Gun Rights Policy Conference: Day 2 (St. Louis, MO)

Sunday Updates:

• Peggy Tartaro (Women & Guns mag), calling to order.
• Panel discussion on “Labor Unions” and the 2nd Amendment. Feat. NRA board members Jim Church (UAW) & John Cushman (Teamsters).
• Panel on “Countering media bias against guns” First up – Malia Zimmerman, editor for Hawaii Reporter.
• Talking about Hawaii’s lack of access to firearms for personal protection. Media’s failure to investigate authenticity of statements.
• Whole world of new media. Their paper is online. More and more are turning to the Internet. Leaving the old dead tree media.
• Chuck Heller(Liberty Watch Radio/America Armed & Free). If you see something wrong stated in the media. Challenge it! Provide source.
• Develop a relationship with one reporter you get along with. Keep it short, under a page. If it’s longer it doesn’t get read.
• Dave Workman, (New Gun Week), if your commenting on an article to a reporter – be rational, be civil.
• Response to “How do you feel about background checks?” How would you feel if you had to submit your article for review to the governor.
• Ran out for a cup of coffee and missed Don Irvine. Sorry bro.
• Chris Knox gives shout out to Appleseed Project. Calls it “Purpose Driven Riflery”. Talking about border issues in Phoenix.
• David Kopel(Independence Institute), we are in an international battle of gun rights.
• Mexico one of four nations with a right to bear arms clause. But strict gun control has severely limited that right. Hasn’t worked!
• Drug & alcohol prohibitions lead to a level of firearm violence related to the illicit practices. This leads to gun restrictions.
• Commentary: “I do believe this is a valid point. Most non-domestic firearm crime is drug prohibition related.” – NUGUN
• Drug dealers are NOT getting their grenades and machine guns at gun shows. Kopel lauded NRA for their investigative work on this issue.
• Joe Waldron(CCRKBA) “Gun control is the 3rd rail of the Democrat policy.” Rural Dems are a deciding factor preserving 2A right now.
• As in many areas the Democrats control 2/3 of the legislative bodies. Rural & blue dog Democrats are giving us the added votes we need
• Open-carry panel. Phil Van Cleave(VA Cit. Def League) on history of open-carry in VA. No CCW in restaurants. Alt. was to open carry
• John Pierce founder of OpenCarry.org discussing open carry, in particular the recent town hall events.
• Quoted press secretary “The presence of the President does not negate Arizona citizen’s rights.”
• You have to weigh the benefits with Open-Carry. The man with the AR brought much attention.
• Mention of the NRA Show being extensively covered by blogs. New media
• What about the planned 2nd Amendment March. The Million Mom March had mere thousands but was catchy and created a perception.
• Think about your visuals. The anti-gun crowd has been good with visuals. Staged memorials, etc. The Hallmark approach to news.
• Last few statements are by Professor Brian Anse Patrick (Univ. Toledo).
• Women with guns or speaking about guns is more interesting than a man in the wyes of the news.
• Consider the costa and benefits of OC. Even if we get beat up in the media, it can motivate our community to action.
• Idea: Guns Against Illegal Mayors (G.A.I.M.)
• VA Citz. Def. League speaking on reciprocity issue with gun free zones. The need to focus local/state grassroots level.
• Rev. Anthony Winfield “Keeping your family safe”: Having a plan. Being observant. Not doing stupid things (ie: picking up b/f @2am)
• Home safety is something you have to plan. Talk with your family.
• Author of “Self-defense and the Bible”. http://tinyurl.com/ybve92s
• Timothy Wheeler (Doctors for Resposible Gon Ownership) & John Wipfler (MD) authors of “Keeping Your Family Safe”
• Funny quotes: “You know exactly where to shoot them Doc” “I’ll tell the judge his birth certificate was revoked.
• Need for children to be taught about firearm safety even if there are no guns in the house.
• If you are stabbed or shot. There is nothing you can do in 30 seconds to help. Focus on determining and eliminating threats.
• If shot put a tourniquet on. Tourniquets are not bad. They are good. They save lives. You should have them for all your family members.
• Make call to the emergency room while in transit so they are prepared for the situation. 2 min heads up improves response.
• Discussion of proposed resolutions for GRPC by-laws.
• Mod. of older resolution “to defend all classes of firearms.” Proposal to change to “arms” in light of recent attacks on knife rights.
• Adopting motion to support policies for CC on college campuses. Resolution to oppose international treaties that restrict 2A rights.
• Proposal for notification/60 day comment period for regulatatory actions. Some debate on the floor over wording and clarity.
• Revised version passed.
• Proposal to seek repeal of switchblade ban and oppose all restrictions on tools and weapons.
• 1. Issue of why do we need permit. 2. Concern about it affecting push for shall issue in states with very restrictive ccw policies.
• On-going discussion on mandatory training. Having experienced this while in CT. I oppose it but see the other side of the coin.
• However, I am not sure we should focus on this issue at this time. Rather, push for speedy access to permits for those under threat.
• Debate continues. Vote has now been called for. To divided for yeah/neah. A standing counted vote has been enacted. Vote is a YES!
• Resolution commmittee session concludes. Final announcements. Next year in San Francisco. So ends the N.U.G.U.N. blog’s coverage.

Gun Rights Policy Conference: Day 1 (St. Louis, MO)

Gun Rights Policy Conference

Friday Updates:

• At the 2009 Gun Rights Policy Conference in St. Louis.
• Food went quick but that’s probably due to 200+ people.
• Just chatting with attendees. Tonight is the meet’n'greet. Tomorrow things kick off in the meeting.

Saturday Updates:

• Eating breakfast waiting for the show to begin. Received a dozen books and a rifle pencil. Nice perks!
• Alan Gottlieb giving an opening address on the state of the union regarding our 2nd Amendment rights.
• Panel of speakers (NRA-ILA, NSSF, CCRKBA, GOA, NAt’l Muzzle Loading Rifle Assoc).
• Addressing MAIG, excise taxes, call for a Federal study of micro stamping, modern sporting rifles, nominations (cabinet & SCOTUS)
• You should be here at the Second Amendment Foundation’s “Gun Rights Policy Conference”
• Why muzzleloader association. Just look at the logo. What’s the man holding? “A 54 caliber flintlock assault rifle”
• That end the Federal Affairs Briefing panel. Next up – State Legislative Affairs feat. State Senators from TN & KS & state rifle orgs.
• Modern Sporting Rifle site: http://www.nssf.org/msr/ (Personally, I prefer SUR, “Sport Utility Rifle”)
• RT @OFCC: http://twitpic.com/j767c – GRPC swag
• Left my battery charger at friends house. So if I go dark – you know what happened.
• Had a brilliant idea. Spoke to the concierge to see if they had an iPhone charger in the lost & found. They did and now I’m charging
• In the process the concierge revealed an interest in becoming a gun owner. Gave him links and bought him a copy of Black Man with a Gun
• Panel discussion of international gun rights. Speaker from a gun rights organization from Italy just finished.
• RT @Shepherds_abide: If you want to eliminate a species, take away it’s food. Guns eat ammo.
• Question & Answer period with members of the previous three panels just concluded.
• Fav. Question addressed NSSF: Inquiring if manufacturers will cease sales to CA (inc. LEO) if they pass further extreme laws.
• Finishing up lunch-roast beef on pretzel roll. Awards luncheon with Bob Barr in progress.Discussing lawsuit aainst Mayor Bloomberg.
• Wayne LaPierre addressing GRPC. Speaking on how Sotomayor and others ignore DC vs Heller dec. And issues of media mis-representation
• Bob Barr admonishing us to focus on liberty. And to utilize the Constitution and other documents such as the Federal papers. [NOTE - I really need to read the Federalist Papers some time.]
• Gun Rights Policy Conference – crowds must have surpassed expectations. They had to bring in extra chairs.
• Gun Rights Policy Conference – crowds must have surpassed expectations. They had to bring in extra chairs.
• Professor Gary Mauser speaks on the myth of Europe’s gun control = lower homicide. Nations w/high arms ownership and low crime.
• Founder of Kniferights.org presents custom Ken Onion knife to Alan Gottlieb. We must be vigilant “arms” = more than just firearms.
• @HandgunPodcast Seen a fair number of younger people (15-25) at GRPC. Not a lot but they are there. Improvement over last year ???
• Panel on post-Heller Decision World. Alan Gura expects that the Chicago gun ban has a short life.
• “If you have a gun roster look out; we might be coming to your town soon!” – AG
• Gene Hoffman of CalGuns details the state of California. 2A rights movement growing, they expect to push back significantly in CA.
• Donald Kilmer discusses Nordyke case. Effect of Heller case. The unusual act of the court revisiting the case without appeal. Etc.
• Panel discussing the 10th Amendment, commerce clause, Montana and their intention to bring it to Federal court.
• Gary Marbut (Montana), follow push for the 10th Amendment here: http://firearmsfreedomact.com/
• Gary Marbut also stated they have a “Plan B”. Sheriff’s First Bill would require county sheriff involvement in all Federal arrests.
• Olivia Alexander, Kansas Students for CCC. Discusses their movement. It’s not easy to speak out, to deal with glares, ridicule, etc
• Outlayed how quick the need can arise. Lack of problems where implemented. Young people are standing up for their rights & well being.
• Jonathan Ratliff, MO SCCC, discusses difficulty of passage in both houses. Passed overwhelmingly in the house but not in Senate.
• Paul Ready “calm initiative & clear thinking” not enough. We are the Students for Concealed Carry on Campus. There are 40,000 of us!
• Curt Levey & Alan Gottlieb on court justices, nomination, and the importance of 2nd Amendment judicial activism since DC vs Heller
• Jeff Knox, discussing comm, asked when did you know about H.R. 45(Blair Holt). May? Feb? Jan? Before Jan 15? – We posted on Jan 14th.
• “If you want to stay current on 2nd Amendment issues, 2A/Gun Blogs are a great way to say up-to-date.” – N.U.G.U.N.
• During disc. on expanding right to carry. Effect we are having, how such bills are DOA. But only cause we are being active.
• Jake McGuigan (NSSF) on us defeating the current wave of ammo serialization attempts. “Give yourself a hand!”
• Doug Ritter (of www.kniferights.org) discussing other “arms”. History of knife restrictions. More knife owners than firearm owners
• Julianne Versnel Gottlieb, commented on area of improvement for GRPC next year. Stronger presence of female panel members. I agree!
• I would also like to see some new media presence or panel for next year. Address the effect of Internet communication, etc.
• Ralph Walker (NMLRA)-No black powder manufacturing in U.S. & only 2 smokeless powder plants left in U.S. Can anyone verify this?  [Note - I may have gotten speaker id wrong on this one.]
• Final question and answers session, announcements, and so concludes today’s conference. Reception at 6:30pm.

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That wraps up Saturday/Day 1 of the conference. More updates to come tomorrow!

Wow nearly 60 twits. Didn’t realize I posted so many…

Gun Rights Policy Conference

Attending the 24th Annual Gun Rights Policy Conferencein St. Louis, MO. GRPC is put on by the Second Amendment Foundation.

You can follow my real time updates on Twitter.

N.U.G.U.N Blog on Twitter

Ruger SR-22

Crap….just when I was about to buy a Ruger 10/22 for an upcoming Appleseed Project. Ruger decides to complicate matters.

My first reaction was “Looks fun, but I think I’ll stick with the 10/22 because of the commonality of magazines and accessories.”

But then from looking and reading it appears that the SR-22 actually uses Ruger 10/22 magazines.  So that eliminates that difference.

So what is the advantage of the SR-22.  If you own an SR-556, the SR-22 provides you more commonality in platform. Facilitating using the SR-22 as a practice rifle (a much, much affordable practice rifle).  At quick glance, I think I’d want a slightly larger charging handle.

The SR-22 has a suggested retail price of $625.  In which case, I personally may be sticking to the planned acquisition of the 10/22 ($199-$260).   However, the SR-556 which as an MSRP of $1,995 has been selling around $1,400-$1,500.  So I’d wager that we’ll see the SR-22 sell for $450+

Kind of surprised they didn’t wait until Shot Show to announce this. Makes me wonder what else Ruger might have up their sleeve.

http://www.ruger.com/SR22/index.html

Michael Bane’s demonstration can be found here:
http://www.downrange.tv/blog/?p=768

Lighter Stronger Body Armor on the horizon?

Stronger than steel, lighter than plastic…

A company is working on carbon nanotube body armor. Looking to unseat Dupont’s Kevlar with a lighter stronger material.

So far, from what I gather from reading the article below, the results look promising. But are probably several years away from a viable commercial product.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/09/16/smallbusiness/kevlar_killer.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2009091713

Guns on Trains

Senate passed a measure to restore the right to carry firearms in baggage on Amtrak.  Which was stopped after 9-11.  The House has not passed a similar measure, so this will require reconciliation on the Senate and House versions.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/16/amtrak.guns/index.html

Opportunity for another gain in the restoration of our 2nd Amendment rights.

My respect of Obama has gone up three notches

That may sound crazy…and though I really dislike his policies. He’s earned a few brownie in recent months. These are awarded for rare and unusual deeds of decency.

1. President Obama calls Kanye West a jackass. Media is up on arms. Why?  Obama was absolutely right. And a kudos to him for calling Kanye West out on his actions.
2. White House denounces claims that criticism of him is racially motivated.
3. White House not over-reactng to people open-carrying, in particular the gentleman with the AR.  They could have easily chosen a more pig-headedroute.

This doesn’t mean I’m in Obama’s camp now.  But I feel if I am going to criticize the President,  than I should also commend him when he does well.

I believe it is the honorable thing to do.

I blew it…

[Had a very long post written and accidentally over-wrote it. *sigh*]

Today, I lost my cool at a city council meeting.  Suffice to say that it was over my children’s attendance at the council meeting – the 6th on what should have been a 2 meeting issue.  My wife is a nurse and works 12 hour shifts.  Most of the meetings have happened to land on days she is working. This has necessitated that I have the children with me until she can come and pick them up.  When the issue first arose I had only one child, in the 9 months that have ensued we have added a second.

We’ve endured a lot of BS at the council meetings. And even though we’ve had the over-whelming representation at the meetings and have given numerous facts and arguments, most of our efforts have fallen on deaf ears.  Granted we had a modicum of victory in that we saw the ordinance down-graded to merely a resolution to encourage action on the part of the state.  However, the real reason for this was not our well-reasoned arguments, nor our attendance. Rather, it was due to the legal prospect of the city being sued for violating the state’s pre-emption laws.

So after having been dragged out for a sixth time by this issue and the council’s unwillingness to address it decisively, I became a bit short when I was chastised regarding my children.  I have endeavored to keep my children as quiet as possible during the meetings. No easy task – and potentially impossible – when we’re talking about a 2 yr old and and 2 month old.

I wound up getting into a spat with some members of the council over the incident; in the process giving the bird.  There is no excuse for my action, it was inappropriate.  And I apologized profusely afterwards.

I also owe our community an apology.   

All this happened after spending Sunday night and almost all of Monday at the ER and doctor’s office for my daughter who sprained her elbow.

Normally, I wouldn’t have reacted in such manner. However, I’ve been under a lot of stress recently.  I lost my job back in March, while my wife was 6 months pregnant. Last week I received a notice that my unemployment benefits are set to end in a few weeks (far sooner than I understood them to end).  Tonight I came home to a letter informing me that my auto insurance policy is about to be canceled due to a lack of payment. Even though my bank records show that they received payments in both August & September  – I now have to find out what’s going on.  The situation has  added stress to my wife, and to our relationship.  About the only saving grace I’ve had is being a good daddy. And so the past couple of days were like getting hit in the one bastion of self-decency I have left standing.

I just feel very beaten down…

To be honest, I’ve been contemplating taking a sabbatical from blogging. I have always tried to keep my readers both entertained and informed. But lately I’ve been feeling as if I am struggling to do so. It would not be a complete cessation from blogging, rather a trimming down to the occasional post now and then – it would only be for a season.

I hope that you, my readers, will not remove The N.U.G.U.N. Blog from your RSS readers. And stick around even if the posts are less frequent.

Sincerely,
Jason @ The N.U.G.U.N. Blog

PS – Prayers are much appreciated…

Gun Rights Policy Conference – September 25th-27th

The Second Amendment Foundation will be have 24th annual Gun Rights Policy Conference in St. Louis, Missouri on September 25th – 27th.

The N.U.G.U.N. Blog will be in attendance and taking notes. If you’re planning to be there, let me know.

For more info
http://www.saf.org/default.asp?p=GRPC

City of York, PA passes lost/stolen resolution…

City Council passed the resolution in a 4-to-1 vote.

http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_13345323

I’d call it a draw. We were able to prevent the passage of the ordinance, but we did not fully stop the momentum of the movement. I also blundered, which I will share in a later post.

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