AGS Launches Next Phase In Campaign Of Lies

The anti-gun lobby that calls itself "Americans for Gun Safety" (AGS)—in spite of the fact that it has exactly zero members and no gun safety programs—continues to promote attacks on traditional American gun shows by using a mixture of lies, deception, and the anti-gun movement`s shameless strategy of exploiting the war on terrorism to promote attacks on the Second Amendment.

The latest AGS attack involves a radio ad campaign in Oregon that targets that state`s pro-gun U.S. Senator Gordon Smith (R), allegedly because he has not embraced the AGS-approved McCain/ Schumer/Lieberman bill (S. 890) that seeks to close down gun shows as we know them today. This radio ad mirrors print ads AGS has run that attempt to exploit our nation`s concerns over terrorism by trying to link the events of September 11 to gun shows. The ad mentions last year`s case involving a felon in Michigan, linked to terrorists, who was caught, prosecuted, and convicted for violating a number of existing firearm laws. The AGS ad conveniently fails to mention that S. 890, the current centerpiece of its legislative agenda, would not have stopped this felon from doing what he was convicted of doing. It was the simple enforcement of existing laws that caught him and sent him to prison.

We can expect AGS to target other legislators in the weeks to come, and the pro-gun community should rally behind the victims of AGS`s false advertising campaign. Contact Senator Gordon Smith and thank him for not supporting the AGS assault on gun shows, and urge him to remain opposed to any attempts to shut down these traditional American events. Sen. Smith can be reached by calling (202) 224-3753. You can find additional contact information by using the "Write Your Reps" tool.