NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 10, No. 47 11/21/2003
WISCONSIN AND MISSOURI FIGHT FOR RIGHT-TO-CARRY
Despite the support of the majority of the legislature, rank and file police officers, and the people of Wisconsin, on November 18, Governor Jim Doyle (D) vetoed legislation that would allow law-abiding Wisconsin citizens the Right-to-Carry firearms for protection of themselves and their loved ones.
It is regrettable that Governor Doyle does not trust his law-abiding constituents with the right of self-defense. This is common sense legislation that requires mandatory training, a permit from the sheriff, and a criminal background check. Even polls by Right-to-Carry opponents reveal that a majority of Wisconsinites support this law.
According to FBI statistics, 12,000 Wisconsinites are victims of violent crime annually. Right-to-Carry would give many of those victims the opportunity to defend themselves against a criminal attack. Research by leading criminologists shows that firearms are used more than two million times a year for self-defense. In most cases a shot is never fired. And, Right-to-Carry laws are a proven crime deterrent. Violent crime rates have decreased in every state after enactment of Right-to-Carry.
Ironically, Governor Doyle enjoys executive self-protection at taxpayer expense. Yet he will not afford the average citizen the same opportunity. Unless the legislature acts, the people of Wisconsin will remain defenseless against criminal attacks.
Right-to-Carry passed the Wisconsin legislature by a vote of 24-8 in the Senate and 64-35 in the Assembly. Four states?New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, and Missouri?have passed Right-to-Carry laws this year. Thirty-six states and more than half of all Americans have the right to carry a firearm for personal protection.
Wisconsin residents are asked to please contact your Senators and Representatives and respectfully urge them to stand steadfast on our rights, and their votes, by voting to override the Governor`s veto. You can find contact information for your Legislators by using the "Write your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.
As reported in the September 12 issue of the Grassroots Alert, on September 11, the Missouri Senate joined the House in voting to override Governor Bob Holden`s (D) veto of HB 349, making the "Show Me State" the nation`s 36th state to pass a fair, non-discretionary Right-to-Carry law.
This victory was short-lived, however, as St. Louis Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer recently issued a permanent injunction striking down the new law on grounds that it violates a section of the Missouri Constitution dating back to 1875. The ruling made permanent Judge Ohmer`s temporary injunction against the law, which had been issued in October.
State Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) immediately appealed the ruling to the Missouri Supreme Court, arguing that Judge Ohmer`s ruling was both "unprecedented" and "absurd."
The NRA is vigorously fighting to overturn the ruling. The Missouri Supreme Court has granted NRA`s motion to file an amicus brief in a challenge to the law. NRA attorney Steve Halbrook said the constitutional provision is not meant as a prohibition against concealed guns. "Ever since Missouri has been a state, the legislature has decided when and where to either allow or prohibit concealed weapons," he said.
The Missouri Supreme Court has set a January 22 date to hear the appeal. Rest assured that NRA-ILA will keep you apprised of future developments or decisions.
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT S. 659/S. 1806
As we have have frequently reported, one of NRA-ILA`s top legislative priorities in Congress, is the passage of S. 659/S. 1806, the "Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act."
The House version of this bill? H.R. 1036?passed last April by an overwhelming vote of 285-140, and has the support of the White House. Yet, despite assurances of a timely vote and broad bipartisan support, S. 659/S. 1806 has become stalled in the Senate. At present, the situation remains very fluid, and there`s still a possibility that the Senate could pass S. 659/S. 1806 before it goes into recess for the year. But the only remaining opportunity to pass the bill this year is through appropriations legislation, which funds government operations. If S. 659/S. 1806 is passed as part of a spending bill, it will represent a major pushback by pro-gun Senators against the obstructionist tactics of the dedicated corps of anti-gun Senators who blocked consideration of the bill in early November.
Thanks to the dedicated grassroots efforts of millions of NRA members and gun owners across the country, S. 659/S. 1806 is now widely acknowledged as having enough votes to overcome a filibuster by anti-gun Senators. But we can`t stop a filibuster until one starts, and the process can`t begin until the bill reaches the Senate floor for debate.
On November 6, pro-gun leaders in the Senate attempted to bring the bill to the floor with a proposed "consent agreement" to govern the length of debate and the number of amendments each side could order. Anti-gun Senators sent their representative to the floor to object. After much discussion, and failing to gain "consent," Senate leaders moved to other business, but vowed to bring S. 659/S. 1806 to a vote early next year, without regard to the objections from the anti-gun corps. That sets us up for a full-blown brawl in the New Year.
In the end, it all boils down to politics, but you can help break the logjam. In the coming weeks, your Senators will likely be traveling around your state, holding town hall meetings, where they can report on what they`ve been doing in Washington, and take questions from their constituents. These meetings offer a tremendous opportunity for you to personally voice your strong support for S. 659/S. 1806. Your Senators need to know that this bill is about saving jobs, and protecting our rights. If you can`t attend a meeting, send a letter or make a phone call to your Senator`s office. Tell them it`s time to stop playing politics with the Second Amendment. Urge them to fully support S. 659 without any anti-gun amendments! Ask them to do everything in their power to end these meritless lawsuits and ensure that this essential legislation is approved as written. Tell them it`s time to pass S. 659/S. 1806! Make no mistake?with your help, we will win this fight and see this critical legislation signed into law.
In addition, please contact your Senators and your U.S. Representative and urge them to cosponsor and support S. 1414 and H.R. 3193?the Senate and House versions of the District of Columbia Personal Protection Act. This important legislation seeks to restore the constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights of the residents of the District of Columbia, which has once again reclaimed the title of "murder capital" of the United States.
Finally, please continue to urge your U.S. Representative and your Senators to oppose current legislation seeking to expand the 1994 Clinton gun ban?H.R. 2038, S. 1431, and S. 1034. You can find contact information for your elected officials by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at www.NRAILA.org, or you can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121 and your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
UPDATE ON MICHIGAN DOVE SEASON
On November 4, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 64 to 44 in favor of establishing the first dove hunting season in state history. HB 5029 adds the mourning dove to Michigan`s list of game species.
"This is a vital step forward in bringing a mourning dove season to Michigan," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox commenting on the bill`s passage. "The sportsmen of Michigan do not want animal rights extremists making crucial decisions about their sport and hunting traditions. Today, Michigan sportsmen are a step closer to joining hunters in 39 states and enjoying a dove hunting season."
HB 5029 now goes to the State Senate for consideration. Please contact your State Senators and respectfully urge them to support the passage of a Michigan Dove Season. Please let them know that Michigan citizens deserve the opportunity to hunt doves, as hunters in 39 other states presently have. Be sure to tell them that state wildlife biologists, as well as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support dove hunting. You can find contact information for your Representatives by using the "Write Your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org
A LOOK AT THE STATES
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey`s first bear hunt in 33 years is scheduled to begin December 8. Groups opposing the hunt have mounted an aggressive campaign to pressure Governor James E. McGreevy (D) into cancelling the hunt. So far, Governor McGreevy has not wavered from his position that the hunt is a necessary public safety measure in light of numerous bear attacks that have plagued the state. However, there are some reports that the Governor may be reconsidering his position. Please tell Governor McGreevy that you support the bear hunt, and ask him to hold firm in the interest of public safety. You can contact Governor McGreevey by phone at (609) 292-6000, or by fax at (609) 292-3454. Your state legislators and town officials need to hear the same message. To find additional contact information for the Governor and your Legislators you may use the "Write your Representatives" feature at www.NRAILA.org.
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