ABC Nightline anti-gun spin

ABC Nightline recently aired a segment covering Restaurant Carry with the title of "Guns and Booze." With a title like that, they were certainly off to a good start on their standard anti-gun spin. At the end of the segment, they even tried to "prove" that when you draw your gun from a concealed holster you're more likely to have less accurate aim, by having a man shoot with slow measured shots on the first target, then drawing his gun and shooting a group of shots in rapid succession at a second target, then comparing the two target groupings. Pure genius.

Kudos to Nikki Goeser for managing to get in many excellent points on our side of the issue.

Guns from Santa?

The NSSF has a good article you should check out if someone you love has told you that all he or she wants for Christmas is a new handgun, shotgun, or rifle.

Sounds like a great gift to find under the Christmas tree on Christmas Morning. Be sure to include eye & hearing protection, as well as training from your favorite instructor. The NRA has a list of NRA certified instructors Nationwide.

NRA Opposes Nomination of Traver to head ATF

As if we didn't already have enough problems from the ATF/BATFE - Obama has nominated anti-gun Traver to head it.

From the NRA-ILA:

Statement from Chris W. Cox, executive director, NRA Institute for Legislative Action

The National Rifle Association of America strongly opposes President Obama's nomination of Andrew Traver as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE). 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. Further, an important nomination such as BATFE director should not be made as a "recess appointment," in order to circumvent consent by the American people through their duly-elected U.S. Senators.

Traver served as an advisor to the International Association for Chiefs of Police's (IACP) "Gun Violence Reduction Project," a "partnership" with the Joyce Foundation. Both IACP and the Joyce Foundation are names synonymous with promoting a variety of gun control schemes at the federal and state levels. Most of the individuals involved in this project were prominent gun control activists and lobbyists.

The IACP report, generated with Traver's help, called on Congress to ban thousands of commonly owned firearms by misrepresenting them as “assault weapons,” as well as calling for bans on .50 caliber rifles and widely used types of ammunition. The report also suggests that Congress should regulate gun shows out of existence and should repeal the privacy protections of the Tiahrt Amendment -- all efforts strongly opposed by the NRA and its members.

Traver also participated in an extremely deceptive NBC Chicago report in which he referred to "the growing frequency of gang members and drug dealers using heavy caliber military-type weapons" and described them as if they were machine guns: "Pull the trigger and you can mow people down." Traver and his agents provided the reporter with a fully automatic AK-47, with which she was unable to hit the target. He then said that stray bullets are "one of the main problems with having stuff like this available to the gangs."

As the Agent-in-Charge of Chicago’s BATFE office, Traver knows that fully automatic firearms are not available through normal retail channels -- the opposite of what was implied in the report.

An agency involved in the regulation of a fundamental, individual right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution should not be led by an individual with a demonstrated hostility to that freedom. For that reason, the NRA strongly opposes Andrew Traver to head the BATFE and urges President Obama to withdraw this ill-advised nomination.

--NRA--

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.

Go Vote Today!

Don't forget to go vote today if you have not already mailed in an early ballot! It is critical that we all raise our voices! Tell all your friends to go vote also. If you don't vote, don't complain!

Phoenix Steps on the 1st Amendment to Attack the 2nd

The city of Phoenix, in an effort to attack local businesses who were advertising their gun safety training classes through an advertising campaign led by TrainMeAZ.com, stepped on the 1st Amendment right to free speech by censoring paid advertising which did nothing other than promote gun safety training. What exactly does Mayor Phil Gordon and the Phoenix City Council have against gun safety programs? Does the Mayor really want everyone to be as incompetent and unsafe around guns as he appears to want to be? It is clearly his right to choose not to learn about gun safety, but it is not his right to prohibit free speech that does nothing other than promote gun safety programs for everyone else.

Update 1: Latest news from Jeff Knox.

Fiocchi Ammo

Lucky Gunner has posted an interview with Carlo Fiocchi of Fiocchi Ammo. Whey you buy Fiocchi Ammunition, you're supporting US Jobs, because much of the ammunition they sell here is manufactured in the US (100% of shotgun shells, 95% of rifle ammunition, and 75% of pistol ammunition).

School ordered to pay $240,000.00 for prohibiting Free Speech

TCC (Terrant County College) was ordered to pay $240,000.00 for prohibiting an empty holster protest by members of SCCC (Students for Concealed Carry on Campus). Hopefully this will be a lesson learned not only by TCC, but by any College or University who has the desire to ban 1st Amendment protected Free Speech by proponents of 2nd Amendment freedoms. Be sure to check out the FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights in Education) related video "Empty Holsters:"

Empty Holsters from FIRE on Vimeo.

Yes on Prop 109 to Protect Hunting & Fishing in Arizona

Animal Rights and Anti-hunting groups are attacking our right to hunt and fish in Arizona. Proposition 106 is our chance to stop them at the pass. The NRA-ILA has the details.

Update 1: The Arizona Game & Fish Commissioners have created a website with facts vs myths about Prop 109.

Another Shooting in a Gun Free Zone

How in the world could we have another shooting in a gun free school zone? Didn't that psychopath read the gun free zone sign? Perhaps it didn't have large enough letters.

Only a MORON would think a sign could deter crime. Morons & Progressives. Yet again, the only people disarmed by the gun free zone were the helpless victims. How many shootings need to take place in gun free zones before the Progressives will figure out that they don't work? Why are we using our children as lab rats in this experiment called gun free school zones? Why don't the Progressives post signs on their own front doors letting potential criminals know that they will find helpless victims inside? Why only do it to our children while they are in our institutions of learning?

Register to Vote!

Are you registered to vote? Registration is easy, and can be done on-line in most States. Register to Vote Today, or risk loosing our Nation! There is no excuse for apathy.

Teachenor Clark: Never Gonna Stand For This

Must have song for all Patriotic Americans: Never Gonna Stand For This - Teachenor Clark (available on iTunes):

Restoring Honor

In case you missed it, you can watch the 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally via the C-Span Archive:

Restoring Honor 8/28

I'll be in Washington DC tomorrow on Saturday 8/28 to attend the Restoring Honor Rally. I'm really looking forward to being surrounded by fellow Patriots. If you're going to be there with us, send me an e-mail & let me know. If you can't be there in person, you can watch the event live over the Internet from 10 AM to 1 PM EST (7 AM to 10 AM PST). Zero cost for attendees - all funding came from donations and charitable auctions. All proceeds left over go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a foundation that benefits the children of Soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy.

Restore Honor!

Update 1: It is estimated that over 500,000 Patriotic Americans showed up to the rally. See photos of the crowd, and watch the entire event archived on C-Span.

AZ: More People Armed for Self Defense

When I went in to my Doctor's office for my yearly blood work and EKG this week the nurse asked me to take off my shirt so she could attach the electric probes, which exposed the gun holstered in my IWB Holster. Last year the very same nurse seemed rather nervous while she told me she did not like guns, but this year she simply asked me if I had a CCW permit or if I was taking advantage of the new Constitutional Carry law here in Arizona that went into effect last month.

I told her that I do have a CCW permit, and that I plan to maintain it so that I can continue to receive reciprocity when I travel out of State, at least until we get Constitutional Carry instituted across the Country. She then revealed to me that she has seen a marked increase in the number of people bearing arms for self defense since the new law went into effect, many of whom have told her that they had avoided going through the process to get a CCW permit for various reasons, but were glad to finally be able to exercise their right to bear arms without asking the government for a special permission slip.

The observations of a single nurse are not a sound basis for a scientific study, but it is still very encouraging to hear that the Constitutional Carry law appears to be making a positive difference in the lives of many Americans finally free to enjoy more of their constitutionally guaranteed liberties while here in Arizona. As an added bonus, any thugs wanting to find easy targets in Arizona will now have to deal with many more potential targets being prepared to defend themselves and their loved ones. Many crooks will likely soon choose to move to a State where the local government ensures more of their potential victims are unarmed and defenseless.

The icing on the cake: she revealed to me that although she didn't even like guns a year ago, she has pulled a complete 180: She & her husband went through the process to obtain CCW permits earlier this year. I always love to see more Americans preparing themselves for self defense against treacherous thugs!

Police Budget Cuts: We Won't Come

Residents of Oakland California have been told that if they come home & find that their home security has been compromised - in other words their door has been kicked in - don't bother to call the Police. Why? Because the Police won't come unless there is proof that the thugs are still inside. How they expect you to know that before the thugs hiding inside bash your brains in with baseball bats I don't know, but I do have some friendly advice for such residents.

I highly recommend that you don't walk into a compromised home without your gun, and you should definitely have a buddy with you to back you up. Training on how to enter safely as a team and clear rooms is important too, so make sure you and your backup get plenty of training.

Definitely don't just wander in calling "is anybody still here?" - that is a good way to get your brains bashed in. Of course this advice won't be very helpful to my friends in Oakland California, since few California Subjects are even permitted to bear loaded weapons on their person. In Oakland I imagine only the politically well connected or wealthy are able to get a California "May Issue" CCW permit.

Update 1: It occurred to me this morning that although in California it is often difficult to obtain a CCW permit for self defense while away from home, it is perfectly legal to store an unloaded firearm in a locked case in your vehicle. Once you arrive at home you can load it up & carry it on your person in a holster for self defense. That way if you have any unpleasant surprises on the way into your home you won't be defenseless.

NC: Open Carry Restore the Constitution Rally

My kind of rally!

The Warrior Song

The Warrior Song - Hard Corps - available on iTunes - proceeds go to support the Armed Forces Relief Trust:

TrainMeAZ.com

TrainMeAZ.com is a new one stop resource to find places to shoot, competitive events, and places to train in Arizona. In the future it will include additional information as well, such as firearms dealers and upcoming gun shows. Definitely worth a visit.

Alan Korwin: Gun Limits Lifted

As you are no doubt aware, Americans in Arizona are now enjoing expanded freedoms due to the fact that additional unconstitutional infringements of our right to bear arms were removed a week ago on July 29th when a number of new laws went into effect. Alan Korwin wrote an excellent article in celebration of our expanded freedoms, definitely worth reading.

AZCDL PAC Candidate Endorsements

The AZCDL PAC has info on Arizona 2010 Political Candidates, which is also available in pdf format. We must only support and vote for candidates who have an A or better if we want to continue along our current path of restoring freedoms! Also be sure to check out gunvoter.org and the NRA PVF for candidate info nationwide.

Attempted Rapists Given Lead Instead

Two Thugs followed a woman into her Oklahoma apartment late one evening when she was returning from some errands, and demanded that she remove her clothing. Not only did she fail to comply with their demand that she disrobe, she gave them lead instead.

She's a hero in my book. Not only did she save her own life, she also took two thugs off the streets that will no longer be free to search for new victims. One is resting 6 feet under, and the other is in critical condition while facing a murder charge for participating in a Felony where someone died. Her reasoning for having decided to carry: "I choose to carry a concealed firearm, because even though I am immensely grateful for the protection from our police departments, I realize they're not God, so they can't be everywhere at once." A wise decision indeed- a choice she's no doubt doubly grateful for now.

As we can clearly see, a gun in the hand is infinitely more valuable than a 911 dispatcher on the phone. The Police do the best they can with the resources they have, but when seconds count, the Police are still going to be minutes away.

John R Lott Jr: Gun Control Advocates Make Stuff up?

John R Lott Jr wrote an excellent article titled "Gun Control Advocates Make up Facts about Concealed Handgun Laws"

Ammunition

I'm still having difficulties finding many types of ammo at my favorite local retailers. For example, I'm not finding any self defense .380 ammunition at any of them. I'm only finding it online at this point, and some brands are often on backorder. What are your favorite online retailers for ammunition? Let me know in the comments section.

I feel sorry for my friends in California who are facing the upcoming online ammunition sales ban of AB 962 in Feb 2011 unless the NRA/CRPA lawsuit is successful.

Update 1: Good news: Lucky Gunner has Lots of JHP Self Defense .380 ammunition.

Tactical Pants Review

Tacticalpants.com has a great side by side comparison of 9 different brands of Tactical Pants, including Blackhawk, EOTAC, Kitanica, LA Police Gear, Propper, Tru-Spec, Vertx, Woolrich, and 5.11 Tactical.

AB 1934: Open Carry Ban in CA

California Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña claims that she introduced California AB 1934 to ban Open Carry of unloaded firearms because she believes Police Resources are being wasted due to "man with a gun" phone calls to the Police. Even if that were true, you can't infringe a constitutionally protected right just to save Police Resources. Imagine a ban on free speech on public sidewalks to prevent wasting the Police Resources often utilized for crowd control or traffic redirection.

Even so, one Californian decided to test Saldaña's theory by calling the Police on himself:

Top Shot Season 2 Casting Call

Would you like a chance to participate in the second season of Top Shot, and have a chance to win up to $100,000.00 in prizes? The deadline to apply is August 12th, 2010. If the second season ends up being half as good as the first season of Top Shot, you won't want to miss it.

Krista Branch: I Am America

Great song by Krista Branch: I Am America

The NRA Responds to Chicago's New De-facto Gun Ban

From the NRA-ILA:

Fairfax, Va. -- The National Rifle Association is supporting a lawsuit against Mayor Richard Daley and the City of Chicago's newly adopted gun control ordinance, which violates the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling in McDonald v. City of Chicago. Last Friday, the City Council rushed through passage of this ordinance in response to the Court's June 28th decision rendering Chicago’s draconian handgun ban unconstitutional.

“The Supreme Court has now said the Second Amendment is an individual freedom for all. And that must have meaning,” said Wayne LaPierre, executive vice president of the National Rifle Association. “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.”

Just four days after the Court struck down the nearly 30 year-long handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park, Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago enacted the most restrictive anti-gun ordinance in the United States. In the words of Corporation Counsel Mara Georges, the top attorney for the City: “We've gone farther than anyone else ever has.” The so-called “Responsible Gun Ownership Ordinance” provisions include: a prohibition on all gun sales inside the City; a prohibition on possession of firearms for self-defense outside the “home” -- even on a patio or in an attached garage; a prohibition on more than one assembled and operable firearm in the home; and a training requirement to obtain a Chicago Firearm Permit. However, range training would be impossible since it will now be unlawful to operate a shooting range inside city limits.

“The Supreme Court told Mayor Daley and the City of Chicago that it has to respect the Second Amendment. By enacting this ordinance, their response is 'Make Us',” said Chris W. Cox, NRA chief lobbyist. “The NRA will not rest until Chicago's law-abiding residents can exercise the same freedoms that our Founding Fathers intended all Americans to have.”

Recent statements from some of Chicago's city officials reflect their complete lack of respect for the Supreme Court decision. Alderman Daniel Solis stated, “the decision made by the Supreme Court is not really in the best interests of our citizens.” Alderman Sharon Denise Dixon denounced what she called the Court’s “blatant… misreading of the law.” And another city council member even went so far as to say, “[w]e’re here today because of their poor judgment."

The case is Benson v. City of Chicago.

-- NRA - ILA --

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.

John Grady: Essay on Constitutional Carry

John Grady was kind enough to share with us an essay he wrote for his College Class on the topic of Arizona's new Constitutional Carry law:

Arizona Concealed Carry

Arizona has much history involving the “Wild West”; Doc Holiday, Wyatt, Vigil, and Morgan Earp, “gun-slinging”, and the shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. On July 29, 2010, many believe this day will be ushering in the reincarnation of the Wild West. From this date forward, any US citizen in the state of Arizona, age 21 and older with no felonies on record may carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This new law has raised many questions, and is in many ways controversial. Is it a bad idea? What kind of change will we see in society, if any? Will we see more crime or less? Let us analyze the concept of carrying a concealed firearm, potential scenarios where this new law may come into play, and our Second Amendment rights.

You may be asking yourself, “What is the definition of ‘Concealed Carry’?” Concealed carry is when an individual carries a firearm, specifically a handgun, on their person in a manner that is unseen by the public eye. Before this new law, it is an illegal act to carry a firearm in a concealed fashion without a license, punishable by incarceration for up to six months, and a fine of up to $2500. To obtain this license, one must be at least 21 years of age and go through an 8 hour course that includes subjects on use of force, legality, concealing techniques, and shooting qualification at the shooting range. Additionally, one must be able to pass a background check.

The requirement of a license has kept a very small amount of control over criminal activity in which a concealed handgun was involved. As we see in society today, gun laws never effect the “bad guys”. Many individuals involved in crime, organized or not, are obviously not concerned in upholding the law, but rather breaking it and thus not concerned with taking the time or paying the cost of getting a concealed carry license... Not to mention the fact that most have at least one felony on their record, disqualifying them from being able to receive a license in the first place. This means that when one of these individuals are caught with a concealed firearm, they are put behind bars. But what happens when one of these jailbirds gets out of prison? A recent study by the Criminal Justice Reform Coalition shows that over half the individuals that get out of jail go right back to committing crimes and end up being thrown back in prison again. As many of you who watch the news and read the newspaper can see, this is just an endless cycle. The majority of these gangsters carry a firearm in an illegal, concealed fashion on a daily basis.

Where does this leave the citizens who uphold the law, but don’t have the time or the money to go through the course? Where does this leave the gentleman who is just buying a pack of smokes when an armed gunman decides to hold up the Circle-K? He can’t exactly defend himself or others with a box of Marlboro “Reds”. What about the woman who is just walking to her car in a dark parking lot at night when a potential rapist corners her? What happens when her pepper spray isn’t enough? Maybe she owns a pistol but doesn’t have it in her purse to protect herself with because she is in a situation in which she doesn’t have the money or time to get her license. This, in my opinion, is a violation of our Second Amendment right to bear arms and to protect ourselves. Many people find themselves in similar situations. Many people own a firearm, but don’t have a concealed carry license. Now, with this new law, a law-abiding citizen may conceal a firearm on their person without the once required license, and have a chance to defend themselves, should they find themselves in a less than favorable situation.

Could this new law create a safer environment? I most certainly believe it can, and will. An armed and ready public can discourage a vast majority of criminal acts, from robbery, to violent crimes and rape. In Arizona, you will see a drop in crime rates, because now there is the “Unknown Factor” that the crook has to worry about. Before the individual commits a crime, s/he will have to consider that many of the people present could be carrying a concealed weapon. The whole room could be concealing a firearm, which makes for some very unfavorable odds if you are about to rob the place.

Kennesaw, Georgia provides a perfect example of what this law can do for the public. In March 1982, the small town passed an ordinance requiring each head of household to own and maintain a gun. Since then, despite similar predictions of "Wild West" showdowns, increased violence and accidents we are hearing now, not a single resident has been involved in a fatal shooting. That’s 28 years murder-free, as compared to Morton Grove, Illinois, who adopted a gun ban for everyone other than police, and witnessed their crime rate go up 15.7% despite predictions of the opposite occurring.

This new law, in my opinion will employ the “Sheepdog Concept”, as Lt. Col. Dave Grossman puts it in his book “On Combat”. The Sheepdog Concept is where the “sheepdog”, or protector in this scenario, sees a “sheep”, or victim, suffering an injustice or a violent crime by a “wolf”, or perpetrator. The sheepdog cannot just stand by and watch, but must step in to protect the sheep from the wolf. The sheepdog cannot abide with injustice. Don’t confuse the Sheepdog Concept with vigilantism. We aren’t talking about the Boondock Saints here. The sheepdogs of society don’t go looking for trouble, but are ready, should they encounter it. For instance, a man who is carrying a concealed firearm under this new law, witnesses a woman being robbed at gunpoint. The man decides to step in and use his firearm to save the woman, and possibly preserve her life. Now that people may carry concealed, I believe it will give many a feeling that they can have an impact and actually make a difference in a similar situation because they have the tool at their disposal to do so with.

In December 2007, Matthew J. Murray, an armed gunman, killed multiple individuals at a youth center in Arvada, California. He then proceeded to drive to New Life Church in Colorado Springs to do the same. When he arrived at the church, he pulled out his firearm and open fired in the parking lot and the foyer, killing two people and wounding three. Out of hundreds of people present, Jeanne Assam had a concealed carry license and a pistol in her purse. She drew it from her purse and shot Murray multiple times, wounding him so severely that he ended up taking his own life. This woman was prepared for a day that she probably thought she would never see. This woman was a sheepdog and she could not abide with the injustice this gunman was inflicting. She saved lives that day. Imagine if a large portion of the population was prepared in such a manner. Would the gunman have even considered pulling this move with the “Unknown Factor”? Even if he did, he most likely wouldn’t have made it out of the Youth Center he shot up.

With the new law, we are seeing support of our Second Amendment right that hasn’t been in play since the early 1900’s. This law is a major restoration of our principal right to defend ourselves and the lives of others. It is pertinent that we exercise our right to bear arms, now that a huge portion of it is being given back to us. I encourage everyone who is going to utilize this new law to be responsible, and to educate yourself on the legal aspects on use of force, as well as the types of establishments in which you can and cannot carry your weapon. You can find this information on Arizona’s Department of Public safety website. I also encourage you to go out to the shooting range and practice, so if you ever see a day in which you may have to use your weapon (and I pray you never see that day), your shots will be precise and well placed. Don’t be afraid to carry a concealed weapon!

Ray Stevens: Global Warming Song

Ray Stevens on the The Global Warming Song. If you do decide to invest in some frozen farm land in the Arctic, be sure to bring your firearms with you. Polar Bears consider humans to be a tasty snack. If you invest in frozen farm land in Antarctica on the other hand, you'll only need your firearms for hunting and to protect yourself from predators that have two legs:

2nd Amendment Incorporated!

Good news for gun rights - the Supreme Court ruled today that the Second Amendment has been incorporated to apply to State & Local governments. As a result, the Chicago Gun Ban and all similar gun bans are unconstitutional. This is good news for all freedom loving Americans everywhere. This is only the beginning, but it is an excellent start!

PDF of today's ruling is available here: McDonald v. City of Chicago

John Stossel: Your Gun Rights

John Stossel segment on your right to keep and bear arms.

Part 2: Students for Concealed Carry on Campus
Part 3: More Guns, Less Crime
Part 4: Does Gun Control work?
Part 5: Concealed Carry Reduces Crime

JPFO: No Guns for Negroes

Excellent documentary by the Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership about the racist roots of gun control titled No Guns for Negroes:



Part 2

It is also available for free download or online viewing in other formats.

Top Shot

Top Shot is a new reality TV show airing on the History Channel that follows a group of people competing for the title of Top Shot. It has the normal two team setup with elimination rounds to eliminate one competitor from the team that looses the latest competition in each episode. I've seen two episodes so far, and am enjoying it. It has amazing HD slow motion footage of the action, and even includes good tips on how to improve marksmanship.

So far Caleb is 2 for 0 - he is doing a great job so far and has not missed a shot. His blue team has been victorious in both competitions that have aired so far.

If you've been missing out, you can catch up on the episodes you've missed.

Update 1: Top Shot Season 2 Casting Call!

Got Freedom?

Some people think we should have less freedom and more government regulations. I say we need less regulations, smaller government, lower taxes, and more freedom! With freedom, the American People can accomplish anything!

AZCDL Tools

The Arizona Citizens Defense League has an Educational Tools page with many helpful items available for download. One example is a thank-you card that you can hand out to businesses that do not ban weapons, as well as a card (front, back) that you can hand out to businesses that currently do ban weapons to let them know that they have lost your business until the sign is removed. There are many other helpful items available as well, go check them out.

More Guns, Less Crime

The Washington Times posted an Editorial on the effect on crime Obama has caused simply by being the most effective firearm salesman of all time. Simply by having the longest anti-gun record of any President we have ever elected in the history of our Country, Obama caused firearm sales to skyrocket, and as John R. Lott Jr already discovered in his research: more guns, less crime.

Highway Robbery Prevented by Gun Owner

A man traveling with his wife and her mother prevented an attempted Highway Robbery when he shot the armed man who had attacked them while they were stranded on the side of the road. The Highway Robber and his two buddies obviously thought they had found a group of helpless victims stranded on the side of the road. Instead they found a family prepared to defend itself.

Do your part to prevent Highway Robbery. Arm yourself for self defense!

Stand with Arizona Rally

Video from the May 29 2010 Stand with Arizona Rally I attended this past weekend. Video filmed & edited by Rick Coplin. Great speeches from American Patriots! Video is in 6 parts, each part begins with a portion of our National Anthem (playlist will continue to each video automatically):



Don't forget to attend the Phoenix Rising Rally this Saturday on June 5th.

Memorial Day

Remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy.

Billy Ray Cyrus - Some Gave All:

Self Defense in Chicago?

An Elderly man in Chicago defended his family from an intruder with a handgun, which is rare in Chicago since handguns are currently banned there. Hopefully the Supreme Court will decide to incorporate the 2nd Amendment this summer and declare the Chicago Gun Ban unconstitutional, so that we can have more happy endings like this in the windy city going forward.

More Guns equals Less Crime.

Gun purchases are up, crime is down, just as we would expect from the research John R. Lott Jr shared in his book: More Guns, Less Crime. Good news for Americans. Bad News for the anti-gun Violence Policy Center.

To the NRA: I Propose We Celebrate our Rights Where we can Actually Exercise Them!

While I'm sure Charlotte, NC was a beautiful location for the 2010 NRA Convention, the 2010 NRA Annual Meeting attendees who recently traveled there to celebrate the very freedom our Second Amendment protects were not actually free to exercise them. That's right, due to NC State law, convention attendees were met with Gun Free Zone signs at the doors, forcing them to either leave their guns in their hotel room if they were not unfortunate enough to have been staying at a Marriott, or leave them hidden away in their vehicles.

NC State law defines at least 10 different types of so-called "gun free zones" - places only criminals will be armed. In such government created gun free zones, all law abiding citizens are forced to become disarmed sheep ready for slaughter by any criminal armed with a knife, sword, gun, sling shot, broken bottle, or box cutters. In addition to preventing attendees from exercising their basic rights, the choice in location also provided unfortunate fodder for the anti-gun Violence Policy Center who never misses an opportunity to stretch anything they can into a far fetched lie.

Due to the fact that our freedoms are being restored throughout the United States at a rapid pace, would it be too much to ask the NRA to choose only locations for conventions where we can actually exercise our freedoms while we celebrate them? Why not reward the States with our tourist dollars that actually respect our rights? I believe the absolute minimum freedoms we should require at any location for an NRA Convention would be the freedom to bear arms openly & concealed in areas not serving alcohol, and either openly or concealed in areas where alcohol is served. I make that distinction only because some states require open carry where alcohol is served, while other states may require concealed carry in such locations.

Next year, the convention will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, a state with laws that do not create any gun free zones other than in court houses and elementary schools, which wouldn't directly impact an NRA Convention. I'm looking forward to my visit to Pittsburgh PA in 2011.

I'm a little worried however about the 2012 convention planned to take place in St. Louis, MO, as MO law defines 18 different gun free zones including bars, as well as Arenas and Stadiums seating over 5,000 people. Does a Convention Center count as an Arena if more than 5,000 people can walk in?

May I be so bold as to suggest Arizona for a return visit by a future NRA Convention? Starting on the 28th of July 2010 you won't even need a permit here to exercise your right to bear arms either concealed or openly, so long as no alcohol is served at the venue. If alcohol is served for on-site consumption, you can still carry concealed if you have a valid CCW permit issued by any State in our Country, so long as you don't drink while you carry, thanks to our restaurant carry bill that was signed into law last year.

Now that my friends, is freedom worth celebrating!

NSSF Response to Mexican President's Call to Ban the Modern Sporting Rifle

The NSSF has responded to Calderon's Call to Ban the modern sporting rifle:

NEWTOWN, Conn -- Following calls by Mexican President Felipe Calderon that the United States re-institute a ban on modern sporting rifles, or so-called "assault weapons," the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) -- the trade association for America's firearms industry -- issued the following statement:

"While we respect the work of President Calderon to willingly take on his country's powerful drug cartels, we are disappointed that he, in the name of security, would urge our Congress to reinstitute a failed ban on so-called 'assault weapons.'

"Let's be clear, semi-automatic rifles, demonized as so-called 'assault weapons,' are not machine guns but modern sporting rifles that are used every day by law-abiding Americans for the shooting sports, hunting and home protection. Since 2004, when the Clinton/Gore 'assault weapons' ban expired, modern sporting rifles have fast become one of the most popular types of firearms for law-abiding Americans to purchase.

"Firearms that Congress would label "assault weapons' are functionally no different than any other semi-automatic civilian sporting firearm. They shoot only one shot per trigger pull, no spray firing as some allege, and use the same ammunition as other guns of the same caliber. What differentiates modern sporting rifles from other guns is cosmetic; for example, the type of stock on the firearm.

"According to the Department of Justice, so-called "assault weapons" are rarely used in crimes (less than 2 percent). Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established that banning firearms and ammunition have no effect on crime levels.

"Some 29,000 firearms were recovered in Mexico in 2008, of which approximately 5,000 were traced to U.S. sources. That means more than 80 percent of the firearms recovered in Mexico were not traced to the United States. Furthermore, according to the ATF, those firearms traced were originally sold at retail not recently, but on average 14 years earlier. This is completely inconsistent with any notion that a flood of newly purchased firearms are being illegally smuggled over the border into Mexico. And let's not forget, no retail firearms sale can be made in the U.S. until after a criminal background check on the purchaser has been completed.

"In recent years as many as 150,000 Mexican soldiers, 17,000 last year alone, defected to go work for the drug cartels - bringing their American-made service-issued firearms with them. It has also been well documented that the drug cartels are illegally smuggling fully automatic firearms, grenades and other weapons into Mexico from South and Central America. Such items are not being purchased at retail firearms stores in the United States.

"Even more, investigations and regulatory compliance inspections by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) into firearms trafficking along the Southwest border have confirmed that firearms retailers are law-abiding businessmen and women who are playing a key role in detecting and deterring illegal purchases of firearms. As part of a Project Gun Runner Impact Team firearms trafficking operation, more than 1100 firearms retailers were inspected by ATF. Of these inspections only one retailer license was revoked. One.

"Members of the firearms industry take seriously the criminal acquisition and misuse of their products. This is why our industry supports the Southwest Border Violence Reduction Act of 2009, sponsored by Sen. Bingaman (D-NM) and Rep. Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX), and will continue to work cooperatively with law enforcement. For nearly a decade our industry has partnered with the ATF in a national campaign called Don't Lie for the Other Guy that makes the public aware that it is a serious crime to illegally straw purchase a firearm. The program also helps ATF to educate firearms retailers to be better able to detect and prevent illegal straw purchases. It is our hope that Don't Lie will once again receive grant funding from the Department of Justice – a move that would allow NSSF and ATF to further expand this worthwhile program. For the last year, Don't Lie has been financed entirely by members of the firearms industry.

"Again, we applaud President Calderon for taking steps to stop the cartels when past Mexican administrations paid only lip service and allowed rampant corruption to fester. Still, it is wrong for anyone to blame the Second Amendment and America's firearms industry for the problems Mexico is currently facing.

"Sacrificing the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans will not make Mexico safer – especially when the sacrifice is rooted in unfounded allegations and hyperbole. President Calderon would be doing both his country and ours a favor if instead of pushing for already failed crime-control measures, he used his time in the United States to call for proven methods to combat criminal acts, such as putting more cops on the street and more prosecutors in the court rooms.".

Satire: Ray Stevens on Illegal Aliens

Ray Stevens explains what happens to illegal aliens who sneak into various Countries. The obvious conclusion: Come to the USA!

Free Ben Avery Shooting Classes

Ben Avery has a host of free introductory shooting classes. One of their programs, Desert Roses, is a clay target shotgun class exclusively for women. I have a friend who has attended a number of the Desert Roses classes and really enjoyed them. As an added bonus, the Ben Avery Clay Target Center is world class. AZCentral recently wrote an article about the Desert Roses program, and below is an embedded video about the Desert Roses program aired on Fox 10 news.

My boys and I LOVE the Ben Avery sporting clays courses. Sporting Clays is a bit like golf for shotguns, only much more fun than plain old golf. You walk from one target stand to the next, each with a unique method of throwing the clay targets. One of our favorite stops along the course is the bunny rabbit stand - a clay target bounces along the ground, simulating a bunny rabbit on the run. It is so much fun to hit that orange rascally rabbit and watch it explode. If you don't yet own a shotgun, they have a limited number of free shotgun loaners available, and additional shotguns are available for rent if their free loaners are all in use. You really have to try it to find out for yourself how much fun you've been missing!

Glenn Beck at the 2010 NRA Freedom Experience

Definitely a must see:

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5

Also available from the NRA.

Buz Mills: Stand up for Arizona and 2nd Amendment

I really like this message from Arizona Gubernatorial Candidate Buz Mills:

Buz Mills is an NRA Board Member and will be attending the 2010 NRA Annual Meeting this weekend. He is inviting everyone to stand up for Freedom and the Second Amendment by signing his petition.

AZ: 2010 Legislative Summary from AZCDL

The May issue of the Arizona Citizens Defense League newsletter has an excellent summary of the strides to restore freedoms that were made this year in the 2010 session of the Arizona Legislature.

RIPT Apparel: Chicas Pistolas

For today only (Tuesday May 11th), RIPT Apparel is offering $10 T-shirts with "Chicas Pistolas" artwork by artist Drive for Something Real of San Diego, CA.

My Ruger LCP

After spending a lot of time researching to determine which pocket pistol I wanted to get for myself for use as my backup gun, along with many trips to my local gun dealer to try the feel of competing pocket handgun models in my hands, I finally made the plunge this evening & purchased a Ruger LCP. It only set me back $299.00 plus tax so I feel that I got a lot of bang for my buck. I also picked up a pocket holster: the DeSantis Nemesis.

The fellow I spoke with while making my purchase this evening mentioned that the Ruger LCP is by far and away the hottest thing right now in pocket pistols. He said they're flying off the shelf more quickly than any other make or model of pocket gun. It makes sense to me, as it is a very nice pocket handgun. I'll be heading to the range next week to try it out and I will give you all my report.

AZ: NRA Open Range Day at Ben Avery

The NRA is hosting an Open Range Day on May 8, 2010 at Ben Avery:

FAIRFAX, VA – The Disabled Shooting Services of the National Rifle Association is proud to announce the second annual Open Range Day at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 8, 2010. Open Range Day is an all inclusive event where certified trainers and instructors introduce a wide variety of shooting sports to people with physical disabilities.

"We had a huge response from first-time shooters last year," said Disabled Shooting Services Manager Vanessa Ross. "Registration for 2010 is already twice the size of last year's class, and we can’t wait to get things started."

Open Range Day begins with a safety clinic led by NRA Certified Instructors. Participants then have the opportunity to learn the proper way to shoot shotguns, rifles, pistols, and air guns. "The important thing is for everyone to explore their personal potential on the range and simply have fun," explained Ross.

The event is made possible through the generous donation of time and materials. In addition to the numerous volunteers who will be on hand to guide the shooters, companies like Ruger, White Flyer, and Davidson's have graciously donated materials.

"We wouldn’t be able to hold such an event without our corporate sponsors,” said Ross. “Ruger, Savage, and Davidson's are donating the use of their firearms, White Flyer Targets and Birchwood Casey are donating targets, while Kowa Optimed, Pyramyd Air, Lapua and Remington are donating spotting scopes and ammunition."

For more info on Open Range Day, contact Vanessa Ross at (703) 267-1495 or e-mail: Disabled-shooting@nrahq.org. To learn about NRA’s disabled shooting programs, visit http://www.nrahq.org/compete/disabled.asp.

IA: Iowa Becomes 41st Shall Issue State

Iowa Governor Chet Culver Signed their Shall Issue Concealed Carry bill (SF-2379) into Law today, making Iowa the 41st State to mandate that all concealed carry applicants be treated equally under the law rather than subject to subjective case by case determinations by their local Sheriff as still occurs in the remaining "may issue" States. The new law will take effect January 1st 2011.

Congratulations Iowa!

Additionally, Iowa will honor all Concealed Carry permits issued by other States which will allow me to actually visit Iowa some day. Currently they don't recognize any out of State permits, so this will be a wonderful change! I've heard that Iowa is a nice place to visit, if you didn't mind giving up your right to defend yourself and your family while visiting. That problem will be gone starting in 2011.

Gene German has additional details.

American Uprising

Nice montage video including some Tea Party footage. Uprising by Muse as background music:

"They will not force us! (to buy healthcare insurance)
They will stop degrading us! (they call us tea baggers?)
They will not control us! (we will not hand over our guns!)
And we will be victorious!" (at the polls this November!)

VA: Intruder Broke into the Wrong Home

An intruder broke into a home in Botetourt County, VA utilizing a wrought iron chair to smash through the sliding glass door late at night. The homeowner dialed 911, but had to use his shotgun to defend his wife & children before the Police were able to arrive. Thanks to the fact that he was prepared to defend his family they are all alive and well. The intruder on the other hand was called home to meet his maker, and will no longer be a drain on society.

When seconds count, the Police are minutes away. We should all be prepared to defend our families from those who would do them harm. It is a moral obligation those of us who are parents or spouses all have to those whom we love.

NSSF Survey on Shooting Sports Activity

The NSSF commissioned a survey that showed that users of the modern sporting rifle (AR-15 style rifles) were the most active in the shooting sports last year. About 8.9 Million people used modern sporting rifles in shooting sports on an average of 22.9 days during 2009.

It also showed that 2009 was a record year for all shooting sports activities, hitting a high water mark of 34.4 Million people who participated in one or more types of shooting sports activities overall.

The next time you head to the range, be sure to invite a friend along with you. The shooting sports are fun, I have brought many people with me, and have yet to find anyone who did not have a great time. As always, be sure to teach them the gun safety rules before you let them touch your gun. Have fun!

More People Free to Arm Themselves for Self Defense

I've recently discussed the new Arizona Constitutional Carry law with a number of people who have told me they had been reluctant in the past to apply for a CCW permit as they did not want to be on any government list of known gun owners. They have taken self defense training courses, and have studied the local laws, yet have been unable to conceal carry due to the fact that they did not have a CCW permit issued by the government. They are looking forward to enjoying their restored freedoms in the near future, and will soon join those of us who have already obtained CCW permits in being able to be armed for the defense of themselves and their families.

How many more people will be armed for their own defense after the new law takes effect? It is anybody's guess, but even if there are only two or three times as many people prepared to defend themselves it will be a very good thing for all of us due to the fact that more guns in the hands of law abiding citizens always equals less crime. I know one thing for certain: this new law will cause the criminals to wonder even more about who might be armed among their potential targets. I'm guessing some of the criminals will soon choose to move away from Arizona to a location where all of their victims are more likely to be defenseless.

Washington DC and Chicago are still favorites among armed thugs as both places are a smörgåsbord of defenseless potential victims walking around on the streets, disarmed by their own government which is unwilling to recognize constitutionally protected rights, including, but not limited to, our right to keep and bear arms. For those who are slow, like the children the signs in some neighborhoods warn us about, you know, the neighborhoods with the yellow signs that say "slow children at play," the definition of bear in this context is: "to hold or to carry."

Arizona: Creating a hostile work environment for Criminals since 1994.

Legal Heat Contest

Thanks to the generosity of the Legal Heat application authors, the first ten people who leave a comment on the Dustin's Gun Blog fan page requesting one of the 10 promo codes for a free copy of Legal Heat will win a free copy of the app (runs on the Apple iPhone/iTouch/iPad but the hardware is not included). I'll send the codes to the lucky winners via facebook mail.

Good luck, and have a great weekend!

Update 1: I've received some questions on how to post a comment on the fan page - you need to first click the "like" button on the left hand side after which you'll see a comment box available on the top of the page.

Update 2: As of right now on Sunday May 9th there is still 1 copy of legal heat remaining to give away. Get it while it lasts!

Chicago: Defenseless Victims Caught on Tape

In Chicago there are more than 10,000 surveillance cameras invading the privacy of defenseless victims unfortunate enough to live there, but I doubt the cameras provide much comfort to the victims of the violent crimes. Sure, the captured video makes nice footage for the nine o'clock news, and if we're lucky, it might even make it easier to find the perpetrator after the crime has already been committed, but I doubt either of those benefits provide much comfort to the defenseless victims of crime, especially for those who fail to survive the incident.

Once the McDonald vs Chicago Case rules later this summer to incorporate the 2nd Amendment as restricting State and local governments from violating our protected right to keep and bear arms for our own self defense, things should begin to look up for my disarmed friends who live there and in other gun-ban cities. Until then, all they have available is the comfort of knowing that if they are unfortunate enough to become a victim of crime, they could also be a star on the nine o'clock news.

AZ: Governor Brewer Signed Constitutional Carry!

It's official. Arizona joined Alaska & Vermont in recognizing the right to bear arms as protected by the Second Amendment this afternoon when Governor Brewer signed SB 1108 into law. Although you are still free to apply for an Arizona CCW permit to receive reciprocity in States that recognize it, you will no longer be required to ask the Arizona State Police for their permission to bear arms in defense of yourself and your families once this law takes effect this fall (on July 28, 2010), even if your gun happens to be covered by your shirt or jacket. The current legislative session is expected to end in the next few weeks, so this law should take effect sometime in late July or early August. Watch this post as I'll update it with the effective date once it is official (July 28, 2010).

This is a great day for freedom in Arizona. Here is a link to the press release from Governor Brewer. Be sure to send her a note to say thanks for supporting Freedom.

Update 1: Alan Korwin has issued an excellent summary of the change to the law.

Update 2: NRA Press Release.

Update 3: Check out the comments from the hoplophobes!

Update 4: I'm already hearing from people who plan to conceal carry once the law takes effect.

Update 5: The 49th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session Adjourned on Thursday, April 29, 2010. As a result, Constitutional Carry will take effect on Thursday, July 29, 2010

Update 6: Expanded Freedoms are Now in effect!

Don't Tread on Me!

Like the rattlesnake the American People bite back when provoked. Politicians will feel our bite when we throw out Progressive Democrats & Progressive Republicans at the ballot box this November!

Satire on Open Carry

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Open Carrier Discrimination
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

AZ: 2nd Amendment Lunch at Capitol

A week from today on Monday April 19th come and join freedom loving Americans from all over for a Second Amendment Lunch and Rally at the Arizona Capitol at noon. Bring your family, bring a lunch, and bring your favorite firearm in your favorite holster in celebration of our right to bear arms.

Celebrate America. Celebrate Freedom. Enjoy a lunch.

You can RSVP and invite your facebook friends to join us via event links here or here.

AZ: Constitutional Carry Passed!

The Arizona House of Representatives passed SB 1108 Constitutional Carry this afternoon by a vote of 36 to 19 with 5 abstaining. This is great news for Freedom Lovers all across the US, and especially for those of us live in or visit Arizona.

Next stop, Governor Brewer's desk. Send her an e-mail and ask for her support.

More from the NRA-ILA.

Update 1: Governor Brewer signed Constitutional Carry into law!

AZ: Constitutional Carry Scheduled for Final Vote

AZCDL & the NRA-ILA have informed me that SB 1108 Constitutional Carry is scheduled for a final vote in the House tomorrow. Be sure to contact your representatives to ask for their support as the vote is expected to be a close one and they need to hear from you. It has already passed in the Senate so if passed in the House tomorrow it will then head to the Governor for her signature.

AZ: Firearms Freedom Act Signed into Law

HB 2307, Arizona's version of the Firearms Freedom Act was signed into law today by Governor Brewer. This is good news for Arizonans, as we join 5 other States who have already passed similar bills, and roughly two dozen other States who are currently considering them. It's a great way for Arizona to tell the Feds that they need to stay within the bounds of the US Constitution and leave our State alone. The Federal Government has gone way beyond the original intent of the Commerce Clause of the Constitution and has been treading we the People under their muddy boots. It is time for us to bring a well overdue end to their arrogance.

HB 2543, State Firearms Preemption, was also signed into law by Governor Brewer.

An excerpt of the new Arizona State Firearms Preemption law is below:

"A. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, PURCHASE, ACQUISITION, GIFT, DEVISE, STORAGE, LICENSING, REGISTRATION, DISCHARGE or use of firearms or ammunition or any firearm or ammunition components OR RELATED ACCESSORIES in this state."

AZ: Constitutional Carry Passed in Senate - Next Stop: House

Watch the video archive. Check out the related NRA-ILA alert. Below details are from AZCDL:

First, the good news! SB 1108, the Senate version of the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill, passed in the Senate Third Read, by a 20-10 vote, on Monday, March 29, 2010. Your emails work!

From here, SB 1108 will be sent over to the House. Since the House has already voted for an identical bill, HB 2347, during their Committee of the Whole (COW) debate, we are expecting SB 1108 to be substituted for HB 2347 during the House Third Read. We are also expecting the House Third Read vote to be as early as [Wednesday, March 31, 2010]. This will be “the” final vote on Constitutional Carry to determine if it will be sent to the Governor!

AzCDL’s representatives are at the Capitol daily counting potential votes and talking to the undecided. However, what will determine the successful passage of SB 1108 are YOUR emails. Your letter, to send to your Representatives, has been prepared and is waiting for you at AzCDL’s Action Center:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=14824091 .

We would also appreciate it if you took the time to contact Senators Carolyn Allen, Steve Pierce, Rebecca Rios and Jay Tibshraeny and thank them for supporting SB 1108 during the Senate Third Read. They were 4 of the 5 Senators who supported the Cheuvront amendment that ended the progress of SB 1102, the original Senate Constitutional Carry bill. After receiving hundreds of your emails they voted for SB 1108. Please go to AzCDL Action Center and send these Senators a note of thanks:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=14879796 .

SB 1168, the Firearms Preemption bill, was also scheduled for a Senate Third Read vote on March 29th. However it was held pending a House vote on HB 2543, the House version of Firearms Preemption. During the House Third Read, also on March 29th, HB 2543 passed by a 36-21 vote with 3 Representatives not voting. It will soon be sent to the Senate and substituted for SB 1168 in an upcoming Senate Third Read. Like the situation with Constitutional Carry, this should be the final vote before sending the bill to the Governor.

Finally, HB 2307, the Firearms Freedom Act, also passed out of the Senate Third Read on March 29th by a 22-8 vote. From here it will go back to the House (a formality) before being sent to the Governor.

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

If you want to get legislative news as it happens, follow AzCDL on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
AzCDL “tweets” from the Capitol with committee votes and breaking news as it happens.

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Renew today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

Copyright © 2010 Arizona Citizens Defense League, Inc., all rights reserved.

Nugent: 'New Independence Day' in November

Ted Nugent on the upcoming 2010 elections:

NRA-ILA: Brady Campaign Continues Slide Into Irrelevancy

I could not agree more!

From the NRA-ILA:

The notion that lemmings deliberately hasten their demise by rushing into the sea may be a myth, but the anti-Second Amendment group and its spokesmen really are scurrying through a series of blunders that may hasten their steady march to irrelevancy.

In 2008, in District of Columbia v. Heller, the group's two theories about the Second Amendment were rejected by the Supreme Court, one of them by five justices and the other by all nine. In 2009, they tried, with no success, to frighten America about tourists carrying guns for protection in national parks.

This year, they've insulted their most powerful ally, President Obama, for not setting aside the economy, the war, and his social agenda to push for gun control legislation Congress does not support. They've given the states their worst "Brady grades" ever, even though violent crime continues to decrease. And, they've badgered the Starbucks coffee company for allowing customers to legally carry firearms in its stores.

This week, though, Brady lawyer Dennis Henigan—the world's most prolific advocate of the legal theories the Supreme Court sent to the shredder two years ago—further diminished the group's credibility by claiming "The evidence is overwhelming that the 'shall-issue' concealed carry laws have been a disaster for public safety. . . . [T]he scholarly research shows that the laws generally have been 'associated with uniform increases in crime.'"

If he had just pushed himself away from the computer after his first four words, he would have been much better off. There's "evidence," all right, and it's certainly "overwhelming." Today, there are 36 states with "shall issue" laws—an all-time high. Sixty-three percent of Americans live in "shall issue" states, five million Americans have carry permits, and two states don't even require a permit to carry concealed.

"Uniform increases in crime"? The nation's violent crime rate is at a 35-year low.

Since adopting "shall issue" laws, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Virginia have had decreases in violent crime ranging from 26 to 53 percent.

Henigan also claimed to have 33,000 signatures on his anti-Starbucks online petition, which can be signed by anyone with a computer anywhere in the world. But in a country of five million carry permit holders, up to 80 million gun owners, and 300 million people, Brady's petition and $1.70 will get you …

Copyright 2010, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes. 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 800-392-8683

Constitutional Carry Scheduled for Senate COW Debate

From AZCDL:

Your immediate action is needed to support SB 1108, the AzCDL-requested Constitutional Carry bill, which eliminates the prohibition and penalties for law-abiding adults who carry a concealed weapon without a permit.

We are expecting SB 1108 to be placed on the Senate Committee of the Whole (COW) agenda for March 23rd (tomorrow!). It is critical that you immediately contact your Senator and urge them to support SB 1108 during the COW debate. A letter is waiting to be sent by you at AzCDL’s Action Center:
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=14820506 .

On March 18th both Constitutional Carry bills (SB 1108 & HB 2347) were scheduled for debate in their respective chamber’s Committee of the Whole (COW). Both were pulled from the calendar to be rescheduled, for a very good reason. On March 17th the Governor’s staff requested some minor changes that they felt would improve the chance of Constitutional Carry becoming law. SB 1108 has now been rescheduled for COW debate tomorrow, March 23rd.

If you haven’t sent an email to your Senator on SB 1108 please don’t hesitate any longer. Your letter to send to your Senator is waiting for you at AzCDL’s Action Center.
http://capwiz.com/azcdl/issues/alert/?alertid=14820506 .

Stay tuned! When critical legislation moves, we will notify you via these Alerts.

If you want to get legislative news as it happens, follow AzCDL on Twitter: http://twitter.com/AzCDL_Alerts .
AzCDL “tweets” from the Capitol with committee votes and breaking news as it happens.

You can also follow AzCDL on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDL .

AzCDL’s Political Action Committee (PAC) is also on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/FacebookAzCDLPAC .

These alerts are a project of the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL), an all volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan grassroots organization. Renew today! http://www.azcdl.org/html/join_us_.html .

AzCDL – Protecting Your Freedom
http://www.azcdl.org/html/accomplishments.html .

Copyright © 2010 Arizona Citizens Defense League, Inc., all rights reserved.