Arkansas River Valley Gun Club Inc.

Ohio: Senate Committee to Take Public Comment on Important Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Legislation this Wednesday
This Wednesday, June 19, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee will be taking testimony on legislation to further protect the confidentiality of Concealed Handgun License (CHL) holders, Senate Bill 60. This important hearing will start at 9:00 a.m. in the North Hearing Room of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.

Colorado: Open Houses Scheduled to Discuss Recreational Shooting Along Front Range
The counties of Boulder, Larimer, Gilpin and Clear Creek have joined in partnership with the US Forest Service and Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop criteria to guide land managers in identifying appropriate places for recreational target shooting. The North Front Range Recreational Sport Shooting Management Partnership has scheduled four open houses (listed below) to provide information to the public about this project. The Partnership wants feedback from the public about the criteria, which could include the distance from the shooting site to residential areas and other recreation sites (i.e. campgrounds), ease of access to the site, availability of parking, potential environmental impacts, fire hazards and other considerations to identify sites that provide safe and responsible shooting. The project is also designed to reduce conflicts that have arisen with recreational shooting and other recreation activities and with homeowners along the boundary lines of public land.

Connecticut gunmakers will host two governors next week
Connecticut gun manufacturers will welcome not one red state governor early next week, but two -- as Texas Gov. Rick Perry's tour Monday is followed by a visit from South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard later Monday and Tuesday.

House adopts Kelly amendment to ban funding for UN Arms Trade Treaty
Representative Mike Kelly (R PA) introduced an amendment last night to H.R. 1960, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (NDAA), to prohibit federal funding for the implementation of the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) for one year. The amendment was adopted unanimously by voice vote and included in the final passage of the NDAA, which Rep. Kelly voted to support.

House votes to exempt military from D.C. gun laws
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution Friday that expresses the sense of Congress that active duty military living or stationed in the District of Columbia should have the right to carry a gun.

California: More Anti-Gun Bills Scheduled to be Heard Next Week and Two Anti-Gun Bills Pass on Party-Line Vote
Time is running out! The following bills are scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, June 18, in the Senate Public Safety Committee. Please call AND e-mail members of the Senate Public Safety Committee and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE AB 180 and AB 231. These onerous and misguided bills will do nothing to reduce violent crime and will only turn currently law-abiding citizens into criminals should they be enacted. You cannot let that happen! Please forward this alert to family, friends and sportsmen throughout California because it is going to take a united effort to stop this egregious and deeply flawed legislation. Contact information for the members of the Senate Public Safety Committee is provided below.

Grassroots Alert: Vol. 20, No. 24 06/14/2013

North Carolina: Take Action to Repeal the Outdated Permit to Purchase a Handgun
This week, the state Senate passed an omnibus Right-to-Carry reform bill, House Bill 937. However, the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association is aggressively working to remove the section from H 937 that repeals the antiquated permit to purchase a handgun requirement. It is critical that the pro-gun community works to counter this effort by taking the following steps:

Ohio: House Committee to Hear Self-Defense and Right-to-Carry Reform Bill On Tuesday
On Tuesday, June 18, the state House Policy and Legislative Committee will consider House Bill 203, a measure that seeks to make common sense improvements to Ohio’s current concealed carry and self-defense laws.

Mississippi: Attorney General Releases Draft Opinion on 2013 Legislative Changes to Mississippi’s Carry Statutes
As recently reported, the State Legislature passed and Governor Phil Bryant (R) signed into law several pro-Second Amendment bills this session, including House Bill 2 by state Representative Andy Gipson (R-Braxton) and state Senator Giles Ward (R-Louisville). This new law makes critical changes to the state's gun carry laws. A July 2012 opinion issued by state Attorney General Jim Hood (D) determined that it was unlawful under existing statutes for anyone to a carry holstered, partially-visible pistol on their person.

Vermont: Sportsmen’s Act of 2013 Signed into Law
Today at the Barre Fish and Game Club, Governor Peter Shumlin (D) ceremonially signed into law the Sportsmen’s Act of 2013, House Bill 101. As amended by the state House Fish, Wildlife & Water Resources Committee, this new law will allow Vermonters to carry a handgun for self-defense while bow hunting or dog training, provided that game is not be harvested with the pistol during archery season. This law will take effect on July 1, and strengthens bow hunters and dog trainers inherent right to self-defense while afield.

New Jersey: Sweeney FID Bill Scheduled for “Re-Do” in New Assembly Committee on Monday
After an unusual and embarrassing series of events transpired in the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee last week, Democrat Leadership simply stopped a failing roll call vote in progress, pulled the bill from committee and assigned it to another committee where the outcome is most likely pre-determined. This disgraceful attack on gun owners demonstrates just how ruthless and desperate anti-gun lawmakers are in the Garden State.

Maine: Senate to Vote on Legislation that Attacks Private Firearm Transfers
The Maine Senate will decide the fate of LD 1240, legislation that attacks private firearm transfers, loans and sales, as early as today.

Tobacco store clerk fires on robber, CBS-DFW, Dallas, Texas, 06/13/13
A man entered a game room and tobacco store in East Fort Worth, Texas, pretended to play a game and then drew a gun on a clerk and demanded cash. The clerk complied with the demand, but a second clerk, who had overheard the robbery from another part of the store, retrieved a shotgun and fired at the criminal, striking him in the knee and head, and ending the robbery. When police arrived, the armed robber was taken to a local hospital, with police planning to charge him with aggravated robbery once he has recovered. Local media has reported that the armed clerk will not face charges.

Manchin Should Stand with the Second Amendment and with Those Who Put Him in Office
In April, the Senate voted on, and rejected, the Obama Administration's gun control agenda. The administration was attempting to ban an ever-lengthening list of semi-automatic firearms, magazines that hold more than 10 rounds, and to expand background check requirements to require government permission for many transfers of firearms among private citizens. The underlying bill Obama wanted to see pass was S. 649, by Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the "universal background checks" provisions of which came from Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.). Because Schumer's legislation was too severe to have any chance of passage, Senators Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) and Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), along with Schumer, proposed a compromise amendment in the hope of winning additional votes. However, the amendment was riddled with pitfalls for gun owners, and even some potentially pro-gun provisions added to sweeten the pot were flawed. The amendment fell four votes short of the 60 that were required for passage under a rule the Senate adopted to avoid a filibuster. (Click here to see how your senators voted.)

Lawmakers quietly renew push for gun measures
Democratic leaders in Congress and the White House renewed their push for gun legislation on Thursday, just months after it was defeated in the Senate, amid delicate talks on a new background check measure that advocates hope could change enough votes from no to yes.

Nevada: Gov. vetoes bill criminalizing private transfers
In his veto message, Sandoval said the universal background checks provision "imposes unreasonable burdens and harsh penalties upon law abiding Nevadans, while doing little to prevent criminals from unlawfully obtaining firearms."

North Carolina: Senate approves bill respecting Right-to-Carry in more places
A measure adding more places to where people can carry or store concealed firearms in North Carolina and repealing a requirement to get a license to buy a handgun passed the North Carolina Senate Thursday.

Victory for Second Amendment Rights in Nevada
Yesterday marked a victory for Second Amendment rights and a defeat for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in Nevada as Governor Brian Sandoval vetoed SB 221, an aggressive New York-style expanded background check bill which would impose unreasonable burdens and fees on law-abiding citizens while failing miserably to protect Nevada communities and putting violent criminals behind bars. In an extraordinary grassroots effort, thousands of concerned Nevadans called their representatives and Governor Sandoval's office in Carson City to oppose this legislation and remind those lawmakers that their duty is to protect our rights. The NRA and our members in Nevada thank Governor Sandoval for standing on principle and vetoing this extreme anti-gun bill.

When "Zero-Tolerance" Makes "Zero-Sense"
We've been reporting very regularly on ridiculous cases involving over-zealous school officials misinterpreting and wrongly enforcing "zero-tolerance" rules. In March, we reported on an outrageous case of a seven-year-old Baltimore, Md. student who, according to a March 2, Daily Caller article, was suspended for two days for the nefarious act of shaping a breakfast pastry into what his teacher thought looked like a gun. Yes, a breakfast pastry. According to the young student, he was eating the strawberry pastry during snack time and was biting off pieces in an attempt to shape it into a mountain. Apparently, the teacher thought the student's handiwork instead looked like a gun, and escorted him to the principal's office for prompt disciplinary action.

Fact-Finding Takes Siesta in New Pro-Control "Study"
This week, we stumbled upon The Way of the Gun: Estimating Firearms Traffic Across the U.S.-Mexico Border, one of the strangest and most half-asked gun control-related "studies" to come down the sendero in a long time. It contends that a quarter of a million firearms are smuggled from the U.S. to Mexico annually--a figure far in excess of estimates offered by the BATFE, the GAO, and Mexican law enforcement officials--and that 47 percent of firearm dealers in the U.S. would go out of business if they were unable to sell guns intended to be smuggled across the border. And, it proposes several actions for our federal or state governments to take, without explaining why. First, the study--and in this instance we're using the term as loosely as the English language will allow--says that laws on our side of the border should require public disclosure of local gun purchase statistics. But in any jurisdiction, all or almost all firearms purchased have nothing to do with smuggling or Mexico. If you're looking for a needle in a haystack, why add hay? Furthermore, most firearm-related murders in Mexico are committed with handguns and, though the handguns used in such murders do not necessarily originate in the U.S., FFLs are already required to notify the BATFE whenever a customer acquires more than one handgun within a 5-day period.

North Carolina: State Senate Passes Right-to-Carry Reform, Returns to State House for a Concurrence Vote
Today, the North Carolina Senate passed a comprehensive right-to-carry reform, House Bill 937, by a 31-14 vote. This bill now returns to the North Carolina House of Representatives for a concurrence vote on the Senate version. Please contact your state Representative TODAY and respectfully urge him or her to vote to concur on H 937. Click here for help identifying your state Representative and his or her contact information.

Nevada: Governor Vetoes New York-Style Gun Control Bill and Signs Pro-Gun Bill into Law
Today, Governor Brian Sandoval (R) vetoed Senate Bill 221. SB 221 is misguided gun control legislation being forced on law-abiding citizens of Nevada by extremist New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his national anti-gun organization, “Mayors Against Illegal Guns” (MAIG).

North Carolina: Your Urgent Action is Needed to Help Repeal Permit-to-Purchase
As recently reported, your NRA is aggressively working to pass a comprehensive right-to-carry reform bill, House Bill 937. H 937 contains numerous pro-gun provisions, including a section to repeal the antiquated permit-to-purchase requirement for anyone who wishes to purchase a handgun in North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association is apparently circulating a letter to legislators that urges them to remove this section from H 937.

72-year-old woman defends herself and husband from home invader, The Associated Press, 06/12/13
72-year-old Jan Cooper was at home with her 85-year-old husband in Anaheim, Calif. when a man attempted to break into the house through a sliding glass door. As the criminal made his attempt, Cooper retrieved a .357 revolver and called 911. While she was on the phone with the dispatcher, Cooper fired at the criminal, missing, but stopping him in his tracks. The would-be intruder then said to Cooper, “I’m sorry, ma’am. I’m leaving. Please don’t shoot,” before fleeing. The burglar was captured by police a short time later. An investigation revealed that the intruder has a criminal history that includes burglary, and was currently on parole and living at a halfway house near the Cooper residence.

Gun homicides: N.H. over N.Y.C. any day
It is well known that places such as New Hampshire, with less restrictive gun laws, have far lower gun homicide rates than places like New York City or Washington, D.C., which have very restrictive gun laws. It never seems to have occurred to Bloomberg or his fans that the difference in gun homicide rates is largely a product of culture (including gang activity), not gun control. But it is a lot easier to call for more gun control than to do the much harder work of dealing with cultural decay and mental illness.

Maine: House rejects permitless carry bill by one vote
A bill that seeks to overturn a 96 year old Maine requirement that people must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon failed to win initial support in the Maine House by one vote.

Maine: State Senate to Reconsider Important Permitless Carry Legislation Tomorrow
Today, the Maine Senate killed important permitless carry legislation, LD 660, on a party-line vote. However, this measure will be reconsidered by the Maine Senate tomorrow, giving LD 660 another opportunity to advance in the legislative process. If passed and enacted into law, LD 660 would allow a person who is a resident of Maine and is not otherwise prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, to carry concealed without first obtaining a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP).

Texas: Campus Carry Will NOT Be on Special Session Call
While transportation, pro-life and juvenile justice issues have been added to the call for the current special session, the NRA has been informed that important Second Amendment issues such as campus carry will NOT be included.

Maine: Right-to-Carry Reform Narrowly Defeated in the State House
Yesterday, the Maine House of Representatives narrowly defeated important permitless carry legislation, LD 660.   By a 74-73 vote, the state House accepted the Ought Not to Pass recommendation from the Joint Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on LD 660.

Right-to-Carry permit holder fights off three carjackers, The Tribune Chronicle, Warren, Ohio 06/07/13
23-year-old David Ferguson was inside South Avenue Gas Mart in Youngstown, Ohio, when he heard his cousin calling for him from outside the store. When Ferguson came outside he witnessed two men inside his car, and a third with a gun outside the vehicle firing at Ferguson’s cousin who was crawling on the ground. Ferguson, a Right-to-Carry permit holder, responded to the threat by drawing a 9mm pistol and firing at the carjackers; at which point the criminals returned fire and fled. Ferguson and his cousin suffered non-life-threatening wounds during the incident.

FLORIDA: Hunter Access Involved in Meeting of the South Florida Water Management District
The Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is entering into Rule Development for Public Use Rule 40E-7, F.A.C., as it pertains to public access and nature-based recreation on District lands. Nature-based recreation includes hunting and fishing.

Gun control groups plan to try, try again
Six months since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., parents of some of the youngest victims plan to visit Capitol Hill again this week to meet with lawmakers about crafting a bill to impose stricter gun laws.

Biden to hold gun control event next week, revisiting issue that is stalled in Congress
Vice President Joe Biden is planning a gun control event next Tuesday at the White House.

Washington: State gun control advocates file initiative to criminalize private transfers
Advocates seeking to expand the use of background checks on gun sales submitted a Washington state ballot initiative Tuesday, taking a new approach after both federal and state lawmakers passed on similar proposals.The plan would require background checks for online sales and private transactions, such as those that occur at gun shows.

Texas: Bill requires hotels to notify guests of gun restriction policies
Hotels will have to adequately notify guests of gun restrictions or face penalties if a bill becomes law.House Bill 333, authored by State Rep. Ryan Guillen, D Rio Grande City, requires hotels that restrict the possession, storage or transporting of firearms to notify guests of such policies on their websites or when confirming reservations. Failure to comply will be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100.

BATFE nominee is grilled before Senate panel
The national debate over gun control has died down, but there were moments of high tension Tuesday as the Senate began considering the appointment of a director to the federal agency that regulates firearms and investigates gun and explosives crimes.

Rick Perry woos gun manufacturers in N.Y., Conn.
Following the passage of some of the nation's strictest gun control laws in Connecticut and New York, Gov. Rick Perry, R Texas, is headed to those northeastern states to woo gun manufacturers, as well as companies in the pharmaceutical and financial industries, to his southern state.

North Carolina: Right-to-Carry Reform Expected to be Considered by State Senate Tomorrow
Today, the state Senate Judiciary Committee approved a Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) to House Bill 937, a comprehensive right-to-carry reform bill introduced by state Representatives Jacqueline Schaffer (R-105), Justin Burr (R-67), John Faircloth (R-61) and George Cleveland (R-14). This important reform is expected to be considered by the state Senate tomorrow, so it is critical that you contact your state Senator IMMEDIATELY and urge her or him to support H 937 and oppose any efforts on the Senate floor to weaken it.

Vice President Biden: Gun Control ‘Fight Is Far From Over’
Six months after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, some of the victims’ families are heading to Capitol Hill to remind lawmakers they are painfully waiting for action, while some of the president’s allies are asking him to do more without any new prospects of legislation to toughen gun laws.

Colorado: Second lawmaker could face recall over gun control
A second Colorado Democrat who is facing possible recall over gun control says she wouldn't change her votes and has no plans to resign.Sen. Angela Giron, of Pueblo, said Monday she'll fight for her seat and that most constituents support the measures she backed. She addressed the recall hours after opponents dropped off some 13,500 signatures about 20 percent more than required in an attempt to recall the first term senator a year before she faces re election.

Right-to-Carry permit holder fights off three carjackers, The Tribune Chronicle, Warren, Ohio 06/07/13
23-year-old David Ferguson was inside South Avenue Gas Mart in Youngstown, Ohio, when he heard his cousin calling for him from outside the store. When Ferguson came outside he witnessed two men inside his car, and a third with a gun outside the vehicle firing at Ferguson’s cousin who was crawling on the ground. Ferguson, a Right-to-Carry permit holder, responded to the threat by drawing a 9mm pistol and firing at the carjackers; at which point the criminals returned fire and fled. Ferguson and his cousin suffered non-life-threatening wounds during the incident.

Ohio: Senate Committee to Hear Important Right-to-Carry Confidentiality Legislation this Wednesday
This Wednesday, June 12, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee will hold its first hearing on legislation to further protect the confidentiality of concealed handgun license holders. Senate Bill 60, sponsored by state Senator Joe Uecker (R-14), would permanently protect the confidentiality of concealed handgun license holders throughout the Buckeye State by eliminating the journalist access exception to this information.

North Carolina: Important Legislative Updates in Raleigh
Last week, the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Pat McCrory (R) took several important steps to protect your Right to Keep and Bear Arms and hunting heritage.

North Carolina: Important Legislative Updates in Raleigh
Last week, the North Carolina General Assembly and Governor Pat McCrory (R) took several important steps to protect your Right to Keep and Bear Arms and hunting heritage.

Maine: Right-to-Carry Reform Legislation to be Considered Next Week
LD 660, important permitless carry legislation, will likely be considered by the Maine House of Representatives on Monday, June 10.

Grassroots Alert: Vol. 20, No. 23 06/07/2013

Louisiana: Legislature Adjourns After Passing Many Pro-Gun Reforms
The Louisiana Legislature adjourned sine die on Thursday, June 6, after taking final action on a number of pro-Second Amendment bills in the last week of session.

New Jersey: Assembly Considering Misguided Gun Control This Week
Only weeks after some anti-gun state Senators were caught on a live microphone discussing the need for “confiscation” of firearms after a Senate Budget Committee hearing, their Assembly colleagues fumbled through an embarrassing hearing this week on Senate Bill 2723/Assembly Bill 4182. The New Jersey Assembly Law & Public Safety Committee failed to garner enough votes to pass the centerpiece gun control bill offered by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3).

South Carolina: Self-Defense Bill Delayed Until Next Legislative Session
This week, the South Carolina Legislature took several actions regarding Senate Bill 308, the Restaurant Carry bill introduced by state Senator Sean Bennett (R-38). On Wednesday, after making several significant improvements, the state House passed S 308 and this bill was then returned to the state Senate for a concurrence vote. Unfortunately, time was running out on the legislative session and this bill became bogged down with delaying tactics designed to kill it for the year. At 5 p.m. on Thursday, the South Carolina Legislature adjourned for the year before the state Senate could act on the amended version of S 308

New Mexico: Your Santa Fe City Council is Attempting to Ban Standard Capacity Magazines
The Santa Fe City Council is currently considering an ordinance that would ban the future possession, sale or transfer of any ammunition feeding device that accepts, or can be readily converted to accept, more than ten rounds.

Rhode Island: Concealed Carry Attack Stalls in Committee, But This Bill is Still Alive
On Tuesday, House Bill 6160 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee. After vocal opposition and testimony from gun owners, this committee voted to “hold the bill for further study.” This procedural move keeps this legislation alive, but it does not advance in the legislative process without further action.

Maine: Two Anti-Gun Measures Defeated, While Two Bills Attacking Private Firearm Transfers Could Be Considered on Monday
After being defeated on first reading in the state Senate, the state House successfully defeated two egregious anti-gun proposals this week:

Wisconsin: Assembly Unanimously Approves Bill to Increase Hunter Opportunity
Yesterday, in an overwhelming display of support, the Wisconsin Assembly unanimously approved a bill of importance to sportsmen and hunters in the Badger State, Assembly Bill 194. AB 194, sponsored by state Representative Mary Czaja (R-35), would allow all hunters the opportunity to use a crossbow during the same time period as the big game archery season. This bill would help increase hunter participation and preserve Wisconsin’s rich hunting heritage.

Wisconsin: Assembly Unanimously Approves Bill to Increase Hunter Opportunity
Yesterday, in an overwhelming display of support, the Wisconsin Assembly unanimously approved a bill of importance to sportsmen and hunters in the Badger State, Assembly Bill 194. AB 194, sponsored by state Representative Mary Czaja (R-35), would allow all hunters the opportunity to use a crossbow during the same time period as the big game archery season. This bill would help increase hunter participation and preserve Wisconsin’s rich hunting heritage.

Stabbed woman fights off attacker, WXMI, Grand Rapids, Mich. 05/22/13
Samantha Minehart was out feeding the horses on her family’s property in Castleton Township, Mich. when she was attacked by a knife-wielding criminal. The attacker stabbed Minehart in the stomach and leg, and put the knife to her throat, warning her not to “do anything stupid.” Minehart responded by drawing a gun and firing at the attacker, causing him to flee. Minehart was carrying a firearm because the family has had recent trouble with trespassers on their property. The family believes they have been targeted because Minehart’s deceased father was a public safety officer in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Bill Introduced to "Get State Department Out of the Gun Control Business"
As longtime readers--and especially gun collectors--know, the State Department has often stood in the way of importing historic military firearms from overseas. The issue was highlighted early in the Obama administration, when the department first approved, and then denied, the importation and sale of collectible, American-made M1 Garand rifles and M1 carbines originally furnished to South Korea by the United States government. While the current State Department has cited concerns that the M1s will end up being used to commit crimes, these rifles are legal to make and purchase in the United States. Millions were made, and they are highly regarded for their historical significance. The federal government even authorizes the sale of M1 Garand rifles and M1 carbines to collectors and marksmanship competitors through the Civilian Marksmanship Program.

A Prescription for Gun Control Supporters in Massachusetts
We're not doctors and we're certainly not licensed to practice medicine in Massachusetts. But if we were, we'd have some age-old device to give to gun control supporters in the Bay State's legislature, who are demanding that more gun control laws be imposed on top of unusually restrictive laws already in effect there: "Take a dose of common sense and call us in the morning." Evaluating the patient's history, we would find that Massachusetts used to have almost the most restrictive gun control laws in the nation. Until 1998, that is, when it made its laws even more restrictive, while in most states gun control restrictions were being eliminated or made less severe. And since Massachusetts tightened its gun laws 15 years ago, the numbers and per capita rates of firearm-related murders have increased there, while decreasing in the nation as a whole.

Nevada: Gov. Sandoval's office barraged with calls to veto gun control bill
Although the governor for months has said he will veto the bill, 2,200 people called his office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday, a day after the National Rifle Association asked gun control opponents to call and let him “hear your opposition.” Four out of five calls have been for the veto.

Guns and grade-school panic
The specter of school shootings has brought a too typical staple to local newspaper sections: the boys disciplined at (or suspended from) grade school for bringing a toy gun or anything resembling a gun. The Washington Post just found the latest wild overreaction, from Calvert County, Md., a blue state that's cracked down on gun rights. "A kindergartner who brought a cowboy style cap gun onto his Calvert County school bus was suspended for 10 days after showing a friend the orange tipped toy, which he had tucked inside his backpack on his way to school," according to the family.

Amid scandals, Joe Biden doubles down on gun control
Vice President Joe Biden is pushing aside the scandals plaguing his boss to renew his war on guns, an unusual doubling down on a key fight the administration was humiliated on just two months ago.

Anti-Gun Researchers Saddling Up to Ride Again
With the racetrack dust having barely settled after this year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, and with the final leg of the Triple Crown--the Belmont Stakes--scheduled for this weekend, we can't help but marvel at the incredible ability of a horse, with 120 pounds on its back, to sustain better than a 35 mph pace over up to 1½ miles, often topping 40 mph in the home stretch. But no matter how big an appetite the world's fastest three-year-old Thoroughbreds work up during "the most exciting two minutes in sports," they haven't got a thing on gun control supporters in the public health field, when it comes to jockeying for position at the feeding trough. That's because the feeding trough the gun control supporters are galloping toward isn't one that's filled with oats; it's one that President Obama wants filled with your tax dollars. In January, Obama issued a memorandum directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop a new "gun violence" research agenda "to improve knowledge of the causes of gun violence, the interventions that prevent gun violence, and strategies to minimize the public health burden of gun violence," and asked Congress to fund the research to the tune of $10 million.

U.N. Arms Treaty a Direct Threat to American Gun Ownership
The global organization Oxfam America has long served as a reliable cheerleader for nearly all misguided United Nations policy. And a recent op ed piece by Oxfam America President Raymond Offenheiser, appearing on The Hill.com, offers a splendid illustration.   Offenheiser wants us to simultaneously believe the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty is both the single most important tool to cracking down on war crimes, and that the treaty has absolutely no teeth whatsoever. That's twisted logic for sure. In reality, the ATT directly threatens the Second Amendment rights and privacy of American gun owners. NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox also wrote a recent article on the treaty for The Hill. If you want the truth about the ATT and its direct threat to American gun ownership, please read the article here.

Outrage of the Week
Reports of overzealous enforcement of "zero tolerance" policies in our nation's public schools have become extraordinarily commonplace. This week's outrage, however, is remarkable for its severity. According to a recent Washington Post article, the target of the Calvert County, Maryland school system's wrath is a 5-year-old, who is "all bugs and frogs and cowboys," according to his mother. The little boy brought a cowboy-style, orange-safety-tipped toy cap gun onto his school bus to show to his friend, who had allegedly brought a water gun on the bus a day earlier. As a result, the kindergartner was questioned by school officials for more than two hours before his mother was called.

Connecticut: General Assembly Approves Legislation to "Fix" Mistakes Made by Hastily Passing Anti-Gun Legislation
On Monday, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation designed to clarify and make technical corrections to the sweeping and radical “gun control” law enacted in April. Considering that extreme law was introduced, passed by both legislative chambers and signed within 24 hours, it should come as no surprise that there were several flawed and unintended provisions contained in the original bill. Due to anti-gun legislators’ haste in April, the state legislature was forced to pass corrective legislation, Senate Bill 1094.

California: Two Anti-Gun Bills with Serious Consequences Scheduled to be Heard on Tuesday
On Tuesday, June 11, two anti-gun bills are scheduled to be heard in the state Senate Public Safety Committee and the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.  Both of these bills have already passed in the state Assembly and MUST be stopped in the state Senate.  Please call AND e-mail members of these Senate committees TODAY. Members of these Senate committees MUST hear that YOU OPPOSE these bills! Contact information for members of these Senate committees is provided below.

NRA-backed Kansas law bans government lobbying on gun issues
Fresh off a series of legislative victories across the country, the National Rifle Association has launched a new effort starting in gun friendly Kansas seeking to clamp down on the use of government money to lobby on gun control issues.

Maryland sheriff says new state gun law violates 2nd Amendment
A Maryland sheriff has declared the state's new gun control law unconstitutional and is asking county officials to support selective enforcement of the measure.The Cumberland Times News reports that Garrett County Sheriff Robert Corley voiced his opposition to the law at Tuesday's county commissioners meeting and presented the panel with a resolution he says protects citizens' rights.

Texas Legislature Passes Record Number of Pro-Gun Bills But Key Items Remain as “Unfinished Business”
The Texas Legislature adjourned its regular session on Memorial Day after passing fifteen pro-Second Amendment measures, and was immediately called back into special session by Governor Rick Perry to address the drawing of district lines in which federal and state lawmakers will run for re-election next year. The Governor can add issue items to the agenda (known as "the call") as the special session progresses.

Cox: U.N. arms treaty a direct threat to American gun ownership
Oxfam America has long served as a reliable cheerleader for nearly all misguided United Nations policy. However, Oxfam America President Raymond Offenheiser's Friday op ed ("President should ignore fear mongering and sign arms treaty") is an exceptional illustration of this blind allegiance. Offenheiser wants us to simultaneously believe the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty is both the single most important tool to cracking down on war crimes and that the treaty has absolutely no teeth whatsoever. That's twisted logic for sure. Here's the truth.The Arms Trade Treaty directly threatens the Second Amendment rights and privacy of American gun owners. Article 12 of the treaty "encourages" signatory nations to compile "records" of all "end users" of firearms imported into their county -- and to supply this sensitive personal information to the government of the exporting country.

Sen. Blumenthal pushes for gun amendment in immigration bill
With the Senate set to debate immigration next week, supporters are focused on shoring up GOP support. But so far the most controversial amendment appears to be emerging on the left.Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, said he would push to include amendments designed to curb immigrants' access to firearms in immigration legislation.

Illinois: Federal appeals court gives governor 30 days to review concealed gun law
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday gave the state of Illinois an extra 30 days to lift its ban on concealed weapons.The court acted on Attorney General Lisa Madigan's request to allow Gov. Pat Quinn more time to review legislation passed last week. However, on issuing its ruling, the court said it would not issue another extension of its mandate past the new deadline of July 9.

New York: Sheriffs take stand on S.A.F.E. Act
After the passage in January of tougher gun restrictions in New York, sheriffs across the state have joined a federal lawsuit challenging the legislation "to reinforce the sheriffs' position that portions of the (legislation) need to be changed and have a potentially negative impact on law abiding citizens," said Ontario County Sheriff Philip Povero.The New York State Sheriffs' Association and five individual sheriffs have added their position to the record in the lawsuit filed by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association regarding the New York Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement (SAFE) Act of 2013. The individual sheriffs listed are Wayne County Sheriff Barry Virts, Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard, Oswego County Sheriff Reuel Todd, Putnam County Sheriff Donald Smith and Fulton County Sheriff Thomas Lorey.

South Carolina: House approves bill allowing concealed guns in restaurants
People with concealed weapon permits could soon be able to carry their guns into South Carolina's restaurants and bars.The 100-12 vote in the House on Tuesday would allow the measure to become law before this year's legislative session ends.

Hawaii: Honolulu City Council to Hear Pro-Gun Resolution Tomorrow
Resolution 13-74 CD1, introduced by council members Ron Menor and Kymberly Pine, will be heard tomorrow by the Honolulu City Council at 10:00am. If adopted, Resolution 13-74 would aid the Honolulu Police Department as well as law-abiding gun owners, requesting HPD open new locations for permitting and registration at the Kapolei and Kaneohe Police Stations.

Resident fights off two armed robbers, The Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Ind. 06/03/13
A resident of Fort Wayne, Ind. was near the front steps of his home when a pair of armed robbers approached and demanded money. The resident responded to the demand by retrieving a gun and firing at the criminals several times. One robber was struck multiple times and killed, while the other escaped harm. Following the shooting, Sgt. Mark Brooks of the Fort Wayne police said of the incident, “If someone tried to rob you on your front porch… you could be justified in using force to protect yourself, including deadly force.” A neighbor, who plans to leave the troubled south-side neighborhood where the shooting occurred, showed support for the armed citizen, telling local media, “I carry a gun myself, and if it was me, I’d have done the same thing.”

Nevada: New York-Style Gun Control Bill Heading to Governor for his Consideration
For most of the session, Senate Bill 221 was stalled in the state legislature. Anti-gun New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and his organization, Mayors Against Illegal Guns, then began operating in Nevada and started a deceptive spending campaign. Now on the final day of the 2013 legislative session, and in spite of obvious flaws recognized even by supporters, SB 221 passed in the Assembly by a 23 to 19 vote and the Senate by a 11 to 10 vote on May 22. SB 221 is now going to the Governor. Governor Brian Sandoval (R) has indicated that he will veto this legislation but he needs to hear your opposition to SB 221. Please respectfully encourage him to veto this misguided gun control effort.

California: Senate Committee Scheduled to Vote on Legislation to Ban Sale and Transfer of Handguns
Assembly Bill 169 is scheduled to be heard in the state Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, June 11. Assembly Bill 169 (Dickinson) would prohibit the transfer of millions of lawfully owned handguns and jeopardize the continued ownership of constitutionally protected firearms. Current California law allows handguns that are not on the state Department of Justice (DOJ) approved handgun roster to be sold or transferred to another individual through consignment sale or as a private party transfer, provided that the sale is completed through a licensed firearms retailer. AB 169 would BAN the sale of ALL handguns (NEW and USED) that are NOT on the DOJ approved roster of "safe" handguns.

Illinois: Attorney general asks appeals court to extend deadline for conceal carry law
Attorney General Lisa Madigan moved Monday to get Gov. Pat Quinn another month to mull over newly passed legislation to give Illinois gun owners authority to carry their weapons in public places.

Nevada: Legislature approves bill criminalizing private transfers
A bill mandating universal background checks on all gun sales in Nevada is on its way to the governor's desk Monday after clearing the state Legislature on the last day it's in session.The Assembly voted 23-19 to give SB221 the final stamp of legislative approval.

Colorado: Recall election looms for senator who backed gun control
Gun rights activists in Colorado turned in petition signatures Monday to set up the first recall in state history of a state lawmaker after he backed some of the strictest gun control measures to become law in the U.S. this year.

Reid, Biden to huddle on gun legislation soon
With immigration, budget issues and administration controversies sucking up all the Captiol’s oxygen, the once-charged debate over gun control has fallen largely by the wayside. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said he plans to meet this week with Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-WVa., to determine whether there’s possible legislative action.

Colorado: Signatures Submitted to Recall Anti-Gun State Senate President
Today, the Basic Freedom Defense Fund announced that they have officially submitted 16,046 District 11 voter petition signatures to the Colorado Secretary of State for the recall of state Senator John Morse (D-11). As President of the Colorado Senate, Morse played an instrumental role in passing the most onerous and restrictive legislation in Colorado’s history earlier this year.

Pro-gun camp submits petitions to recall Colorado legislator
A recall campaign submitted stacks of petitions Monday to oust Colorado Senate President John Morse in what could become a national referendum on gun rights. Organizers said they turned in more than 16,000 signatures, well in excess of the 7,178 valid signatures needed to force the recall and even more than the 13,866 votes received by Mr. Morse in the 2010 election.

Criminal's second encounter with armed citizen proves fatal, WISTV, Columbia, S.C.)
A homeowner in Orangeburg, S.C. shot and killed a home invader after the criminal used a shovel to break a back window to gain entry to the house. Neighbors expressed support for the armed citizen and were grateful for the fact that his daughter was not at home at the time of the incident. One neighbor in particular could empathize with the homeowner’s situation. Marion Ammonds had an encounter with the deceased criminal in 2010. At the time, Ammonds was helping to build a nearby house for his daughter when the criminal attempted to burglarize the home. Ammonds discovered the burglar, retrieved a firearm and held the criminal at gunpoint until police could arrive.

California: Traditional Hunting Ammunition Ban Legislation to be Heard in State Senate Committee
If enacted, Assembly Bill 711 would make California the first state in the nation to prohibit the use of lead ammunition for ALL hunting. Such a ban on traditional ammunition would have devastating effects on hunting and conservation. You cannot let this happen!   AB 711 is scheduled to be heard in the state Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on Tuesday, June 11th. It is CRITICAL that YOU contact members of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water to strongly and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE AB 711.

Rhode Island: Concealed Carry Law Under Attack
Tomorrow afternoon, on June 4, House Bill 6160 is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee upon “rise of the House.” Sponsored by Representative Larry Valencia (D-39), House Bill 6160 would remove the town clerk and sergeant from the list of licensing officers for concealed carry permits.

California: Traditional Hunting Ammunition Ban Legislation to be Heard in State Senate Committee
If enacted, Assembly Bill 711 would make California the first state in the nation to prohibit the use of lead ammunition for ALL hunting. Such a ban on traditional ammunition would have devastating effects on hunting and conservation. You cannot let this happen!   AB 711 is scheduled to be heard in the state Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water on Tuesday, June 11th. It is CRITICAL that YOU contact members of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water to strongly and respectfully urge them to OPPOSE AB 711.

Kansas: Gov. signs bill restricting lobbying on guns
Gov. Sam Brownback signed legislation Friday to restrict the use of state tax dollars to promote or oppose gun control policies.

Kansas: Bill Signed into Law to Prevent Taxpayer Funding of Gun Control Advocacy
On Thursday, May 30, Governor Sam Brownback (R) approved a measure to protect the rights of taxpayers by ensuring that public funds are not used to lobby or otherwise advocate for gun control. This law, House Bill 2162, will take effect on July 1, 2013.   The practice of using taxpayer dollars to fund gun control support and lobby against your Second Amendment rights must be stopped, and the NRA applauds Governor Brownback for signing this important reform into law.

Nevada: Billionaire Bully Mounts Last Ditch Effort to Bring New York Style Gun Control to Nevada – 2013 Legislative Session Ends Tomorrow
A national anti-gun group calling itself “Mayors Against Illegal Guns,” founded and funded by billionaire extremist New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, has attempted to impose their New York style gun control views in Nevada reports the New York Times.

Illinois: Concealed Carry Legislation Passes Both Legislative Chambers and Awaits Governor’s Signature
Yesterday, House Bill 183 with Senate Amendments 5, 6, and 7 passed in the Illinois Senate by a 45 to 12 vote, and was concurred on in the House by a 89-28 vote. This legislation was introduced in an attempt to comply with a ruling from the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on December 11, 2012 that invalidated Illinois’ total ban on carrying firearms for self-defense. This statewide concealed carry legislation has been sent to Governor Pat Quinn (D) for his signature.

Making Our Nation's School Children Safer
To understand the current state of the gun-ban crowd’s “conversation” about destroying the Second Amendment, it boils down to this: insanity versus sanity. With the horrific series of mass murders culminating in the cold-blooded killing of children and teachers at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., last December, this latest iteration of “gun control” is entirely directed at making the sane pay the price for unthinkable acts committed by the insane. It is the root of the civil disarmament movement in America today.

Railroaded: How Connecticut's Gun Owners & Gun Makers are Getting Run Down
The horror a madman brought to an elementary school last December requires anyone who talks about guns and Connecticut to begin by compassionately expressing sorrow and condolences—compassion for those lost and for those mourning that is never enough, as the breadth of spoken language can’t articulate it. What comes next, however, is harder. According to those who want to disarm Americans, gun owners are supposed to remain cowed by this sorrow; after offering condolences, gun owners aren’t supposed to voice reason into an emotional debate that literally has to do with life and death.

NRA In Action [vs. Gun Banners’ Inaction]: How the NRA Advanced School Safety When No One Else Would
Perhaps no single statement divides America between its elite class and everyone else as sharply as NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre’s now-famous saying. On one side are the best-protected, most isolated members of society—those who don’t have to experience reality, but nonetheless impose their views on everyone else. Opposite them stand the rest of us: hard-working men and women who live in the real world and can therefore perceive it.

U.N.Believable
Don't say we didn’t warn you: The morning after Barack Obama was re-elected, the U.S. delegation at the United Nations voted in favor of the negotiation of a new Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The treaty was negotiated in March, and approved by the United Nations General Assembly in a 154-3 vote on April 3.

The Battle In the States
Thomas Jefferson—who needs no introduction among friends, but whose love of liberty might make him a stranger in some circles—is credited with saying “you get the government you deserve.” He was right on one level; in a democratic system, voters get the governments they elect.

Obama Administration Helps Deliver U.N. Arms Trade Treaty
Just as the U.S. Senate was preparing to debate new restrictions on our rights, the Obama White House delivered the second part of its one-two punch directed at our freedoms. And the U.S. government had to reverse its long-held position on the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in order to do it.

U.S. Lawmakers Trying to Ban Before They Understand
On Feb. 14, anti-gun U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., offered a valuable window into the minds of anti-gun politicians when she was interviewed by an investigative reporter at a political rally in Washington, D.C. The congresswoman admitted to the reporter that proposed federal gun and magazine bans are “just the beginning” of a broader gun control agenda that includes handguns.

Grassroots Alert: Vol. 20, No. 22 05/31/2013