to
expect absolute safety in a place that he or she has a right to be.
Please call your State Representative at (405) 521-2711 and ask him or
her to support HB 2615.
OREGON
Vote by mail ballots for the May 16 Primary Election are in the mail and
will be arriving in your mailbox s early as this coming Monday. If you
need help filling out your ballot, please visit the following link
www.sos.state.or.us/elections/vbm/vbm_guide.pdf. For NRA-PVF
endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA
Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will
be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Don't forget
to return your ballot to your local election office by 8:00 p.m. on
Tuesday May 16 - postmarks do not count!
SOUTH CAROLINA
Thanks to your calls, the South Carolina House of Representatives
amended H 4681, introduced by Representative Mike Pitts (R-14),
returning the bill to its full strength. This legislation seeks to
remove the ability of local governments to restrict the use, sale, or
transportation of firearms during a state of emergency, and would also
prohibit South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) from releasing
the personal information of Right-to-Carry (RTC) permit holders unless
the request for the information is part of an investigation by law
enforcement. Although the House Judiciary Committee stripped out the
language that would protect the privacy of permit holders, H 4681 was
amended on the floor to reinstate the language, then the bill was passed
on a unanimous vote of 104-0. This legislation now moves to the Senate,
so please contact your State Senator and urge him or her to support H
4681. In addition, the South Carolina Senate has yt to act on H 4301,
the "Castle Doctrine" legislation that would remove the "duty to
retreat" if a law-abiding citizen is attacked anywhere that person may
lawfully be. This legislation passed the House in February with
virtually no opposition, while similar legislation has already passed in
a number of states this year. South Carolina needs to be added to this
growing list! Please contact your State Senator and urge him or her to
support H 4301 and H 4681, and promote their passage through the
Senate. The general phone number for the State Senate is (803) 212-6200.
VIRGINIA
Thanks to all your calls and e-mails, the Prince William County Board of
Supervisors unanimously decided to reconsider a ban on the use of
buckshot within the county. This prohibition would have allowed only
shotguns loaded with slugs to be used for hunting in Prince William
County and could have been the start of a ban on hunting there. Please
contact the Board members below and thank them for their reconsideration
of this anti-hunting resolution. Please visit
www.pwcgov.org/default.aspx?topic=040016000030000442 to find contact
information for the Board of Supervisors.
WEST VIRGINIA
Early in-person voting ends May 6, for the 2006 Primary elections to be
held Tuesday, May 9. NRA members are encouraged to head to the polls
and vote for those candidates who support our Right to Keep and Bear
Arms. Please be sure to encourage your family, friends, and fellow
firearm owners to do the same. Early in-person voting will be held in
designated areas within your County Courthouse. For more information
about early in-person voting, please visit
www.wvsos.com/elections/voters/absenteemethods.htm. For NRA-PVF
endorsement information, NRA members are encouraged to call the NRA-ILA
Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683). Further information will
be posted soon to the NRA-PVF website at www.NRAPVF.org. Be sure to
"Vote Fredom First!" on Tuesday, May 9!
--
Stephen P. Wenger
Firearm safety - It's a matter
for education, not legislation.
http://www.spw-duf.info
