Interesting NRA Fact

The NRA of the United Kingdom is 12 years older than the American version:

NRA of the UK - established 1859

NRA of America - established 1871

Too bad the UK seems to have forgotten their rich shooting heritage.
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The Power of Us ...

... through the NRA. Here is a list of the 51 Senators who sent a letter to the White House saying the Second Amendment is non-negotiable, re: the UN Arms Trade Treaty.

The media and anti gunners (yeah, yeah I know) like to cry about the power of the NRA, but the power lies with us, its members. They need to acknowledge that, but I'm not holding my breath.

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New TN Gun Law

A recent update from the NRA:

Tennessee: Pro-Gun Bill Signed into Law by Governor Haslam

On March 31, Governor Bill Haslam signed Senate Bill 519 into law.  SB 519, which took immediate effect, recognizes that any employer permitting a person to legally carry a firearm on the employer's property does not constitute an “occupational safety and health hazard” to the employees.  SB 519, sponsored by state Senator Mike Bell (R-9), passed in the Senate by a 30 to 1 vote.  House Bill 283 is the companion bill to SB 519, sponsored by state Representative Vance Dennis (R-71), that passed in the House by an 82 to 8 vote.  

The recognition of Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards by the General Assembly in SB 519 and HB 283 should serve as a stepping stone toward the passage of parking lot/worker protection legislation that would allow gun owners to lawfully store firearms in their privately-owned and locked vehicle while parked in publicly accessible parking lots controlled by their employer or a business that they frequent.  Employees should not be forced to choose between being fired from their job or sacrificing their right to self-defense on their daily commute.

 

Sweet
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Quote of the Day

This one by David Kopel, re: the National Republican Rifle Association emphasis mine:

Civil liberties organizations which tie themselves exclusively to one party put liberty at risk. In a two-party system, it is inevitable that each party will dominate some of the time. Civil liberties are safer in the long run when they have friends in both parties, and when those friends know that civil liberty organizations will reciprocate their support, especially during tough elections.

Is it really that simple? Yes, it is.

h/t - Instapundit

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Newsflash - Liberal Heads Exploding All Over West Tennessee

Via the Commercial Squeal:

In a surprise move, the National Rifle Association has endorsed Democrat Roy Herron over Republican Stephen Fincher in the race for West Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. John Tanner, a Democrat.

So, Democrats/Progressives/Liberals, are you going to vote for the NRA lackey, or the Republican?


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Win a Scope

Win a Trijicon Scope at NRAhuntersrights.org!

FAIRFAX, Va.—If you've ever been frustrated by your current riflescope's inability to perform well in low-light conditions, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org during the month of September for a chance to win a Trijicon AccuPoint 3-9x40 riflescope.
To submit your name for the Trijicon giveaway, visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org and scroll down to "Gift Giveaway" for simple entry instructions. Entries will be accepted Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, and a winner will be announced on Oct. 1.


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Quote of the Day

From Sebastian, on the NRA- conservative dustup, because it's what I'm thinking at the moment:

This pisses me off, because if you weaken NRA, you weaken the Right to Bear Arms. There is no group that’s going to step up, or is capable of stepping up, and taking their place.

At times I wonder if some conservatives are really pro-gun, or just using us as useful idiots.

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NRA Statement on McDonald

Statement by Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President, National Rifle Association Regarding U.S. Supreme Court Decision McDonald v. City of Chicago

Today marks a great moment in American history. This is a landmark decision. It is a vindication for the great majority of American citizens who have always believed the Second Amendment was an individual right and freedom worth defending.

The Supreme Court said what a majority of the American public believes. The people who wrote the Second Amendment said it was an individual right, and the Court has now confirmed what our founding fathers wrote and intended. The Second Amendment -- as every citizen’s constitutional right -- is now a real part of American Constitutional law

But, Supreme Court decisions have to lead to actual consequences or the whole premise of American constitutional authority collapses. Individual freedom must mean you can actually experience it. An incorporated freedom has to be a real freedom.

The intent of the founding fathers -- and the Supreme Court -- was to provide access. Words must have meaning.

The Supreme Court has now said the Second Amendment is an individual freedom for all. And that must have meaning. This decision must provide relief to law-abiding citizens who are deprived of their Second Amendment rights.

I’m a practical guy. I don’t want to win on philosophy and lose on freedom. The end question is, can law-abiding men and women go out and buy and own a firearm? Today the Supreme Court said yes – anywhere they live!

This decision cannot lead to different measures of freedom, depending on what part of the country you live in. City by city, person by person, this decision must be more than a philosophical victory. An individual right is no right at all if individuals can’t access it. Proof of Heller and McDonald will be law abiding citizens, one by one, purchasing and owning firearms.

The NRA will work to ensure this constitutional victory is not transformed into a practical defeat by activist judges, defiant city councils, or cynical politicians who seek to pervert, reverse, or nullify the Supreme Court’s McDonald decision through Byzantine labyrinths of restrictions and regulations that render the Second Amendment inaccessible, unaffordable, or otherwise impossible to experience in a practical, reasonable way.

What good is a right without the gun? What good is the right if you can’t buy one? Or keep one in your home? Or protect your family with one?

Here’s a piece of paper – protect yourself. That’s no right at all!

Victory is when law abiding men and women can get up, go out, and buy and own a firearm.

This is a monumental day. But NRA will not rest until every law-abiding American citizen is able to exercise the individual right to buy and own a firearm for self defense or any other lawful purpose.

Sent to me via email from the lovely & talented Rachel Parsons of the NRA - ILA.
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It's the National Rifle Association

Not the National Conservative Agenda Association.

Y'all know what I'm talking about.

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Charlotte

As must be evident from my lack of posting on the subject, I'm not going this year. I'm not up for leisurely travel at the present time.

If you're going, be safe. If you're reading this, seek out the bloggers and say hi. They're good people.

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Trigger the Vote

Chuck Norris and the NRA are starting a voter registration drive called Trigger the Vote.

Check it out!

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Somewhere, Someone is Having Fun

A lot of someones, actually. The NRA convention is underway, and reports are rolling in. Here's the first few:

Snowflakes in Hell got to meet Heller.

Michale Bane says Hi and the new Ruger will debut in five hours.

Thirdpower has pics and got to meet the lovely & talented Rachel Parsons at check-in.

Kevin's at his bro's house. Must be nice. I can't wait till they have a convention in Memphis.

More as it comes in, at least until I am totally consumed by envy and drink myself into a stupor.

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Time For the NRA to Break Tradition

... and rescind Kirsten Gillibrand's A rating immediately.

This is betrayal of the highest order.

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Second Amendment Blog Bash

This is the obligatory "I'm not going" post. I really wish I could, but not this year.

If you're a blogger, or a reader of gun blogs, find these people and say hi to them. They're a good group.

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Legislation To Restore Concealed Carry in National Parks Introduced

Legislation To Restore Concealed Carry in National Parks Introduced

On Thursday, April 2, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Bob Bennett (R-Utah), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) introduced legislation (S.816) to restore the Second Amendment rights of visitors in national parks and wildlife refuges (its companion bill, H.R. 1684 was introduced last week by Congressman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.).

Good news, let's hope it meets with success.

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Update on Proposed Tennessee Gun Laws

Via email. Go here for more detail (emphasis mine):

Senate Joint Resolution 30, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), proposes an amendment to the Tennessee Constitution recognizing citizens’ right to hunt and fish. ... SJR 30 has passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and has moved to the Fish and Wildlife Committee where it is expected to be voted on in the coming weeks.

Senate Bill 264, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (D-25), would authorize Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency (TWRA) to issue sport fishing and hunting licenses at no cost to Tennessee residents who are 100 percent disabled and receive social security disability. SB 264 has been referred to the Senate Environment, Conservation and Tourism Committee.

House Bill 569, sponsored by State Representative David Shepard (D-69), is the companion bill to SB 264. HB 569 still resides in the House Committee on Conservation and Environment.

Senate Bill 576, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), would allow a person who has a valid Right-to-Carry permit to carry a firearm into restaurants where alcohol may be served, as long as the permit holder is not consuming alcohol or is not otherwise prohibited by posting provisions. SB 576 was taken off notice in the Senate Judiciary sub-committee on Wednesday, March 25. Please contact Senator Jackson and ask him to amend Senate Bill 576 to include no additional restrictions on permittees carrying in restaurants other than a prohibition on alcohol consumption. SB 576 is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8 in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 1807, sponsored by State Representative Ben West (D-60), is the companion bill to SB 576. HB 1807 is currently in the House Subcommittee on Criminal Practice and Procedure and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 842, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), would authorize persons with handgun permits to carry a handgun while hunting big game during bow-hunting deer season. SB 842 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 770, sponsored by State Representative Mike Turner (D-51), is the companion bill to SB 842. HB 770 is currently in the House Subcommittee on Criminal Practice and Procedure and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1. Please contact the bill sponsors and ask them to expand this bill to include muzzle-loading season.

Senate Bill 1129, sponsored by State Senator Mark Norris (R-32), is Right-to-Carry reform legislation that allows persons with valid handgun carry permit to carry in public parks, public postsecondary institutions, and places where alcoholic beverages are being served so long as that individual is not consuming alcohol. It also allows judges to carry firearms where law enforcement can carry if they have a permit or appropriate training.

House Bill 724, sponsored by State Representative Brian Kelsey (R-83) is the companion bill to SB 1129 and is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Criminal Practice Subcommittee on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1261, sponsored by State Senator Dewayne Bunch (R-9), authorizes all full-time faculty and staff at any public postsecondary institution in the state who have a valid handgun carry permit to carry handguns at all times upon the premises of the institution at which they are employed. SB 1261 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 798 is the companion bill to SB 1261 and is sponsored by State Representative Stacey Campfield (R-18). HB 798 is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Criminal and Practice Subcommittee on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1403, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), would allow a person who has received voluntary inpatient mental health care to apply for a handgun carry permit if the hospitalization occurred at least five years earlier, and the applicant attaches a statement from a doctor that he/she does not pose an immediate risk of serious harm due to mental illness. SB 1403 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 1748, sponsored by State Representative Eddie Bass (D-65), is the companion bill to SB 1403. HB 1748 is currently in the House Subcommittee on Criminal Practice and Procedure and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

Senate Bill 1607 sponsored by State Senator Mae Beavers (R-17), allows the transportation and storage of a firearm in a locked vehicle and prohibits employers and nongovernmental entities from prohibiting persons possessing a handgun carry permit from transporting and storing a firearm out of sight, in a locked vehicle, on any property set aside for vehicles. SB 1607 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 1793 is the companion bill to SB 1607 and is sponsored by State Representative Ben West (D-70). HB 1793 is expected to be heard in the House Judiciary Criminal Practice Subcommittee on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1908, the “Second Amendment Protection Act,” sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), would prohibit the sale of micro-stamped firearms or ammunition in Tennessee. This preventive measure is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 1924 sponsored by State Representative Henry Fincher (D-42) is the companion bill to SB 1908 and has been referred to the House Judiciary’s Sub-committee on Criminal Practice and Procedure and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

House Bill 46, sponsored by State Representative Joshua Evans (R-66), prohibits the Department of Safety or any department-approved handgun safety employee from requiring an applicant for a carry permit to furnish any identifying information concerning any handgun the applicant owns or possesses. HB 46 passed the House 88-2 on Thursday, March 19, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Senate Bill 32, sponsored by State Senator Jim Tracy (R-16), is the companion bill to HB 46 and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 32 is now expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

House Bill 70, sponsored by State Representative Henry Fincher (D-42), removes the prohibition against using deadly force in protection of property. HB 70 passed the House 89-1 on Thursday, March 19, and will next be considered by the Senate.

Senate Bill 474, sponsored by State Senator Andy Berke (D-10) is the companion bill to HB 70. SB 474 is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 82, sponsored by State Representative Johnny Shaw (D-80), authorizes current and retired judges who possess a handgun carry permit to carry a firearm under the same circumstances and conditions as law enforcement officers and correctional officers. HB 82 has been placed on the House calendar for Thursday, April 2.

Senate Bill 19, sponsored by State Senator Dolores Gresham (R-26), is the companion bill to HB 82 and is expected to be heard in the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 112, sponsored by State Representative Mike Bell (R-23), authorizes the carrying of handguns by persons with a handgun carry permit on public hunting areas and wildlife management areas and subjects such persons to all wildlife laws, rules, and regulations. HB 112 is currently in the House Subcommittee on Criminal Practice and Procedure and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 40, sponsored by State Senator Dewayne Bunch (R-9) is the companion bill to HB 112. SB 40 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 254, sponsored by State Representative Glen Casada (R-63), would delete the requirement to give a thumbprint as part of the background check process when purchasing a firearm. HB 254 passed the House 82-11 on Thursday, March 12. It has been referred to the Senate.

Senate Bill 554, sponsored by State Senator Mark Norris (R-32), is the companion bill to HB 254 and is expected to be voted on favorably, by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, April 1.

House Bill 390, sponsored by State Representative Henry Fincher (D-42), would allow handgun carry permit holders to possess or carry a loaded rifle, loaded shotgun, or loaded magazine or clip while in a motor vehicle. HB 390 passed the House 82-10 on Thursday, March 19, and will next be considered by the Senate.

Senate Bill 578, sponsored by Senator Doug Jackson, is the companion bill to HB 390. SB 578 is currently in the Senate Judiciary and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 716, sponsored by State Representative Frank Niceley (R-17), would allow any resident who has a valid handgun carry permit to possess a handgun while within the boundaries of any state park. HB 716 has been referred to the Finance Ways and Means Budget sub-committee. Please contact members of the sub-committee and ask them to support an amendment that removes the fiscal note requiring new signage. Existing materials can be used to fix any signage. [trying the old 'new signage' maneuver again I see - ed.]

Senate Bill 976, sponsored by State Senator Tim Burchett (R-7), is the companion bill to HB 716. SB 976 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 959, sponsored by State Representative Eddie Bass (D-65), would ensure the privacy of handgun permit holders by making records of permit applications and renewals confidential. HB 959 was amended to allow for the sharing only of statistical information. HB 959 passed the House Judiciary Committee by a 6-4 vote on Wednesday, March 18. This important privacy measure did move to the Calendar and Rules Committee, but was then re-referred to Finance Ways and Means Budget sub-committee and will not be heard until Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1126, sponsored by State Senator Mark Norris (R-32), is the companion bill to HB 959 and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 1126 is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

House Bill 960, sponsored by State Representative Harry Tindell (D-13), would authorize a person with a handgun carry permit to possess a firearm while in local, state or federal parks. HB 960 has been amended to allow for a local government body to maintain control of carry within the local parks. Please contact your Representative and express your opposition to this amendment that will create a confusing patchwork of carry laws across the state. Please also contact Speaker Kent Williams (Carter County R- 4) and thank him for speaking in the House Judiciary Committee against the local parks amendment. HB 960 passed out of the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 25 and has now been referred to the Finance Ways and Means Budget sub-committee where it is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1518, sponsored by State Senator Mae Beavers (R-17), is the companion bill to HB 960, and is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 961, sponsored by State Representative Mike Bell (R-26), would authorize a person with a handgun carry permit to possess a firearm in a refuge, public hunting area, wildlife management area, or on national forest land. HB 961 has an amendment that contains specific language that negates the effect of the bill and then provides additional language that may even be argued to restrict access to certain areas. Please contact your Representative and ask them to remove the restricting language. HB 961 has been referred to the House Finance, Ways and Means Subcommittee on Budget and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 1519, sponsored by State Senator Tim Burchett (R-7), is the companion bill to HB 961 and is expected to be heard by the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday, April 8.

House Bill 2313, sponsored by State Representative Eddie Bass (D-65), would authorize the Department of Safety to present a law enforcement officer’s service weapon to the spouse or child of an officer killed in the line of duty. HB 2313 has been referred to the State and Local Government Committee and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1.

Senate Bill 2276, sponsored by State Senator Jim Kyle (D-28), is the companion bill to HB 2313 and has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee and is expected to be heard on Tuesday, March 31.

House Bill 2376, sponsored by State Representative David Shepard (D-69), would modify the methods of disposing of certain confiscated firearms, and would prohibit the destruction of confiscated firearms, instead requiring them to be auctioned or sold to federally licensed firearms dealers. Proceeds from the sale of these firearms would be used to benefit law enforcement agencies. HB 2376 is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 1 in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Practice and Procedure.

Senate Bill 2334, sponsored by State Senator Doug Jackson (R- 25), is the companion bill to HB 2376, and is currently in the Senate Judiciary and is expected to be heard on Wednesday, April 8.

All in all, things are looking good for Tennessee gun owners.

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Wayne LaPierre on Glenn Beck

Via email:

NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre was a guest on the Glenn Beck program on Fox News, Wednesday, March 18, 2009. Wayne and Glenn discussed Attorney General Holder's recent announcement that he wants to resurrect the failed semi-automatic firearm and magazine bans. They also talked about the preposterous claim being made by gun control congressmen and senators that our Second Amendment, and not the corruption within the Mexican government, is the cause for the violent crime caused by Mexican drug lords.

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More Good News

Via NRA-ILA's Rachel:

Today in a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, 65 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives, led by Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR), expressed their opposition to the reinstatement of the failed 1994 ban on semi-automatic firearms and ammunition magazines.

The pdf is here, the emphasis mine.

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An Answer to the Brass Question

In answer to my post below, Chris Cox 'splains it all:

As DLA explained to Senators Baucus and Tester, and to NRA-ILA, DoD officials responsible for the demilitarization of military property temporarily halted the release of the cartridge cases last week, pending review of a policy change issued last year by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which, in the interest of national security, halted the sale of items within a broad category of government property including, but not limited to, surplus small arms cartridge cases.

To make cartridge cases eligible for sale once again, DoD demilitarization officials verified that the cases could be appropriately placed in a category of government property allowing for their release for use within the United States, and then executed the recategorization. Whereas during the brief suspension, fired cartridge cases would have been releaseable only if the purchaser crushed or smelted them, now the cases may be sold as before, intact and reloadable.

Good deal.

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NRA Website Solicits Member Hunt Reports

Again, via email:

NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

INCORPORATED 1871

11250 Waples Mill Road - Fairfax, VA 22030

NRA Website Solicits Member Hunt Reports

Did you have an exceptionally good hunting trip last season you'd like to share with other NRA members?

NRAhuntersrights.org is accepting brief reports and photos from members who want to tell others about their recent hunting experiences. We're looking for information that could help your fellow hunters plan an exciting experience afield, with a great outfitter and guide, as well as sort through any confusing regulations you may have encountered or travel issues along the way. Don't think of it as writing an article - think of it as telling your hunting buddies what the trip was like.

All we're looking for is about 500 words, but you can go longer if you need to. We have to have a good, sharp photo from the hunt, contact information for the guide and outfitter, plus any other information about the hunt you want to give us.

How to Submit a Report: It's easy. Just write it up in your own words and send it to [email protected]. Write "Hunt Report" in the subject line. We'll consider it, and if it meets our criteria we'll post it and let you know when it's up.

Submission of a Member Hunt Report does not guarantee it will be posted, and there is no payment.

If you have not visited http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/ recently, here are a few headlines you've missed:

California: Statewide Ban on Lead Ammo Weighed

HSUS Files to Stop Colorado Elk Culling

Conservation Groups Urge Obama to Delist Gray Wolves

Should South Dakota Hunters Have to Pay for Road Repair?

Diverting Hunters' Dollars Unfair - and Shortsighted

Keep up with how NRA is defending your freedom to hunt at http://www.nrahuntersrights.org/.

I'm such a shill. =)

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