I realize it's cynical, but maybe we should let 'em bash each other ...
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Civil War In Iraq
Daniel Pipes from :
I realize it's cynical, but maybe we should let 'em bash each other ...
I realize it's cynical, but maybe we should let 'em bash each other ...
Monday, February 27, 2006
Why William F. Buckley is Wrong
Karl Zinsmeister, editor at The American Entreprise, has just returned from a month long visit to Iraq; his fourth in the last two and a half years.
He talks about the cost in American lives putting it in the context of historical wars. He cites the morale of our troops with reenlistment rates very high. He points out that no war has ever been 100% popular but the American public has been patient with this one.
He admits there are problems but he talks about the progress being made in the reconstruction, building Iraqi security forces and bringing the Iraqis and other Muslims to a better appreciation of America.
William F. Buckley was never a big-time supporter of this war, but he have may abandoned ship a little too quickly. This civil war ain't happening and the worst thing we could do at this point is subscribe to this kind of doom and gloom.
He talks about the cost in American lives putting it in the context of historical wars. He cites the morale of our troops with reenlistment rates very high. He points out that no war has ever been 100% popular but the American public has been patient with this one.
He admits there are problems but he talks about the progress being made in the reconstruction, building Iraqi security forces and bringing the Iraqis and other Muslims to a better appreciation of America.
William F. Buckley was never a big-time supporter of this war, but he have may abandoned ship a little too quickly. This civil war ain't happening and the worst thing we could do at this point is subscribe to this kind of doom and gloom.
Remember "old" Bill Buckley?
I thought the old work-horse was long gone, but he's still kicking. Back when PBS was worth watching, William F. and John Kenneth Gailbraith would duke it out in intellectual pugilism. It was a thrill to watch and hear.
I'll let "old" Bill speak for himself - he can damn sure do it better than I.
I'll let "old" Bill speak for himself - he can damn sure do it better than I.
Do You C.A.I.R. ?
Just after 9-11 President Bush sent his trusted head of the FBI, Robert "Mullah" Muller, and his trusty CIA head, George "It's not my Fault!" Tenet to visit with and reassure a group of beloved compatriots; The Council on American and Islamic Relations.
Later, Tenet received the Freedom Medal for his valiant defense of such terrorist supporting organizations.
"Those who stay in America should be open to society without melting, keeping Mosques open so anyone can come and learn about Islam. If you choose to live here, you have a responsibility to deliv
er the message of Islam ... Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faiths, but to become dominant. The Koran, the Muslim book of scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar Ahmad
The Council on American and Islamic Relations claims to be a "caring" organization, however, there is much evidence to the contrary.
Why bring this up now? We're presently being asked to trust the President on the Ports Issue. We're constantly being reassured that everythings "A-OK". My "trust", has been and still is being abused. Why should I trust the administration?
So ... the question remains - DO YOU C.A.I.R.?
Later, Tenet received the Freedom Medal for his valiant defense of such terrorist supporting organizations.
"Those who stay in America should be open to society without melting, keeping Mosques open so anyone can come and learn about Islam. If you choose to live here, you have a responsibility to deliv
er the message of Islam ... Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faiths, but to become dominant. The Koran, the Muslim book of scripture, should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on Earth." - Omar AhmadThe Council on American and Islamic Relations claims to be a "caring" organization, however, there is much evidence to the contrary.
Why bring this up now? We're presently being asked to trust the President on the Ports Issue. We're constantly being reassured that everythings "A-OK". My "trust", has been and still is being abused. Why should I trust the administration?
So ... the question remains - DO YOU C.A.I.R.?
Sunday, February 26, 2006
MSM Hysterics in Wake of Shrine Bombing
My local Gannett newspaper, on an inside Nation & World page, under the Digest column carried a brief headlined, "Curfew doesn't work: 60 die in violence."
But the "chaos of civil war" better promotes an anti-war, anti-Bush agenda.
Bombs and gunfire killed 60 people as another daytime curfew Saturday failed to halt violence that has claimed nearly 200 lives since the destruction of a Shiite shrine set off a wave of retribution against Sunnis and pushed Iraq toward civil war.The media refuses to place the level of violence in any sort of context. In the run-up to the recent elections as many as one hundred people were killed in a single suicide bombing. Also, we know that 47 Sunnis and Shia factory workers returning from a peaceful protest were pulled from a bus and executed. This was surely the work of al-Qaeda or Baathists seeking to promote chaos. It is doubtful that this was retribution.
But the "chaos of civil war" better promotes an anti-war, anti-Bush agenda.
Bolton Thunders
The man relentlessly calls for UN reform. This is dangerous business. There's too much money at stake and if the thug members of the UN begin to feel too threatened John Bolton could have an accident.
Congress must confirm John Bolton as Ambassador to the United States. Not doing so, is cowardly and shameful.
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Thursday is expected to unveil his major overhaul for management reform for the United Nations.Kofi Annan awarded was just the "Zayed Prize" for environmental leadership which includes $500,000.00 dollars. This is unbelievably unethical and yet no one has even batted an eyelash. I can't wait to see what he proposes.
Bolton on Saturday also described the U.N. as inept for not being able to stop Iran's nuclear development and "devaluing the IAEA," the International Atomic Energy Agency.Remember Muhammed el-Bareidi, head of the IAEA? Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize this year. What a sham it is. A corrupt, money grabbing, den of thieves.
Congress must confirm John Bolton as Ambassador to the United States. Not doing so, is cowardly and shameful.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
California attempts to KILL Endangered Species - and FAILS!
Yes, you heard right! Those LIBERAL, shark kissing, U.S.S. Iowa hating, 9th Circuit Court weirdos have, for years, tried to; smother, shoot down, exterminate, and otherwise eradicate the beloved American Eagle. But not anymore .... : )
Eddie Eagle has won his way into "Kalifornia" school districts. The Eddie Eagle program has taught gun safety to children across the nation for years, except for the "State of Confusion", known as Kalifornia.
Dr. Larry Reider, Kern County School Superintendent loves Eddie Eagle's message, "If you see a gun, STOP! Don't TOUCH. Leave the AREA. Tell an ADULT!" He says, "It's a message that should be heard by all of the county's kindergarten students."
My, my ... I can hear LIBERALS moaning all the way to Florida!
Eddie Eagle has won his way into "Kalifornia" school districts. The Eddie Eagle program has taught gun safety to children across the nation for years, except for the "State of Confusion", known as Kalifornia.
Dr. Larry Reider, Kern County School Superintendent loves Eddie Eagle's message, "If you see a gun, STOP! Don't TOUCH. Leave the AREA. Tell an ADULT!" He says, "It's a message that should be heard by all of the county's kindergarten students."
My, my ... I can hear LIBERALS moaning all the way to Florida!
Rambo goes Muslim
TURKISH FILM UPROAR
Attacking the American Enemy on ScreenThe Turkish film "Valley of the Wolves" is drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers in both Turkey and Germany. It's also drawing harsh criticism. The movie is racist, anti-American and anti-Semitic say detractors.
Attacking the American Enemy on ScreenThe Turkish film "Valley of the Wolves" is drawing hundreds of thousands of viewers in both Turkey and Germany. It's also drawing harsh criticism. The movie is racist, anti-American and anti-Semitic say detractors.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Cycles
David Meir-Levi (Hamas Uber-Alles, FrontPageMagazine.com, February 23, 2006) writes about Hamas and gives a brief summary of Islamic history explaining how Hamas fits into the historic and spiritual cycles of Islam.
The interesting contrast of Islam and Christianity is that when Islam goes through a less devout period and "falls away," it becomes more tolerant. As the fundamentalists seek to draw the umma back to pure Islam, the religion becomes more oppressive.
The challenge for this generation is to break the cycle of destructive fundamentalism and to promote the reformation that Islam desperately needs.
David Meir-Levi has described a cycle similar to what has been repeated throughout the histories of Judaism and Christianity and at various times in the spiritual life of each believer.Descended from the Brotherhood, Haraqat al Muqawama al-Islamiyyah, Hamas, shares much of its DNA. Whatever its representatives may have said in the recently completed campaign, this is an Islamic fundamentalist terror group whose sole purpose is the destruction of Israel and an apocalyptic future in which all Jews are either dead or Muslim, all remaining Christians are Dhimmi, and the stage is set for the resurrection of the dead and the redemption of the world into “dar es-Salaam” (the realm of world peace that will prevail once Islam is the only religion on earth, or at least the ruling religion).
Hamas is part of Muslim history, which is typified by waves of what we today might refer to as “Islamic fundamentalists” or “extremists.” This has been the case since the original zeal of the 7th century propelled the newly converted Moslems out of Arabia and in less than one hundred years helped them conquer four civilizations, destroying the languages and cultures of scores of nations, replacing those with Arabic and Islam, killing tens of millions along the way.
Out of Arabia, and westward, they surged into Syria and Israel, across Egypt and North Africa, in to Spain and France, stopped at the gates of Paris in 736 by Charles Martel. Eastward they conquered the Byzantine and Sassanian empires in what is today Iraq and Iran, and launching wave after wave of attackers into western India, Kashmir, Gujarat, and Punjab. Gradually, the momentum of this wave ebbed, and Islam from Spain to India, Yemen to what is today Pakistan, settled in to a ruling, rather than a conquering, mode.
But such stability was always undermined by new waves of radical fundamentalism surging out of the “Umma” (the trans-national Moslem religious population). In the 12the century it was the Almohades, who wrecked havoc in North Africa and Spain; bringing an end to the Golden Age and re-instituting the harsh, oppressive religious apartheid of Moslem supremacy and the humiliating inferior status of Jews and Christians as dhimmi. Later, this pattern again emerges with the ascendancy of the Turkish Ottoman Empire and its conquests of what is today Greece, Cyprus, Crete, Albania, Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and Hungary, a development that brought genocidal destruction and the murder of hundreds of thousands of Christians.
Over the next few centuries, Turkish rule became less harsh and, indeed by modern times Turkey became a model of Islamic tolerance and progressiveness. Meanwhile, however, another wave of Muslim extremism occurred in Arabia, with the birth of the Wahhabi movement in the 19th and early 20th centuries– an extreme regression to Islam at its most stringent and oppressive. Part of this pattern was the resurgence of the Moslem Brotherhood, and its Palestinian branch, Hamas. When normative Islam grows too tolerant of other cultures, too secular, too eclectic, the fundamentalists stage a purifying resurgence of violence, terrorism, assassinations, war, and mass murder to recapture the true identity of Islam.
The interesting contrast of Islam and Christianity is that when Islam goes through a less devout period and "falls away," it becomes more tolerant. As the fundamentalists seek to draw the umma back to pure Islam, the religion becomes more oppressive.
The challenge for this generation is to break the cycle of destructive fundamentalism and to promote the reformation that Islam desperately needs.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Tenets of Islam - continued
OK, Tiger!
I've read this thing - it appears that you should hear about a FATWAH in your name pretty darn soon. So, nobody can actually be a good Muslim - right?
This is exactly the point where Christianity comes into play whilst other religions don't!
I find it amusing that hollywood has begun to make movies about my boyhood heroes. I devoured science fiction, fantasy, and warfare histories from early elementary school 'til this very day. Heinlein, Tolkien, Asimov, and C.S. Lewis were my passion early on. The movies almost never do justice, especially that crap film version of Starship Troopers. If you've never read Heinlein's novella you've missed everything. The movie is garbage, pure garbage; and the book is one of the most wonderful tales you'll ever read.
Now, back to Islam ...
In C.S. Lewis' masterpiece, The Chronicles of Narnia (Book 7 - The Last Battle), the character Emeth, worships the "anti-Aslan", Tash. If you're not familiar with the story, the great Lion Aslan is a metaphor for GOD (Christ) and Tash is the anti-Christ figure. Emeth is a sworn enemy of Narnia. Yet, at the end of that last great battle, Emeth is invited to go through the "door" into "heaven". He tells Aslan, "Alas, Lord, I am no son of Thine, but a servant of Tash." Aslan answers, "Child, all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me."
Now we see the greatness of Christianity! One is judged by what's in ones heart. "Allah" is like Tash, and today's reality doesn't mean that all Muslims are bad. Can we argue about Islam? Sure we can. But GOD is the final judge, NOT US!
I've read this thing - it appears that you should hear about a FATWAH in your name pretty darn soon. So, nobody can actually be a good Muslim - right?
This is exactly the point where Christianity comes into play whilst other religions don't!
I find it amusing that hollywood has begun to make movies about my boyhood heroes. I devoured science fiction, fantasy, and warfare histories from early elementary school 'til this very day. Heinlein, Tolkien, Asimov, and C.S. Lewis were my passion early on. The movies almost never do justice, especially that crap film version of Starship Troopers. If you've never read Heinlein's novella you've missed everything. The movie is garbage, pure garbage; and the book is one of the most wonderful tales you'll ever read.
Now, back to Islam ...
In C.S. Lewis' masterpiece, The Chronicles of Narnia (Book 7 - The Last Battle), the character Emeth, worships the "anti-Aslan", Tash. If you're not familiar with the story, the great Lion Aslan is a metaphor for GOD (Christ) and Tash is the anti-Christ figure. Emeth is a sworn enemy of Narnia. Yet, at the end of that last great battle, Emeth is invited to go through the "door" into "heaven". He tells Aslan, "Alas, Lord, I am no son of Thine, but a servant of Tash." Aslan answers, "Child, all the service thou hast done to Tash, I account as service done to me."
Now we see the greatness of Christianity! One is judged by what's in ones heart. "Allah" is like Tash, and today's reality doesn't mean that all Muslims are bad. Can we argue about Islam? Sure we can. But GOD is the final judge, NOT US!
A Short Primer on the Tenets of Islam
Whit really tweeked my interest on that last one!
After a little research I found a reputable source for information on the history and basics of Islam. Hopefully, it will answer the burning question we all have on our not-yet beheaded minds. Is Islam just one of the worlds great religions and was it born out of love and peace?
The "Title" link points to Mr. Ed Decker's web site, where you'll be enlightened with well researched facts such as:
- Islam is a pagan religion!
- Idol worship, anyone?
- Convert or Die, you Infidel dog!
... you get the idea. Islam is just a happy-go-lucky philosophy of fun, fun, fun! : )
Enjoy the read ...
After a little research I found a reputable source for information on the history and basics of Islam. Hopefully, it will answer the burning question we all have on our not-yet beheaded minds. Is Islam just one of the worlds great religions and was it born out of love and peace?
The "Title" link points to Mr. Ed Decker's web site, where you'll be enlightened with well researched facts such as:
- Islam is a pagan religion!
- Idol worship, anyone?
- Convert or Die, you Infidel dog!
... you get the idea. Islam is just a happy-go-lucky philosophy of fun, fun, fun! : )
Enjoy the read ...
Monday, February 20, 2006
In the ebbing tide
I do not have a crystal ball.
I do not have a direct line to the White House, the Pentagon or to Langley.
I have to discern between conflicting stories. “We’re making progress….The war is going very badly.” “Islam is peaceful….Islam is jihad.” “Jihad is peaceful…jihad is war.” “There is a war…There is no war.”
But I haven’t been “overeducated into imbecility” and whatever the future holds, I say that deposing Saddam was, if nothing else, a noble, last-ditch effort to bring about much needed change and hope for a part of the world sorely in need of change and hope. If the Iraqi people realize the gift that they have been given and I like to think that they do, they will act on the opportunity and create a better world for themselves. Hopefully, in the process, other people in the area will see goodness and follow suit. Admittedly, we are in an ebbing time when that hope dims. Next week, things could look altogether brighter.
I think history will look favorably on Bush’s efforts no matter what the outcome of his grand experiment. Whether we succeed in changing the paradigm or we do not, no one can honestly deny that we tried to roll back a growing evil. Success or failure hinges on Iraq; a long oppressed nation with one of the largest oil reserves in the world and in the heart of the Arab world. A potential ally in a area where such an ally is sorely needed. The success may not be exactly what we hoped for, but failure will surely lead to what we have dreaded. It might well be that the “grand experiment” is thwarted. The Iraqis’ may never be able to grasp the ring. We may be forced to withdraw from the chaos and descend into the insanity of hell but history will record that we first tried to do otherwise.
I do not have a direct line to the White House, the Pentagon or to Langley.
I have to discern between conflicting stories. “We’re making progress….The war is going very badly.” “Islam is peaceful….Islam is jihad.” “Jihad is peaceful…jihad is war.” “There is a war…There is no war.”
But I haven’t been “overeducated into imbecility” and whatever the future holds, I say that deposing Saddam was, if nothing else, a noble, last-ditch effort to bring about much needed change and hope for a part of the world sorely in need of change and hope. If the Iraqi people realize the gift that they have been given and I like to think that they do, they will act on the opportunity and create a better world for themselves. Hopefully, in the process, other people in the area will see goodness and follow suit. Admittedly, we are in an ebbing time when that hope dims. Next week, things could look altogether brighter.
I think history will look favorably on Bush’s efforts no matter what the outcome of his grand experiment. Whether we succeed in changing the paradigm or we do not, no one can honestly deny that we tried to roll back a growing evil. Success or failure hinges on Iraq; a long oppressed nation with one of the largest oil reserves in the world and in the heart of the Arab world. A potential ally in a area where such an ally is sorely needed. The success may not be exactly what we hoped for, but failure will surely lead to what we have dreaded. It might well be that the “grand experiment” is thwarted. The Iraqis’ may never be able to grasp the ring. We may be forced to withdraw from the chaos and descend into the insanity of hell but history will record that we first tried to do otherwise.
Optimism, Pessimism, Realism - A Commentary
I've always been intrigued by the O(ptimist), P(essimist), and R(ealist) arguments.
It's been argued that the O's are the most productive, go-getter, positive, hard-working individuals. They are the ones who get things done, the ones who stay positive, and the ones who can be counted on. The P's are those who find fault in everything, can't be trusted when things go sour, and generally, have a bad attitude concerning every endeavor.
Any mixture of these two polar approaches is referred to as; "middle of the road", or the "one who gets run over", 'cause he's in the middle of an issue, not taking sides.
R's are said to take the pragmatic, whatever works approach.
Over the years I've been called an O, P, and an R, depending on which side of an issue I came down on. Or, would that be, "came up on"? : ) Anyway, the truth is that we're all mixtures of the above. Some folks disagree with this, saying that they're always optimistic and positive. Nobody wants to admit pessimism or being too "real", either. Here's my take on it, for what it's worth.
A blind O will always see the positive and bring a ship down because he never seeks to solve problems. Philosophically, he can never admit a problem. If he's in charge he will dismiss those around him that bring up problems. No matter how many holes in the ship have been created - he doesn't want to hear it!
A blind P will see those holes in the ship, blame everyone around him for the holes, and if in charge, will have everyone abandon ship too early.
After considering it, there's no such thing as a blind R. By definition, an R sees things as they are, with clarity. It then becomes a matter of an individual's leadership and energy to solve a problem and to come to a solution. This kind of argument would seem reasonable to most, I believe. A Soldier, faced with overwhelming aggression, destroys the machine gun nest and attacks with such effort that his buddies are saved - this is an example of VALOR and COURAGE, not blind O. The Soldier handles the problem with disregard for his own health and saftey. This is where this sort of effort belongs. It is a decision made by the individual, a leap of faith, a moment of integrity that most of us only dream we could match. This is why combat Soldiers should be held in such high regard.
Our government, at this time, is going through this sort of argumentative decision making. They can't see the "holes", they don't want to hear anyones warnings, they appear to be blind O's. Col. David Hunt would say, "They just don't get it!". This battle with ISLAM (that's exactly what it is) cannot turn into a battle lead by O's and P's. We need R's, R's that will act, not argue.
Let's hope they wake up soon, or many, many more people will have to demonstrate a Soldier's Valor.
It's been argued that the O's are the most productive, go-getter, positive, hard-working individuals. They are the ones who get things done, the ones who stay positive, and the ones who can be counted on. The P's are those who find fault in everything, can't be trusted when things go sour, and generally, have a bad attitude concerning every endeavor.
Any mixture of these two polar approaches is referred to as; "middle of the road", or the "one who gets run over", 'cause he's in the middle of an issue, not taking sides.
R's are said to take the pragmatic, whatever works approach.
Over the years I've been called an O, P, and an R, depending on which side of an issue I came down on. Or, would that be, "came up on"? : ) Anyway, the truth is that we're all mixtures of the above. Some folks disagree with this, saying that they're always optimistic and positive. Nobody wants to admit pessimism or being too "real", either. Here's my take on it, for what it's worth.
A blind O will always see the positive and bring a ship down because he never seeks to solve problems. Philosophically, he can never admit a problem. If he's in charge he will dismiss those around him that bring up problems. No matter how many holes in the ship have been created - he doesn't want to hear it!
A blind P will see those holes in the ship, blame everyone around him for the holes, and if in charge, will have everyone abandon ship too early.
After considering it, there's no such thing as a blind R. By definition, an R sees things as they are, with clarity. It then becomes a matter of an individual's leadership and energy to solve a problem and to come to a solution. This kind of argument would seem reasonable to most, I believe. A Soldier, faced with overwhelming aggression, destroys the machine gun nest and attacks with such effort that his buddies are saved - this is an example of VALOR and COURAGE, not blind O. The Soldier handles the problem with disregard for his own health and saftey. This is where this sort of effort belongs. It is a decision made by the individual, a leap of faith, a moment of integrity that most of us only dream we could match. This is why combat Soldiers should be held in such high regard.
Our government, at this time, is going through this sort of argumentative decision making. They can't see the "holes", they don't want to hear anyones warnings, they appear to be blind O's. Col. David Hunt would say, "They just don't get it!". This battle with ISLAM (that's exactly what it is) cannot turn into a battle lead by O's and P's. We need R's, R's that will act, not argue.
Let's hope they wake up soon, or many, many more people will have to demonstrate a Soldier's Valor.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
BATF Responds on Website
The BATF says this intrusion of our constitutional rights only happens rarely. (see web site response)
However, "Federal law prohibits the release of this information except in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation."
This was not BONA FIDE!
However, "Federal law prohibits the release of this information except in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation."
This was not BONA FIDE!
Monday, February 13, 2006
Home Grown Terrorism - Why Government is Bad
There's gun shows around Richmond, Virginia throughout most of the year. This is true around most of America. Heck, down here in Orlando we have at least two gun shows a year. They are massive events, held at the county fair grounds, literally thousands of law-abiding people attending. While it's plausible that terrorists may be at the gun show, most attendees are legit. Good folks just want to protect their family, property, and country; unlike the officials in New Orleans when guns were taken from good folks while police were frantic for help.
In Florida, less than 1/10th of concealed weapons permit carriers commit crime a crime, and when they do it's because they forgot something; like driving through the airport while armed and a policeman stops them for speeding. Vermont, the state of Howard "trashmouth" Dean has the lowest crime rate in the country. Why? ALL of it's citizens have the right to carry arms concealed; WITHOUT PERMIT!
Unfortunately, we have homegrown terrorists who wish to stop legal self defense. They're called BATF, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. IT'S AN AGENCY THAT MUST GO! IT IS TERRORISM! Keep it up, BATF, and I'll start drawing cartoons!
NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 6 02/10/06
States with updates this issue (click state to be routed directly to story): Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
BATFE ABUSE AT RICHMOND, VA GUN SHOWS
On February 15, the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security will hold an oversight hearing (the first of three BATFE-related hearings) to investigate apparent wrongdoing by BATFE at a Richmond, VA gun show last August.
In 2004-05, a troubling pattern emerged at a number of Richmond, VA-area gun shows, where hundreds of BATFE agents and state and local police staked out local shows. Immediately upon learning of these incidents, NRA began investigating and working to ensure congressional oversight hearings would be held to determine any wrongdoing and ensure BATFE was not overstepping its bounds or violating the law.
BATFE agents copied lawful gun purchase transaction records and provided this information to local police officers, who in turn conducted "residency checks." Federal law prohibits the release of this information except in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation. The information provided to local police prompted multiple instances of officers showing up at the homes of those who lawfully purchased firearms from licensed dealers. When the lawful purchasers were not at home, agents questioned family members (for example, inquiring of a wife if she knew her husband was at a gun show and/or had purchased a firearm) or their neighbors. In other cases, reports surfaced of lawful gun owners and holders of valid carry permits having their firearms confiscated.
Those interested in watching the hearing online may do so at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.13.522130. The hearing is scheduled to begin at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15.
NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRYBILL INTRODUCED
U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) recently introduced H.R. 4547-a national Right-to-Carry (RTC) reciprocity bill that would provide national reciprocity for state carry licensees. The bill would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if they meet certain criteria. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses.
For more information on the bill, please visit www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=189.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 4547!
SENATOR RICK SANTORUM INTRODUCES S. 2249¾THE SPORTSMEN'S PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT
On February 7, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) introduced legislation to eliminate the requirement in the 1996 Welfare Reform Bill that requires hunters and fishermen to furnish their social security numbers when getting a license.
"Across America, hunting and fishing is an age old heritage that is passed on from one generation to the next. Our outdoor sportsmen should not be required to surrender sensitive information and risk being victims of identity theft to preserve this legacy. This is much needed reform and the NRA would like to thank Senator Santorum for leading this effort in the United States Senate," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.
Senator Santorum's bill is a companion to H.R. 4144, introduced in the House by Representative Phil English, also of Pennsylvania. The House version of the bill has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
"This proposed law will help save 16 million hunters and another 34 million fishermen who buy licenses every year from falling victim to identity theft," continued Cox. "On behalf of NRA members across the country, I want to thank Senator Rick Santorum for his support of the hunters and fishermen and his work to preserve our country's strong outdoor traditions."
NRA-ILA "MIX N' MINGLES"
How often do you get the opportunity to mix n' mingle with NRA-ILA Headquarters staff and fellow NRA members in your area, to earn FREE NRA items, and to assist with the efforts of candidates seeking office in your area? Well, in preparation for the 2006 elections, you will have the opportunity to do just that.
This election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingles across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, their staffs, NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, and fellow area NRA members-and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items like hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. Mix N' Mingles, including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items are FREE!
The first-ever Mix N' Mingle is scheduled for:
-San Antonio, TX-2/25/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.15.522130 to reserve their seats on-line. To forward the Mix N' Mingle invitation to fellow NRA members, including a personal message from you, please go to http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.16.522130. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming Mix N' Mingles are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats.
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY
Now's your chance to own a piece of political history, straight from the closely fought 2004 presidential campaign! The last of the "That Dog Don't Hunt" banners is now available on E-Bay.
One of only 12 made, the banner¾measuring 10 feet long and 5 feet high¾crisscrossed battleground states in the final frantic month of the hotly contested 2004 presidential race and played an important role in determining the outcome of the election. The banner was displayed at NRA rallies and gun shows and was a major part of the National Rifle Association's intense efforts to educate voters that, despite his attempt to pander to sportsmen, Senator Kerry had a 20 year record of hostility towards the Second Amendment. The NRA rallies were crucial in turning out enough voters to give Bush victories in pivotal battleground states such as Ohio and West Virginia.
NRA-ILA Executive Director and NRA Political Victory Fund chairman Chris W. Cox has signed the banner.
The auction will run through February 17, with bidding closing at 2:15 p.m. that day. If you'd like to own this valuable piece of political history, please visit http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7743149474 and place your bid.
D.C. PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT-A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
As we continue to note, one of NRA-ILA's top legislative priorities in Congress continues to be the passage of S. 1082 and H.R. 1288-the Senate and House versions of the "District of Columbia Personal Protection Act." This legislation seeks to restore the constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights of the residents of the District of Columbia.
The need for this corrective legislation is obvious. Since 1977, the District has banned the possession of all handguns not acquired and registered before that year. D.C. law also prohibits keeping an assembled rifle or shotgun in the home, effectively outlawing the use of firearms for lawful self-defense. And despite these Draconian gun control laws, Washington, D.C., consistently has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 1082 and H.R. 1288.
For a list of Senate cosponsors, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.17.522130.
For a list of House cosponsors, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.18.522130.
You can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, or your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at http://www.nraila.org/. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue (click state to be routed directly to story): Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
ARIZONA: SB 1145, the "Castle Doctrine" sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (D-30), will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m. The most significant component of this legislation will come by way of amendment. The "Burden of Proof" amendment addresses a truly grave situation facing any Arizonan who is forced to act in self-defense. Because of a change to the self-defense laws that was passed with little fanfare in 1997, citizens who act in self-defense are currently presumed guilty until they prove their innocence in court. This defies the age-old principle of "innocent until proven guilty." This leaves good citizens vulnerable to wrongful prosecution and conviction for simply defending themselves and their loved ones from violence. Arizona is one of only two states in the country that places the burden of proof in self-defense cases on the citizen instead of the state. This is simply wrong and must be corrected this year before more abuses occur! Please contact your Senator and ask him or her to support SB 1145 with the "Burden of Proof" Amendment. The full House passed HB 2075, legislation sponsored by Representative Chuck Gray (R-19). The bill eliminates the two-hour refresher-training course for concealed carry permit renewals. This will end Arizona's status as one of only a handful of Right-to-Carry states that have such a requirement. Please call your Senator and ask that he or she support this legislation. Senators can be reached at (602) 926-3559, or toll free at (800) 352-8404.
FLORIDA: HB-265, the "Florida No-Net-Loss" bill sponsored by Representative Don Brown (R-5), passed out of the "House Water & Natural Resources Committee" on February 8, unanimously. Simply put, "No-Net-Loss" requires that states maintain at least the level of available public hunting land that currently exists. It requires that additional lands be opened to hunting if land that is currently open to hunting is closed. The end result is assurance to hunters that the opportunities they now have will not diminish. Please visit http://www.nraila.org/ for updates on this important piece of legislation.
HAWAII: A coalition of law enforcement groups has proposed the language written in SB 2579-a ban on the sale and possession of .50 caliber rifles and ammunition. As you know, these rifles are used for sporting purposes, but have been demonized in the press and by anti-gun groups looking for the next gun control scheme. SB 2579 is an outright ban that, if signed, will take effect immediately. Owners of the affected firearms would have to remove the firearm from the state, surrender it to law enforcement, or have it destroyed. It is vital that NRA members and friends in the pro-gun community call their state legislators at (808) 587-0666 and ask them to oppose this proposed gun ban. Other anti-gun legislation includes SB 2408/HB 2522, which would exempt government entities from the definition of "owner" in state law that imposes a strict liability on firearms owners for injury or damage caused by that firearm.
SB 2531, the Right-to-Carry bill introduced by Senators Sam Slom (R-8) and Gordon Trimble (R-12), may be heard in the "Senate Intergovernmental Affairs Committee" as early as next Tuesday, February 14. Please contact the Chair of the committee, Senator David Ige (D-16) and ask him for a hearing on SB 2531. Also, respectfully ask for SB 2531 to be passed out of committee. Senator Ige can be reached by calling (808) 586-6230, or by e-mail at sendige@capitol.hawaii.gov. In addition, please contact your legislator at (808) 587-0666 and urge him or her to oppose SB 2408/HB 2522 and support SB 2531! To get involved with the Hawaii Rifle Association, please contact Max Cooper at (808) 261-8988.
IDAHO: Your communication with elected officials is needed to help build momentum for two NRA backed bills: RS 15636C4 is a "Right-to-Carry" reform bill that would extend the term of concealed carry permits from four to five years and, similar to driver's licenses, would require that renewal notices be sent out prior to permit expiration. Additionally, this proposed bill would repeal the requirement for a person to obtain a concealed carry permit if he or she only carries in a vehicle. RS 15712C1, "Emergency Powers" legislation, would prevent the Governor or any government authority from limiting your Right to Keep and Bear Arms during a declared state of emergency. The "State Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee" will hear both bills on the afternoon of Monday, February 13. Monday's hearing is a "print" hearing at which the committee will vote on whether to print and number the bills for introduction. It is the very first, but critical, step in the legislative process. Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee and urge them to support RS 15636C4 and RS 15712C1. Members of the committee can be found by visiting http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.21.522130. Please also contact your State Senator at (800) 626-0471 and encourage him or her to do the same.
ILLINOIS: Anti-gun legislation continues to pose a threat in the General Assembly. Both HB 4693, a handgun dealer licensing bill, and HB 4694, a mandatory storage bill, passed out of the Human Services Committee and are awaiting action by the full House of Representatives. Anti-gun legislators continue their frantic attempts to build up support for HB 2414, which seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as .50 cal. rifles. The latest attempt, Amendment 7, indicates how poorly worded this bill is, as well as how confused anti-gun lawmakers are when it comes to firearms. Proponents of HB 2414 felt this new language was necessary in order to exempt air rifles from the scope of the bill. Please continue to contact representatives and urge them to oppose HB 2414, HB 4693, and HB 4694. (For more details on these bills, please refer to last week's Grassroots Alert). On the pro-gun side, keep contacting representatives and urge them to support HB 4529, sponsored by Representative John E. Bradley (D-117), which would allow FOID card applicants to sue the Illinois State Police if that agency fails to act on applications within the 30-day time period mandated by state law. While there are other anti-gun and pro-gun bills that have been introduced¾including SB 2963, Senator Bill Brady's (R-44) pro-gun reform that seeks to repeal the FOID card system¾most remain bogged down and relatively inactive.
INDIANA: House Bill 1176, sponsored by Representative Troy Woodruff (R-64), a bill that allows for an option of a 4-year carry permit, or a lifetime carry permit for a higher fee, has passed the House. This bill will now be heard by the Senate Committee for Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters, on Tuesday, February 14, at 9:00 a.m. Please contact your State Senator at (317) 232-9400 and ask him or her to support HB 1176.
KANSAS: Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act," sponsored by Senator Phil Journey (R-26), passed through the Senate by a vote of 29-11. SB 418 will now advance to the House of Representatives. House Bill 2577, the "Stand and Defend Act" sponsored by Representative Richard Carlson (R-61) will be voted on by the House Federal & State Affairs Committee this coming week. This important legislation allows a person to use justifiable force when the fear of bodily harm is present. Please continue contacting your State Representative at (785) 296-1153 and ask him or her to support SB 418 and HB 2577.
KENTUCKY: Sponsored by Representative Carolyn Belcher (D-72), HB 290, the "Gun Owner Protection Act," passed the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote and is now headed to the full House for a floor vote. This critical legislation ensures the names of concealed firearm license holders are not released to the public. It prohibits employers from enacting or enforcing policies that keep employees from storing lawfully-owned firearms in their vehicles while at work. HB 290 also prohibits government officials from regulating lawful firearms ownership during a state of emergency. An amendment will be proposed allowing concealed firearm license holders to use their license to satisfy the NICS requirement when purchasing firearms from a licensed dealer. Please contact your Representative and ask that he or she support HB 290. Sponsored by Senator Katie Kratz Stine (R-24), SB 12 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-2 vote. It is now headed to the full Senate. This bill prohibits the prosecution of gun owners who unknowingly wander onto property owned by a public or private school if it is not properly posted pursuant to current law. Current law requires the posting of school property. However, if a school ignores this legal requirement, gun owners may still be prosecuted for a felony offense when possessing a firearm on the property. This is unacceptable and must be rectified. Please contact your Senator and ask that he or she support SB 12. All members of the Kentucky General Assembly can be reached at (502) 564-8100. Also, when contacting your legislators, please ask that they actively support the passage of the "Castle Doctrine Legislation" that significantly bolster's the right to self-defense in Kentucky. It is HB 236 in the House (Representative J.R. Gray (D-6)), and SB 38 (Senator Dick Roeding (R-11)) and SB 52 (Senator Ed Worley (D-34)), in the Senate.
MISSISSIPPI: On Monday, February 6, the Mississippi House of Representatives approved House Bill 1141, an NRA-backed measure sponsored by Representative Warner McBride (D-10). HB 1141 will allow the owner of a property that has been annexed by a county or municipality to continue hunting on certain-sized tracts of land even if the city has a ban on the discharge of firearms. HB 1141 also contains a provision, which would prohibit New Orleans-style gun confiscations from law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster. The House also approved a floor amendment, which contains language from HB 1059, a bill that died in committee the previous week. This amendment will allow employees to transport and store firearms in locked personal vehicles while parked on property owned by their employers. HB 1141 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Please contact your State Senators at (601) 359-3770 and ask him or her to support the NRA-backed HB 1141 with the employee parking lot amendment. For additional contact information, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.22.522130.
NEBRASKA: On Thursday, February 9, Legislation Bill 454A (the appropriations bill to LB454, also known as the "Concealed Handgun Permit Act") sponsored by Representative Jeanne Combs (I-32), advanced from General File to Select File. These two bills will now be rejoined and will advance to the second round of debate in the coming weeks. Please continue with phone calls to your State Senator requesting his or her further support of LB 454 and your Second Amendment Rights! The contact number for the Nebraska legislature is (402) 471-2271.
PENNSYLVANIA: A legislative study released Wednesday, February 8, indicated Pennsylvania's system of instant background checks for gun buyers could go into the red in about a year without funding changes. Firearm dealers and county sheriffs lodged 529,000 calls in 2004 to Pennsylvania's Instant Check System, which is run by the state police. Those calls concerned the sale or transfer of 393,000 firearms and 107,000 license-to-carry permits. Fewer than 2 percent of background checks result in a denial. The "Legislative Budget and Finance Committee" report said a decision by the governor's budget office to stop funding the checks with a general fund line-item means the system may run out of money in about a year. Historically, about two-thirds of the system's funding has come from the general fund. The system also collects a $2 instant-check fee, and a $3 surcharge from the sale of firearms. It costs about $4.2 million annually to fund the program, and the "Firearms Record Check Fund" had a $4.4 million reserve as of June 2005. The report said that without general fund money, the $2 instant-check fee would have to be increased to at least $8.75. In addition, an $8.75 fee would not pay for proposed computer upgrades. Please write Governor Rendell and insist that the fee be kept reasonable so that persons of limited means are not effectively deprived of the constitutional right to "Keep and Bear Arms." Since the Commonwealth requires persons to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm, the general fund should bear the majority of the financial cost of supporting the licensing system. You can send correspondence to: Governor Edward Rendell, RM. 225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
SOUTH CAROLINA: This week, the House of Representatives passed H 4301, introduced by Representative G. Murrell Smith, Jr. (R-67), with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and virtually no opposition. This bill, modeled after Florida's "Castle Doctrine" law, would remove the "duty to retreat" if a law-abiding citizen is attacked anywhere that person may lawfully be. Please contact your senator at (803) 212-6200 and urge him or her to support H 4301.
SOUTH DAKOTA: House Bill 1134 ("A Citizens Right to Self-Defense"), which is modeled after Florida's "Castle Doctrine," passed through the Senate, 31 to 1. This important legislation will head back to the House for concurrence as early as next week. Please contact your State Representative at (605) 773-3851, and ask him or her to support HB 1134 with NRA-backed amendments.
WASHINGTON: Your phone calls and emails are urgently needed to stop a bill prohibiting the discharge of firearms in Island County from becoming law. Sponsored by Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10), Senate Bill 6598 would effectively ban shooting on all county-owned land in Island County. SB 6598 is now before the State Legislature because there is not enough support in Island County to restrict shooting. Only a few residents are against shooting in Island County. Meetings and hearings have been held in the county and discussions are still taking place to determine an appropriate local action, if any is necessary. Existing law already gives authority to cities and counties to restrict the discharge of firearms. Representing Island County, Senator Haugen is apparently frustrated by the lack of support for her anti-shooting agenda within her own district. Her asking the State Legislature to weigh in on a local issue is an attempt to make an end-run around the Island County government process. Even if you do not live in Island County, SB 6598 directly affects you because it is unnecessary, inappropriate and would create a horrible precedent! It is an abuse of the state legislative process and your county could be next! SB 6598 is currently pending a vote in the Senate Rules Committee. It is vital that you immediately call the members of the Senate Rules Committee. Please respectfully ask them to oppose SB 6598! Be sure to contact your State Senator as well! To reach members of the State Senate please call (800) 562-6000. It is especially important if you live in Island County to communicate with your State Senator, Mary Margaret Haugen, and politely, but firmly, express your displeasure with her introduction of this legislation! For more information please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.23.522130.
WISCONSIN: A recent study has found the future of hunting in Wisconsin is in serious jeopardy. Assembly Bill 586 has been introduced to provide parents more discretion with regard to deciding when their children are mature enough to hunt as long as they are within arm's reach of an adult mentor who meets the hunter education requirement and there is only one firearm between the two. This is known as "mentored hunting." Experience in other states shows that mentored hunting is the safest form of hunting. Thirty states trust parents to decide when their children are mature enough to hunt, including most of Wisconsin's neighbors, and their hunter recruitment rates are far higher. Please call your State Senator at (800) 362-9472 and respectfully ask him or her to support AB 586, the Hunter Mentoring Bill.
WYOMING: The Wyoming Legislative Session begins Monday, February 13. Several NRA-backed bills have been introduced in the State House and Senate. HB 46, sponsored by Representative Steve Watt (R-17), is known as the "No Duty to Retreat Act/Castle Doctrine." This bill specifies that Wyoming citizens have no duty to try to escape before using deadly force against an assailant, either in their home or in their vehicle. HB 78, sponsored by Representative Becket Hinckley (R-41), would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. SB 79, sponsored by Senator Cale Case (R-25), would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm for self-protection during bow hunting season. Please visit http://www.nraila.org/ for updates on these important pieces of legislation.
Please do not reply to this email as you will not receive a response. This email is a broadcast email generated by an automated system. To contact NRA-ILA call 800-392-8683. Address: 11250 Waples Mill Road Fairfax, Virginia 22030
If you wish to be removed from this list please click this link and you will be removed immediately: http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/U.asp?B1.2.115.522130
In Florida, less than 1/10th of concealed weapons permit carriers commit crime a crime, and when they do it's because they forgot something; like driving through the airport while armed and a policeman stops them for speeding. Vermont, the state of Howard "trashmouth" Dean has the lowest crime rate in the country. Why? ALL of it's citizens have the right to carry arms concealed; WITHOUT PERMIT!
Unfortunately, we have homegrown terrorists who wish to stop legal self defense. They're called BATF, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. IT'S AN AGENCY THAT MUST GO! IT IS TERRORISM! Keep it up, BATF, and I'll start drawing cartoons!
NRA-ILA Grassroots Alert Vol. 13, No. 6 02/10/06
States with updates this issue (click state to be routed directly to story): Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
BATFE ABUSE AT RICHMOND, VA GUN SHOWS
On February 15, the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security will hold an oversight hearing (the first of three BATFE-related hearings) to investigate apparent wrongdoing by BATFE at a Richmond, VA gun show last August.
In 2004-05, a troubling pattern emerged at a number of Richmond, VA-area gun shows, where hundreds of BATFE agents and state and local police staked out local shows. Immediately upon learning of these incidents, NRA began investigating and working to ensure congressional oversight hearings would be held to determine any wrongdoing and ensure BATFE was not overstepping its bounds or violating the law.
BATFE agents copied lawful gun purchase transaction records and provided this information to local police officers, who in turn conducted "residency checks." Federal law prohibits the release of this information except in the course of a bona fide criminal investigation. The information provided to local police prompted multiple instances of officers showing up at the homes of those who lawfully purchased firearms from licensed dealers. When the lawful purchasers were not at home, agents questioned family members (for example, inquiring of a wife if she knew her husband was at a gun show and/or had purchased a firearm) or their neighbors. In other cases, reports surfaced of lawful gun owners and holders of valid carry permits having their firearms confiscated.
Those interested in watching the hearing online may do so at http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.13.522130. The hearing is scheduled to begin at approximately 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15.
NATIONAL RIGHT-TO-CARRYBILL INTRODUCED
U.S. Representative Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) recently introduced H.R. 4547-a national Right-to-Carry (RTC) reciprocity bill that would provide national reciprocity for state carry licensees. The bill would allow any person with a valid carry permit or license issued by a state to carry a concealed firearm in any other state if they meet certain criteria. The bill would not create a federal licensing system; it would simply require the states to recognize each other's carry permits, just as they recognize drivers' licenses.
For more information on the bill, please visit www.nraila.org/Issues/FactSheets/Read.aspx?ID=189.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121, and urge him or her to cosponsor and support H.R. 4547!
SENATOR RICK SANTORUM INTRODUCES S. 2249¾THE SPORTSMEN'S PRIVACY PROTECTION ACT
On February 7, Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) introduced legislation to eliminate the requirement in the 1996 Welfare Reform Bill that requires hunters and fishermen to furnish their social security numbers when getting a license.
"Across America, hunting and fishing is an age old heritage that is passed on from one generation to the next. Our outdoor sportsmen should not be required to surrender sensitive information and risk being victims of identity theft to preserve this legacy. This is much needed reform and the NRA would like to thank Senator Santorum for leading this effort in the United States Senate," said NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris W. Cox.
Senator Santorum's bill is a companion to H.R. 4144, introduced in the House by Representative Phil English, also of Pennsylvania. The House version of the bill has been referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
"This proposed law will help save 16 million hunters and another 34 million fishermen who buy licenses every year from falling victim to identity theft," continued Cox. "On behalf of NRA members across the country, I want to thank Senator Rick Santorum for his support of the hunters and fishermen and his work to preserve our country's strong outdoor traditions."
NRA-ILA "MIX N' MINGLES"
How often do you get the opportunity to mix n' mingle with NRA-ILA Headquarters staff and fellow NRA members in your area, to earn FREE NRA items, and to assist with the efforts of candidates seeking office in your area? Well, in preparation for the 2006 elections, you will have the opportunity to do just that.
This election year, NRA-ILA will be hosting FREE NRA-ILA Mix N' Mingles across the country. These events will provide NRA members with training on what they can do locally to propel candidates to victory this election season. The meetings also provide attendees the opportunity to meet and socialize with lawmakers, candidates, their staffs, NRA-ILA Headquarters staff, and fellow area NRA members-and to earn FREE NRA fraternal items like hats, pocketknives, buttons, etc. Mix N' Mingles, including materials, food, beverages, and NRA items are FREE!
The first-ever Mix N' Mingle is scheduled for:
-San Antonio, TX-2/25/06
NRA members who have access to the Internet can go to http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.15.522130 to reserve their seats on-line. To forward the Mix N' Mingle invitation to fellow NRA members, including a personal message from you, please go to http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.16.522130. NRA members are encouraged to check this website address frequently to see if any upcoming Mix N' Mingles are scheduled in their area. NRA members may also contact the NRA-ILA Grassroots Division at (800) 392-VOTE (8683) for details and to reserve their seats.
DON'T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY
Now's your chance to own a piece of political history, straight from the closely fought 2004 presidential campaign! The last of the "That Dog Don't Hunt" banners is now available on E-Bay.
One of only 12 made, the banner¾measuring 10 feet long and 5 feet high¾crisscrossed battleground states in the final frantic month of the hotly contested 2004 presidential race and played an important role in determining the outcome of the election. The banner was displayed at NRA rallies and gun shows and was a major part of the National Rifle Association's intense efforts to educate voters that, despite his attempt to pander to sportsmen, Senator Kerry had a 20 year record of hostility towards the Second Amendment. The NRA rallies were crucial in turning out enough voters to give Bush victories in pivotal battleground states such as Ohio and West Virginia.
NRA-ILA Executive Director and NRA Political Victory Fund chairman Chris W. Cox has signed the banner.
The auction will run through February 17, with bidding closing at 2:15 p.m. that day. If you'd like to own this valuable piece of political history, please visit http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7743149474 and place your bid.
D.C. PERSONAL PROTECTION ACT-A TOP LEGISLATIVE PRIORITY
As we continue to note, one of NRA-ILA's top legislative priorities in Congress continues to be the passage of S. 1082 and H.R. 1288-the Senate and House versions of the "District of Columbia Personal Protection Act." This legislation seeks to restore the constitutionally-guaranteed Second Amendment rights of the residents of the District of Columbia.
The need for this corrective legislation is obvious. Since 1977, the District has banned the possession of all handguns not acquired and registered before that year. D.C. law also prohibits keeping an assembled rifle or shotgun in the home, effectively outlawing the use of firearms for lawful self-defense. And despite these Draconian gun control laws, Washington, D.C., consistently has one of the highest homicide rates in the nation.
Please be sure to contact your U.S. Senators and Representative and ask them to cosponsor and support S. 1082 and H.R. 1288.
For a list of Senate cosponsors, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.17.522130.
For a list of House cosponsors, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.18.522130.
You can call your U.S. Senators at (202) 224-3121, or your U.S. Representative at (202) 225-3121.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
(***For all of the action items below, you can find contact information for your legislators by using the "Write Your Representatives" tool at http://www.nraila.org/. As always, thank you for your support.***)
States with updates this issue (click state to be routed directly to story): Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
ARIZONA: SB 1145, the "Castle Doctrine" sponsored by Senator Timothy Bee (D-30), will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, February 13, at 1:30 p.m. The most significant component of this legislation will come by way of amendment. The "Burden of Proof" amendment addresses a truly grave situation facing any Arizonan who is forced to act in self-defense. Because of a change to the self-defense laws that was passed with little fanfare in 1997, citizens who act in self-defense are currently presumed guilty until they prove their innocence in court. This defies the age-old principle of "innocent until proven guilty." This leaves good citizens vulnerable to wrongful prosecution and conviction for simply defending themselves and their loved ones from violence. Arizona is one of only two states in the country that places the burden of proof in self-defense cases on the citizen instead of the state. This is simply wrong and must be corrected this year before more abuses occur! Please contact your Senator and ask him or her to support SB 1145 with the "Burden of Proof" Amendment. The full House passed HB 2075, legislation sponsored by Representative Chuck Gray (R-19). The bill eliminates the two-hour refresher-training course for concealed carry permit renewals. This will end Arizona's status as one of only a handful of Right-to-Carry states that have such a requirement. Please call your Senator and ask that he or she support this legislation. Senators can be reached at (602) 926-3559, or toll free at (800) 352-8404.
FLORIDA: HB-265, the "Florida No-Net-Loss" bill sponsored by Representative Don Brown (R-5), passed out of the "House Water & Natural Resources Committee" on February 8, unanimously. Simply put, "No-Net-Loss" requires that states maintain at least the level of available public hunting land that currently exists. It requires that additional lands be opened to hunting if land that is currently open to hunting is closed. The end result is assurance to hunters that the opportunities they now have will not diminish. Please visit http://www.nraila.org/ for updates on this important piece of legislation.
HAWAII: A coalition of law enforcement groups has proposed the language written in SB 2579-a ban on the sale and possession of .50 caliber rifles and ammunition. As you know, these rifles are used for sporting purposes, but have been demonized in the press and by anti-gun groups looking for the next gun control scheme. SB 2579 is an outright ban that, if signed, will take effect immediately. Owners of the affected firearms would have to remove the firearm from the state, surrender it to law enforcement, or have it destroyed. It is vital that NRA members and friends in the pro-gun community call their state legislators at (808) 587-0666 and ask them to oppose this proposed gun ban. Other anti-gun legislation includes SB 2408/HB 2522, which would exempt government entities from the definition of "owner" in state law that imposes a strict liability on firearms owners for injury or damage caused by that firearm.
SB 2531, the Right-to-Carry bill introduced by Senators Sam Slom (R-8) and Gordon Trimble (R-12), may be heard in the "Senate Intergovernmental Affairs Committee" as early as next Tuesday, February 14. Please contact the Chair of the committee, Senator David Ige (D-16) and ask him for a hearing on SB 2531. Also, respectfully ask for SB 2531 to be passed out of committee. Senator Ige can be reached by calling (808) 586-6230, or by e-mail at sendige@capitol.hawaii.gov. In addition, please contact your legislator at (808) 587-0666 and urge him or her to oppose SB 2408/HB 2522 and support SB 2531! To get involved with the Hawaii Rifle Association, please contact Max Cooper at (808) 261-8988.
IDAHO: Your communication with elected officials is needed to help build momentum for two NRA backed bills: RS 15636C4 is a "Right-to-Carry" reform bill that would extend the term of concealed carry permits from four to five years and, similar to driver's licenses, would require that renewal notices be sent out prior to permit expiration. Additionally, this proposed bill would repeal the requirement for a person to obtain a concealed carry permit if he or she only carries in a vehicle. RS 15712C1, "Emergency Powers" legislation, would prevent the Governor or any government authority from limiting your Right to Keep and Bear Arms during a declared state of emergency. The "State Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee" will hear both bills on the afternoon of Monday, February 13. Monday's hearing is a "print" hearing at which the committee will vote on whether to print and number the bills for introduction. It is the very first, but critical, step in the legislative process. Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary & Rules Committee and urge them to support RS 15636C4 and RS 15712C1. Members of the committee can be found by visiting http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.21.522130. Please also contact your State Senator at (800) 626-0471 and encourage him or her to do the same.
ILLINOIS: Anti-gun legislation continues to pose a threat in the General Assembly. Both HB 4693, a handgun dealer licensing bill, and HB 4694, a mandatory storage bill, passed out of the Human Services Committee and are awaiting action by the full House of Representatives. Anti-gun legislators continue their frantic attempts to build up support for HB 2414, which seeks to ban certain semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, as well as .50 cal. rifles. The latest attempt, Amendment 7, indicates how poorly worded this bill is, as well as how confused anti-gun lawmakers are when it comes to firearms. Proponents of HB 2414 felt this new language was necessary in order to exempt air rifles from the scope of the bill. Please continue to contact representatives and urge them to oppose HB 2414, HB 4693, and HB 4694. (For more details on these bills, please refer to last week's Grassroots Alert). On the pro-gun side, keep contacting representatives and urge them to support HB 4529, sponsored by Representative John E. Bradley (D-117), which would allow FOID card applicants to sue the Illinois State Police if that agency fails to act on applications within the 30-day time period mandated by state law. While there are other anti-gun and pro-gun bills that have been introduced¾including SB 2963, Senator Bill Brady's (R-44) pro-gun reform that seeks to repeal the FOID card system¾most remain bogged down and relatively inactive.
INDIANA: House Bill 1176, sponsored by Representative Troy Woodruff (R-64), a bill that allows for an option of a 4-year carry permit, or a lifetime carry permit for a higher fee, has passed the House. This bill will now be heard by the Senate Committee for Corrections, Criminal, and Civil Matters, on Tuesday, February 14, at 9:00 a.m. Please contact your State Senator at (317) 232-9400 and ask him or her to support HB 1176.
KANSAS: Senate Bill 418, "The Personal and Family Protection Act," sponsored by Senator Phil Journey (R-26), passed through the Senate by a vote of 29-11. SB 418 will now advance to the House of Representatives. House Bill 2577, the "Stand and Defend Act" sponsored by Representative Richard Carlson (R-61) will be voted on by the House Federal & State Affairs Committee this coming week. This important legislation allows a person to use justifiable force when the fear of bodily harm is present. Please continue contacting your State Representative at (785) 296-1153 and ask him or her to support SB 418 and HB 2577.
KENTUCKY: Sponsored by Representative Carolyn Belcher (D-72), HB 290, the "Gun Owner Protection Act," passed the House Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote and is now headed to the full House for a floor vote. This critical legislation ensures the names of concealed firearm license holders are not released to the public. It prohibits employers from enacting or enforcing policies that keep employees from storing lawfully-owned firearms in their vehicles while at work. HB 290 also prohibits government officials from regulating lawful firearms ownership during a state of emergency. An amendment will be proposed allowing concealed firearm license holders to use their license to satisfy the NICS requirement when purchasing firearms from a licensed dealer. Please contact your Representative and ask that he or she support HB 290. Sponsored by Senator Katie Kratz Stine (R-24), SB 12 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-2 vote. It is now headed to the full Senate. This bill prohibits the prosecution of gun owners who unknowingly wander onto property owned by a public or private school if it is not properly posted pursuant to current law. Current law requires the posting of school property. However, if a school ignores this legal requirement, gun owners may still be prosecuted for a felony offense when possessing a firearm on the property. This is unacceptable and must be rectified. Please contact your Senator and ask that he or she support SB 12. All members of the Kentucky General Assembly can be reached at (502) 564-8100. Also, when contacting your legislators, please ask that they actively support the passage of the "Castle Doctrine Legislation" that significantly bolster's the right to self-defense in Kentucky. It is HB 236 in the House (Representative J.R. Gray (D-6)), and SB 38 (Senator Dick Roeding (R-11)) and SB 52 (Senator Ed Worley (D-34)), in the Senate.
MISSISSIPPI: On Monday, February 6, the Mississippi House of Representatives approved House Bill 1141, an NRA-backed measure sponsored by Representative Warner McBride (D-10). HB 1141 will allow the owner of a property that has been annexed by a county or municipality to continue hunting on certain-sized tracts of land even if the city has a ban on the discharge of firearms. HB 1141 also contains a provision, which would prohibit New Orleans-style gun confiscations from law-abiding citizens during a future state of emergency or natural disaster. The House also approved a floor amendment, which contains language from HB 1059, a bill that died in committee the previous week. This amendment will allow employees to transport and store firearms in locked personal vehicles while parked on property owned by their employers. HB 1141 now moves to the Senate for consideration. Please contact your State Senators at (601) 359-3770 and ask him or her to support the NRA-backed HB 1141 with the employee parking lot amendment. For additional contact information, please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.22.522130.
NEBRASKA: On Thursday, February 9, Legislation Bill 454A (the appropriations bill to LB454, also known as the "Concealed Handgun Permit Act") sponsored by Representative Jeanne Combs (I-32), advanced from General File to Select File. These two bills will now be rejoined and will advance to the second round of debate in the coming weeks. Please continue with phone calls to your State Senator requesting his or her further support of LB 454 and your Second Amendment Rights! The contact number for the Nebraska legislature is (402) 471-2271.
PENNSYLVANIA: A legislative study released Wednesday, February 8, indicated Pennsylvania's system of instant background checks for gun buyers could go into the red in about a year without funding changes. Firearm dealers and county sheriffs lodged 529,000 calls in 2004 to Pennsylvania's Instant Check System, which is run by the state police. Those calls concerned the sale or transfer of 393,000 firearms and 107,000 license-to-carry permits. Fewer than 2 percent of background checks result in a denial. The "Legislative Budget and Finance Committee" report said a decision by the governor's budget office to stop funding the checks with a general fund line-item means the system may run out of money in about a year. Historically, about two-thirds of the system's funding has come from the general fund. The system also collects a $2 instant-check fee, and a $3 surcharge from the sale of firearms. It costs about $4.2 million annually to fund the program, and the "Firearms Record Check Fund" had a $4.4 million reserve as of June 2005. The report said that without general fund money, the $2 instant-check fee would have to be increased to at least $8.75. In addition, an $8.75 fee would not pay for proposed computer upgrades. Please write Governor Rendell and insist that the fee be kept reasonable so that persons of limited means are not effectively deprived of the constitutional right to "Keep and Bear Arms." Since the Commonwealth requires persons to obtain a license to carry a concealed firearm, the general fund should bear the majority of the financial cost of supporting the licensing system. You can send correspondence to: Governor Edward Rendell, RM. 225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120.
SOUTH CAROLINA: This week, the House of Representatives passed H 4301, introduced by Representative G. Murrell Smith, Jr. (R-67), with overwhelming bi-partisan support, and virtually no opposition. This bill, modeled after Florida's "Castle Doctrine" law, would remove the "duty to retreat" if a law-abiding citizen is attacked anywhere that person may lawfully be. Please contact your senator at (803) 212-6200 and urge him or her to support H 4301.
SOUTH DAKOTA: House Bill 1134 ("A Citizens Right to Self-Defense"), which is modeled after Florida's "Castle Doctrine," passed through the Senate, 31 to 1. This important legislation will head back to the House for concurrence as early as next week. Please contact your State Representative at (605) 773-3851, and ask him or her to support HB 1134 with NRA-backed amendments.
WASHINGTON: Your phone calls and emails are urgently needed to stop a bill prohibiting the discharge of firearms in Island County from becoming law. Sponsored by Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-10), Senate Bill 6598 would effectively ban shooting on all county-owned land in Island County. SB 6598 is now before the State Legislature because there is not enough support in Island County to restrict shooting. Only a few residents are against shooting in Island County. Meetings and hearings have been held in the county and discussions are still taking place to determine an appropriate local action, if any is necessary. Existing law already gives authority to cities and counties to restrict the discharge of firearms. Representing Island County, Senator Haugen is apparently frustrated by the lack of support for her anti-shooting agenda within her own district. Her asking the State Legislature to weigh in on a local issue is an attempt to make an end-run around the Island County government process. Even if you do not live in Island County, SB 6598 directly affects you because it is unnecessary, inappropriate and would create a horrible precedent! It is an abuse of the state legislative process and your county could be next! SB 6598 is currently pending a vote in the Senate Rules Committee. It is vital that you immediately call the members of the Senate Rules Committee. Please respectfully ask them to oppose SB 6598! Be sure to contact your State Senator as well! To reach members of the State Senate please call (800) 562-6000. It is especially important if you live in Island County to communicate with your State Senator, Mary Margaret Haugen, and politely, but firmly, express your displeasure with her introduction of this legislation! For more information please visit http://www.ilaalerts.org/UM/T.asp?A1.2.49.23.522130.
WISCONSIN: A recent study has found the future of hunting in Wisconsin is in serious jeopardy. Assembly Bill 586 has been introduced to provide parents more discretion with regard to deciding when their children are mature enough to hunt as long as they are within arm's reach of an adult mentor who meets the hunter education requirement and there is only one firearm between the two. This is known as "mentored hunting." Experience in other states shows that mentored hunting is the safest form of hunting. Thirty states trust parents to decide when their children are mature enough to hunt, including most of Wisconsin's neighbors, and their hunter recruitment rates are far higher. Please call your State Senator at (800) 362-9472 and respectfully ask him or her to support AB 586, the Hunter Mentoring Bill.
WYOMING: The Wyoming Legislative Session begins Monday, February 13. Several NRA-backed bills have been introduced in the State House and Senate. HB 46, sponsored by Representative Steve Watt (R-17), is known as the "No Duty to Retreat Act/Castle Doctrine." This bill specifies that Wyoming citizens have no duty to try to escape before using deadly force against an assailant, either in their home or in their vehicle. HB 78, sponsored by Representative Becket Hinckley (R-41), would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. SB 79, sponsored by Senator Cale Case (R-25), would allow law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm for self-protection during bow hunting season. Please visit http://www.nraila.org/ for updates on these important pieces of legislation.
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Saturday, February 11, 2006
Why Iran must be stopped now
Sadly, there is a likely possibility that the appeasers will carry the day in Europe. Iran will be allowed to develop a nuclear bomb unless Bush, Blair and Israel stop them. The consequences of doing so are unknown and fearful, but the cost and consequences of not stopping them may be worse.
The most we can hope for out of the UN is a toothless resolution. Without reform, the UN will cease to be of any help to the US at all. In fact, the UN will become not only unhelpful, but downright hostile to US interests as the Muslim world exerts it's "Allah given-power" over an ever growing umma. Our former allies in Europe will become more and more hostile and in time even an enemy of the United States.
Petro-dollars, nuclear weapons and anti-Americanism will be the ties that bind Venezuela and Iran. Fidel Castro may be in his last years but his revolution is being invigorated by Venezuela’s sponsorship. Many in the US will call for an Isolationist Foreign Policy walling off the south as revolution and socialism further destabilize a continent. War and social upheaval will drive more millions north even as hundreds of thousands seek to flee Europe. In the tumult, the government of Canada will collapse and its provinces will be subsumed into the US.
The civil stresses brought on by massive immigration pressures combined with imposed UN sanctions will result in the appeasement party gaining control of the US.
Appeasement will quickly lead to submission.
The most we can hope for out of the UN is a toothless resolution. Without reform, the UN will cease to be of any help to the US at all. In fact, the UN will become not only unhelpful, but downright hostile to US interests as the Muslim world exerts it's "Allah given-power" over an ever growing umma. Our former allies in Europe will become more and more hostile and in time even an enemy of the United States.
Petro-dollars, nuclear weapons and anti-Americanism will be the ties that bind Venezuela and Iran. Fidel Castro may be in his last years but his revolution is being invigorated by Venezuela’s sponsorship. Many in the US will call for an Isolationist Foreign Policy walling off the south as revolution and socialism further destabilize a continent. War and social upheaval will drive more millions north even as hundreds of thousands seek to flee Europe. In the tumult, the government of Canada will collapse and its provinces will be subsumed into the US.
The civil stresses brought on by massive immigration pressures combined with imposed UN sanctions will result in the appeasement party gaining control of the US.
Appeasement will quickly lead to submission.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Democrats, WaPo wage war on Christian Right
The Washington Post uses Jack Danforth and Jimmy Carter as they try to demonize the Christian conservatives in an effort to weaken the Republican party. Danforth, being Episcopalian has an agenda of his own. Of course, Jimmy Carter is referenced as he too has taken shots at conservative Christianity. The article reinforces my belief that the left is unable to carry an issue with persuasive debate on the merits but must resort to smear, innuendo and defamation against its opponents in order to promote its agenda. Once in power, tools such as political correctness, multicultural diversity, hate-crimes legislation, etc. are used to stifle dissent.
'St. Jack' and the Bullies in the Pulpit
John Danforth Says It's Time the GOP Center Took On The Christian Right
By Peter SlevinWashington Post Staff Writer
Excerpts:
Obviously, the Washington Post is aiding and abetting the Democrat Party in their effort to reclaim their "spirituality" and to reestablish their religious credibility. Notice how WaPo paints Danforth as a David versus the Goliaths Karl Rove and Tom Delay. This article is propaganda, pure and simple, used in on-going war against traditional society and Western Civilization.
'St. Jack' and the Bullies in the Pulpit
John Danforth Says It's Time the GOP Center Took On The Christian Right
By Peter SlevinWashington Post Staff Writer
Excerpts:
One morning last spring, as he walked with his wife, Sally, in Palm Springs, Calif., where they are building a house, his dismay with the Republican Party turned to dissent.Danforth is a dependable Main line Episcopalian and to me, he certainly doesn't sound conservative. His views on these hot-button social issues are all liberal and shared by Jimmy Carter.
The trigger was the case of Terri Schiavo, the brain-dead Florida woman whose husband wanted to disconnect her from life support. Schiavo's parents fought to keep her alive, backed by prominent Christian conservatives, including Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.).
"If you turned on Fox News, you would hear relentless talking heads talking about, 'They're killing Terri!' and 'This is murder!' " Danforth says, recalling the campaign to remove the case from Florida courts that had ruled she should be allowed to die. "I thought, 'This is not what the Republican Party does. The only explanation for it was an effort to appease the Christian right.' "
Danforth saw the Schiavo case as meshing with the right's opposition to gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research.
"I think a marriage is between a man and a woman, but it's beyond me how the whole thing has become so politicized and people have become so energized by it. Because, what difference does it make? How does it constitute a defense of marriage to legislate in this area?"
In Missouri, where Danforth won five statewide elections, a constitutional amendment outlawing gay marriage passed overwhelmingly last year. Yet he believes most people would say no if asked, "Do you believe we should just be nasty and humiliate people and degrade them because of sexual orientation?"
"The Ten Commandments in the courthouse?" he says of another front in the culture wars. "Talk about much ado about nothing."
Obviously, the Washington Post is aiding and abetting the Democrat Party in their effort to reclaim their "spirituality" and to reestablish their religious credibility. Notice how WaPo paints Danforth as a David versus the Goliaths Karl Rove and Tom Delay. This article is propaganda, pure and simple, used in on-going war against traditional society and Western Civilization.
Fronting the CenterOn the surface, this seems to be a debate about politics; about the left versus the right, Democrats versus Republicans. But on a deeper level, its more than that. It's a struggle over the hearts and minds of America. It's not about political parties. It is about the eternal, existential struggle for souls.
Does it matter what Jack Danforth thinks? He commands no political army and rules no territory beyond his writing desk and the occasional pulpit. He is up against the most polished political operation of modern times, facing the likes of Rove and House Republican disciplinarians such as Tom DeLay.
Jim Wallis, the left-leaning author of "God's Politics," declares hopefully that "the monologue of the religious right is finally over and the new dialogue has just begun. The answer to bad religion isn't secularism, it's better religion. Moderate and centrist evangelicals and Catholics are going to shape the future."
Boston College professor lan Wolfe thinks Danforth is a suitable messenger because "he just seems to embody an America that many Americans feel was lost and we ought to get back." Samuel T. Lloyd III, Episcopal dean of Washington National Cathedral, thinks Danforth's work "could not be more timely" for the church or the nation. Anger is running so high, he says, that even the cathedral leadership is accused of being a lackey of the Republicans or the Democrats, sometimes both in the same week.
"Through very careful calculation," Lloyd says, "people in politics have decided that tolerance doesn't mobilize a base for a campaign, and what does is making people angry. My hope and my guess is that there is a fair amount of revulsion and that the moment is right for one or more candidates who want to appeal to a more generous spirit in the American people."
That certainly dovetails with the argument of Baptist Sunday school teacher and certified Democrat Jimmy Carter, who pursues the theme in his hot-selling recent book, "Our Endangered Values," with 750,000 copies in print. He quotes Danforth and accuses the GOP of building an intolerant, uncivil agenda from "narrowly defined religious beliefs." Hardliners, he says, are deepening the social divide by "imposing their minority views on a more moderate majority."
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Must Reading
The Counterrevolution in Military Affairs Fashionable thinking about defense ignores the great threats of our time. by Ralph Peters 02/06/2006, Volume 011, Issue 20
REVOLUTIONS NOTORIOUSLY IMPRISON THEIR MOST committed supporters. Intellectually, influential elements within our military are locked inside the cells of the Revolution in Military Affairs--the doctrinal cult of the past decade that preaches that technological leaps will transcend millennia-old realities of warfare. Our current conflicts have freed the Pentagon from at least some of the nonsensical theories of techno-war, but too many of our military and civilian leaders remain captivated by the notion that machines can replace human beings on the battlefield. Chained to their 20th-century successes, they cannot face the new reality: Wars of flesh, faith, and cities. Meanwhile, our enemies, immediate and potential, appear to grasp the contours of future war far better than we do.
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