THE NAME MAY CHANGE, BUT THE GOALS REMAIN THE SAME
The gun-ban lobby formerly known as HCI made its name change official last night at its "National Tribute to Jim and Sarah Brady," and will now call itself the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, or BCPGV. Its "educational" arm, the Center to Prevent Handgun Violence, will become the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence—also BCPGV. Last month we reported that HCI was poised to undergo its third name change in its brief history, as it desperately seeks the public acceptance it has been sorely lacking since its inception. The group was founded in 1974 as the National Council to Control Handguns (NCCH), then changed its name to Handgun Control, Inc., and while the organization has now removed "control" from its title, promoting government control over law-abiding gun owners will remain a centerpiece of its agenda. BCPGV/HCI President Michael Barnes stated the name change was meant to "better express our mission," but "better disguise our mission" would have been more truthful. Noting the fact that "handgun" has also been removed from the gun ban lobby`s name, Barnes, Sarah Brady, and their anti-gun cronies seem to have finally admitted that their true "mission" has always included promoting the imposition of Draconian controls over all firearms and all law-abiding firearm owners.
MORE CO-SPONSORS NEEDED FOR H.R. 2037
Keep the pressure up on the U.S. House of Representatives, and urge your lawmakers to support H.R. 2037, the reckless lawsuit preemption bill introduced by U.S. Representatives Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Chris John (D-La.). H.R. 2037 seeks to protect our Right to Keep and Bear Arms by preventing firearms and ammunition manufacturers from being sued for the criminal misuse of their lawful products by third parties. This legislation would amend the Act that established the Department of Commerce to give relief to lawful manufacturers and sellers of firearms and ammunition from politically-motivated, court-imposed restrictions on interstate or foreign commerce. H.R. 2037 was introduced with 101 original co-sponsors on May 25, 2001, and while the number of co-sponsors has increased to 123, we need to continue to add more co-sponsors. Contact your U.S. Representative and urge him to co-sponsor H.R. 2037. If he is already a co-sponsor, thank him for his support, and encourage him to continue to defend the Second Amendment. You can contact your U.S. Representative`s office by calling (202) 225-3121. For those on the Internet, you can use the "Write Your Reps" tool at www.NRAILA.org to find contact information for your Representative.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
ARIZONA
Arizona is gearing up for the redistricting of federal and state legislative districts, and this effort will directly affect who will represent you as congressmen and state legislators over the next decade. This will have an impact on whether gun owners will be able to ensure their collective voices are heard when firearm-related legislation is being debated by elected officials. It is critical that gun owners attend the first round of public meetings set up by the Independent Redistricting Commission that will be held throughout the state over the next two weeks. These meetings will give you an opportunity to discuss how the congressional and state legislative district boundaries might change. At these meetings, it is important that you express the following concepts to the commissioners: "Communities of interest" are not defined by grid-like patterns, but rather by various indicators such as geography, culture, urban versus rural neighborhoods, schools and common interests. For information on the time and location of the more than one dozen meetings that have been scheduled thus far, please contact the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association Legislative Division at (480) 854-9155 or [email protected].
NEW MEXICO
TheCity of Santa Fe will hold two hearings next week to take public input on whether the city should "opt-out" of New Mexico`s newRight to Carry law that takes effect on July 1. Please make plans to attend the hearings and show your support for a UNIFORM, STATEWIDE carry law. Hearings will be held onMonday, June 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. atGonzales Elementary School, located at851 W. Alameda, and onTuesday, June 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. atAcequia Madre Elementary School, located at700 Acequia Madre in Santa Fe. Participants will be given up to three minutes for public comment. Additional hearings on this issue have been set forTuesday, June 26, atSweeney Elementary School, located at501 Airport Road, andWednesday, June 27, atNava Elementary School, located at2655 Siringo Road (both from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.).
OHIO
The House Civil & Commercial Subcommittee will hold proponent testimony on HB 274, NRA-backed Right to Carry legislation, next Wednesday, June 20, at 2:30 p.m. in room 113 of the Statehouse. Please plan to attend and show your support.
