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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

No Surprise Here

The Brady Campaign (formerly known as Handgun Control Inc.) filed a suit yesterday to block the rule change related to carrying firearms in National Parks.

The suit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and seeks an injunction to block the rule, which is scheduled to go into effect on January 9, 2009. In its press release the Brady Bunch said, "The Bush Administration's last-minute gift to the gun lobby, allowing concealed semiautomatic weapons in national parks, jeopardizes the safety of park visitors in violation of federal law."

As always, the gun ban lobby resorts to tired talking points - with "semiautomatic weapons" being their favorite.

They go on to say that the rule change will result in poaching in national parks. These people need to get a real job. Concealed handgun permit holders are some of the most law abiding people in the country, with few having had their permits revoked for violating the law - in any way shape or form - including "poaching."

Dave Hardy has a post about the problems Brady might have in making their case - standing being one.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

General Assembly Special Elections

There are two special elections scheduled for January 6th (81st District) and January 13th (46th District) to fill vacancies in the Virginia House of Delegates. The 81st District (portions of the Cities of Chesapeakeand Virginia Beach) is due to the resignation of Republican Terrie Suit when she joined a local lobbying firm. The vacancy in the 46th District (portions of the County of Fairfax andthe City of Alexandria) is due to the resignation of Democrat Brian Moran so he can focus on his run for the Democratic nomination for Governor. Terri Suit was a reliable pro-gun vote with rare exceptions. Moran was reliably anti-gun until he decided to run for Governor and decided he should cast some pro-gun votes.

The candidates running are:
81st Democrat John LaCombe press@votelacombe.com
81st Republican Barry D. Knight barry@barrydknight.com
46th Democrat Charniele Herring voteherring@gmail.com
46th Republican Joe R. Murray joemurray7@gmail.com

If you are not sure if you live in either of these districts, click here, complete the form and you will be directed to information for your current representative. If either Terri Suit or Brian Moran are listed as your delegate, you need to vote on the appointed date.

It is important that we elect candidates that share our pro-rights views. VSSA will alert gun owners on which candidates will best protect the 2nd Amendment. Check here and sign up for our legislative email alerts to stay current on all of the important news related to your gun rights.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Anti-Gun Bill Introduced for 2009 General Assembly

The first anti-gun bill has been introduced for the 2009 session of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 832, introduced by Senator Mamie Locke, would allow localities to adopt ordinances that prohibit firearms, ammunition, or components or combinations in community or recreation centers, administrative buildings, or public libraries owned or operated by the locality during an official meeting of the governing body.

VSSA will soon have the Legislative Tracking Form up on the VSSA web site now that legislation is being submitted. Be sure to check the blog regularly for legislative updates and sign up for the VSSA email alert list if you have not already done so.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Down Side of Those Firearms Sales Numbers

Jim Shepherd over at The Shooting Wire has a good article on what could be called "the rest of the story" on those increasing firearm sales we have all heard about over the last month. While the high capacity pistols and AR-style firearms have been flying off the shelf, the standard hunting firearm has been collecting dust according to Shepherd's sources. In short, as Shepherd puts it "if you are dependent on hunting you are hurting."

Shepherd also talks about the other cloud on the horizon - the attack on lead ammo. It's a good read and can be found here.

Two Gun Billis Introduced for 2009 GA Session

The first firearms related bills are in the hopper at the General Assembly.

HB 1655 Firearms; award of court costs, etc. to entity that prevails in action challenging locality. Delegate Carrico has introduced this bill and it would require a court to award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs to any entity that prevails in an action challenging an ordinance, resolution, motion, or administrative action as being in conflict with a locality's authority to control firearms.

HB 1656 Concealed handguns; allows faculty members at institutions of higher education to carry on campus. Delegate Bob Marshall is the patron and this bill allows full-time faculty members of state institutions of higher education who possess a valid Virginia concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed handgun on campus.

HB 1656 would appear to be a middle ground in the issue of carrying on college campuses.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Must Read on Rahm Emmanual

For those who don't receive America's First Freedom as their NRA magazine, there is a must read over on Dave Kopel's web site on Rahm Emanuel and what his appointment as White House Chief of Staff means for gun owners.

Sportsmen Concerned About Obama's Interior Pick

On Friday, December 12, Greg Lawson, Director of Communications for the U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance was on NRANews' Cam and Company. Lawson talked about the speculation surrounding who will become President-elect Barack Obama’s Secretary of the Interior. Lawson said two names have moved to the head of the pack: U.S. Representatives Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Mike Thompson (D- CA).

Rep. Grijalva is a favorite of the anti-hunting crowd. He received a 100 percent rating from the Humane Society of the United State (HSUS) in each of the last six years. In Defense of Animals, another large anti-hunting organization, issued an action alert to its followers asking supporters to contact the President-elect’s transition team and urge Rep. Grijalva’s appointment. Additionally, the HSUS’ legislative arm has come out in support of Rep. Grijalva. Of interest to gun owners - Grijalva was rated an "F" candidate by the NRA in 2008.

Rep. Thompson’s HSUS approval rating last year was 58 percent. Thompson is a sportsman and was endorsed by NRA-PVF and received a "B+" rating. The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance signed a letter, along with other conservation organizations, encouraging his consideration by the new administration.

While many of the daily issues that confront sportsmen are dealt with at the state government level, the Secretary of the Interior wields much influence, overseeing key conservation agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Interested sportsmen are encouraged to contact the Obama transition team and let them know their thoughts on this nomination. You can contact the head of the team, John Podesta, by faxing 202-682-1867 or e-mailing John.Podesta@ptt.gov. You can also Click Here and send your comments directly to the transition team website

Also of concern to gun owners and sportsmen is who Obama will pick to head up the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lisa Jackson's name has surfaced as a possible nominee to head EPA. Jackson played a pivotal roll in New Jersey's cancellation of its black bear hunting season. As head of EPA, she could do the bidding of anti-hunter groups by setting rules related to the use of lead ammunition - rules that could be detrimental to hunters and shooters. She could also play a role in reducing access to public land for hunting. While the Interior Department has over site of federal lands, the EPA could use environmental concerns as a means of trying to restrict use of those lands.

Sportsmen and gun owners need to remain vigilant. We have already seen the nomination of the very anti-gun Eric Holder to the post of Attorney General. If Obama appoints individuals with verifiable anti-hunter records, it will be one more sign that Obama's rhetoric on the campaign trail was meant to divert attention from his real record on issues important to gun owners and sportsmen.

Update: The Campaign Spot is reporting that Obama has chosen Colorado Senator Ken Salazar to be Secretary of the Interior. In 2004, Salazar was rated a "D" candidate. A quick search turns up that Salazar is not friend of HSUS. According to Project Vote Smart, since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2004, his ratings have been:

2007-2008 Senator Salazar supported the interests of the The Humane Society of the United States 50 percent in both sessions of Congress in 2007-2008.

2007 Senator Salazar supported the interests of the The Humane Society of the United States 25 percent in the first session of Congress in 2007.

2005-2006 Senator Salazar supported the interests of the Fund for Animals 0 percent in 2005-2006.

2005-2006 Senator Salazar supported the interests of the The Humane Society of the United States 0 percent in 2005-2006.

2005 Senator Salazar supported the interests of the The Humane Society of the United States 0 percent in 2005.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Support the Second Amendment Book Bomb

Today is Bill of Rights Day - the day that the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution were approved. What better day for the Second Amendment Book Bomb. We’re joining efforts by the NRA, the Independent Institute, and other pro-rights minded organizations, to get VSSA Life Member Steven Halbrook’s new book “The Founders Second Amendment” ahead in the rankings for Amazon, in order to promote the Second Amendment. If you don’t have a copy already, I highly recommend getting one for yourself and a friend. If you already have a copy, it makes a Christmas Gift. Click on the link above for more information.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Spotslyvania Repeals Fingerprinting and More Crime Commission News

Spotsylvania County Repeals Fingerprinting Requirement for CHP Applicants
On a unanimous vote last night, the Spotyslvania County Board of Supervisors voted to repeal the requirement that concealed carry permit applicants be fingerprinted. This was sold by the Board staff as a cost saving measure and as localities struggle with balancing their budgets in an economic down turn, more localities may see the value in doing away with the fingerprinting requirement.

Additional Information on Tuesday's Crime Commission Meeting
I posted yesterday that the Virginia Crime Commission heard testimony but put off a vote on recommending legislation dealing with the so-called "Gun Show Loophole." The press covered this heavily yesterday and articles about the meeting are plentiful. The Virginian Pilot reported that during a break, Senator Ken Stolle, vice chair of the commission said that the commission would probably approve a strict background-check requirement at gun shows, but to survive, the recommendation would need majority support from members of both parties on the commission. Stolle said "That's not going to happen." The Pilot reports that Delegate Dave Albo, the commission chairman and Stolle both floated the idea of having a state trooper stationed at each gun show with a computer available to conduct voluntary background checks for private gun purchases. A State Police representative said that could be done if it's funded and Stolle said that proposal could likely get majority support on the commission.

So, at a time when the state budget faces a shortfall of $2.3 billion, we are going to pay a State Trooper overtime (because that's what it would be - an off duty trooper in uniform getting paid overtime) to sit at a gun show and see if anyone comes up wanting him to conduct a background check. I understand Senator Stolle wanting to offer something in the hope that we can finally stop seeing these gun show bills every session but this proposal is not going to please the other side because it is not mandatory and if it were to pass, it gives Governor Kaine a vehicle to make it mandatory with an amendment or sending down a substitute bill that would not go to committee but would hit the floor for an up or down vote.

Gun owners need to make it known between now and January 13th when the commission meets again that there is no need for gun show legislation. Key on the pro-rights members of the commission - Delegate Terry G. Kilgore, Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood, Senator Kenneth W. Stolle, Delegate Robert B. Bell and Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and urge them to oppose any recommendation from the commission that would impose background checks for private sales at gun shows. Also ask them to oppose any proposal that would commit taxpayer funds in these tight budget times to pay for a state trooper at gun shows for voluntary background checks when there is no evidence it would be a wise use of taxpayer money. It is very likely the trooper would spend the entire weekend twiddling his thumbs.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Update: Crime Commisson Puts Off Decision on Gun Show Legislation

The Virginia State Crime Commission put off a decision on whether to recommend legislation closing the so-called gun-show loophole, but said it will make a decision before the General Assembly meets in January. Proponents of a law requiring a background check before a sale by a private individual can be completed at gun shows, pleaded with the commission today to support legislation to require background checks. Pro-rights speakers asked commission members not to confuse the issue with the tragedy at Virginia Tech where the shooter did not purchase his guns from private a private seller and did not buy them at gun shows. Some family members of victims of the Virginia Tech shooting accused Del. David Albo, the chairman of the commission, of putting off a vote to protect other Republicans on the committee who do not support changing the law.

Contact commission members and let them know you oppose any legislation aimed at requiring background checks on private sales and that you oppose any legislation that sets an arbitrary number of guns sold to determine if someone is a dealer. Such legislation was suggested at the September 9th crime commission meeting as an alternative to background checks on private sales. You can find contact information for commission members here.

Tonight on NRANews Cam & Company

I will be on NRANews' Cam & Company tonight to talk about the Virginia Crime Commission gun show legislation and the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors' recommendation to repeal the fingerprinting requirement for concealed handgun permit applicants. You can also hear me on the NRANews Daily News with Ginny Simone at 5:00 PM this afternoon.

Spotsylvania Board Considers Repealing CHP Fingerprinting

Tonight, the Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors (BOS) will consider an amendment to repeal the requirement that CHP applicants be fingerprinted when applying for a concealed handgun permit. BOS staff states that the majority of the fee the County can charge by statute is paid to the FBI for examination of the fingerprints. In addition, staff supports the repeal of the requirement because this ordinance has not prevented anyone from acquiring a concealed handgun permit. BOS staff also reports that the County will save money by not having to pay a deputy two Saturdays a month to do fingerprints.

The Board will vote on the proposal after the public hearing. Gun owners in Spotsylvania should plan to attend the meeting and voice support for the proposal. You can see details of the proposal here and here.

The meeting will be held at the Richard E. Holbert Building, 9104 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA.

Hat tip to VA-Alert

Monday, December 8, 2008

Virginia Crime Commission and the Gun Show Loophole

The Virginia Crime Commission will meet tomorrow at 10:00 AM in Senate Room A at the General Assembly Building. On the agenda is discussion of possible legislation, including legislation to deal with the so-called "Gun Show Loophole." During last year's Session, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee referred Senator Marsh's perennial gun show bill to the Crime Commission for further study.

In September, the Commission took up the issue and instead of requiring private sellers at gun shows to conduct background checks on buyers, the Commission suggested that Virginia should ensure that those who should be federally licensed to sell firearms comply with the law. During the September 9th hearing, pro-gun legislators made it clear while there is no "loophole" and thus they have no interest in passing a law that closes something that does not exist, the law is unclear on who is a dealer and who is a private seller. Senator Ken Stolle of Virginia Beach suggested that a way to clear this "confusion" would be to set a threshold for the number of guns sold, to determine who escapes federal requirements.

There is no need to change the law. Setting a number of guns sold is a license to set up someone for a fall. What if a widow is trying to sell all 30 guns her deceased husband owned? If the number is set at 20 guns = a dealer, does this widow now have to get a license or run background checks on the one or maybe 30 people to whom she sells her late husband's collection?

Contact the Commission members today and urge them to not recommend any legislation dealing with this study. The members are listed below and the pro-gun members are noted.

Virginia Crime Commission Members
Delegate David B. Albo Chairman
Senator Kenneth W. Stolle Vice-Chairman8th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Robert F. McDonnell Attorney General - pro-gun
Delegate Robert B. Bell 58th District - pro gun
Mr. Glenn R. Croshaw Gubernatorial Appointee
Senator Janet D. Howell 32nd District
Delegate Terry G. Kilgore 1st District - pro gun
Senator Henry L. Marsh 16th District
Col. W. Gerald Massengill Ret. Supt. Virginia State Police Gubernatorial Appointee
Delegate Kenneth R. Melvin 80th District
Delegate Brian J. Moran 46th District
Delegate Beverly J. Sherwood 29th District - pro-gun
The Honorable Richard E. Trodden Arlington Commonwealth's Attorney Gubernatorial Appointee

Obama - Gun Owners Have Nothing to Fear

According to an AFP report, Barack Obama said yesterday during a press conference that gun owners have no reason to stock up on guns.

"I believe in common sense gun safety law, and I believe in the second amendment. And so, lawful gun owners have nothing to fear. I've said that throughout the campaign. I haven't indicated anything different during the transition, and I think that people can take me at my word."

Obama always adds he has no intention of "taking away folks' guns." True enough. But he has made statements that make it very clear he plans to make it as hard as possible, or in some cases impossible, to get certain types of guns. I think actions speak much louder than words and given Obama's past record, and the fact that he has announced a very anti-gun nominee for Attorney General, gun owners should be very wary.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Firearm Distributors and Gun Retailers

Jim Shepherd writes in today's Shooting Wire that one of the consequences of the run on tactical rifles is that some of the distributors that service gun retailers end up competing with the folks they are supposed to be servicing. Shepherd writes:

More than one dealer is complaining that one distributor is not only raising prices to dealers, they're selling that same inventory direct to consumers - for the same price. ...As one former dealer told me, "it's always been up to the dealer to make his own money, a distributor can sell to anyone they please as long as the transaction is completed through an FFL." But, he confided, he wouldn't bet on the distributor winning any friends in the dealer ranks. Some call it an example of supply and demand; others say it's no different than the "entrepreneurs" who snapped up all the available plywood in their areas and trucked it to the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina. There, they sold that plywood to disaster victims - at astronomical markups.

You can read all of Shepherd's article here.

Uncertainty is driving gun sales - uncertainty about the economy and political uncertainty. But on the political side, Obama can't do anything the day he takes office and the legislative process means that it will be weeks, if not months before any potential gun control bill comes up for a vote. So for now, as demand for these firearms continue to outpace manufacturing capacity, patience should be the word of the day.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Dinwiddie Sporting Goods Target of Thieves

The Richmond Times Dispatch reported that for the second time in five weeks, thieves have broken into the Dinwiddie Sporting Goods store and stolen numerous handguns. The latest theft occurred Sunday about 12:25 a.m. at the store at 7812 Boydton Plank Road. Like the earlier break-in on Oct. 23, the intruders entered by peeling back the sheet-metal building's exterior siding, said Dinwiddie County Sheriff's Capt. William Knott. According to Knott, the thieves took eight pistols of assorted calibers.

Knott said it has not been determined whether the same group of thieves was involved. With Sunday's burglary, more than 100 guns have been stolen in the past eight months from shops in Dinwiddie, Hanover County (Greentop) , Colonial Heights (Dance's Sporting Goods) and Chesterfield County (Bob Moates).

Monday, December 1, 2008

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star reported on November 18th that on Nov. 9, a man who had just purchased a gun and ammunition at the Fredericksburg Gander Mountain was returning to his vehicle and was the victim of an attempted robbery where a black man attempted to take the weapon out of his hands. The victim yelled and kicked the suspect, who ran past another store in the shopping center, toward Task Force Drive.

Surveillance tapes show two black men entering Gander Mountain together, standing near the victim when he was purchasing the gun and then leaving the store before the victim did. The victim identified one of the black men as the same man who attempted to rob him. During the Holiday Season these types of attacks increase so folks should be aware of who is around them when purchasing firearms and when leaving the gun store or gun show with them.

Hat tip to VSSA member Greg Harrod for passing along this tip.