A first hand report
Y’all remember Rudy Giuliani stopping his talk to take a phone call from his wife at the NRA presentation? Well the lady I took a class from on concealed carry was there. She is a strong and professional woman and I was very interested in her take on this meeting. She has graciously agreed to let me use parts of her letter in this blog.
“I enjoyed my trip to Washington DC as a delegate of the NRA. Many legislators spoke to the forum about many issues. I will try to summarize for everyone. The first day began with breakfast and a welcome by John Sigler, President of the NRA. We then had the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem. Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President of the NRA and Chris Cox, Executive Director of NRA-ILA spoke and introduced the legislators and presidential candidates. I was interviewed by both print media and broadcast media from all over the world at different times throughout the conference. I was surprised by the international coverage of this event.
During the conference there were 3 separate anti-war protesters at different times who had managed to escape security and enter the conference shouting about the war and bringing our military home. They were forcibly removed by security. I was told that they entered through the media door and it is my belief that the media not only let them enter but set it up for them to interrupt the proceedings, however I have no solid evidence to prove that opinion but the circumstantial evidence is obvious. They were not well received by the delegates to say the least.”
Patricia continues and talks about all the speakers who addressed the group, I want to pick and choose a bit from all the speakers to focus on front runners a bit.
“Senator John McCain of Arizona stated that he believes that the 2nd Amendment clearly protects an individual’s right to bear arms. He is opposed to the ban on so called assault weapons and is opposed to waiting periods for purchase of firearms. He stated that manufacturers should not be held responsible for people who commit crimes with guns and supports putting a stop to frivolous law suits. He is a co-sponsor of the bill to overturn the DC gun ban. He also opposes a ban on any specific types of firearms. He stated that the second amendment is not about hunting but about freedom of the people to own firearms. He believes that Washington DC needs to be “cleaned up”. He feels that the people have lost faith in their government. He is of the opinion that General Petraeus is a good and honorable man and we should protest the attack on him.”
“Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee spoke very strongly about cutting taxes, strengthening the military and security and cutting wasteful spending in the country. He totally supports the 2nd Amendment as an individuals right to keep and bear arms. He stated that he will do what he says and stick to it and that how he has behaved historically proves that. His philosophy does not depend on his geography. He believes in the first principals that this country was founded on. He stated that our basic rights come from God, not government. He believes there is too much power in too few hands and is a proponent of individual freedom. He stated “Any government big enough to give you anything you want is big enough to take it away.” He is a proponent of lower taxes, less regulations and a free trade marketplace. He stated that he is seriously concerned about the future of this nation. He believes that we need a leader who stands by the founding principals of this nation and he believes he is that leader. When asked what his position on gun shows is, he stated he just came from one and enjoys them and said that it is a part of Americana . He stated that he will appoint an Attorney General who agrees with him on these issues. He said “The constitution means what it says!”.
“Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts said he supports the 2nd Amendment as a “basic and fundamental right”. He stated that he supports firearms ownership. He supports overturning the gag bill. He believes that judges should not legislate, only uphold the law. He believes that we need Torte reform, a stronger military and a stronger economy.
Mayor Rudy Giuliani of New York City has served as an Attorney General and District Attorney, was 107th mayor of New York City and was voted 2001 Person of the Year. He stated that he believes that we need to keep the US strong and secure and protect the constitution. He said that judges are to interpret laws, not make them. His stance is to lock up criminals and believes that public safety is a fundamental right. When it comes for foreign policy he believes we achieve peace through strength. He stated that we need crime control and should enforce existing laws and that we are not doing this well. He wants to hold criminals accountable. He said that people commit crimes, not guns. He wants zero tolerance from gun crimes. ”
“Governor Mike Huckabee from Arkansas believes in the freedom to worship, self defense and speech. He has signed off on numerous laws in Arkansas to stop frivolous law suits and oppose assault weapons bans. He is an avid hunter and holds a concealed carry permit. He said that self defense is our constitutional right and geography doesn’t matter. He supports the Castle Doctrine. He stated that the gun confiscation in New Orleans was an outrageous assault. He said that the 2nd Amendment protects all other rights. He stated that we should never be influenced by other countries or the UN. He said, “NO UN – float them down the East River !” He wants to allow hunting on Federal lands.”
“Speaker Newt Gingrich said he is committed to the survival of this country. He warned about UN action and urged our support against falling under the rule of international law. He said that no politician, judge or bureaucrat has the right to pass laws that contradict the Bill Of Rights. He said we are all Americans and the 2nd Amendment is for all Americans. He is against frivolous lawsuits and any ban on any kind of guns. He warned to “Watch out for the left. They’ll say anything to get elected in 2008.” He said we all need to take this message back home and spread the word. Freedom is always at risk. There are predatory countries and individuals and folks who think they ought to lead your life for you. We must be victorious or we will have tyranny. If we do not win, we are already defeated. When you are ready to cross the river and say give me victory or give me death, you’ve earned the right to be an American.”
“In summary, the NRA has not made a decision who they will support in the Presidential race as of yet. I can tell you after attending this conference that I most likely will support Fred Thompson. What I would like to see in my humble opinion is Fred Thompson for President with Mike Huckabee running as Vice President. The job that I and all delegates have been tasked with is to take this information back to our home states and to try to awaken all people to the facts. To do all we can to encourage people to vote. There are some startling statistics that I want to share with you based upon the Gallup Poll conducted October 11-14, 2004. There are 79 million estimated firearms owners in the United States . There were 66 million voters in the 2000 election with a positive image of the NRA. There were 56 million non-voters with a positive image of the NRA in the 2000 election. I have to ask what would happen to the results of any election if those 56 million non-voters voted?!!! In the state of Kansas alone in 2000 there were 1,876,123 eligible voters. Only 57% of those people voted. Of eligible voters in Kansas that have a positive image of the NRA 506,460 DID NOT VOTE. It is my personal mission to rally those 506,460 people and get them to the polls! Please help me to accomplish my goal. Talk to everyone you know and convince them that they must vote and that it does make a difference.”
Thank you Patricia for a valuable insight into what happened at the meeting. For those of you wanting to become more proficient in shooting and self defense I highly recomment Patricia’s School.
http://www.targetmasteracademy.com/
September 25th, 2007 at 7:47 pm
Interesting how my brother, who grew up in Jetmore, you know, sort of west of ya’ll, learned how to shoot by the age of 6. He never shot anyone or robbed a store or did anything violent. (Well, maybe a pheasant ot two would disagree with me.) But there was no thrill killing, he was hunting and responsibly so. He was mentored by responsible people not afraid to say “no” to him. The criminals who commit horrible crimes are mentored by an out of control media showing more and more violence … AND … parents who do not teach responsibility. …. but, that’s just my opinion.
I do like Fred for Prez. Gotta love a guy who had his momma’s coconut cream pie recipe on his website when he was a senator… Okay, that’s not the only reason I like him!
Thanks Pa, for working to get the vote out … that is probably the most important issue of the political season.
Sam
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September 26th, 2007 at 1:29 am
I am totally against gun control. Guns are a great equalizer between males and females and lighter weight males and heavier males. We need more mentors for young hunters as the hunters coming up do not have the etiquette that the older ones do as I find evidence of beer parties and fast food bags in my tree line adjacent to public hunting grounds. Years ago that just didn’t happen. As I grew up with the 3 bears hanging in our garage and various trophies as well as good eatin’ I know that others should be entitiled to the same experience and not let the rotten few spoil it for everybody. With all the scandals that seem to crop up I’m not making a decision as to who to vote for until the last minute though I thought I knew last year. Go figure.
September 26th, 2007 at 8:36 am
Once again elections are crucial. Like most the candidates have not yet built up enough definition for me to make a choice although I hear what Sam says too.
After breaking down the numbers in the tri-county area I live in, it’s apparent why we have a Dem congressman. The Republicans way outnumber the Dems overall, but so few of them voted that this Moonbat won.
Like so many elections in the past, there is MUCH riding on the one in 2008.
People have got to get to the polls.
September 30th, 2007 at 3:15 pm
I listened to Governor Huckabee’s NRA speech. I have no problem with his stand on hunting or for that matter, hunting. Responsible hunters through their convervation efforts and wildlife management provide a valuable service to society.
I don’t have a problem with citizens wanting to keep weapons in their homes for self defense, but I do have a problem when they insist that they be allowed to arm themselves like third world private armies.
I draw the line when Governor Huckabee suggests that we all arm ourselves so we can take on the government when it “forget[s] what it is supposed to do.”
Maybe you can help me. What might the government do that would justify an armed insurrection? Can you name any recent examples where we approached point? Please limit the examples to the last 100 years. What do you think armed revolt would accomplish that couldn’t also be accomplished by elections? Do you really think a citizen army can take on the U.S. military? Remember, they’ve all taken an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” And citizens don’t get to decide what is constitutional, that is the responsibility of the courts.
Don’t you find it a bit disingenuous that a candidate for President of the United States basically says, if I don’t do what you like, just shoot me?