NRA-ILA FAX ALERT
Vol. 6, No. 44 11/12/99
MALONE SAYS "I'M THE NRA," ROSIE SAYS STAY AWAY
NBA star Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) is the latest celebrity to lend
his name and face to NRA's "I'm The NRA" ad campaign, joining the ranks of
Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame receiver and U.S.
Representative Steve Largent, All-American quarterback and U.S.
Representative J.C. Watts, Jr., Virginia Governor James Gilmore,
best-selling author Tom Clancy, actors Tom Selleck and Brad Johnson, and,
of course, Academy Award-winning actor and NRA President Charlton Heston.
Malone's ad is running in this week's Time magazine, and in it he states,
"About the only thing I'd rather do than play basketball is hunt. There's
nothing like enjoying the great outdoors with my friends and family. Plus
the challenge posed by the superior senses of your game. I grew up hunting
in Louisiana and I think it's a tradition we should pass on." His ad has
already raised some criticism from anti-gun extremists, and The Salt Lake
Tribune reported this week that a small, local organization called Utahns
Against Gun Violence (UAGV) has questioned Malone's decision to be
featured in the ad. Salt Lake City attorney Steve Gunn, who heads UAGV,
commented, "I just hope he knows what he's talking about, but I doubt that
he does....I doubt anyone will take him too seriously." Malone was also
quoted in the same article as saying, "You can take away a lot of things
from Karl Malone, but his guns, that's not one of them." One other person
has apparently taken great displeasure with the new ad -- according to
Malone, Rosie O'Donnell has said he is not welcome on her show because of
his NRA membership. Given the depth of ignorance of the gun issue she
displayed during her earlier ambush of Tom Selleck on her show (see FAX
Alert Vol. 6, No. 19), O'Donnell has good reason to fear a debate with any
other pro-gun celebrities. Or perhaps the public condemnation she received
from the general public and other celebrities for her unwarranted attack
on Mr. Selleck has made her a little nervous. Whatever the reason, if you
would like to comment on Rosie's attempt to muzzle pro-gun celebrities and
to stifle free speech, here are some points of contact:
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Telephone (212) 506-3200
Fax (212) 506-3249
Website http://rosieo.warnerbros.com/
E-mail TheROsie@aol.com
Telepictures Productions (Producers of Rosie's show)
Telephone (818) 972-0777
Fax (818) 972-0864
CONGRESS PREPARES TO ADJOURN FOR 1999
While there is no set date for the 106th Congress to adjourn this year, it
is clear that they intend to end this session within the next few weeks,
if not the next few days. With that in mind, please continue to call your
U.S. Senators and Representative and urge them to oppose any encroachments
on our right to keep and bear arms. You can reach your Senators by calling
(202) 224-3121, and your Representative by calling (202) 225-3121.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELIMINATE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING
In what can only be considered pure political grandstanding, Chicago
Public Schools Chief Paul Vallas stated that he will put an end to all
riflery programs in Chicago's schools. This will affect 33 schools that
were offering Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs
that trained students how to safely, responsibly, and effectively handle
rifles. Vallas was quoted in the 11/11/99 issue of the Chicago Tribune as
saying, "We don't want to send a contradictory message in the school by on
the one hand discouraging the use of firearms and being tough on violence
and then on the other having a marksmanship curriculum." One aspect of
these riflery programs Vallas fails to mention, however, is the fact that
they don't even use real rifles or ammunition -- only airguns and pellets!
Vallas's decision is not being met with much support, especially outside
of Chicago's boundaries. School officials throughout Illinois have stated
that they will ignore Chicago, and will continue with their riflery
programs. Ron Yelk, coach of the Mattoon High School rifle team in Matoon,
Ill., stated, "Our emphasis is on dedication, discipline, leadership,
responsibility -- all these things." Even the Chicago Tribune found fault
with Vallas's plan, stating in an 11/11 editorial that, "There's no
evidence that anyone participating in marksmanship practice or
competitions has ever posed a threat. In fact, one might assume that JROTC
cadets schooled in firearms safety would be more responsible with guns
than other kids. Allowing riflery training while decrying gun violence
doesn't send a mixed message any more than does supporting a wrestling
team while opposing schoolyard brawls."
A LOOK AT THE STATES
MARYLAND
This week, the Governor's Smart Gun Task Force released preliminary
findings that indicate they will be calling for legislation next session.
It appears their bill will be a two-tiered plan, mandating built-in
trigger locks within two years and so-called "smart gun" technology within
five years. NRA-ILA, the Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association,
and activists throughout the state will continue to work with pro-gun
members of the General Assembly to prevent any such mandates.
MICHIGAN
With NRA-ILA and state activists continuing to push for pro-gun reforms,
the anti-gunners are waging a huge public disinformation campaign in hopes
of defeating our efforts. Please take a few minutes next week to contact
your legislative representatives and Governor Engler's office and voice
your support for passage of pro-gun legislation this session, especially
legislation prohibiting reckless lawsuits against the firearms industry.
OHIO
On Wednesday, November 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee failed to report
out a measure that would have held firearms owners liable if an individual
age 18 or younger gained access to firearms that were stored improperly.
PENNSYLVANIA
On Tuesday, November 9, the state legislature voted down numerous anti-gun
proposals, including a mandatory trigger lock/"safe" storage requirement
(defeated 126-70), a one-gun-a-month limit, and increased age requirement
to 21 to possess a handgun (defeated 152-44), and a proposal to require
background checks for all rifles and shotguns at gun shows (defeated
154-40). Thank you to all gun owners and sportsmen who made calls to their
state legislators.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Having difficulty finding ILA-related info?
Try our FAQ Sheet http://www.nraila.org/show.cgi?page=/grassroots/19990813-GeneralInfo-015.html
NRAILA.org is maintained for the NRA by http://www.mainstream.net
Mainstream Electronic Information Services
Homepage established 1994 by the NRA Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Joe's Second Amendment Message Board
Vol. 6, No. 44 11/12/99
MALONE SAYS "I'M THE NRA," ROSIE SAYS STAY AWAY
NBA star Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) is the latest celebrity to lend
his name and face to NRA's "I'm The NRA" ad campaign, joining the ranks of
Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, Hall of Fame receiver and U.S.
Representative Steve Largent, All-American quarterback and U.S.
Representative J.C. Watts, Jr., Virginia Governor James Gilmore,
best-selling author Tom Clancy, actors Tom Selleck and Brad Johnson, and,
of course, Academy Award-winning actor and NRA President Charlton Heston.
Malone's ad is running in this week's Time magazine, and in it he states,
"About the only thing I'd rather do than play basketball is hunt. There's
nothing like enjoying the great outdoors with my friends and family. Plus
the challenge posed by the superior senses of your game. I grew up hunting
in Louisiana and I think it's a tradition we should pass on." His ad has
already raised some criticism from anti-gun extremists, and The Salt Lake
Tribune reported this week that a small, local organization called Utahns
Against Gun Violence (UAGV) has questioned Malone's decision to be
featured in the ad. Salt Lake City attorney Steve Gunn, who heads UAGV,
commented, "I just hope he knows what he's talking about, but I doubt that
he does....I doubt anyone will take him too seriously." Malone was also
quoted in the same article as saying, "You can take away a lot of things
from Karl Malone, but his guns, that's not one of them." One other person
has apparently taken great displeasure with the new ad -- according to
Malone, Rosie O'Donnell has said he is not welcome on her show because of
his NRA membership. Given the depth of ignorance of the gun issue she
displayed during her earlier ambush of Tom Selleck on her show (see FAX
Alert Vol. 6, No. 19), O'Donnell has good reason to fear a debate with any
other pro-gun celebrities. Or perhaps the public condemnation she received
from the general public and other celebrities for her unwarranted attack
on Mr. Selleck has made her a little nervous. Whatever the reason, if you
would like to comment on Rosie's attempt to muzzle pro-gun celebrities and
to stifle free speech, here are some points of contact:
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
Telephone (212) 506-3200
Fax (212) 506-3249
Website http://rosieo.warnerbros.com/
E-mail TheROsie@aol.com
Telepictures Productions (Producers of Rosie's show)
Telephone (818) 972-0777
Fax (818) 972-0864
CONGRESS PREPARES TO ADJOURN FOR 1999
While there is no set date for the 106th Congress to adjourn this year, it
is clear that they intend to end this session within the next few weeks,
if not the next few days. With that in mind, please continue to call your
U.S. Senators and Representative and urge them to oppose any encroachments
on our right to keep and bear arms. You can reach your Senators by calling
(202) 224-3121, and your Representative by calling (202) 225-3121.
CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ELIMINATE MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING
In what can only be considered pure political grandstanding, Chicago
Public Schools Chief Paul Vallas stated that he will put an end to all
riflery programs in Chicago's schools. This will affect 33 schools that
were offering Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs
that trained students how to safely, responsibly, and effectively handle
rifles. Vallas was quoted in the 11/11/99 issue of the Chicago Tribune as
saying, "We don't want to send a contradictory message in the school by on
the one hand discouraging the use of firearms and being tough on violence
and then on the other having a marksmanship curriculum." One aspect of
these riflery programs Vallas fails to mention, however, is the fact that
they don't even use real rifles or ammunition -- only airguns and pellets!
Vallas's decision is not being met with much support, especially outside
of Chicago's boundaries. School officials throughout Illinois have stated
that they will ignore Chicago, and will continue with their riflery
programs. Ron Yelk, coach of the Mattoon High School rifle team in Matoon,
Ill., stated, "Our emphasis is on dedication, discipline, leadership,
responsibility -- all these things." Even the Chicago Tribune found fault
with Vallas's plan, stating in an 11/11 editorial that, "There's no
evidence that anyone participating in marksmanship practice or
competitions has ever posed a threat. In fact, one might assume that JROTC
cadets schooled in firearms safety would be more responsible with guns
than other kids. Allowing riflery training while decrying gun violence
doesn't send a mixed message any more than does supporting a wrestling
team while opposing schoolyard brawls."
A LOOK AT THE STATES
MARYLAND
This week, the Governor's Smart Gun Task Force released preliminary
findings that indicate they will be calling for legislation next session.
It appears their bill will be a two-tiered plan, mandating built-in
trigger locks within two years and so-called "smart gun" technology within
five years. NRA-ILA, the Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Association,
and activists throughout the state will continue to work with pro-gun
members of the General Assembly to prevent any such mandates.
MICHIGAN
With NRA-ILA and state activists continuing to push for pro-gun reforms,
the anti-gunners are waging a huge public disinformation campaign in hopes
of defeating our efforts. Please take a few minutes next week to contact
your legislative representatives and Governor Engler's office and voice
your support for passage of pro-gun legislation this session, especially
legislation prohibiting reckless lawsuits against the firearms industry.
OHIO
On Wednesday, November 10, the Senate Judiciary Committee failed to report
out a measure that would have held firearms owners liable if an individual
age 18 or younger gained access to firearms that were stored improperly.
PENNSYLVANIA
On Tuesday, November 9, the state legislature voted down numerous anti-gun
proposals, including a mandatory trigger lock/"safe" storage requirement
(defeated 126-70), a one-gun-a-month limit, and increased age requirement
to 21 to possess a handgun (defeated 152-44), and a proposal to require
background checks for all rifles and shotguns at gun shows (defeated
154-40). Thank you to all gun owners and sportsmen who made calls to their
state legislators.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Having difficulty finding ILA-related info?
Try our FAQ Sheet http://www.nraila.org/show.cgi?page=/grassroots/19990813-GeneralInfo-015.html
NRAILA.org is maintained for the NRA by http://www.mainstream.net
Mainstream Electronic Information Services
Homepage established 1994 by the NRA Institute for Legislative Action
11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Joe's Second Amendment Message Board