http://www.jsonline.com/news/nat/jul00/nea04070300.asp
Teachers union chief takes aim at NRA
NEA president urges support for 'common-sense gun control'
By Joe Williams of the Journal Sentinel staff
Chicago - In what could lead to a showdown between two of the largest special interest groups in America this election season, the head of the nation's largest teachers union took aim at the National Rifle Association Monday in an impassioned plea for "common-sense gun control."
National Education Association President Bob Chase took on the union's political enemies outside the school yard, criticizing politicians who don't stand up to NRA President Charlton Heston or the rifle association's lobbying efforts to stifle gun control legislation.
"Frankly, we are sick to death of Mr. Heston and his histrionics," Chase told 10,000 teacher delegates gathered here for the union's 79th Representative Assembly.
In an election year in which education and classroom issues are expected to play a prominent role - both in national and local races - Chase, who delivered the keynote address for the assembly, has singled out the national gun lobby for criticism.
With 2.5 million members across the nation and more than 91,000 members in Wisconsin, the teachers union claims that one in every 100 Americans is a member. Politically, the NEA is as loyal to Democrats as the NRA is to Republicans.
Chase, whose union is one of the top-spending political groups in Washington, criticized the NRA for continuing to write checks to politicians as students and teachers are killed by gun violence.
"At what point does Mr. Heston and his NRA develop writer's cramp?" Chase said. "And at what point do the politicians develop the courage, and the compassion, to turn down the NRA's check?"
Despite some debate from NRA members who are also NEA members, delegates Monday afternoon adopted a policy to circulate a petition through the nation's schools urging Congress to enact "meaningful gun control measures," including child safety locks, mandatory background checks and bullet imprinting.
The NRA's office in Washington was closed for the July 4th holiday weekend on Monday and was not able to provide comment.
For the NEA, and its smaller rival union, the American Federation of Teachers, the stakes are high for this year's elections and state ballot initiatives.
A secret ballot will be held Tuesday to determine whom the union will officially endorse for president this year, though the union's political wheels have already been turning for Vice President Al Gore. Gore is scheduled to attend the assembly later in the week, and Chase criticized Texas Gov. George W. Bush's support for school vouchers in his keynote address.
Chase called upon members to unleash themselves at the ballot box this fall to take on what he described as opponents of public education and the gun lobby.
The assembly runs through the end of the week.
© Copyright 2000, Journal Sentinel Inc.
Teachers union chief takes aim at NRA
NEA president urges support for 'common-sense gun control'
By Joe Williams of the Journal Sentinel staff
Chicago - In what could lead to a showdown between two of the largest special interest groups in America this election season, the head of the nation's largest teachers union took aim at the National Rifle Association Monday in an impassioned plea for "common-sense gun control."
National Education Association President Bob Chase took on the union's political enemies outside the school yard, criticizing politicians who don't stand up to NRA President Charlton Heston or the rifle association's lobbying efforts to stifle gun control legislation.
"Frankly, we are sick to death of Mr. Heston and his histrionics," Chase told 10,000 teacher delegates gathered here for the union's 79th Representative Assembly.
In an election year in which education and classroom issues are expected to play a prominent role - both in national and local races - Chase, who delivered the keynote address for the assembly, has singled out the national gun lobby for criticism.
With 2.5 million members across the nation and more than 91,000 members in Wisconsin, the teachers union claims that one in every 100 Americans is a member. Politically, the NEA is as loyal to Democrats as the NRA is to Republicans.
Chase, whose union is one of the top-spending political groups in Washington, criticized the NRA for continuing to write checks to politicians as students and teachers are killed by gun violence.
"At what point does Mr. Heston and his NRA develop writer's cramp?" Chase said. "And at what point do the politicians develop the courage, and the compassion, to turn down the NRA's check?"
Despite some debate from NRA members who are also NEA members, delegates Monday afternoon adopted a policy to circulate a petition through the nation's schools urging Congress to enact "meaningful gun control measures," including child safety locks, mandatory background checks and bullet imprinting.
The NRA's office in Washington was closed for the July 4th holiday weekend on Monday and was not able to provide comment.
For the NEA, and its smaller rival union, the American Federation of Teachers, the stakes are high for this year's elections and state ballot initiatives.
A secret ballot will be held Tuesday to determine whom the union will officially endorse for president this year, though the union's political wheels have already been turning for Vice President Al Gore. Gore is scheduled to attend the assembly later in the week, and Chase criticized Texas Gov. George W. Bush's support for school vouchers in his keynote address.
Chase called upon members to unleash themselves at the ballot box this fall to take on what he described as opponents of public education and the gun lobby.
The assembly runs through the end of the week.
© Copyright 2000, Journal Sentinel Inc.