Weekly Reminder: HR 45 has not even gained one co-sponsor in committee and S 2099 died nine years ago. It is not necessary to forward the hysterical mailings to me. Friday, January 23, 2009 U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-Ill.) recently sponsored H.R. 45, also known as "Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act." The bill is, at its core and as its name implies, a licensing and registration scheme. The measure calls for all handgun owners to submit to the federal government an application that shall include, among many other things: a photo; an address; a thumbprint; a completed, written firearm safety test; private mental health records; and a fee. And those are only some of the requirements to be licensed! The bill would further require the attorney general to establish a database of every handgun sale, transfer, and owner's address in America. Moreover, the bill would make it illegal to own or possess a "qualifying firearm" -- defined as "any handgun; or any semiautomatic firearm that can accept any detachable ammunition feeding device..." without one of the proposed licenses. Additionally, the bill would make it illegal to transfer ownership of a "qualifying firearm" to anyone who is not a licensed gun dealer or collector (with very few exceptions), and would require "qualifying firearm" owners to report all transfers to the attorney general's database. It would also be illegal for a licensed gun owner to fail to record a gun loss or theft within 72 hours, or fail to report a change of address within 60 days. Further, if a minor obtains a firearm and injures someone with it, the owner of the firearm may face a multiple-year jail sentence. H.R. 45 is essentially a reintroduction of H.R. 2666, which Rush introduced in 2007. H.R. 2666 contained much of the same language as H.R. 45, and was co-sponsored by several well-known anti-gun legislators--including Barack Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel. H.R. 45 currently has no co-sponsors. Rest assured that NRA-ILA will continue to monitor this bill closely, and will keep you informed of any developments if they materialize. http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=4329 Friday, May 29, 2009 In the last few weeks, NRA-ILA has received hundreds of e-mails warning us about "SB-2099," a bill that would supposedly require you to report all your guns on your income tax return every April 15. Like many rumors, there's just a grain of truth to this one. Someone's recycling an old alert, which wasn't even very accurate when it was new. There actually was a U.S. Senate bill with that number that would have taxed handguns - nine years ago. It was introduced by anti-gun Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and it would have included handguns under the National Firearms Act's tax and registration scheme. This has nothing to do with anyone's Form 1040, of course. Fortunately, S. 2099 disappeared without any action by the Senate, back when Bill Clinton was still in the White House. We reported about it back then, just as we report about new anti-gun bills every week. Now, it's time for gun owners to drop this old distraction and focus on the real threats at hand. http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=4925 Related Article: http://www.nraila.org/Issues/Articles/Read.aspx?id=367&issue=047 --- From GOA: We have been keeping you posted on the anti-gun "health" bill which would dump all of your most private health-related gun information into a federal database - and would allow the Obama administration to suspend your government-mandated insurance if you keep a loaded firearm for self-defense. But this legislation ran into a buzz saw because it would cut health entitlements - primarily Medicare - by $404 billion. In particular, under the health bill crafted by Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, Medicare payments to doctors would drop 25% after the first year - bringing the Medicare program to a screeching halt. Now, Senate Democrat Leader Reid has crafted a procedural trick: He'll restore over $200 billion of the $404 billion in cuts in separate legislation - S. 1776. Because it is a separate bill, he will continue to claim that health reform "doesn't increase the federal deficit by a single penny," even though it increases the deficit by 20 trillion pennies when you consider this second bill... This fraud bill is being filibustered by Senate Republicans. And the Senate will vote on whether to cut off debate on Monday, shortly after 5:00 EDT. Killing this bill will go a long way toward stopping the anti-gun ObamaCare legislation... (The link below will allow you to generate a letter or an e-mail to your senators.) http://capwiz.com/gunowners/issues/alert/?alertid=14189761&PROCESS=Take+Action --- Gun-Show Operator Responds to Bloomberg Sting: Bill Goodman's Gun and Knife Show, which came into the crosshairs of a New York City-sponsored undercover investigation unveiled last week, has announced some changes to its shows, including the one at Hara Arena. Manager Dave Goodman of Mt. Washington, Ky., said today, Oct. 14, that starting this weekend at Hara, his shows will offer a free booth to police and federal firearms agents, strengthen background checks on prospective buyers and educate sellers on how to recognize straw buyers attempting to buy guns for criminals and other prohibited purchasers... Goodman said NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg's investigation, which contends that both licensed and private dealers at Goodman's shows violated federal firearms laws, was "downright unscrupulous." He said footage from investigators' hidden cameras, which purportedly shows dealers flouting rules on background checks, is misleadingly incomplete... http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/crime/gun-show-operator-announces-changes-following-undercover-probe-347181.html http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/6937 --- Ohio Prohibitionist Tries to Remake Image: ...Mention the name "Mike Dewine" to most gun owners, and the reaction is a visceral one. They remember all too well how DeWine (whom Ohio voters ousted from his U.S. Senate seat in 2006, and who is now seeking the Republican nomination for Ohio Attorney General) ran around sporting a Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence (formerly Handgun Control Inc.) endorsement because "his record really wowed the group." ...From an Oct. 14 email from the DeWine campaign, entitled "Mike DeWine Campaigning Across Ohio" "...I also recently attended the U.S. Sportsmen Alliance Banquet and the 51st Annual Buckeye Buck Club Awards and Show. At both events, I talked to folks about my strong support for our 2nd Amendment rights and how, as Attorney General, I intend to negotiate concealed carry reciprocity agreements with as many states as possible." ...And since our past three (truly pro-gun) attorneys general have already negotiated every possible reciprocity agreement, most concealed handgun license-holders will recognize that DeWine is promising to do exactly nothing... http://www.buckeyefirearms.org/node/6938 --- RKBA Rally Today in Virginia: "Wear a gun, get a free bun" might just be the rallying cry at this coming Saturday's "freedom rally" on October 17th, 2009 protesting Congressman Eric Cantor's "Republican Roundup" at the anti-gun Innsbrook Snagajob Pavilion in Henrico County, Virginia. Innsbrook area businesses have banded together to offer gun owners material support in the form of lodging, food, and drink specials. So far these businesses include: he Richmond Marriott West, The Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook, Capital Ale House, Finn McCools, Sharky's Billiards, Hondo's, Curry House, and Mama Cucina. As previously reported here, the freedom rally is organized by the Virginia Citizens Defense League (VCDL) to protest Congressman Cantor's hypocrisy in selecting an anti-gun venue each year for the Roundup. Speakers and music are planned, along with some "surprise" events... http://www.examiner.com/x-2782-DC-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m10d16-Bring-a-gun-get-a-free-bun --- RKBA Rally Today in North Carolina: The Republican Women of Davidson, Forsyth and Guilford counties will host a Second Amendment Rally from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Piedmont Handgunner Association, 10346 Highway 150 South in Linwood. Admission is free, but there is a $30 fee for 50 rounds of ammo and use of a firearm and safety equipment. The price for shotgun instruction and ammo is $1 per round. Food will be available. Certified handgun instructors will help women learn to shoot a variety of guns. For more information, call 236-6655 or visit www.phashoots.com. http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20091016/ARTICLES/910169997/1005/NEWS?Title=GOP-women-to-hold-Second-Amendment-rally --- RKBA Rally Today in Tennessee: An upcoming patriotic program - 2nd or None: A Celebration of Liberty - began as a result of a conversation between Chris Barrett and David Yancy. Chris and his sister, Angela Barrett, own The Outpost Armory, a retail store for guns, ammo and gear at Exit 89 on Interstate 24. Yancy is with The Tennessee Gun Owners. Both men agreed that something should be done to further encourage and support those who are working to preserve and protect gun rights. They concluded that a celebration, "Second or None - A Celebration of Liberty" would be in order on Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Local, state and national leaders from all sides of the political aisle are scheduled to attend and speak about preserving the Second Amendment. Friends of the National Rifle Association are helping to promote it statewide. Regional and even international media have indicated an interest in covering the rally. In addition to patriotic music and speeches, children will be treated to inflatable slides and jumps, a petting zoo, face painting, and a climbing wall. Food will also be available. Some members of the Rutherford County Volunteer Fire Department will have an engine and some of their equipment on site for viewing and for safety. http://www.murfreesboropost.com/mod/calendar/2009/10/17/18211333/2nd-or-None-A-Celebration-of-Liberty.htm --- Liberty University Hosts RKBA Forum: ...The discussion of current legal cases turned into a cry for help from students at Virginia Tech. Some Virginia Tech students even skipped class to do it... VT Students for Concealed Carry Founder Ken Stanton said he wants to be a college professor. He founded the student group after the massacre because he doesn't believe he should have to choose between education or self defense... Virginia Citizens League President Philip Van Cleave said, "The worst crimes we have, if you think back on all these massacres, they happened in gun-free zones. Virginia Tech was a gun free zone." The student group asked for help in getting their college concealed rights passed next year in the General Assembly. They admit there's no proof it would stop future campus shootings, but they believe it will... Students for Concealed Carry Rights believe they have a good shot at getting their bill passed. They tell us it depends largely on who wins the governor's race. http://www.wset.com/news/stories/1009/669424.html --- Is Milwaukee a Separate Country?: Milwaukee's Mayor with the support of the Chief of Police, are at it once again, pushing several new proposals in an effort to further erode the city's Second Amendment rights. These provisions include mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms, banning prohibited persons from being within 1000 feet of a business that sells firearms, mandatory background checks for anyone who enters a business that sells firearms, and even mandatory background checks to use shooting ranges. Mayor Barrett is exploiting the two fatal shootings of Milwaukee law enforcement officers, tragic events that likely would not have been influenced by the proposed provisions, in an effort to push his own anti-gun agenda. These provisions would only create a greater burden on law-abiding firearm owners and retailers, while in no way preventing criminals from acquiring illegal firearms, such as those used in the recent shooting. Please contact the Mayor and urge him to stop pushing these frivolous laws. Mayor Tom Barrett can be contacted by calling (414) 286-2200 or email at mayor@milwaukee.gov. http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Read.aspx?ID=5158 A proposal by Milwaukee's police chief and district attorney has reloaded the debate on carrying concealed guns in Wisconsin. Police Chief Ed Flynn and the DA John Chisholm told a Common Council panel they'd support concealed carry as compromise for tougher gun control laws. Currently carrying a concealed firearm is a misdemeanor but they've proposed making it a mandatory felony for anyone who carries without a permit. Jim Fendry-Director of the Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement, supports a change in law allowing concealed carry but would only favor felonies for those unlicensed carriers if they use their weapon to commit a crime... http://www.wrn.com/2009/10/concealed-carry-debate-reloaded/ --- Ammo Bill Costs Schwartzenegger GOP Support: Not that he had far to fall, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has further dropped out of favor with his party after signing legislation this week placing new restrictions on gun ammunition sales. "This doesn't make a lot of sense from a Republican governor, though we may stop calling him a Republican," said Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills. "That is the thing, you don't know where he is coming from, and that is the worst. I would rather know who I am dealing with even if I don't agree with him." The bill, AB962, sponsored by Los Angeles Democrat Kevin de Leon, requires ammo sellers to keep a registry of sales. It also bans ammo sales by mail and online. Schwarzenegger heralded the legislation, which goes into effect Feb. 1, 2011, as a way to keep bullets out of the hands of criminals, gang members and violent felons. A similar policy in the city of Sacramento resulted in nearly 200 people not legally allowed to own firearms or bullets to be arrested when they tried to buy ammunition, according to the governor. But Republican Assemblyman Anthony Adams of Claremont echoed the sentiments of many of his colleagues when he called the legislation "an abridgment of people's Second Amendment rights." "He has criminalized behavior that was legal until now," Adams said... http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_13579202 --- Oops, Wrong House: Greensboro [NC] police say an 80-year-old man is not facing charges after he shot and killed a break-in suspect early Wednesday morning. Charles Haithcock called 911 immediately following the shooting of 19-year-old Michael L. Medley who he says broke into his home. "A man broke in on me and pulled a gun. I shot him and he's laying out in the yard." ...When officers arrived, they found Medley, Jr. dead from a gunshot wound. "The guy ran into the back room, locked his door and shot through the bedroom door and killed him," said Haithcock's neighbor, who did not want to be identified... (All's well that ends well but shooting through a door is a tricky proposition. Rule Four: Always be sure of your target and what's beyond it.) http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=131736&catid=57 --- Oops, Wrong Pawn Shop: One of two men who tried to rob the Broadway Joe's Pawn and Jewelry Shop was in critical condition Thursday night after being shot by a store employee. The other man was still at large. About 3:25 p.m., two men entered the business, 1435 Broadway at Parmele Street, and attempted to rob the store. A store employee retrieved a handgun that was stored inside the business and fired at the two. One of them was struck by the gunfire inside the store while the second man fled the scene on foot, Deputy Chief Theo Glover said... (Note that this occurred in Illinois but not in Chicago.) http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1579578768/Rockford-police-respond-to-possible-robbery --- Oops, Wrong Purse Snatcher: A Greene County [MO] man who fired several shots from a handgun at an alleged purse-snatcher last month pleaded guilty to a reduced charge today and was placed on unsupervised probation. Charles R. Webb, 61, had faced a class D felony charge of unlawful use of a weapon in the wake of the shooting, which took place Sept. 11 in what authorities have described as a high-traffic area near an East Battlefield Road grocery store. He also was stripped of his concealed carry permit, although he could re-apply to carry a concealed weapon in two years if he successfully completes a firearm safety course... Authorities have said Webb crossed that line Sept. 11 after witnessing a man man snatch an elderly woman's purse outside the Price Cutter grocery store on East Battlefield. When the alleged purse-snatcher - who has yet to be identified - jumped into a nearby sport utility vehicle, Webb followed. After cornering the SUV outside a nearby motel, Webb fired several shots at the vehicle with his 9mm handgun, later telling investigators he was trying to disable its tires... (Good intentions alone may not justify the use of deadly force. Tires are not as easily nor as quickly deflated by bullets as Hollywood would have us believe.) http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200991016025 --- RKBA Video Interviews Completed: I first introduced Gun Rights Examiner readers to Max Lemus and his project to record interviews with gun activists a few weeks back. He's finished with the interviews and is now in the process of sorting through many hours of footage to edit it into a finished product. But first he's taken time to reflect on his travels and share his experiences with us... Go and read what he has to say about his meetings with each of us. Thanks for the kind words, - and doing whatever I can to help promote it. http://www.examiner.com/x-1417-Gun-Rights-Examiner~y2009m10d16-Gun-rights-documentary-filmmaker-shares-travel-experiences --- HK, GSG Reach Settlement: We are very pleased to report that the litigation filed by Heckler & Koch, Inc. against German Sport Guns GmbH and its U.S. distributor, American Tactical Imports, Inc., together with all counterclaims, has been settled. The terms of the settlement are confidential to the parties and cannot be disclosed. A dismissal of the above-referenced litigation, and all of the party's claims against each other, is expected to be filed in the near future. Attorneys for H&K will be issuing a statement. The attorneys for ATI have already issued a statement announcing the settlement. Production and importation of the original design GSG-5 ceased as of Oct, 8, 2009 with the signing of the agreement. The remaining inventory now in the USA can be sold by ATI, all distributors and dealers. ATI currently has GSG-5's in stock. All sales of the GSG-5 by ATI must conclude by January 31, 2010. ATI will continue to service every firearm that it imports into the USA. (One of the two gun shops in Show Low had one GSG-5 left in stock the other day, for $429. I thought the price a bit high for a plinker, not realizing that the value is likely to rise now.) http://www.ammoland.com/2009/10/16/heckler-and-koch-vs-german-sport-guns-american-tactical-imports/ --- Some Thoughts on Hunting: ...The attitude of this woman was such that hunters are criminals packing guns and shooting at everything that moves. First of all there isn't that much shooting going on and most of all she doesn't understand the difference between the traditional sportsman hunter, who is a gentleman who respects tradition and the rules of the hunt, the hunter for sport, who is not interested in tradition or respectful of nature and the rules that guide it, and then there is the total fool. She most likely has never heard anyone speak discretely of their passions or respectfully of the world around them. She is safe in her world, seemingly unchallenged by worlds around her about which she knows nothing, except perhaps inaccurate stereotypes... http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig10/mccracken1.1.1.html --- Indian Disarmament and Mumbai: ...The headlines in India and across the world should have read, "Terrorists and Gun Control Claim More Victims." Instead, the complicity of the various Indian governments - national, state, and city - was ignored and their inability to protect the victims of that tragic event was barely questioned. The truth is that, except for a few policemen on the scene, all the victims were unarmed by public policy. India has among the strictest gun-control laws on Earth, which, according to gun-control advocates, should have made Mumbai one of the safest cities on the planet. So it shouldn't surprise anyone with common sense or a historical perspective that disarmed citizens and visitors had no way of defending themselves and were, once again, the victims not only of terrorists, but of the misguided, immoral policy of their governments... http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig6/larosa5.1.1.html --- NRA-ILA Alerts: List members are encouraged to read the alerts for the week, posted on the NRA-ILA website. http://www.nraila.org/GrassrootsAlerts/read.aspx -- Stephen P. Wenger, KE7QBY Firearm safety - It's a matter for education, not legislation. http://www.spw-duf.info .