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14 July 2011
Today’s TabbloidPERSONAL NEWS FOR [email protected]
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Armalite Opens Its 2011 CampPerry StoreJUL 13, 2011 05:21P.M.
Armalite Opens Its 2011 Camp Perry Store
Armalite Opens Its 2011 Camp Perry Store
ArmaLite Inc
Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc is pleased to
announce that it has opened its Camp Perry Store for the 2011 National
Matches.
Inside the store, shooters can find the high quality ArmaLite rifles,
pistols and parts they’ve grown to expect from one of the finest
manufacturers in the world.
This year ArmaLite will offer a wide range of special deals for both its
dealers and retail customers.
There will also be special pricing for members of the military and junior
shooters. See the ArmaLite representatives at the store for specific
details on pricing.
ArmaLite’s Camp Perry store will be open from July 11th through July
15th. It will re-open July 27th through August 14th. Daily hours are 10am
to 6pm. The store is located on Commercial Row, Building 910B.
Armalite 2011 Camp Perry Store
About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry.
We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers
including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action
rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum,
.338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit:
www.armalite.com
Tags: Armalite, Camp Perry
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Anti’s Working to Ban Trappingon New Mexico’s Public LandsJUL 13, 2011 05:15P.M.
Anti’s Working to Ban Trapping on New Mexico’s Public Lands
Sportsmen Comments Needed to Protect Trapping, Call, eMail, Write
U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance
Columbus, OH --(Ammoland.com)- On Thursday, July 21st, the New
Mexico State Game Commission will consider changes to trapping
regulations which could ban trapping on all public lands in the state.
The Commission meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. and
will take place at the Clayton Civic Center, 124 North Front Street in
Clayton, New Mexico.
Two proposed rule changes are being considered by the Commission and
will be debated on that day. The first, the “Recommended Rule,” would
allow public lands trapping to continue with a few new restrictions on
trapping. The second proposal, the “Alternate Rule,” would ban trapping
on all federal, state, and other public lands within New Mexico.
“Sportsmen in New Mexico must make their voices heard
today,” said Jeremy Rine, USSA associate director of state
services. “Animal rights and anti-trappers are trying to
bypass wildlife management professionals and shut down
trapping. The state’s trapping regulations need to be based on
sound science and not on unfounded claims by anti-
trappers.”
The Alternate Rule was included for the Commission’s consideration
when anti-trapping and animal rights activists started pressuring the
Game Commission and government officials to ban trapping on all
public lands.
“Trapping has been shown time and again to be one of the
most effective wildlife management tools for states,” said
Chick Andres, President of the Fur Takers of America.
“Despite this fact, anti-trapping organizations are constantly
pushing to chip away at this country’s great heritage of
trapping and wildlife management.”
Take Action! New Mexico sportsmen need to contact the state’s Game
Commissioners and ask they oppose the Alternate Plan banning trapping
on public lands. Sportsmen should also ask that they oppose any changes
to the state’s trapping regulations that are not based sound science.
Contact information for the New Mexico State Game Commissioners can
be found here.
About:
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is a national association of sportsmen and
sportsmen’s organizations that protects the rights of hunters, anglers
and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot, in Congress and
through public education programs. Visit www.ussportsmen.org.
Tags: Anti-Hunting, Trapping, U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance, USSA
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
LI Second AmendmentPreservation AssociationAnnounces the Launch of NewWebsiteJUL 13, 2011 04:49P.M.
LI Second Amendment Preservation Association Announces
the Launch of New Website
LI Second Amendment Preservation Assocication Announces the Launch
of New Website
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LI Second Amendment Preservation Association
Ronkonkoma, NY --(Ammoland.com)- LI Second Amendment
Preservation Assocication, announced today the launch of the official
website of the LI Second Amendment Preservation Association
(LISAPA).
On it, interested readers can find up to date and relevant information on
all things important to the firearms community on Long Island.
“LISAPA is a natural progression of the grass roots activism
that was started in the Long Island Firearms forum”, said
Steven Blair, LISAPA’s president.
He added, “LIF attracted not only firearms enthusiasts, but a
number of veterans in the struggle for Second Amendment
Rights in New York State, and in addition to them, we have
several industry professionals among our ranks.”
He continued, “LISAPA will give leadership and direction to that diverse
expertise; the inevitable result is a more cohesive, organized and directed
entity that will spearhead local efforts to regain, and then retain, our
Second Amendment Rights.”
Blair went on to describe the site’s content as being “locally focused, but
universally relevant” with concentrations on Community Service, New
Products, Training, Competition and Political Action, with particular
attention paid to how those aspects pertain to Women and Youth.
“There will be something for everyone, and it will mesh very
well with the perennial focus of LIF: to enhance the image of
law abiding gun owners and shooting sports enthusiasts
through the responsible exercise of our rights and community
service.”
About LISAPA
Our Mission: The mission of the Association is to preserve the rights
afforded to all US citizens under the precepts incorporated within the
second amendment of the United States Constitution through
community awareness, social involvement, and educational pursuits.
The Association further intends to integrate the need to preserve the
integrity of the second amendment through the understanding of
fundamental firearms maintenance, safety and responsible firearms
ownership. Visit: www.lisapa.org
Tags: LI Second Amendment Preservation Association, LISAPA, Pro Gun
Groups
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Michigan Moose HuntingAdvisory Council to Meet July20 in MarquetteJUL 13, 2011 04:38P.M.
Michigan Moose Hunting Advisory Council to Meet July 20 in
Marquette
Michigan Moose Hunting Advisory Council to Meet
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- The Moose Hunting Advisory Council
will meet Wednesday, July 20 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Department of
Natural Resources Marquette Operations Service Center, located at 1990
U.S. 41 South in Marquette.
The meeting agenda includes discussion by the council members
regarding their task of producing a formal report examining the potential
impacts moose hunting would have on the moose population and the
various economic benefits associated with a moose hunt, and what core
elements that report should ultimately include.
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The seven-member council was created under a law passed by the
Legislature in 2010, directing the Natural Resources Commission and
the council to examine the possibility of a moose hunting season in
Michigan. The council tentatively plans to submit its report at the NRC’s
September 15 meeting in Sault Ste. Marie. Whether or not a moose
hunting season is established and what a season would entail is at the
discretion of the NRC.
The legislation that created the Moose Hunting Advisory Council
specified that the seven-member council would include representatives
from the following stakeholder groups: the DNR Director or his
designee, an organization promoting conservation in Michigan,
organizations promoting hunting or fishing in Michigan, representatives
nominated by the speaker of the house and senate majority leader, and a
representative chosen by the Michigan Intertribal Council.
Members appointed to the council include Jim Ekdahl of L’Anse, Jim
Hammill of Crystal Falls, Mick Jarvi of Houghton County, George
Lindquist of Marquette County, Jason Dinsmore of Ann Arbor and DNR
Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason.
Those who wish to offer public comment to the council members
regarding a potential moose hunting season are encouraged to submit
their comments electronically to [email protected] or by
mail to DNR Wildlife Division, Attn: Dan Eichinger, 530 W. Allegan,
Lansing, MI 48909.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the
conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s
natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For
more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Tags: Michigan, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Gun Control – And Now ForSomething Completely DifferentJUL 13, 2011 03:38P.M.
Gun Control – And Now For Something Completely Different
By Charles Heller
It’s Time For Some “Gun Control”
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Since its modern mutation in
1968 (via the “Gun Control Act of 1968), and with an infusion of power
to it in 1972 by Treasury Department Order No. 120-1, the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE) has amassed a
truly sordid record of “gun control.”
Although it’s website somewhat outlandishly claims a history going back
to 1789, BATFE’s modern roots go to its failed attempts at the
enforcement of Prohibition (another stupid idea from the federal
government).
There’s hardly anything as pathetic as a bloated government agency, in
search of a mission. So the “BAT” got their hands on guns and became
“BATF”. The “E” came later.
Follow their criminal and bloody escapades from the Ken Ballew raid
debacle in 1971, to the deceit that triggered the Randy Weaver travesty in
Idaho, to the incitement of violence in the horror at Waco,Texas, to the
despicable acts in the John Lawmaster Raid.
The ATF, and later the BATFE, has now distinguished itself as the least
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disciplined, least accomplished, least effective, and most unethical “law
enforcement” agency in U.S. law enforcement history.
Along its way towards the immense and international dung pile they are
attempting to dig themselves out of now (“Operation Fast and Furious”
aka “Project Gun Runner“), BATFE has also managed to ensnare a
number of truly remarkable, creative, and innovative firearms
manufacturers, in needless red tape, inconvenience, and useless,
unwarranted prosecution. Len Savage came to know their wrath. This is
well documented by our organization, JPFO.
Rarely has a year gone by without some perfidy from “The Gang”. These
“lesser sins” are seldom covered in the blatantly anti-gun mainstream
media.
However, it seems chickens are now coming home to roost. BATFE’s
criminal activity in the “Operation Fast And Furious” debacle brings
with it implications that involve the administration up to the U.S.
Attorney General, and possibly include the sitting President. And we are
just learning that it appears that ten million dollars of “stimulus” money
was directed towards “Project Gun Runner”!
Generally, we at JPFO view gun control as poison, but not necessarily in
this case. We actually think that it is now time for some good, old
fashioned DISARMAMENT.
Disarm the BATFE.
It’s time to disarm its agents, and decertify BATFE as a law enforcement
agency.
Let’s transform them back into the stamp clerks (suitable for affixing
labels on wine and whiskey bottles) that they once were. Then the only
harm they can inflict on the body politic would be paper cuts.
To be sure, there are some decent and moral people who work there. Or
did, like ATF Senior Special Agent Mr. John Dodson, who was recently
fired for telling the truth to Congress about the misdeeds of BATFE in
recent testimony.
An ATF response memo to Dodson, about his complaint to superiors
before he went public, stated, ”If you don’t think this is fun, you’re in the
wrong line of work. Maybe the Maricopa County Jail is hiring
detention officers, and you can get paid $30,000 to serve lunch to
inmates.”
Meanwhile, this same superior in BATFE was approving the funneling of
guns to known cold blooded murderers south of the border. Ironically,
when everything shakes down, this particular superior might, himself, be
getting served just such a lunch!
Do the folks running BATFE think it’s an just a glitch in an academic
exercise when Mexican citizens get murdered by guns BATFE willfully
allowed to reach crazed killers? Apparently, these same BATFE drones
took it a little more seriously when American law enforcement agents
began to fall as a result of the ludicrous and immoral “Gun Runner”
policy.
On December 10, 2010, Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was gunned
down at the U.S. Border, in a shootout. Two of the guns found at that
murder scene were found to be from Operation Fast and Furious.
Yes, it’s time to disarm the BATFE.
Let their agents and labs investigate arson, bootleg liquor, and black
market smokes, and do some of the fine tool mark examining (in crime
gun forensics) those labs are known for. Some of their outside
contractors do a great job of instructing in that field. Let them be
forensic scientists and liquor stamp distributors. Just don’t let them near
any guns!
Take away their badges. Badges are symbols of honor from a country as
great as ours. BATFE Agents can carry business cards, like any other
overpaid, tax consuming, foot dragging bureaucrat. Let’s convert these
morally challenged individuals from jackboots to fur boots, or at least
gumshoes without guns.
Charles Heller is the Executive Director of Jews For The
Preservation of Firearms Ownership.
About:
Jews For The Preservation Of Firearms Ownership Mission is to destroy
“gun control” and to encourage Americans to understand and defend all
of the Bill of Rights for everyone. Those are the twin goals of Wisconsin-
based Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JPFO).
Founded by Jews and initially aimed at educating the Jewish community
about the historical evils that Jews have suffered when they have been
disarmed, JPFO has always welcomed persons of all religious beliefs who
share a common goal of opposing and reversing victim disarmament
policies while advancing liberty for all.
JPFO is a non-profit tax-exempt educational civil rights organization,
not a lobby. JPFO’s products and programs reach out to as many
segments of the American people as possible, using bold tactics without
compromise on fundamental principles. Visit www.JPFO.org –
Copyright JPFO 2011
Tags: ATF, Charles Heller, Gun Control, Jews For The Preservation Of
Firearms Ownership, JPFO
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Sportsmen Support Common-Sense Energy Planning toConserve Fish & WildlifeHabitatJUL 13, 2011 03:03P.M.
Sportsmen Support Common-Sense Energy Planning to
Conserve Fish & Wildlife Habitat
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership
WASHINGTON --(Ammoland.com)- In response to criticism by some
Western lawmakers of a new federal energy-planning protocol, a
coalition of prominent sportsman-conservation groups today reasserted
the need for balanced public-lands energy leasing that enables
responsible development while sustaining the West’s fish and wildlife
heritage and hunting and fishing traditions.
Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development underscored its support
of the policy issued last year that included the use of “master lease
plans,” or MLPs, for future leasing of public lands in areas not
experiencing significant energy activity. The approach would address
deficiencies in the old process that have led to high conflict with fish and
wildlife values and significant public objections, or “protests,” to lease
sales. The MLPs also would require an analysis of impacts from
development of leases, a key evaluation that was not done in the past,
before leases are sold, providing an opportunity for the public and other
affected stakeholders to be involved earlier to resolve any conflicts.
“Upfront planning and conflict resolution will lead to greater
certainty for management of fish and wildlife habitats and for
industry,” said Steve Belinda, director of the Theodore
Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Center for Responsible
Energy Development and former BLM biologist. “The old
process was not developed for leasing in the sensitive areas
that now are being sought for development, nor did it
adequately address other values like fish and wildlife before
commitments to develop were made.” The TRCP is a member
of the SFRED coalition.
Members of Wyoming’s and Utah’s congressional delegations, however,
have denigrated the new master leasing process in a letter to Secretary of
the Interior Ken Salazar, requesting that the Department abandon
implementation of the process.
“It’s unfortunate that any Western politician would oppose
reforms specifically designed to protect the West’s public
lands and allow for more public involvement on public lands
that help define us as region,” said Steve Torbit, regional
executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, an
SFRED member.
“MLPs provide ample opportunity for energy companies to
exploit oil and gas deposits but allow for a more careful
process to evaluate how best to avoid or minimize impacts to
our wildlife and other natural resources,” Torbit continued.
“As a native of this region and a lifelong hunter and angler, it
saddens me to see elected representatives show their disdain
for the wildlife resources that are part of our Western
heritage and culture.”
Brad Powell, energy director for Trout Unlimited, an SFRED member,
and former regional forester for the Forest Service, questioned why the
members of Congress would attack a process that enables a rational
approach to leasing and will better balance multiple uses of public lands.
“This new approach to leasing incorporates sensible reforms
that allow the public, including hunters and anglers, to be
more involved in the management of their lands and allow for
earlier conflict resolution rather than having to resort to
protests when poorly planned lease sales are announced,”
Powell said.
“We understand that energy development will occur, and we
support it,” Powell continued, “but as sportsmen we believe
that fixing problems early in the leasing process enables
industry to receive leases that they can use rather than
backlogged leases held up by protests. The previous process
led to thousands of protests and a system that was broken for
both industry and sportsmen.”
“We have documented dramatic declines in our mule deer
herds because of poorly planned and hastily approved energy
leasing in parts of the West,” Belinda concluded.
“Threatening the West’s fish and wildlife populations using
the old, broken model for public-lands leasing makes no
sense. The MLPs and other lease reforms allow responsible
energy development without jeopardizing our fish and
wildlife habitat, our streams and rivers, and our public
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lands.”
Learn more about the Sportsmen for Responsible Energy Development
coalition.
No tags for this post.
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Team Realtree Scent-ControlHunting Wipes for Body andGearJUL 13, 2011 02:56P.M.
Contec Inc. Team Realtree Scent-Control Hunting Wipes for
Body and Gear
RealTree
COLUMBUS, Georgia --(Ammoland.com)- To maximize your chance
for success and get as close to your target as possible, you must control
your scent.
Now available at Academy Sports and Outdoors, Team Realtree Hunting
Wipes combine the effectiveness of odor neutralization and odor
counteraction at the molecular level.
The dual technologies polarize malodor molecules rendering the
malodor signal as unrecognizable to an animal’s brain. Additional
ingredients mask human scent.
These technologies create optimum scent control, ensuring the best
possible chance for a successful bow or gun hunt.
Team Realtree Scent-Control Hunting Wipes
For use on body and gear, soft and durable Team Realtree Scent-Control
Hunting Wipes are available in long-lasting Pine, Cedar and Earth
scents, and Odor Control formulas.
The compact canister conveniently stores in your hunting pack or
vehicle.
Features and Benefits:
• Soft: Allows optimum application to skin and equipment.
• Durable: Use one wipe for multiple surfaces.
• Easy Dispensing Canister: Keeps wipes moist when not being used.
• Long Lasting Formula: Minimizes need to re-apply
• Dual Technologies: Neutralizes and counteracts human scent at the
molecular level. Masks human scent
www.contecinc.com
Tags: Hunting Gear, Realtree, Scent Control
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Army Corp Gun Ban RepealVote Coming This Week in theHouseJUL 13, 2011 02:48P.M.
Army Corp Gun Ban Repeal Vote Coming This Week in the
House
Legislation Will Protect Gun Rights on Army Corps of Engineers Land
Army Corps of Engineers Land Gun Free Zones
Gun Owners of America
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- Vote on Pro-gun Amendment
Could Come in the House This Week
Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) plans to offer an amendment this week
protecting gun rights on land controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers.
Currently, guns are prohibited on Corps land, even when gun possession
is otherwise allowed by state law. Rep. Gosar’s legislation would simply
remove federal restrictions and allow for the law of the states (in which
such land is located) to govern firearms possession.
The Gosar amendment, modeled after the Recreational Lands Self-
Defense Act (H.R. 1865) introduced by pro-gun Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH),
is similar to a 2009 law repealing the gun ban on National Park Service
land.
Army Corps of Engineers land was not part of that bill, something the
Corps was quick to point out after that law took affect.
The Corps said, in a statement: “Public Law 111-024 does not
apply to Corps projects or facilities . . . [and the Army Corps]
will continue to prohibit loaded concealed weapons on Corps
properties regardless of the new law and notwithstanding any
contrary provisions of state law.”
The amendment will reverse the Corps’ decision and remedy the
“oversight” of the lands bill.
“The Recreational Lands Self-Defense Act is a bipartisan
effort that seeks to correct this oversight and restore Second
Amendment rights to law-abiding citizens while they are
legally camping, hunting, and fishing on the 11.7 million acres
of Army Corps recreational property,” Rep. Gibbs said.
Rep. Gosar notes that “this amendment will restore
continuity to federal lands and ensure that constitutional
rights are consistently protected.”
Nationally, the Army Corps of Engineers controls 400 lake and river
projects, 90,000 campsites and 4,000 miles of trails. A vote on the Gosar
amendment could come as early as Thursday.
ACTION: Please contact your Representative and urge him or her to
vote YES on the Gosar amendment.
Click here to send a prewritten message to your Representative.
Gun Owners of America
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102
Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-321-8585
FAX: 703-321-8408
www.gunowners.org
About:
Gun Owners of America (GOA) is a non-profit lobbying organization
formed in 1975 to preserve and defend the Second Amendment rights of
gun owners. GOA sees firearms ownership as a freedom issue. `The only
no comprise gun lobby in Washington’ – Ron Paul
Tags: GOA, Gun Bans, Gun Free Zones, Gun Owners of America
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Gun Trace Data Under Attack inCongress – Call ChairmanRogers TodayJUL 13, 2011 12:17P.M.
Gun Trace Data Under Attack in Congress – Call Chairman
Rogers Today
National Shooting Sports Foundation
NEWTOWN, Conn --(Ammoland.com)- In the wake of the Fast and
Furious scandal and a decision by the Department of Justice to approve
multiple sales reporting of long guns along the Southwest border, last
night Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA-29) announced his intention to offer an
amendment that would strip from an appropriations bill an important
law enforcement protection, known as the Tiahrt Amendment, that
safeguards law enforcement-only firearms tracing data.
The Schiff amendment would allow access to law enforcement trace data
by those outside of law enforcement. Rep. Michael Honda (D-CA-15) will
offer an amendment supported by New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg that will continue the recently launched regulatory assault on
the firearms industry.
ACTION: The National Shooting Sports Foundation – the trade
association for America’s firearms industry – is urging all members of
industry, sportsmen, gun-owners and firearms enthusiasts to call Rep.
Harold Rogers (R-VA-10), Chairman of the House Appropriations
Committee at (202) 225-2771 and urge the committee to VOTE NO
on the Schiff and Honda amendments,and any other amendments
that undermine the law enforcement protections provided for in the
Tiahrt Amendment and any anti-gun amendments that would place
additional and costly regulatory burdens on members of the firearms
industry.
Public disclosure of gun trace data, including to elected officials, is
dangerous. That is why several years ago Congress approved further
restrictions on the access and use of this data in order to safeguard law
enforcement and ensure compliance with provisions of the federal Gun
Control Act. The measures ensure that the data remain only in the hands
of law enforcement for criminal investigations and prosecutions.
The best argument for restricting access to this data is a well-known
elected official from New York City. Several years ago, New York City
Mayor Michael Bloomberg had the NYPD inappropriately obtain trace
data not for a criminal investigation but for use in preparing a civil
lawsuit. He turned the data over to private eyes who conducted so-called
sting operations of out-of-state federally licensed firearms retailers. He
did so without the knowledge of ATF or even his own police
commissioner. As a result, Mayor Bloomberg interfered with as many as
18 ongoing criminal investigations, jeopardizing the lives of law
enforcement officers, informants, witnesses and others. In fact, ATF was
forced to pull agents out of field for their own protection.
The Honda amendment would impose significant cost to manufacturers
by requiring them to manually and physically match each and ever single
serial number of the firearms in inventory to the individual record entry
in the manufacturer’s acquisition and distribution record causing the
manufacturers to shut down their factory for lengthy time periods.
The hearing is taking place NOW — ACT IMMEDIATELY by
calling (202) 225-2771.
About NSSF
The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the
firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve
hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a
membership of more than 6,000 manufacturers, distributors, firearms
retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen’s organizations and publishers. For
more information, log on to www.nssf.org.
Tags: Arms Trafficking, ATF, BATFE, Fast & Furious, Gun Trafficking,
NSSF, Project Gunrunner, Straw Purchases, Washington DC
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AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Its Your Government HoldThem Accountable – DemandGunwalker AccountabilityJUL 13, 2011 12:16P.M.
Its Your Government Hold Them Accountable – Demand
Gunwalker Accountability
By Jeff Knox
FirearmsCoalition.org
Manassas, VA --(Ammoland.com)- Most of the larger national media
outlets are doing their best to ignore the Gunwalker scandal, but the
word is dribbling out despite the best efforts of the Obama
Administration and their lackeys in the mainstream press.
Those who know about the outrageous project should be demanding
answers and accountability.
The recent hearings in the House Oversight and Government Reform
Committee, chaired by Rep. Darrel Issa (R-CA), showed clearly that
agents of the ATF and other agencies, working with the approval from
the highest levels of the Department of Justice – no more than one desk
below Attorney General Erik Holder, if not Holder himself – actively
conspired and facilitated the sale of some 2000 or more rifles to
suspected illegal firearms traffickers and then intentionally allowed
those guns to continue in illicit channels with no attempt to track,
interdict, or disable them.
ATF field agents who objected to the program were threatened and even
fired. On one occasion an agent pointed out that people were being killed
with guns supplied by the ATF and his manager responded with the
callous cliché that if you want to make an omelet, you have to break a few
eggs.
Mexican authorities report that some 300 Mexican nationals have been
killed with these guns along with at least one and possibly two US law
enforcement officers. Those are some pretty costly eggs.
The President of the United States has told a Mexican journalist that he
did not authorize the program and that Erik Holder didn’t either.
ATF and DOJ have claimed that the objective was to track guns up to
Mexican “drug lords” and possibly topple a Mexican drug cartel, but the
whole program was kept a secret from Mexican authorities and agents
were ordered to make no effort to track the guns beyond the original
purchaser. Agents watched as suspected firearms traffickers purchased
dozens of AK-style firearms. They trailed the suspects, and guns, to a
rendezvous where the guns were transferred to another vehicle, and
then, in accordance with strict orders, they allowed the other vehicle, and
the guns, to drive away without even an effort to identify the person or
track or interdict the guns.
Meanwhile the ATF and DOJ have continued to promulgate inaccurate
and deceptive statistics regarding firearms trafficking and the
involvement of illegally trafficked firearms in crime in Mexico – statistics
that are falsely inflated by the Gunwalker project itself. They have also
continued with attempts to change congressionally mandated
regulations to include the reporting and tracking of purchasers of more
than one rifle in a given week.
While such reporting and tracking might seem reasonable on the surface,
even including some firearm owners, the actual utility of the reporting
program is questionable, and is a major usurpation of power by ATF. The
Bureau is specifically forbidden in the same statute which authorizes
such reporting for multiple handguns. What’s more, ATF is notorious for
failing to delete information gathered in this manner as required by law,
thus building a de facto registration system.
The evidence does not support the existence of any large-scale gun
trafficking rings. The largest and most successful gun trafficking rings
uncovered so far were those endorsed and supported by the ATF in
Project Gunwalker, aka “Operation Fast and Furious.” Without ATF
assistance forcing gun dealers to cooperate, these dealers would never
have taken the chance of repeatedly selling large quantities of guns to
suspicious-looking cash customers. And even then, ATF ignored the
structure of these organizations. They were only interested in the straw
buyers, not any of their immediate associates, and, as I mentioned above,
ATF specifically forbade any disclosure of the Gunwalker program to
anyone within the government of Mexico.
All that ATF seemed interested in was who bought the guns, how many
they bought, and where the guns turned up in crimes. The fact that the
guns did turn up at crime scenes – murders, maimings, and massacres,
including of Mexican police officers or government officials – seems to
have been of little concern to ATF and DOJ officials.
This limited interest suggests only two possible motivations: to build
stronger, more incriminating cases against straw purchasers – the guys
ATF has consistently insisted are the bottom of the food chain – or to
generate statistical and emotional support for their requested increases
in authority. Perhaps one was just a “happy side effect” of the other. In
either case, the strategy was seriously flawed and hundreds of people lost
their lives.
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This administration intentionally allowed arms to flow into the hands of
criminals and the policy factored in the deaths of hundreds of Mexican
citizens and at least one US Border Patrol Agent. They have also
intentionally blocked congressional and media inquiries into the matter
and retaliated against ATF whistleblowers.
Compare the scope and reach of Gunwalker to Watergate.
Watergate began with a handful of overzealous political supporters
incompetently trying to bug their opponent’s offices and the
administration working to protect those loyal supporters. Gunwalker,
from its inception, was a criminal enterprise directed from the cabinet
level.
Where is the outrage and indignation – at the administration, at DOJ
and ATF, at politicians for defending the guilty and intentionally
obfuscating the issues, and at the media for virtually ignoring the story?
Don’t allow this story to fizzle out on the back pages, and don’t allow the
ATF and this administration to be rewarded for this very bad behavior.
Tell them that you want to see the administration held accountable.
Write your local paper and television outlets. Tell them that you want to
see better coverage of this scandal.
Your senators and congressmen will be home for the summer recess. Tell
them that you want funding and authority to ATF curtailed until more
safeguards against usurpation of rights can be established.
This is your government. It’s up to you to hold them
accountable.
About:
The Firearms Coalition is a loose-knit coalition of individual Second
Amendment activists, clubs and civil rights organizations. Founded by
Neal Knox in 1984, the organization provides support to grassroots
activists in the form of education, analysis of current issues, and with a
historical perspective of the gun rights movement. The Firearms
Coalition is a project of Neal Knox Associates, Manassas, VA. Visit:
www.FirearmsCoalition.org
Tags: Arms Trafficking, ATF, BATFE, Fast & Furious, Firearms
Coalition, Gun Trafficking, Jeff Knox, Project Gunrunner, Straw
Purchases, Washington DC
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Delisting of Wolves in Wyoming& Great Lakes Moves Forwardin U.S. HouseJUL 13, 2011 12:01P.M.
Delisting of Wolves in Wyoming & Great Lakes Moves Forward
in U.S. House
Congressional Sportsmen
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- A coalition of sportsmen’s
groups working toward delisting of recovered gray wolf populations from
the Endangered Species Act (ESA), sent a letter to Rep. Mike Simpson,
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, and
committee member Rep. Cynthia Lummis last week, supporting their
efforts in advancing Sec. 119 of the 2012 Interior-Environment
Appropriations bill, approved yesterday by the House Appropriations
Committee, to address the issue of recovered wolf populations in
Wyoming and the Great Lakes region.
In the letter (HERE), the coalition, which includes the Congressional
Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), National Rifle Association (NRA), Safari
Club International (SCI), Boone and Crockett Club, Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation (RMEF), Wild Sheep Foundation, American Sheep Industry
Association, Public Lands Council, National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association, and Pope and Young Club, states, “We will continue to
support any legislative efforts which take us closer to complete delisting
of recovered populations, including delisting entire states that include
or border core populations in order to allow the state(s) to more easily
carry out their professional wildlife management responsibilities.”
“Like the provision dealing with delisted wolves in Montana
and Idaho that our coalition supported and was passed into
law this spring, this is another step in returning management
of this species back to state wildlife managers where it
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12
belongs,” said CSF President Jeff Crane.
“Removing recovered wolf populations from Wyoming and
the Great Lakes Region will reduce risks to both people and
wildlife in these areas and return balance to these
ecosystems, further advancing our goal to delist all recovered
gray wolf populations ,” said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief
lobbyist.
Sec. 119 of the 2012 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill would
remove gray wolves delisted under ESA in Wyoming or in any of the
states within the range of the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population
Segment from judicial review if the state has entered into an agreement
with the Secretary of the Interior to authorize state management.
“This is a states’ rights issue now and it is time for the states
to manage wolves as other wildlife,” said David Allen,
President and CEO of RMEF. “Science clearly shows that gray
wolves have recovered”.
“We are appreciative of the Congressional Sportsmen’s
Caucus members who have worked tirelessly to ensure that
management of wolves is returned to the states,” said SCI
President Kevin Anderson. “We’ve already seen that the
delisted area is too small to contain the large and growing
wolf population, so we welcome this further progress.”
About:
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation celebrated its 20th
anniversary in 2009. Throughout this time, CSF has maintained a
singleness of purpose that has guided the organization to become the
most respected and trusted hunting and fishing organization in the
political arena. Visit: www.sportsmenslink.org
Tags: Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, CSF, ESA, Wolf Hunting,
Wolves
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Big Bull Shootoff Hosted byRMEF & NRA WhittingtonCenterJUL 13, 2011 11:54A.M.
Big Bull Shootoff Hosted by RMEF & NRA Whittington Center
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
MISSOULA, Mont. --(Ammoland.com)- The Rocky Mountain Elk
Foundation’s Northeast New Mexico Chapter is teaming up with the
NRA Whittington Center in Raton, N.M., for a one-of-a-kind shooting
sports event especially for hunters, August 26-28.
The “Big Bull Shootoff” simulates field situations and shot opportunities
encountered during archery and firearms hunts for big game. The course
is designed to challenge and hone shooting skills.
The event is open to anyone interested in hunting, shooting and
conservation.
Competition is being divided into classes for men, women and
youths–plus special divisions for RMEF chapters from around the
country vying for organizational bragging rights and unique traveling
trophies for the best rifle and archery teams.
“The event begins on a Friday with open shooting to allow
registered shooters to warm up, followed by several fun-shoot
events and a special RMEF reception. On Saturday, the
shooting events begin in earnest. Saturday night features a
big game banquet, auction, raffles and games. We’ll wrap up
on Sunday with a breakfast awards ceremony to honor our
shooting champions,” said Doug Doherty, RMEF regional
director for New Mexico.
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The main rifle competition offers 10 stations with 20 targets out to 400
yards, with scores based on shot placement and time. United
Bowhunters of New Mexico is working with the RMEF chapter to set up
a 3-D archery course using the same concept as the rifle competition.
Both are limited to 150 competitors each.
In addition to these featured competitions, other attractions will include
sporting clays, five-stand and other shotgun, pistol and rifle shooting,
product vendors exhibiting their latest and greatest, and RMEF’s new
Project SAFE program to help young and novice shooters discover
America’s hunting heritage and conservation.
For event details, pricing and registration, contact RMEF volunteers Ira
or Lynette Simpson at (575) 445-3988. Reservations are limited.
Registration closes Aug. 12.
The entire event is a fundraiser to support RMEF’s mission to ensure the
future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. Since 1985, RMEF and its
partners have completed 256 different conservation and education
projects in New Mexico with a combined value of more than $19.3
million.
The NRA Whittington Center is one of the nation’s premier shooting
sports facilities. Founded in 1973, the center offers many competitive,
educational and recreational activities in all shooting disciplines–and
hosted more than 115,000 visitors in 2010. On site camping and lodging
facilities are available (there also are many hotels in Raton). Learn more
about the center at www.nrawc.org.
About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading
an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over
5.9 million acres–a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and
stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico.
RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting,
fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL
ELK.
Tags: Competitive Shooting News, NRA Whittington Center, RMEF,
Shooting News
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
The Elkhorn Brand Rides AgainJUL 13, 2011 10:47A.M.
The Elkhorn Brand Rides Again
By Lucinda D. Schroeder
Two Ocean Pass Teton Wilderness
Boone and Crockett Club
MISSOULA, Mont.--(Ammoland.com)- The day had been long and the
ride difficult. As the two riders slipped through the Teton Wilderness,
they came upon the Continental Divide and stopped at Two Ocean Pass.
For a few moments they reminisced about a hunt that took place in this
area during September 1891.
The hunter was Theodore Roosevelt.
Two Ocean Pass got its name from a single creek that divides here, with
one fork flowing east and one west. The forks of the creek were
appropriately named Atlantic Creek and Pacific Creek. When Jim
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14
Bridger first wrote about this anomaly, few people believed him. But
Roosevelt was so impressed by the area that he wrote, “There is no more
beautiful game-country in the United States.”
The abundance of game was precisely why in 2006, the two riders came
to this area. Not to hunt, but to hunt for poachers who ruthlessly steal
game from ethical hunters. The riders were Special Agents Tim Eicher
and Dominic Domenici of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of
Law Enforcement. They were in this remote wilderness because areas
like this are exactly where serious wildlife criminals go to poach game.
Eicher and Domenici, both stationed in Wyoming, are modernday
cowboys who reflect Roosevelt’s ideals of accepting duty, and living the
“strenuous life.” Beginning their wildlife enforcement careers nearly 30
years ago, these agents were drawn to their work by what Roosevelt
described as “living the hardy life of the wilderness and of the hunter in
the wilderness.”
Aside from being a hunter, Roosevelt was also a rancher. In Ranch Life
and the Hunting Trail, he wrote about his beloved Elkhorn Ranch in
North Dakota. It was there that he designed a brand for his cattle and
horses. The brand was registered in the Dakota Territory as the “Elkhorn
Brand.”
The idea of branding livestock originated with the ancient Egyptians and
was later introduced to the American West by the Spanish who traveled
north from Mexico. As opposed to the more elaborate Mexican designs,
most American brands were simple. The Elkhorn brand fittingly
resembles an elk horn with three points. Hired cowboys rode for the
brand from 1884 to 1899 when Roosevelt reluctantly sold his ranch.
In Out on the Range, Roosevelt explained the practice of branding for
the benefit of his Eastern reading audience: “All cattle are branded,
usually on the hip, shoulder, and side, or on any one of them, with
letters, numbers, or figures in every combination, the outfit being
known by its brand. Near me, for instance, are the Three Sevens, the
Thistle, the Bellows, the OX, the VI, the Seventy-six Bar, and the
Quarter Circle Diamond outfits. All brands are registered, and are thus
protected against imitators, any man tampering with them being
punished as severely as possible….”
But as time and history has shown, none of the brands of the Old West
ever carried as much significance as the Elkhorn Brand. The cowboys
who rode for it were fiercely loyal to the Elkhorn Ranch and the cowboy
principles made famous by Theodore Roosevelt. Accepting a life of
isolation and hard work, these cowboys understood the value of a strong
character, and strived for it.
In The Roundup, Roosevelt wrote about the characteristics of
the American cowboy: “Meanness, cowardice, and dishonesty
are not tolerated. There is a high regard for truthfulness and
keeping one’s word, intense contempt for any kind of
hypocrisy, and a hearty dislike for a man who shirks his
work… a cowboy will not submit tamely to an insult, and is
ever ready to avenge his own wrongs; nor has he an
overwrought fear of shedding blood.”
Elkhorn Brand for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
In 2005, Special Agent Tim Eicher applied to the Wyoming Livestock
Board to register the famous Elkhorn Brand for the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service. The application was approved in June 2006, and
shortly thereafter Eicher and Domenici branded their mountain horses
and pack mules with Roosevelt’s brand.
Today, in the Roosevelt tradition of cowboy, hunter, and conservationist,
the Elkhorn Brand rides again in Wyoming. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service special agents now ride the brand as backcountry lawmen in the
very areas that Roosevelt hunted and finally set aside for future
generations. Their job is to catch wildlife violators and bring them to
justice. The Elkhorn brand has become the symbolic connection between
their work and the rich conservation legacy left by Roosevelt.
From his Cody office, Eicher said, “We support ranching, the
cowboy way, and conservation. By getting the Elkhorn Brand
registered for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, we’re
making a statement about our principles.”
While president, Theodore Roosevelt created the Forest Service and
designated 150 National Forests, which included the Two Ocean Pass
country. He also established several National Parks, Bird and Game
Preserves, and Pelican Island, the first National Wildlife Refuge. His
actions established the philosophy that wildlife and wilderness should be
protected for its own sake.
As usual, Roosevelt said it best, “Wild beasts and birds are by
right not the property merely of the people alive today, but
the property of the unborn generations, whose belonging we
have no right to squander.”
About:
It is the policy of the Boone and Crockett Club to promote the
guardianship and provident management of big game and associated
wildlife in North America and maintain the highest standards of fair
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15
chase and sportsmanship in all aspects of big game hunting, in order that
this resource of all the people may survive and prosper in its natural
habitats. Consistent with this objective, the Club supports the use and
enjoyment of our wildlife heritage to the fullest extent by this and future
generations. Visit: www.boone-crockett.org
Tags: Boone & Crocket, Conservation News, usfw
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Congressional Sportsmen’sFoundation Briefs Congress onGovernment Litigation SavingsActJUL 13, 2011 10:17A.M.
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Briefs Congress on
Government Litigation Savings Act
Lowell Baier of Boone & Crockett
Congressional Sportsmen
Washington, DC --(Ammoland.com)- The Congressional Sportsmen’s
Foundation (CSF), in conjunction with the Congressional Sportsmen’s
Caucus (CSC) and Boone & Crockett Club, today briefed members of the
CSC on legislation that would prevent abuse of the Equal Access to
Justice Act (EAJA) by large environmental groups and others who have
exploited a loop hole in EAJA, and through round-robin litigation
financially supported their organizations and built large internal legal
departments to sustain and perpetuate continuing litigation.
The Government Litigation Savings Act, or H.R. 1996, introduced by CSC
Rep. Cynthia Lummis and S.1061, introduced by CSC Sen. John Barasso,
would reduce taxpayer’s burden to pay for attorney’s fees, and returns
EAJA to its original intent by instituting targeted reforms on who is
eligible to receive EAJA reimbursements, limiting repeated lawsuits, and
reinstating tracking and reporting requirements to make EAJA more
transparent.
EAJA was passed in 1980 and gave a blank check to federal agencies and
the Department of Justice to reimburse people for their attorney’s fees
when they have sued the government, or defended against a wrongful
government action. EAJA served its purpose reasonably well throughout
the 1980’s, but began a downward spiral in 1995 when all tracking and
reporting of these payments stopped.
“Today our goal was to educate CSC members on how EAJA
has been hijacked and how this negatively affects the hunting
and angling community,” said CSF President Jeff Crane.
“We are also looking to generate more support in Congress
for these bills that would return EAJA to its original intent
and keep frivolous environmental lawsuits from tying up fish
and wildlife management in court.”
CSC House Co-Chair Rep. Jeff Miller and Vice-Chair Rep. Heath Shuler
welcomed attendees while Sen. Barasso, Rep. Lummis along with Lowell
Baier, President Emeritus of Boone & Crockett Club spoke on the need to
revise the EAJA through H.R. 1996 and S.1061, respectively.
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“When the government stopped tracking EAJA payments in
1995, it was a dream come true for radical environmental
groups. Lack of oversight has fueled the fire for these groups
to grind the work of land management and other federal
agencies to a halt — and it does so on the taxpayer’s dime.
Americans have unwittingly funded these obstructionist
political agendas for far too long at the expense of
individuals, small businesses, energy producers, farmers and
ranchers who must pay out of their own pocket to defend the
federal government against relentless litigation,” Lummis
said. “This common sense legislation would help restore
integrity to EAJA and return the program to the original
intent of Congress.”
“For far too long, special interest groups have funded their
anti-multiple use agenda with Americans’ hard earned
taxpayer dollars,” said Barrasso. “It’s absolutely absurd that
Washington pays outside groups to repeatedly sue our
government. It’s time to halt the endless cycle of reckless
lawsuits and fix this broken system. Our bill will protect
taxpayer dollars and restore accountability and
transparency.”
Tags: Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, CSF, Washington DC
AMMOLAND.COM SHOOTING SPORTS NEWS
Obama AdministrationApproves Illegal Multiple GunSales Reporting RequirementJUL 13, 2011 09:42A.M.
Obama Administration Approves Illegal Multiple Gun Sales
Reporting Requirement
Obama Administration Approves Illegal Multiple Sales Reporting
Requirement **Oleg Volk
National Rifle Association
FAIRFAX, Va. --(Ammoland.com)- On Monday, the Justice
Department announced that it will proceed with a controversial
reporting procedure that will require federally licensed firearms retailers
in states bordering Mexico to report multiple sales of semi-automatic
rifles.
Last fall, the reporting procedure was proposed as an “emergency”
measure by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The procedure specifically calls for all of the firearm retailers in
California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas to report multiple sales, or
other dispositions, of two or more .22 caliber or larger semi-automatic
rifles that are capable of accepting a detachable magazine and that are
purchased by the same individual within five consecutive business days.
For example, a dealer would have to tell the government every time a
deer hunter in Sacramento or Amarillo finds a good deal on a pair of
semi-auto .30-06s like the popular Remington 7400.
The BATFE has no legal authority to demand these reports, and the flood
of new paperwork (BATFE estimates 18,000 reports per year) will waste
scarce law enforcement resources that should be spent on legitimate
investigations.
Deputy Attorney General James Cole said in the DOJ
statement that this new reporting measure “will improve the
ability of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives to detect and disrupt the illegal weapons
trafficking networks responsible for diverting firearms from
lawful commerce to criminals and criminal organizations.”
As anyone who watches the news is aware, the BATFE has recently come
under intense scrutiny due to its involvement in, and handling of, the ill-
conceived and ill-fated “Fast and Furious” operation. “Fast and Furious”
was a part of the five-year-old “Project Gunrunner” program and
encouraged Arizona gun stores to sell thousands of guns to suspicious
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buyers, despite objections from dealers and BATFE field agents alike.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) called the
new policy “the height of hypocrisy,” and said the Obama administration
is restricting the gun rights of border state citizens “when the
administration knowingly and intentionally allowed guns to be
trafficked into Mexico.” Smith went on to say, “Limiting the Second
Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens is not going to solve the
problem.”
Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on and passed,
by a vote of 277 to 149, an amendment to H.R. 1 offered by Reps. Denny
Rehberg (R-Mont.) and Dan Boren (D-Okla.) that prohibits the use of
federal funds for the reporting scheme.
Unfortunately, the amendment was not included in the final version of
the bill as a result of Senate inaction. In March, U.S. Sens. Jon Tester (D-
Mont.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) introduced legislation (S. 570) “to
prohibit the Department of Justice from tracking and cataloging the
purchases of multiple rifles and shotguns.”
The bill would prohibit the use of federal funds for a multiple sales
reporting scheme proposed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms
and Explosives. Please contact your Senator and encourage him or her to
cosponsor S. 570 to stop this blatant abuse of power. You can reach your
Senators at (202) 224-3121 or send them an e-mail by clicking here.
Commenting on the DOJ announcement, NRA-ILA Executive
Director Chris W. Cox said, “$40 billion transnational
criminal enterprises don’t fill out paperwork and are not
deterred by paperwork violations. This is a blatant effort by
the Obama administration and ATF to divert the focus of
Congress and the general public from their gross
incompetence in the ‘Fast and Furious’ scandal. This scheme
will unjustly burden law abiding retailers in border states. It
will not affect drug cartels and it won’t prevent violence along
our borders. The BATFE and the Administration lack the
statutory authority to do this and the NRA will file suit as
soon as BATFE sends the first demand letters.”
About:
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest
civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA
continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to
advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce
crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education
and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the
military. Visit: www.nra.org
**Image: by Olegvolk.net
Tags: Arizona, ATF, California, Firearms Registration, Long Gun
Registry, New Mexico, NRA, Registered Guns, Texas
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