The National Rifle Association is fully funding and supporting a lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s demand that Federal Firearms License holders report multiple sales of long guns in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. The lawsuits filed assert that the ATF lacks statutory authority to demand these reports.
NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director Chris W. Cox has long expressed skepticism for the motivation and the timing of this ATF effort. “This is a bait-and-switch scheme by an administration and a bureau frantically trying to distract lawmakers and the general public from the deadly 'Fast and Furious' debacle. This is a serious problem with deadly consequences, yet the Obama administration wants you to believe it can deter $40 billion transnational criminal enterprises by imposing paperwork requirements on honest American firearms dealers. This scheme will unjustly burden law-abiding retailers in these four border states. It will not affect drug cartels and it won't prevent violence along our borders. It will only divert scarce law enforcement resources from legitimate criminal investigations and squander them on policing law-abiding retailers.”
In a time when every federal agency is under intense budget pressure, the ATF estimates that this new reporting requirement will force it to review more than 18,000 additional documents annually. That's in addition to dealers' real-time reports of suspicious transactions-which the ATF, in the "Fast and Furious" operation, handled by telling dealers to proceed with the sales.
FFLs in these four border states began receiving tersely worded demand letters from the ATF that read:
You must submit to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reports of multiple sales or other dispositions whenever, at one time or during any five consecutive business days, you sell or otherwise dispose of two or more semi-automatic rifles capable of accepting a detachable magazine and with a caliber greater that .22 (including .223/5.56 caliber) to an unlicensed person. You are required to report all such sales that occur on or after August 14, 2011. You must continue reporting multiple sales for the rifles subject to this demand letter until we provide written notice to stop.
The NRA filed separate complaints in the District of Columbia, New Mexico and Texas challenging the administration’s demands.
Few issues today are more misunderstood by the general public than the issue of gun control. Many of the commonly-held misconceptions result directly from the media's often skewed coverage of this issue. Letters to local newspapers, radio, and television stations to protest biased coverage of firearm-related issues help influence the media's presentation of this subject, as well as inform the public of the facts that support our position. Keep in mind that your letters do not always have to be negative. If you see a positive story relating to gun ownership, contact that media outlet to thank them and to encourage them to run similar stories in the future. Our "Write Your Editor" will help you identify and contact a variety of newspapers and TV and radio stations. Below are some tips to help you when contacting the media.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor provide citizens with the opportunity to comment on articles and editorials appearing in their local newspapers. Studies show that the letters to the editor section of newspapers is extremely popular, and is widely read by community leaders and lawmakers to gauge public sentiment about current issues. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the editor:
Type Or Write Clearly. Include your name, address, and telephone number. Papers often call to verify authorship. Newspapers generally do not print anonymous letters.
Address Your Letters To the "Letters Editors" Or "Dear Editor."
Be Brief And Specific. Letters should rarely exceed one page. State the purpose of your letter in the opening paragraph and stick to that topic. If your letter pertains to a specific article or editorial, identify it accordingly. Try to keep your letter under 125 words. Always adhere to the paper's guidelines, which should be clearly stated on the editorial page of the paper.
Accurate Documentation. Mentioning documented studies and statistics in your letter will enhance its effect, but don't overdo it. Your underlying message can become lost in a sea of figures. Don't make statements you can't back up with hard facts or figures. Avoid personal attacks and insults.
Write About Current Issues, Not Old Topics. Stick to current debates and issues. Respond promptly to anti-gun stories and editorials. Write in support of pending pro-gun legislation or against pending anti-gun legislation.
Don't become discouraged if your letter is not published. Most publications receive more letters than they can print, and will often print one letter as a representative of others. Most important, keep trying! Unpublished letters are still read by the editors, and can help them determine which topics should receive more attention. Click here for a sample letter to the editor.
EDITORIALS
Editorials are a vehicle by which citizens can make extensive comments on articles, editorials, and policies. Like letters to the editor, editorials are placed on the editorial page (often opposite the letters to the editor), and have the ability to reach a large audience. When writing an editorial, be sure to keep your piece concise and include specific information. The average length of editorials that are printed is between 400-800 words long. Check with your local paper concerning length requirements. A phone call to the editor is helpful, and is sometimes required, when arranging the publication of a guest editorial. Generally, you will have a much better chance of having a letter to the editor published than an editorial, but this shouldn't discourage you from taking the appropriate steps to submit an editorial.
BROADCAST MEDIA
Although letters to the broadcast media will not be seen or read by the general public, they can help influence the programming of a particular station. Local radio and television stations compete for listeners and viewers, which means their programming must cater to their audience. If you complain about unfair, biased anti-gun programming, stations may see that as the potential for lost viewers or listeners, and thus, lost revenue in the form of advertising dollars. Likewise, if you thank broadcast media outlets when they air pro-gun stories, you help increase the chances that similar stories will run in the future. Remember, your impact will be multiplied when you encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to contact the station as well. Here are some helpful guidelines to follow when crafting your letter to the broadcast media:
Locate The Station's Address In Your Local Yellow Pages. Stations will be listed under "Radio Stations" or "Television Stations."
Type Or Write Clearly. Include your name, address, and telephone number.
Address Your Letter To The "Station Manager" Or "General Manager." When possible, call the station to obtain his name and official title.
Comment On Recent Gun-Related Stories. If your letter refers to a particular story, always identify it by the date and time it aired, as well as who reported it. Cite documented statistics and facts to back up your objection to anti-gun stories.
Urge The Station To Contact NRA For Comments On Firearm-Related Stories. Too often, NRA is not given the opportunity to refute anti-gun stories in the media. Let the station manager know that you want to hear both sides of the story. (Encourage him to call the NRA-ILA Public Affairs Division at (703)267-3820 to talk to an NRA spokesman.)
Remember, don't limit yourself to only letters of complaint. When you see a positive gun-related story, a friendly letter of thanks mentioning that you found the show lively, entertaining, and informative, can go a long way to ensuring similar stories in the future. Remember to mention that you are a regular listener or viewer, and you hope the station will continue broadcasting similar programs.
RADIO & TELEVISION TALK SHOWS
Calling talk shows in your area is a great way to help get your message across to thousands of listeners for free. In addition to calling in to regularly-scheduled talk radio shows, do some additional research and call your local radio and television stations and ask if they have any open forums -- talk shows where callers can discuss any subject with the host. If so, try to get on the air to make short, concise, positive statements about firearm ownership. If there is currently a firearm-related bill making its way through the legislative process, the host may keep the topic on the air for several minutes. If not, then at least you can take comfort in knowing that your brief statement in support of our position was heard by the station's listeners.
You can also call talk shows and ask the producer if there are any scheduled shows coming up that will discuss gun-related issues. If one is scheduled, try to get an NRA or pro-gun representative booked to appear on the show.
Again, be sure to monitor your local radio and television station, participate in these shows, and alert
fellow gun owners so they may do so as well.
MEDIA CONTACT READY REFERENCE GUIDE
To identify and contact a variety of newspapers and TV and radio stations, use the "Write Your Editor" feature.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 (202) 418-2555 (888) 225-5322 Fax: (202) 418-0710 E-mail: fccinfo@fcc.gov Website: Home | FCC.gov
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NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop in Sedalia, Missouri on August 9th!
Join NRA-ILA staff on Tuesday, August 9th, for an evening of important grassroots education. With what has already been a very busy 2011, we must redouble our efforts to ensure we're prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges we will face in Missouri. Please make plans to attend NRA-ILA's FREE Grassroots Workshop to learn what you can do to become a better activist in the fight to protect and promote the Second Amendment!
All events will take place at:
Best Western
3120 S. Limit
Sedalia, MO 65301
660-826-6100
DIRECTIONS
FREE NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS WORKSHOP
In order to ensure that gun owners are fully engaged in the fight to protect our Second Amendment rights, NRA-ILA Staff will discuss how you can take on an even more active role in your community to advance and protect our freedoms. NRA-ILA will provide you with the materials and strategies needed to educate, empower, and engage your fellow gun owners. Please encourage your family, friends, and fellow firearm owners to attend, as well. All food, beverages, and materials are FREE!!
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Snacks and Registration
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. NRA-ILA Grassroots Workshop
Please RSVP at NRA-ILA :: or call 800-392-VOTE (8683).
Please also be sure to stop by the NRA-ILA Booth at the Missouri State Fair, from August 11-21, located outside the Mathewson Exhibition Center!
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2011 NRA Annual Meetings - John Bolton - Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum
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In the News | NRA to sue over gun sales rule | Guns groups to sue over new Obama regulations, DOJ vows to 'vigorously oppose' | California: Sheriff facing lawsuit over concealed carry permit process | N.R.A. to Sue Over Bulk Gun Sales Rule | A fast and furious assault on private gun sales | Local gun bans falling under Florida law | Suits push for greater gun rights | NSSF: Firearms accidents are at an all-time low | Hatch, Senators raise concerns over UN treaty impact on Second Amendment | Wisconsin: De Pere aims to ban firearms in government buildings | Wisconsin: Universities consider state's new Right-to-Carry law | Barr: Fast, furious, idiotic and tragic | Michigan: 10 years after concealed weapons law, unclear why many in state were gun-shy | Tennessee: Protecting liberty starts with the Second Amendment | California: San Juan Capistrano won't allow guns in city parks | Gun store in Texas foils Fort Hood plot | Australia: Gold Coast gun licenses surge | Montana: Fertile Ground for Gun Makers | White House knew about BATFE gunrunning scandal | Florida: Panama City Beach getting out of gun business
Below are several ways you can take on a more active role in the defense of the Second Amendment in your own community.
Sign up to Volunteer!
NRA-ILA FrontLinesTM is comprised of NRA-ILA's most dedicated volunteers who work vigorously at the local, state, and federal levels to defend our Second Amendment rights.
Identify "Second Amendment Activist Centers"
Help Spread The Truth and Promote Activism -These Centers will provide NRA members and gun owners with NRA buttons, Fact Sheets on legislation and issues, volunteer sign-up forms, voter registration materials, and, in election years, information on grassroots activities and events.
Contact your Election Volunteer Coordinator (EVC)
In the electoral arena, EVCs act as the liaison between pro-gun candidates and NRA members and gun owners in their districts, working to spearhead ILA's volunteer activities to ensure that pro-freedom candidates have sufficient volunteers for campaign-related activities. Use the zip code search or state map below to contact your local NRA-ILA EVC today to find out what you can do locally to protect the Second Amendment
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NRA-ILA Continues Gathering Information on BATFE Demand Letters
7/29/2011
More Senators Take a Stand Against the UN’s Arms Trade Treaty
7/29/2011
“Fast & Furious” Hearings Raise More Questions Than Answers
7/29/2011
Lee Grace Dougherty, 29, and her two brothers, Ryan Edward Dougherty, 21, and half brother Dylan Dougherty Stanley, 26, have been on the run since Aug. 2, when they shot at a police officer who tried to pull them over in central Florida.
Five hours later, they allegedly robbed a bank in Valdosta, Ga. One of them fired an AK-47 rifle into the ceiling as they entered the front door. Another of the trio also was armed with some type of machine gun, while the third collected the cash.
Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Signs
Historic Right-to-Carry Legislation Into Law
Fairfax, VA. – National Rifle Association (NRA) Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre and the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director Chris W. Cox joined Governor Scott Walker as he signed the Wisconsin Personal Protection Act into law. This makes Wisconsin the 49th state to give law-abiding citizens an option to carry a concealed firearm for personal protection. ]
Urge Your Representative To Cosponsor H.R. 822,
The National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act Of 2011
Congressmen Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.) have introduced vital legislation that will enable millions of permit holders to exercise their right to self-defense while traveling outside their home states.
Pennsylvania Governor Signs
NRA-Backed Castle Doctrine into Law
Governor Tom Corbett has signed Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine legislation into law. This common-sense measure permits law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place where they have a legal right to be. It also protects individuals from civil lawsuits by an attacker or attacker’s family when force is used.
NRA Opposes Andrew Traver
Nomination to Head BATFE -
Calls on President Obama to withdraw the nomination
Traver has been deeply aligned with gun control advocates and anti-gun activities. This makes him the wrong choice to lead an enforcement agency that has almost exclusive oversight and control over the firearms industry, its retailers and consumers.
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