SCRA meeting notes April 7, 2008

SCRA Meeting Notes April 7, 2008

Chairman Butler opened the meeting by inviting Norm Carver to lead members in the recitation of the pledge of allegiance.

Treasurer Chris Smith gave the financial report.

Tom Shafer played a video of Charlton Heston speaking at the Press Club in Washington DC at the height of the Clinton's anti-gun administration. It made headlines all over the country. It was so eloquently done and so obviously true that even the media couldn't ignore it. Shafer said there will never be another one like Heston. He was huge, not just for his acting ability but for speeches like this one. The tape is about fourteen years old and Shafer said he watches it at least a couple times a year just to regain mindset. We morn Heston's passing greatly.

Chairman Butler talked about the following:
IGOLD Floods State Capitol
A flood of gun owners the width of a city street and more than four blocks long marched from the Hilton Hotel in Springfield to the State Capitol to show their solidarity against impending legislation that would affect all of the shooting sports.

They came from all parts of the state , even the Chicago area. Seems like even Chicago people are tired of the chicanery put forth by their politicians not only on gun-control laws that don't work, but high taxes and corruption that runs rampant throughout Chicago and Cook County.

This was the largest march of irate gun owners since 1994. Remember that year politicians? That was the year that so many gun grabbing politicians were kicked out of office by angry citizens, many of them gun owners.

Many of those political hacks listened to Sarah Brady and others of the same ilk. All of them sacrificed on the alter of gun control.

Ron Paul would abolish "gun free zones"
Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) is "addressing the dangers created by federal gun zones" by sponsoring HR-2424, the Citizens Protection Act, that provides for the repeal of provisions of the federal criminal code that prohibit the possession of a firearm in a school zone. "Gun free zones" are nothing more than "kill zones" for a deranged individual to slaughter unarmed people unable to defend themselves.

"Gun free zones" are a good example of unintended consequences of poor legislation passed by lawmakers. We now have a history of this deadly "gun free zone" legislation results and it is time to get rid of these proven "kill zones".

Report Opposes National Ballistic Database
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has issued a report suggesting that the government should not create a national database of so-called ballistic fingerprints from newly manufactured domestic and imported firearms.

New York and Maryland have adopted similar ballistic imaging programs, but after 10 years, neither state's system has helped make a single arrest, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). The Maryland State Police have asked that their program be shut down and the funding be redirected to other law enforcement uses, but no action has yet been taken on the police recommendation.

Washington DC's "Safe Homes Initiative"
It appears that a program has been launched by Mayor Adrian Fenty and Police Chief Cathy Lanier, where police will go door-to-door, asking permission from homeowners to search their homes for illegal guns, with the provision that there will be amnesty from any criminal charges if a gun is found during one of these searches. We guess they are trying to beat the Supreme Court's decision on the Heller case.

Even the ACLU is incensed over the police state tactics as we all should be. ACLU's Arthur B. Spitzer told the Washington Post that launching such searches if a "very bad idea."

Seven Oakland Killings During Gun Buy-up
Authorities in Oakland, CA were faced with seven homicides during the weekend they were conducting a gun buy back.

The gun buy-up was the idea of anti-gun state Senator Don Perata (D-Oakland) who had been carjacked at gunpoint a few weeks before the event. He told reporters, "If we can get one gun off the street, there's less chance that guns will be used."

We wonder if the clown who carjacked his car turned his gun in during the feel good buy-up. Don't bet on it.

Maryland Shoots Down Ammunition Serialization. Kentucky has dropped a similar bill.

Illinois Pro-2A Resolution
The number of counties that have passed the Pro-Second Amendment Resolution is now up to 71. Sangamon County is still dragging its feet over the matter.

New Anti-gun group bills itself as an alternative to NRA
The American Hunters and shooters Association bills itself as an NRA alternative, claiming the NRA is too extreme in opposition to curbs on gun ownership rights.

Remember about eight years ago when a group called Americans for Gun Safety flopped trying the same deceptive tactics.

Feds Short of Prosecutors to Fight Organized Crime in Chicago
Federal prosecutors have put away many of the Chicago Outfits biggest criminals recently. Yet even in the wake of the Chicago mobs greatest defeat, local criminal wise guys have a glimmer of hope. Due to some fed prosecutors retiring, being transferred, and their esteemed leader Mitch Mars dying of cancer, there are only two federal prosecutors assigned to deal solely with organized crime. And they are not being replaced. Unbelievable!

The Attorney General of the United States should give Fitzgerald all that he needs to clean up Chicago or resign so that someone with more moxie can do the job.

Washington, DC Gun Control?
Dick Heller was being interviewed outside the Supreme Court after his case against the Washington, DC, gun ban, was heard. A reporter told him, "The Mayor (DC Mayor Adrian M. Fenty) says the handgun ban and his initiatives have significantly lowered violent crime in the District. How do you answer that Mr. Heller?"

Pointing at the Mayor who was making his way across the plaza, Heller said,, "The Mayor doesn't know what he's talking about. He doesn't walk on the street like an average citizen. Look at him; he travels with an army of police officers as bodyguards - to keep him safe. But he says that I don't have the right to be a force of one to protect myself. Does he look like he thinks the streets are safe?"

Washington, DC, Lawsuit Against Gun Makers Loses Again
By a unanimous 3-0 decision the District of Columbia Court of Appeals upheld a May 2006 decision dismissing a lawsuit against 25 firearm manufacturers. Says Lawrence Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation spokesman, "The District of Columbia lawsuit was like blaming car makers for drunk driving accidents."

Charlton Heston
Firearm owners lost a good friend and supporter when Charlton Heston, age 84, died this month.

Heston served five years as the president of the National Rifle Association, during some of the most turbulent times that firearm owners have been through.

During this time he served as president of the NRA with dignity despite personal attacks against him by gun control extremists. He was a towering figure both in his politics and on the screen.

His performance in "Ben Hur," won him the best-actor Academy Award. He was one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. A large part of his many movies have become classics.

Heston was a strong advocate for civil rights in the 1960's, joining marches and offering financial assistance.

He was a good friend of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. Like Ronald Reagan he also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. Heston in 2003 was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

Americans, especially firearm owners, have lost a good and dear friend.

God bless you Mr. Heston.

50/50
At the end of the meeting the 50/50 drawing was held. Lucky Ron Steward was the winner. Mr. Steward donated his winnings to our organization. Thank you Ron!

SCRA Meeting Index