OR: Renewed threats in 2001

WAGCEVP

New member
Gun Owners of America E-Mail/FAX Alert
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
Phone: 703-321-8585 / FAX: 703-321-8408
http://www.gunowners.org

January 16, 2001


The Oregon Senate has introduced several firearms related bills as
"pre-session filings."

These bills were the work of the "Interim Judiciary Committee", a
committee including anti-gun extremists like Kate Brown, Ginny
Burdick, Floyd Prozanski and Kathy Lowe in addition to Kevin Mannix,
the author of 1999's notorious HB 2535.

While there are a number of bills we are watching, the two which are
the most immediately troubling are Senate Bills 93 and 94.

Senate Bill 93 outlaws firearms in "licensed premises." That means
most places where alcohol is served.

The text of the measure can be read at:

http://www.leg.state.or.us/01reg/measures/sb0001.dir/sb0093.intro.html

Note, there is NO exception for concealed handgun licensees. The
dangers of this bill are clear.

Even if you don't drink, but are in a place that serves alcohol, you
will be required to give up your right to self defense. People
should be held accountable for what they do, not what they could
"possibly" do.

Furthermore, the owners of the premise will be forced to post a sign
saying firearms are banned. They may as well post a sign saying "No
one in this location has the right to defend themselves."

As you know, there has been no rash of Concealed Handgun Licensees
abusing their rights in locations that serve alcohol.

Senate Bill 94 also deals with alcohol and may be worse.

The text of that bill is available at:

http://www.leg.state.or.us/01reg/measures/sb0001.dir/sb0094.intro.html

This bill makes a crime out of possession "while under the influence
of intoxicants."

It does NOT state that you have to be doing anything dangerous or
illegal. Simply that you are in possession of a firearm. What's
worse, it includes in the definition of "intoxicants" any "controlled
substance."

So, if you happen to take a prescription drug for high blood
pressure, you could be arrested at any time you were in possession
of a firearm. Furthermore, if you were IN YOUR HOME and had slightly
over the legal limit and were forced to protect yourself against a
home invasion, you would be committing a crime if you used a
firearm!

Both of these bills are solutions in search of a problem.

Both bills have been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee
chaired by Portland Police Officer, Senator John Minnis.

Minnis has indicated early approval of SB 94.

Minnis needs to hear from you now. He has the power to kill these
two attacks on your rights. Minnis can be reached via e-mail at
minnis.sen@state.or.us or by phone at 800-332-2313.

(You can find all of your legislators at
http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm in the Guide to States
section of the GOA Legislative Action Center.)

A suggested message follows.

--------

Dear Senator Minnis,

Senate Bills 93 and 94 are solutions in search of a problem.

Responsible Oregon Concealed Handgun License holders have shown no
tendency to abuse their rights or their firearms in places that
serve alcohol.

Possession of a gun while drinking no more indicates that I am about
to commit a crime or behave recklessly then does possession of car
keys mean I will drive drunk.

Please use your position to put a stop to more infringements on my
rights.

Very truly yours,

-----------

OTHER ANTI-GUN BILLS COMING

Ginny Burdick, the chief sponsor of Ballot Measure 5, is promising
renewed attacks on gun owners.

Burdick now wants to keep handgun licensees out of schools, turning
those schools into "self defense prohibited zones."

It is likely that bills will also go to the Senate Judiciary
Committee. Make sure Senator Minnis and Senate President Gene
Derfler know how you feel about more attacks on your rights.

Both Senators can be reached by phone at 800-332-2313. Senator
Derfler's e-mail address is: senate.republican@state.or.us


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