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}{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Things You Can Do \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 To \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Defend Your Gun Rights \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 (Electronic Edition) \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Alan Gottlieb \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 and \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dave Kopel \par \page \par \par Other Books by the Authors \par \par By Alan M. Gottlieb \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Rights of Gun Owners \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Gun Grabbers \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Rights Fact Book \par \par By David B. Kopel \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Samurai, the Mountie, and Cowboy: Should America Adopt the \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Controls of Other Democracies? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Control in Great Britain: Saving Lives or Constricting \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Liberty? \par \par \par Distributed By \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Merril Press \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 PO Box 1682 Bellevue, WA 98009 \par \par \par Electronic Edition Published and Distributed By \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Lektra Press \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 PO Box 1120, Merrimack, NH 03054-1120 \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 info@lektra.com \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 R. Craig Peterson, Publisher \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 in co-operation with Mainstream Electronic Information Services. \par \page \par \par THINGS YOU CAN DO TO DEFEND YOUR GUN RIGHTS \par \par A Merril Press Book/published by arrangement with the authors. \par \par Electronic Edition Published by permission of Merril Press by Lektra \par Press, PO Box 1120, Merrimack, NH 03054-1120. \par Telephone (603) 672-8333 \par \par All rights reserved. \par \par Copyright \'a9 1993 by Allan M. Gottlieb and David B. Kopel \par \par All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any \par form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information \par storage and retrieval systems without written permission, except in \par the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and \par reviews. \par \par For information, permissions, or additional copies of this book, \par contact Merril Press, P.O. Box 1682, Bellevue, Washington 98009. \par Telephone (206) 454-7009 \par \par Hardcopy ISBN: 0-936783-10-9 Electronic ISBN: 1-886281-34-3 \par \par Printed in the United States of America \page \par \par Dedication \par \par To our wives Deirdre and Julie, our best friends. \par \par User's Warning \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 This book attempts to provide information about methods to \par preserve and protect the rights we all share. Some of the advice is \par based on first-hand experience, and some is based on recommendations \par of others. While we've tried to make the book as accurate as possible, \par we can't promise or guarantee particular results. It is the reader's \par responsibility to put the book to use in an appropriate manner. \par \par A Note on Usage \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Half the people in country are female, so we thought it \par inappropriate to use ``he'' and ``him'' exclusively. At the same time, we \par thought it cumbersome to always say ``he or she.'' So some of the time \par we use ``he'' by itself, and sometimes we use ``she'' by itself. The \par gender pronoun chosen never has any significance, and everything in \par this book applies equally to men and women. \par \par \page \par \par Introduction \par \par ``IF JUST ONE TENTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY WHO OWN GUNS WOULD \par RAISE THEIR VOICES TO THE POLITICIANS, OR CONTRIBUTE A SMALL AMOUNT OF \par THEIR TIME AND MONEY, WE COULD STOP THE BAN-THE-GUN CROWD.'' Former \par California State Assemblyman Tom McClintock \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you own a gun, you can defend yourself against a criminal \par attack. But how can you defend yourself against people who want to \par take away your right to even own a gun? This book tells you how. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the struggle over the right to bear arms, the gun \par prohibitionists start with a tremendous organizational advantage. The \par anti-gun movement is hierarchical--that is, its direction comes from \par the top down. A few professional strategists decide the issue of the \par year: how a waiting period will supposedly stop drug dealers from \par getting guns (how about a waiting period for drugs, so they couldn't \par get drugs either); how ``plastic handguns'' are being used by \par terrorists (even though there's no such thing as a plastic handgun); \par the record numbers of toddlers being killed in gun accidents (record \par low, that is); the epidemic of mass murder by ``assault weapon'' \par (another gun control fib). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 From there, the gun control lobbies feed the story to their \par ventriloquist dummies in the media, such as Dan Rather and Tom Brokaw. \par The establishment media's contempt for gun owners is so intense that \par the veracity of the story is of little import. Thus, a new issue is \par born. Politicians who confuse media opinion with public opinion are \par intimidated into enacting more and more severe restrictions on gun \par owners. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The right to bear arms movement, in contrast, works from the \par grassroots up. We don't get hundred of millions of dollars in free \par advertising (thinly disguised as news shows) from the media. The \par strength of the right to bear arms movement comes almost entirely from \par individual citizens who take up the burden of defending the rights of \par all Americans. Thus, the battle is joined: the prohibition forces and \par the media, versus ordinary citizens. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Happily, ordinary citizens can do some things in large numbers \par that Dan Rather can't: they can write letters to Congress; they can \par vote gun prohibitionists out of office; and they can even push the \par media to re-examine its attitudes. We can pass on a free society to \par the next generations--if we will roll up our sleeves to do the hard \par work of preserving liberty. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Of course there are plenty of excuses for not getting \par involved, like: \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The NRA will take care of everything. The problem is that the \par power of the NRA, and the rest of the pro-rights movement, is based on \par grassroots strength. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Other people don't do their share, so why should I? Well, lots \par of other people, including the folks we mention in this book, do their \par share and a whole lot more. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The gun confiscators are going to win no matter what we do. \par The gun control lobbies certainly want you to think that. But they're \par wrong. In the last 20 years, America has become significantly more \par urbanized. Yet in many states, the right to bear arms is stronger than \par it was 20 years ago. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The name of this book isn't ``The 500 Commandments.'' You \par don't have to do everything suggested here; and unless you have 48 \par hours in a day, you couldn't anyway. While some of the ideas are very \par simple to implement (e.g., register to vote, join the NRA), many \par others take a lot of follow-through. For the more time-consuming \par projects, take on just one or two at a time, starting with the ones \par that best fit your inclinations and talents. As you gain experience in \par the struggle for freedom, new ideas and projects will suggest \par themselves. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While these ideas are geared towards Second Amendment issues, \par many of our suggestions are just as applicable to folks who are \par fighting to protect other freedoms in the Bill of Rights. We hope this \par book is useful to them as well. \par \par PART I \par \par EDUCATING YOURSELF, \par \par AND OTHERS \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 American writer Gertrude Stein once described her hometown \par Oakland: ``When you get there, there isn't any there there.'' Gun \par control is a lot like Oakland: There isn't any reality there. The \par people who want to take your guns have loads of misplaced emotion, \par prejudice, and disinformation to feed the press. But they're in short \par supply of facts and statistics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 This section details the public information side of the gun \par rights debate: how to inform yourself about the issues, and how to \par inform others. \par \par \page \par \par 1. Feed Your Head: Books \par \par ``THE THINGS I WANT TO KNOW ARE IN BOOKS; MY BEST FRIEND IS THE MAN \par WHO'LL GET ME A BOOK I AIN'T READ.'' Abraham Lincoln \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Defenders of the right to bear arms have facts and logic on \par their side, but the gun prohibitionists have the media on their side. \par Most people get their information only from the media; hence, most \par people are badly misinformed about the facts of the gun issue. One of \par the responsibilities of being a gun owner is rationally explaining the \par facts about gun ownership to your friends and acquaintances. Below is \par a list of some of the best books and other materials written about the \par right to bear arms, so you can arm yourself with knowledge. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're fairly new to the gun issue, the volume of materials \par available may seem daunting. Don't worry. There are good books for \par every level of knowledge about the right to bear arms. \par \par Starters \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Research Reports published by the Second Amendment Foundation \par are a series of short and informative pamphlets about various aspects \par of the right to keep and bear arms. The Reports are issued as the \par result of SAF's continuous research into the social, political, and \par legal aspects of firearm rights. Current titles include: Supreme Court \par Decisions Regarding The Second Amendment; Saving Seven Days Time While \par Fighting Crime: Instant Background Checks as an Alternative to the \par Brady Bill; The Role of Firearms In Self Defense; Bans on \par Semi-Automatics: Unconstitutional Hysteria; Handgun Control: Its \par Threat to Rifle & Shotgun Ownership; Handgun Purchase Waiting Periods: \par Do they Reduce Crime? Each of these reports are fact-filled sources \par for knowledge about gun use and ownership in America. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The reports are available at no charge from the Second \par Amendment Foundation, 12500 NE 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005 \par 1-206-454-7012. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative \par Action (NRA/ILA) publishes its own set of short brochures about gun \par control issues. Titles include: Ten Myths About Gun Control, Gun Law \par Failures, A Push for Gun Control, Criminals Don't Wait--Why Should \par You?, Semi-Automatic Firearms: A Citizen's Choice, The Armed Citizen, \par Don't Buy HCI Lies, 1993 NRA Firearms Fact Card, It Can Happen to You, \par Interstate Transportation, and 1993 Compendium of State Laws. NRA also \par publishes short brochures about the gun laws of each state, as well as \par separate brochures for Washington, DC and New York City (two \par jurisdictions whose low crime rates prove how effective gun control \par really is.) The booklets can be obtained from Information and Member \par Services, NRA/ILA. For the NRA's address and telephone, see chapter \par 25. \par \par Books: Two Basics \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The material in the SAF Research Reports and in the NRA/ILA \par brochures is a good starting point for educating yourself on the gun \par issue. If you don't have much time for reading, the Reports and \par brochures provide you with well-researched quick summaries of issues. \par But as a Second Amendment activist, you'll likely be interested in \par learning more and more about the issue, for your own interest, as well \par as to provide support for your activist work. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 An excellent first book on the gun issue The Rights of Gun \par Owners by Alan Gottlieb. This compilation of all federal and state \par laws relating to guns and ammunition includes everything from \par constitutional guarantees to licenses, regulations, concealed weapons, \par waiting periods, ammunition purchases, postal regulations, and \par crossing state borders. This book details what your rights are, how \par those rights are being destroyed, and how to protect yourself from a \par government grown too powerful. For those concerned about the \par preservation and extension of freedom of gun ownership, this book is a \par very good primer. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $9.95 from Merril Press, P.O. Box 1682, Bellevue, WA 98009. To \par order by phone call 1-206-454-7009. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another fine first book (and a good second book as well) is \par the Gun Rights Fact Book, also by Alan Gottlieb. The book is easy to \par read, and organized by topic (i.e., ``Media Bias'', ``Plastic Guns''). \par The book is an excellent source for key facts about just about every \par gun control issue. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The book is not footnoted, so it's not particularly suited as \par a starting point for research on gun control. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're already a gun rights activist, you may already know \par much of the information presented in the Gun Rights Fact Book. If so, \par the book is a good tool for you to use by giving it to your \par less-informed pro-gun friends. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $3.95 from the Merril Press, P.O. Box 1682, Bellevue, WA \par 98009, same phone number as above. \par \par Just the Facts, Ma'am \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once you're ready to plunge in a little deeper, there are \par several sources that provide good overall coverage of the gun control \par issue in a readable format. These sources, while written in an \par accessible style, are aimed at a somewhat more sophisticated audience \par than the two Alan Gottlieb books we just described. These sources also \par contain extensive footnotes or endnotes which, while not providing an \par obstacle to persons who just want to read the main text, allow persons \par who want to press deeper to find out where to go. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Guns, Murders, and the Constitution: A Realistic Assessment of \par Gun Control is a gem by Don B. Kates, Jr. For the last two decades, \par Kates has been the star intellectual of the pro-gun movement. Kates' \par prodigious writing has been published in popular magazines like \par Harpers and scholarly journals like the Michigan Law Review that had \par never before printed anything pro-gun. Virtually every academic who \par has defended the right to bear arms has consulted with Kates. A \par prolific pro-Second Amendment writer, Kates has opened up more minds \par on the subject of gun control than anyone in the history of the United \par States. This 64 page velo-bound monograph (short study) is an \par excellent summary Kates' work, particularly regarding the evidence \par about gun control and self-defense. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Kates demolishes the myth that domestic homicides are \par perpetrated by nice people who just happened to have a gun around when \par their wife burned the dinner, dissects the pompous assertions of white \par male academics that women are better off submitting to rape than \par resisting with a gun, and puts to rest the anti-gun lobby's phony \par claims about childhood gun accidents. Eight dollars from the Pacific \par Research Institute for Public Policy, 177 Post St., San Francisco, CA \par 94108. 1-415-989-0833. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Trust the People: The Case Against Gun Control, by David B. \par Kopel. Here's a review from gun activist Neal Knox's computer \par bulletin board: ``A relatively short (32 typewritten pages) well \par documented (plus 20 pages of references) overview of the basic issues. \par One of the best things you can use to convince an individual with a \par potentially open mind. It's fact filled, well written, forcefully \par argued, and makes sure to hit all the right liberal hot buttons (civil \par rights, racial and sexual discrimination, etc.). For the price, you \par have no excuse for not getting it.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $4 from the Cato Institute, 1000 Mass. Ave. NW, Washington DC \par 20001-5403. (202) 842-0200. Request ``Policy Analysis #109, Trust the \par People.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Gun Control Debate: You Decide, by Lee Nisbet provides an \par excellent pro-and-con overview of the gun control topic. Nisbet went \par to pro-rights and pro-control organizations, and asked them to suggest \par the best essays which had been written in favor of their respective \par positions. The 24 essays collected in Nisbet's book offer a ``greatest \par hits'' collection of pro-rights scholarship, and also provide an \par up-close look at the best material the pro-control side has to offer. \par The contrast in the quality of scholarship between the pro-rights side \par and the pro-control side is sometimes startling. Studying the \par pro-control essays gives you a heads-up on the arguments you will most \par likely encounter from pro-control folks. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Available from Prometheus Books, Buffalo, NY, 800-767-1241 (24 \par hours), or from Merril Press (address and phone above). \par \par Advanced Stuff \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Without any doubt, one book stands out at the single best \par source of information about guns and gun control in America: Point \par Blank: Guns and Violence in America, by Gary Kleck. Simply put, Point \par Blank is the best overview of gun control that can be found. \par Summarizing the findings of other scholars, and presenting original \par research, Kleck demonstrates the folly of harsh gun controls. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Is the average gun owner so stupid and clumsy that he risks \par killing himself accidentally with the gun he brought for protection? \par Kleck analyzes gun accidents in detail, and shows that most accident \par perpetrators are outrageously reckless and irresponsible, and have \par little in common with the average gun owner. Kleck also observes that \par most ``accidents'' said to occur while cleaning a gun are really \par suicides. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Is the gun in the home or business a menace to society? Just \par the opposite. Through thoroughly documented numerical data, Kleck \par shows that Americans use handguns at least 645,000 times a year for \par self-defense (usually without needing to fire a shot). The high rate \par of American gun ownership explains why burglary of occupied residences \par is so low in comparison to the rates in other countries. Overall, an \par American criminal's chances of getting shot by his victim are at least \par as great as his chances of going to jail. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Have gun registration, gun prohibition, or any of the rest of \par the gun control litany had any statistically perceptible effect in \par reducing crime? The answer is ``no,'' suggests Kleck, and he does a \par particularly good job in skewering the pseudo-science that the \par anti-gun lobbies claim supports their cause. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While intended to be accessible to a general readership, Point \par Blank is written for a rigorous academic audience. Accordingly, some \par paragraphs of the book delve into technical discussion of quantitative \par sociology that will be over the head of anyone without at least two \par semesters of a college statistics classes and a fond memory of slide \par rules. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The book is well-organized, with a strong table of contents, \par index, subheadings, and other reader aids. Thus, instead of reading \par the book straight through, you can use it as a guide to all the \par research regarding gun control in modern America. So when you want to \par write a letter to the editor and supply the real facts about the \par (extremely low) rate of childhood gun accidents, Point Blank will have \par all the information available right there. And every chapter is \par supplemented by at least a half-dozen tables providing a wealth of \par statistics about guns and their use. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In short, Point Blank is a book that deserves to be read by \par anyone with a serious interest in the gun control debate. Scrupulously \par honest, Kleck comes to the politically incorrect conclusion that guns \par save lives, and gun control does not. As a result, Kleck has been \par vilified by anti-gun forces such as The New Republic magazine, in \par thoughtless editorials that attack Kleck by misstating what he says. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While coming under fire from the anti-gun forces, Point Blank \par is not entirely supportive of the pro-gun side. In the rare cases \par where the evidence shows that a particular gun control has worked, \par Kleck says so. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And while Kleck demonstrates the useless or dangerous nature \par of most of the gun control lobby's agenda, Kleck does propose his own \par set of controls. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Kleck favors a national ``instant check'' on all gun sales. He \par would require that even transfers between private individuals be \par routed through licensed gun dealers, so that the instant check could \par be applied to those transactions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 About 84% of gun sales could be approved immediately, as with \par a credit card check. But for the other sales, Kleck admits, a \par substantial number of legitimate buyers would be disapproved \par initially, and then required to go through a weeks-long process to \par clear their names, thanks to the poor quality of criminal justice \par records in many states. (For example, if you have the same name as \par someone who was arrested for a non-violent felony, and was later found \par not guilty, you could easily be turned down by the ``instant check.'') \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Moreover, background checks of any kind, including the \par ``instant check'' do sometimes find ineligible buyers, but almost \par never catch a criminal trying to acquire a crime gun. The typical \par ``criminal'' caught by a background check is more like the man who got \par into a fist fight in a bar ten years ago, and never realized that his \par third-degree assault conviction disqualified him from owning a gun. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And besides, the very rare criminal who can't get a black \par market gun, and who wants to buy a crime gun from a gun store, can \par simply ask a friend with a clean record to make the purchase for him. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The negligible benefits of the instant check are outweighed by \par their substantial costs, which Kleck fails to fully consider. First of \par all, a large new government bureaucracy would be required to \par administer the check. Kleck suggests paying for the bureaucracy \par through a $10/gun purchase. While ten dollars may not seem like much \par to a hunter buying a $500 rifle, it's quite a bit to a young woman who \par can barely afford $40 for a self-defense handgun. Moreover, once the \par tax was established, the anti-gun lobbies would immediately begin \par pressing to raise it as high as possible. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like almost every scholar who has studied the issue, Kleck \par agrees that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to \par bear arms. Yet the Kleck instant check amounts to people being \par restrained from exercising their Constitutional rights until the \par government gives them permission. Kleck, who is a strong civil \par libertarian, ought to be more sensitive to the Constitutional policy \par against prior restraints. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And lastly, it's very difficult to design an instant check \par system that can't be perverted into a registry of gun owners. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 But whatever you think of Kleck's conclusions, his book on the \par whole is outstanding. It is precisely the kind of carefully argued, \par meticulously researched scholarship that the gun debate needs. If you \par ever speak out regarding the right to bear arms, if you ever write \par letters to the editor, if you ever write your state legislators, you \par will find Point Blank a wonderful resource. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Point Blank is published by Aldine de Gruyter (Hawthorne, New \par York), and is available in high-quality bookstores. Any bookstore can \par special order it for you. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unfortunately, Point Blank, is published only in hard cover, \par and at 512 pages, the book retails for a very hefty $59.95. Despite \par the high price, Point Blank is worth every penny. If you can't afford \par it, ask your local library to buy it. Most libraries that get two or \par three requests for a book within a few weeks will strongly consider a \par purchase. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Under the Gun: Weapons Crime & Violence, by James Wright, \par Peter Rossi, and Kathleen Daly. The authors are some of the best \par sociologists in the United States. They favored gun control, and set \par out to collect all the evidence for it in one place. This book is the \par result. After taking a hard look at the data, the authors changed \par their minds, and announced that there is no proof that gun control \par does any good. The book's only serious limitation is that it was \par written in the early 1980s, and therefore does not cover some of the \par more recent research, and does not discuss some of the issues that \par have arisen in recent years, such as so-called ``assault weapons.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $44.95 cloth, $24.95 paperback from Aldine de Gruyter, 200 Saw \par Mill River Rd., Hawthorne, NY 10532. 1-914-747-0110. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Armed and Dangerous, by Jim Wright and Peter Rossi reports the \par results of a 1981 National Institute of Justice study of felony \par prisoners in ten state prison systems. The study provides overwhelming \par evidence of how guns in the right hands enhance public safety: 56% \par percent of the prisoners said that a criminal would not attack a \par potential victim who was known to be armed. Thirty-nine percent of the \par felons had personally decided not to commit a crime because they \par thought the victim might have a gun, and 8% said the experience had \par occurred ``many times.'' Criminals in states with higher civilian gun \par ownership rates worried the most about armed victims. At the same \par time, the criminals reported that gun control laws had little or no \par effect on their ability to obtain crime guns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like Under the Gun, the book is published by Aldine de \par Gruyter, 200 Saw Mill River Rd., Hawthorne, NY 10532. 1-914-747-0110. \par Prices are $39.95 cloth, and $19.95 paperback. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Journal on Firearms and Public Policy. Published by the \par Center for the Study of Firearms & Public Policy, the Journal provides \par a forum for publication of scholarly articles on firearms and their \par relation to social, legal, and political issues. It accepts papers on \par a broad range of scholarly topics related to gun ownership, use, \par carrying, law and policy issues. The Journal also reprints important \par past articles in order to provide a unified reference source for \par researching firearms issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The primary purposes of the Journal are to encourage serious \par researchers to explore issues related to firearms and their effect on \par society; to provide a convenient place for the publication of research \par results; and to provide an information source which can be used by \par policy makers to guide their decisions. The Second Amendment \par Foundation sponsors the Journal to encourage objective research. It is \par the intention of the editors to reprint articles of scholarly quality \par regardless of their conclusions for or against the Foundation's \par positions on controversial issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Volumes 1 and 2 are nearly out of print and available in \par limited quantities only. Volumes 3 and 4 will likely remain available \par for the next few years. Volume 3 includes a reprint of University of \par Texas Law Professor Sanford Levinson's ground-breaking essay on the \par Second Amendment; an article on law-enforcement lobbying and the \par Second Amendment, by NRA researcher Paul Blackman; a short article on \par how gun control endangers all Constitutional rights, by attorney David \par I. Caplan; and an original article ``Gun-making as a Cottage \par Industry,'' which discusses the types of handguns that would be \par produced by home workshops in the event of gun prohibition. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Volume 4 includes an article analyzing New York City's law \par requiring mandatory jail terms for illegal gun possession; several \par articles about the original meaning of the Second Amendment; and an \par article about the unintended consequences of gun control. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Issues available, for ten dollars apiece, from the Second \par Amendment Foundation, 12500 NE 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005 \par 1-206-454-7012. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Law Abiding Criminals by John Kaplan, Don Kates, and Raymond \par Kessler. The purpose of this monograph, which contains three articles \par by noted sociologists and criminologists, is to illustrate the lesson \par learned time and again that government is not an effective instrument \par for social engineering. That is, history has proven that when \par government outlaws something desired by a substantial segment of a \par population, the populace simply ignores the government edict or \par devises methods to circumvent the law. Ultimately, once the law is \par recognized as a failure, it is abandoned, but in the meantime what has \par been accomplished is to make otherwise law-abiding Americans members \par of the criminal class. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Law-Abiding Criminals was produced to present the views of \par those who question the efficacy of an all-encompassing handgun ban. \par Written by individuals with first-hand experience in the \par criminal-defense field, the authors share a common opinion that a \par total handgun ban would experience enforcement difficulties similar to \par those encountered during alcohol prohibition and drug interdiction \par campaigns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Available from the Second Amendment Foundation, 1250 NE 10th \par Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. 1-206-454-7012. \par \par History of the Right to Bear Arms \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 That Every Man Be Armed: The Evolution of a Constitutional \par Right, by Stephen P. Halbrook: This is by far the best historical book \par of the legal development of the Second Amendment in the United States. \par The research is thorough, and the reasoning insightful. The book has \par been accorded the high honor of being cited as an authoritative source \par in an article in the Yale Law Journal--Akhil Reed Amar's ``The Bill of \par Rights as a Constitution,'' (vol. 100). Liberty Tree Press, \par 1-800-345-2888; $12.95. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Halbrook's other book, A Right to Bear Arms: State and Federal \par Bills of Rights and Constitutional Guarantees is less essential. The \par book is mostly a history of state arms right guarantees in the during \par the American Revolution and Early Republic. For a historian, the book \par is an indispensable reference. For a general reader, it may be too \par densely written. The very steep price slapped on the book by publisher \par Greenwood Press is an indication that the market is library sales more \par than the average gun owner. Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, \par Westport, CT 06881. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Report of the US Senate \par Subcommittee on the Constitution. In 1982, the US Senate decided to \par take a look at the original intent of the authors of the Second \par Amendment. The Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution unanimously \par concluded that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to \par keep and bear arms. Although the Government Printing Office version of \par the book has gone out of print, the book has been reprinted by the \par Second Amendment Foundation. 1-206-454-7012. The book is also \par reprinted volume 1 of Gun Control and the Constitution (discussed \par below). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Origin of the Second Amendment, by David Young. The book \par reprints 480 documents from the period surrounding the introduction \par and ratification of the Second Amendment. Included are newspaper \par articles, pamphlets, letters to the editor, debates from the federal \par Constitutional convention, debates from the state ratifying \par conventions, and Congressional debates. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Author David Young has brought together, for the first time, \par all of the original source material regarding what the Second \par Amendment meant to the nation that enacted it. The book opens in the \par summer of 1787 with the federal Constitutional Convention debating \par Congressional powers regarding the militia. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The final major document of the book is a January 29, 1791 \par article in the Independent Gazetteer (a Philadelphia newspaper), in \par which the author, who identifies himself only as ``A Farmer'' warns: \par ``Under every government the dernier [last] resort of the people, is \par an appeal to the sword; whether to defend themselves against the open \par attacks of a foreign enemy, or to check the insidious encroachments of \par domestic foes.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In between the first and last documents is a treasure-trove of \par American history. Leafing through these pages, you encounter the great \par men who founded our Republic, and whose words speak to us today. Wrote \par Tench Coxe, James Madison's friend, in the Feb. 20, 1778 Freeman's \par Journal: ``Who are the militia? are they not our selves...Their \par swords, and ever other terrible implement of the soldier, are the \par birthright of an American.'' (emphasis in original.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Hear Patrick Henry thundering from the June 5, 1788 Virginia \par ratifying convention: ``Guard with jealous attention the public \par liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, \par nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up \par that force you are inevitably ruined.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The men who speak to us through The Origin of the Second \par Amendment harbor no fear that government would interfere with \par ``sporting'' guns or hunting. They express the greatest apprehension \par of select, uniformed military forces, such as the standing army (and \par such as the modern National Guard). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As The Origin of the Second Amendment makes unmistakably \par clear, the great object of the Second Amendment was to preserve \par liberty by ensuring that the American people would have in their \par individual hands the weapons with which to resist federal tyranny. The \par ``well-regulated militia'' included almost every able-bodied free \par male. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Besides collecting an excellent selection of documents, the \par author also provides a good introductory essay summarizing the \par historical context of the debate over ratification of the Constitution \par and the Bill of Rights, as well as an appendix giving the full text of \par all state Bill of Rights from 1787-89, and a very detailed index. This \par book was awarded the ``Book of the Year'' prize by Gun World magazine \par in 1992. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Origin of the Second Amendment is available by mail from \par Golden Oak Books, 605 Michigan Street, Ontonagon, Michigan 49953, or \par can be special-ordered by your local bookstore (supply them with the \par Michigan address, since the publisher is not well-known). The book \par goes for $50 plus $5 shipping and handling (plus 4% sales tax for \par Michigan residents). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Origins and Developments of the Second Amendment, by David \par Hardy. In 95 very readable pages, Hardy traces the right to bear arms \par from its origins in early English history up through the creation of \par the American Second Amendment. The book is broken down into subtopics, \par about one per page. Each subtopic contains a two or three paragraph \par quote from an original source (such as an English King's law), coupled \par with analysis from Hardy. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The result? A straightforward history of the history of our \par right to bear arms, that serves as an excellent introduction to the \par topic. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the same time, the book's long quotations from original \par sources are very useful for more advanced students of the right to \par bear arms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Hardy's fine book can be special ordered from your local \par bookstore. Or you can order the book directly from the publisher, \par Blacksmith Corp., at 1-800-531-2665. \par \par Specialized Topics \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Gun Culture and Its Enemies, edited by William R. Tonso, \par takes a detailed look at some neglected angles of the gun control \par debate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The book includes chapters by sociologist William Tonso and by \par Kopel demonstrating the existence of media bias in coverage of gun \par control. In another chapter, John Salter, a veteran of the civil \par rights movement, details how the use of armed force by civil rights \par workers in the 1960s was crucial to the movement's success--because it \par deterred murders by the Ku Klux Klan. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Do sexually inadequate people buy guns to serve as substitute \par phallic symbols? Don Kates and Nicole Varzos demolish the notion in \par their chapter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Gun Culture and Its Enemies can be ordered for $9.95 in \par paperback from Merril Press, P.O. Box 1682, Bellevue, Washington, \par 98009. 1-206-454-7009. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Samurai, the Mountie, and the Cowboy: Should America Adopt \par the Gun Controls of Other Democracies?, by David B. Kopel. Everyone \par has heard the argument: Other countries have gun control; other \par countries have less gun crime, so if we had strict gun control, we'd \par have less gun crime. In a comprehensive analysis, The Samurai debunks \par the myth that gun control is responsible for the low crime rates in \par Japan, Britain, Canada, and other democracies. The book also offers a \par provocative survey of the history of firearms, violence, and crime in \par America. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Best-selling novelist Tom Clancy praised the book as ``A \par superb piece of scholarship, admirable for its integrity and \par painstaking research. Kopel provides the fresh air of reason in a \par national debate too often marked by acrimony and prejudice.'' The book \par was awarded the Comparative Criminology Book Award by the American \par Society of Criminology's Division of Comparative and International \par Criminology. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $28.95 plus shipping, available from the Second Amendment \par Foundation, 1250 NE 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. 1-206-454-7012. \par Also available from the publisher, Prometheus Books, at 1-800-767-1241 \par (24 hours). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Why Gun Waiting Periods Threaten Public Safety, by David B. \par Kopel. The most detailed analysis available of the arguments for and \par against waiting periods. 62 pages, stapled. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $8 a copy. Independence Institute, 14142 Denver West Parkway \par #101; Golden, CO 80401. (303) 279-6536. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The ``Assault Weapon'' Panic: Political Correctness Takes Aim \par at the Constitution, by Eric Morgan and David B. Kopel (revised \par edition, April 1993). A 94 page Issue Paper debunking the claims of \par persons who want to prohibit semiautomatics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $12 a copy. Independence Institute, 14142 Denver West Parkway \par #101; Golden, CO 80401. (303) 279-6536. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Armed and Female. Author Paxton Quigley, a former anti-gun \par activist, explains why she now supports a woman's right to keep and \par bear arms. The book contains lots of practical advice for a woman \par considering buying a gun. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Available from the Second Amendment Foundation, 1250 NE 10th \par Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. 1-206-454-7012. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Control: The Continuing Debate by Dr. Donald Hook. Dr. \par Hook, a former agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, is a \par professor at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. He was educated \par at five US universities and OSI/FBI School in Washington DC and the \par Criminological Institute at the University of Vienna. He received a \par PhD from Brown University. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Control: The Continuing Debate was written to inform the \par public at large, and it ought to have a place in public and academic \par libraries. It is an informative look at the history, sociology and \par governmental aspects of the gun control debate written to the high \par school and college level. Dr. Hook covers the field of the gun control \par landscape in chapters dealing with the history of the right to keep \par and bear arms and in chapters arguing for and against the status quo. \par Probably the most controversial statements made in the book occur in \par the final chapter where Dr. Hook outlines some compromise positions he \par sees as valuable. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Available from Merril Press, P.O. Box 1682, Bellevue, WA \par 98009, or 1-206-454-7008. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Control and the Constitution. This three-volume set, \par edited by Rutgers University Law Professor Robert J. Cottrol is the \par best compilation of all viewpoints of the legal debate regarding the \par right to keep and bear arms. The hardcover books, brought out by \par Garland Publishing (New York) reprint the best judicial and scholarly \par analysis of the Second Amendment. For any researcher concerned with \par in-depth legal analysis, the books very useful. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unfortunately, the books are also very expensive. And if you \par know how to use a law library, you find most of the books' material in \par their original sources, and read them in the library for free. On the \par other hand, if you can afford them, each volume will add greatly to \par your understanding of the legal background to the gun control debate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Volume 1, Sources and Explorations of the Second Amendment \par ($57.00) includes a good introductory essay by Cottrol, reprints of \par the US Supreme Court's three major cases dealing with the Second \par Amendment, six state court cases, and (perhaps best of all) a full \par reprint of the US Senate's 130 page investigation of the historical \par record about the Second Amendment., The Right to Keep and Bear Arms \par (discussed above). Significantly, the reprint includes several \par well-written legal reports which were attached to the Senate report in \par the appendix. In contrast, the Second Amendment Foundation reprint of \par The Right to Keep includes only the Senate report itself. Garland \par Publishing, Inc., 717 Fifth Ave., Suite 2500, NY, NY 10022. (212) \par 751-7447. fax (212) 308-9399. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Volume 2, Advocates and Scholars: The Modern Debate on Gun \par Control ($62.00) reprints 15 major law journal articles analyzing the \par Second Amendment. The selections are scrupulously balanced between \par pro-rights and anti-rights articles. The effect, however, is to \par strengthen the pro-rights position, since the pro-rights articles are \par so much better researched and persuasive. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Volume 3, Special Topics on Gun Control ($54.00) reprints 9 \par more law journal articles, involving specialized topics in the Second \par Amendment debate. Most of the articles deal with the English origins \par of the right to keep and bear arms, or with the connection between \par gun-owning and responsible citizenship, as seen by the generation that \par created the Second Amendment. The most interesting article, however, \par is final one, written by Robert Cottrol and Raymond T. Diamond, which \par explores the history of gun control in the United States as a method \par of controlling Afro-Americans. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And, if the three volume set's $173.00 price tag makes your \par wallet tremble with fear, there are plans to bring out a one-volume \par paperback (priced around $20.00) containing the best material from the \par three volumes. Call the publisher, at the number listed above, for \par availability. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Control: Gateway to Tyranny. The militant pro-rights \par organization Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership has \par published this interesting analysis of German gun control laws in the \par Nazi and pre-Nazi eras. The authors document how laws which might \par appear reasonable on paper were used to disarm Jews and other groups \par as a first step towards genocide. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 $19.95 plus $2.90 shipping from JPFO, Inc., 2872 S. Wentworth \par Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. 1-414-769-0760. \par \par Further reading \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 All of the above books have bibliographies which will lead you \par to excellent articles in scholarly journals and in magazines such as \par the American Rifleman. The material we've listed here is just a \par starting point. There are many other worthwhile books on the subject. \par \par \page \par \par 2. Spread the Word--Libraries and Other Public Reading Areas -- \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE GENERALLY, AND TYRANNY AND OPPRESSIONS \par OF BODY AND MIND WILL VANISH LIKE EVIL SPIRITS AT THE DAWN OF DAY.'' \par Thomas Jefferson, letter to Du Pont de Nemours, April 24, 1816. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As you've begun to educate yourself, you can begin to educate \par other folks. One of the easiest ways is to get pro-rights books into \par your local library. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One good approach for a lone activist or a small group is to \par ``adopt a library'' and focus energy on getting pro-rights materials \par into that one venue. The library doesn't have to be the biggest branch \par in the area. In fact, the smaller libraries may be more grateful for \par your help. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The books you help supply may be the only pro-gun books in \par that library. When students and other persons go to the library to \par research the gun issue, they'll find the carefully reasoned material \par that you laid out for them. One book placed in one library may, over \par time, enlighten dozens of students (and future voters) about the \par realities of the right to bear arms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the simplest level, you can simply buy pro-rights books, \par and give them to the library. Librarians strongly prefer hardback \par books, since they stand up so much better under heavy use. Before \par putting down the money to buy the books for a donation, check with the \par librarian to make sure that the library would be interested in the \par book. Libraries may accept some of the books, and reject others. \par School libraries will probably want to review all of the offered \par books, to make sure that they are suitable for the relevant age group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Of the books discussed in the previous chapter, the ones most \par likely to be accepted by libraries would be the hard cover editions \par of: The Rights of Gun Owners; The Gun Control Debate; Pointblank; \par Under the Gun; Armed and Dangerous; That Every Man Be Armed; Origins \par of the Second Amendment; Origins and Development of the Second \par Amendment; The Samurai, the Mountie, and the Cowboy; Gun Control and \par the Constitution; and Armed and Female. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Donations can also be done on a larger scale. The People's \par Rights Organization, of Columbus, Ohio, working with the national \par Citizen's Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, bought 25 \par copies each of three pro-gun books and donated them to the Columbus \par Library. The books were Paxton Quigley's Armed and Female, Alan \par Gottlieb's The Gun Grabbers, and William Tonso's The Gun Culture and \par Its Enemies. The library, which has numerous branches, gratefully \par accepted the books. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another hard-working group, the Keystone Second Amendment \par Association put 130 books in 17 high school, public, and college \par libraries in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Second Amendment Foundation will be delighted to work with you \par in library donation projects. SAF can provide you the books at cost \par (about 1/3 to 1/2 of the retail price). They may be able to supply \par some books for free. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Libraries are also happy to have magazine subscriptions \par donated to them. The NRA magazine American Rifleman is a good choice. \par InSights, the NRA magazine for junior shooters, is a fine selection \par for school libraries. Because InSights is sent to so many schools, it \par has no political content. Some smaller libraries will accept your own \par copy of a magazine, once you're done with it. You can just cross out \par your name on the subscription label. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some libraries, particularly small ones that cater to students \par writing reports for school, keep folders on current events such as gun \par control (which is a consistently popular student paper topic). The \par folders may include pamphlets, newspaper clips, and other \par miscellaneous materials. Ask the librarian if there is such a file, \par and if you can donate materials for it. The Research Reports and \par NRA/ILA brochures mentioned in chapter 1 would be good items to \par include. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Libraries usually have community bulletin boards, as do \par organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign \par Wars. Keep an eye on the bulletin boards and, if the public is allowed \par to post materials, stick up a flyer from your local pro-rights \par organization. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some libraries set up table displays from time to time. If you \par see that your library has one, consider offering to set one up about \par gun control. Before speaking with the librarian, examine what other \par kinds of displays the library has, and try to design something that \par fits in with what the library is already used to. The librarian will \par probably be more receptive if you can provide a balanced set of \par materials, rather than information that just reflects the pro-rights \par viewpoint. Don't worry about letting the public see the other side; \par the pro-rights argument, when examined in a logical and careful \par manner, is so much more persuasive than the gun control side that \par moving the public debate away from emotions and towards reason nearly \par always makes converts for the Second Amendment. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The above advice about advance preparation fits in for just \par about everything mentioned in this book: Advance scouting is always a \par good idea. Before you write a letter to the editor of the local paper, \par read the letters to the editor column, and see what kind of letters \par get printed. Before you visit a Congresswoman's office, study her \par voting record. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Not every place where people sit for hours and hours reading \par old magazines is called a ``library.'' Some such places are called \par ``the doctor's waiting room.'' Waiting rooms are an excellent place to \par leave pro-rights magazines such as the American Rifleman. Make sure to \par cross out your name, so some well-intentioned soul doesn't mail it \par back to you, thinking you left it in the waiting room by mistake. \par Doctors, dentists, barbers, hairdressers, auto mechanics, and lots of \par other professionals all have waiting rooms full of customers desperate \par for something to read that's more interesting (and accurate) than a \par six-month-old issue of Time. \par \par \page \par \par 3. Letters to the Editor \par \par ``TO THE PRESS ALONE, CHECQUERED AS IT IS WITH ABUSES, THE WORLD IS \par INDEBTED FOR ALL THE TRIUMPHS WHICH HAVE BEEN GAINED BY REASON AND \par HUMANITY OVER ERROR AND OPPRESSION.'' Thomas Jefferson, Virginia and \par Kentucky Resolutions, 1799. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One of the best things a gun rights defender can do is write \par letters to the editor of his or her local newspaper. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 More people read letters to the editor than read the \par editorials written by professional columnists. Letters to the editor \par are a unique chance to influence thousands of people. \par \par How to Do It \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One excuse people offer for not writing is ``I'm not a good \par writer'' or ``I don't know enough to write.'' Well, you don't have to \par be an outstanding scribe to get published in the local newspaper. If \par you have even a minimal amount of common sense, you have what it takes \par to write a good letter. After all, you understand the right to bear \par arms better than do the people who write for Newsweek and the Los \par Angeles Times. Much of what those ``professional'' writers do is \par reprint propaganda from Handgun Control Inc. You can do better than \par that. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Free literature available from the NRA and the Second \par Amendment Foundation will give you all the data you need for a good \par short letter. (The free literature is discussed in chapter 1.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your hometown newspaper may be biased against guns in its news \par and editorial sections, but that doesn't exclude you from getting a \par good letter printed. Many editorial pages welcome letters that \par challenge the viewpoint in the rest of the newspaper. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Here are some key words to remember when composing your \par letter. If you keep these words in mind, you'll get published: \par \par Short. 100 words or less. That's enough time to convey one or two \par ideas. Long letters have a much smaller chance of being published. \par Even if you're responding to a long diatribe against guns, stick to \par one or two important points, rather than trying to rebut everything. \par \par Type the letter. This isn't mandatory, but it does help. Otherwise, \par write long-hand. In either case, double space. \par \par Clear. Express a forceful opinion on one side of the issue. Don't \par waffle. This one should be easy. \par \par Prejudiced. Don't be. Never say anything that is racist, sexist, \par homophobic, or displays any other prejudice. Prejudice instantly kills \par a letter, and brings all gun owners into disrepute. \par \par Focus. Emphasize our positive side. Tell the people the facts which \par support our case. Avoid personal attacks on opponents. \par \par Tact. Honey catches more flies than vinegar. For example, if a news \par story misstates the facts about guns, you letter doesn't have to start \par out: ``Your rotten paper has once again proven that it is a biased \par mouthpiece for bleeding-heart liberal Commies.'' Instead, the letter \par can gently offer to ``clarify'' a point that wasn't fully discussed in \par the news article. The softer you talk, the better people can hear you. \par \par One at a time. If you're lucky enough to live in a town with two \par competing daily newspapers (there are only 16 such cities left), only \par write to one paper at a time. Add a p.s. note to your letter saying \par that you are sending the letter to only this paper. Papers prefer that \par their material be exclusive. Wait ten days, and if you don't hear from \par the first paper, send the letter to the other paper. \par \par Wait. Here's one situation where a waiting period actually does some \par good. If you've been published in a paper recently, wait 30 days \par before sending another letter to the same paper. The Letters to the \par Editor section is a community forum; papers don't want any one person \par to appear too often. \par \par Address and phone number should be included at the top of the page. \par Papers often call to confirm a letter before printing. \par \par Peg. Hang your letter on a news peg. This is very important. If you \par write a letter in response to a recent news story or editorial, the \par paper will be more likely to print it. There's nothing the media loves \par so much as printing stories about the media. Even criticism of the \par media gets lots of print space, since (from the viewpoint of the \par media, four-year-olds, and similar types) negative attention is way \par better than no attention at all. \par \par Sign the letter. Never send an anonymous letter. Nor should you sign \par your letter ``Ed Barnhill, NRA Member.'' The fact that you're an NRA \par member won't make the letter more persuasive to people who didn't \par agree with you already. If you want to add something to the signature \par block, add something that will show the readers that you're a \par responsible member of the community, e.g. ``retired teacher, farmer, \par homemaker, doctor, etc.'' (Don't sign the letter ``Ed Barnhill, \par etc.,'' unless your name is actually ``Ed Barnhill, etc..'' ) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finally, write the letter so that a person who didn't read the \par original article can still follow your argument. For example, a letter \par might read: \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A recent editorial (``Stop the Slaughter,'' April 22) claimed \par that ``Drug dealers can walk into a store and walk out five minutes \par later with a machine gun, no questions asked.'' Actually, no-one can \par buy a machine gun in five minutes. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Five months is more like it. Machine guns have been strictly \par regulated by federal law since 1934. To buy any fully automatic \par firearm, a person needs to get a federal license which requires \par fingerprints and a background check, and takes many months of \par paperwork. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before we enact even more gun controls, people should \par understand how many we already have. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you follow these ten rules, about 1 in 5 of your letters \par will get published. That's a success rate to be proud of, and you'll \par be making an important contribution to the debate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your chances of being published, by the way, are better in \par smaller newspapers, since there's less competition from other writers. \par The odds you will get published in the New York Times are better than \par the odds that you will get struck by lightening--but not a lot better. \par Your prospects in the Staten Island Advance are much better, and your \par odds in a smaller paper are better still. And remember, it's the \par readers of the smaller papers who, since they're more likely to live \par in smaller cities, may be more receptive to the pro-rights message. \par \par Advanced Techniques \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While the above rules are mandatory (if you want to get \par published), below are some suggestions that, although not essential, \par will be helpful. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Newspapers are written by generalists, who understandably \par cannot familiarize themselves with every issue. Thus, reporters and \par editors look for material from people who are well-known experts on a \par particular subject. In the letter-to-the-editor context, your letter \par will be more persuasive to the editor (and likely to get printed) if \par you can cite authoritative sources. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For example, the sentence ``gun control never works'' is \par merely an assertion. More persuasive is the sentence ``According to \par the Wright-Rossi study for the National Institute of Justice, there is \par no evidence that any current gun controls have worked.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Likewise, instead of saying ``The authors of the Constitution \par supported an individual right to bear arms,'' supply a one-sentence \par quote from James Madison or Thomas Jefferson discussing the individual \par right. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Alternatively, when you offer a statistic, put the source of \par the statistic in parenthesis: ``While Mr. Meddlethorpe claims that \par `the record murder rate proves the need for gun control,' the \par murder rate today is lower than it was in 1981. (FBI Uniform Crime \par Reports.)'' Don't worry if citing authority makes the letter a little \par too long; the editors can always cut it if they want. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And it's all right to bring in personal experience. Newspapers \par always like printing ``eyewitness'' accounts; so if one of the reasons \par that you think semiautomatics should remain legal is that you \par frightened off a burglar with one, tell your story. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Newspapers love to find inconsistencies--two government \par agencies undercutting each other's work, or a Senator's actions \par contradicting his words. So if you can find an inconsistency and point \par it out, go right ahead. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As with every other thing you write, the first sentence is the \par most important, so write it carefully. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make a copy for yourself to keep (but if you don't have ready \par access to a copy machine, just mail the letter, rather than letting it \par sit in your jacket pocket for ten days until you find a photocopier). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Mail the letter the day after you write it. Letting it cool \par gives you time to retract any intemperate remarks, and gives you an \par extra day to think about the letter, and perhaps find some \par refinements. As Thomas Paine observed, the best writing comes from \par warm passions and a cool temper. \par \par Does it Matter? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even letters that don't get published make a positive impact. \par The young newspaper staffer who is in charge of editing the letters to \par the editor page will one day be running her own editorial page at some \par newspaper. Your letter may be one of the few pro-gun arguments she is \par exposed to all year. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most media types don't hate guns out of genuine conviction. \par It's simply a cultural prejudice of their environment. Some people, if \par exposed to the facts, will gradually reconsider their viewpoint. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like everything else in the paper, published letters to the \par editor are also read by the rest of the newspaper's staff, including \par reporters and editors. Letters about a particular subject may convince \par the reporters and editors that the gun issue is important to the \par readership, and deserves thorough, frequent coverage. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Will a published letter really matter? You bet. A 1989 issue \par of the Yale Law Journal contained an article by Sanford Levinson \par called ''The Embarrassing Second Amendment.'' Levinson, one of the top \par Constitutional law professors in the US, wrote that liberal academics \par (himself included) should face up to the overwhelming evidence: The \par Second Amendment really does guarantee an individual right to bear \par arms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Levinson's article dealt a tremendous blow to the silly theory \par that the Second Amendment is only a guarantee that states can have a \par National Guard. (The theory never caught on with ordinary people, but \par had been popular in the academic community.) Professor Levinson's \par piece cites a number of letters to the editor of ordinary newspapers. \par In fact, it was Levinson's reading of letters in his local newspaper \par that made him realize that huge numbers of people really care about \par the Second Amendment--even though most law professors don't. Levinson \par began to consider that maybe the letter writers were right, and the \par law professors were wrong. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Professor Levinson isn't the only person influenced by letters \par to the editor. Except for the front page, the letters section is more \par widely read than any other part of the newspaper--even the editorial \par page. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Congressional staffers follow letters to the editor in the \par Congressperson's home-town newspapers as an important gauge of public \par opinion back home. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Although Congressional staffers will likely have read your \par published letter, send them a copy anyway. If your letter praised the \par Congressperson, send her a copy, even if it wasn't printed. She'll \par appreciate the fact that gun owners are standing by her, and will \par therefore be more likely to stand by them. \par \par Op-ed Pieces \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once you've established a good track record as a letter \par writer, consider trying to write opinion pieces for your local paper. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The general rules discussed above for letters apply for most \par op-eds too. Total length should be 650-750 words. Going even slightly \par above the limit seriously impairs your chance of getting published. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before submitting a piece, call your newspaper's opinion page, \par and ask for their guidelines regarding op-ed submissions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're a university or high school student, your situation \par is somewhat easier, since most school newspapers are eager to publish \par student writers. \par \par \page \par \par 4. Talk Radio \par \par ``THE TANK, THE B-52, THE FIGHTER-BOMBER, THE STATE CONTROLLED POLICE \par ARE THE WEAPONS OF DICTATORSHIP. THE RIFLE IS THE WEAPON OF \par DEMOCRACY...IF GUNS ARE OUTLAWED, ONLY THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE GUNS. \par ONLY THE POLICE, THE SECRET POLICE, THE MILITARY, THE HIRED SERVANTS \par OF OUR RULERS. ONLY THE GOVERNMENT AND A FEW OUTLAWS. I INTEND TO BE \par AMONG THE OUTLAWS.'' Edward Abbey. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The suggestions below are written for callers, but are equally \par applicable to guests. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Listen to the show for a while, so you can get a sense of the \par show's style and direction. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Many of the points made about letters to newspapers (chapter \par 3) or letters to Congress (chapter 15) apply here too. Don't get mad, \par don't scream, don't use obscenities. Negative behavior simply turns \par off the listening audience, and convinces people that gun owners \par really are mentally dangerous. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 You'll be nervous the first few times you call, but with \par practice, you'll get more confident and relaxed. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Convincing the host is not the objective; he's already made \par his mind up. Your goal is to get a little bit of air time to present \par some facts to the radio audience. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make specific factual points, not just vague generalizations. \par Alan's Gun Rights Fact Book (see page 4) includes a section of \par suggested talking points for radio call-ins. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Try to make your points in about 30 seconds or less. Don't \par read long quotations (like the one at the start of this chapter). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember that the host (or the studio guest) will always have \par the last word. Don't let this discourage you. Even if the host or \par guest argues with some of the points you've made, you will still have \par helped bring some people in the radio audience over to our side. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Similarly, the host may interrupt you. Don't get insulted. \par It's his show, and he has to keep things moving with the timing he \par feels best. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The host may try to agitate you, to provoke you into an angry \par response. Fireworks build the host's rating, but they don't do our \par cause any good. So no matter what, stay cool under pressure. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Listen to the callers who come ahead of you. Maybe you'll have \par something to say to support a comment by a pro-gun caller, or to \par refute a comment from an anti. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Never engage in name-calling with the host or another caller, \par even if they start it. Instead of calling someone a ``liar,'' explain \par how they're mistaken. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some shows are limited to a specific subject, usually related \par to the show's guest. On a specific subject show, you of course have to \par confine your comments to that day's subject matter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In contrast, other shows are ``open forum.'' The host solicits \par call-ins to discuss anything they want. You can often get a lively \par discussion going about gun control. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you bring up the gun issue and the host of an open forum \par show doesn't want to talk about it, don't take it personally. The gun \par debate gets a lot of exposure on talk radio, and some hosts may think \par that they need to force a broader variety of topics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And most importantly: Be nice. A large fraction of the \par listeners will be paying more attention to your overall tone than to \par your specific points. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you don't know the answer to a question, say so, and move \par on to another topic. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One tactic used by our opponents is for one of them to call a \par radio station and pretend to be an irate NRA member who favors gun \par control. To weed out the callers who claim to be NRA members but \par aren't, bring a copy of the most recent American Rifleman or American \par Hunter to the studio with you, and have a question ready about it. \par (E.g. ``If you're really an NRA member, can you name just one feature \par article in the latest issue of the magazine?''). If the host is \par pro-rights, you might want to inform him in advance about the fake NRA \par caller problem. \par \par Citizens Band Radio \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Who says that broadcast radio is the only way to get the \par message out? CB-er Charles Howell broadcasts short pro-gun messages on \par his radio, informing them about the latest in gun control news. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The CB audience is especially important, he notes, because it \par includes so many truckers. Lots of truckers own guns, but because \par they're on the road for weeks at a time, they may be cut off from \par regular news sources. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Truckers enjoy the unenviable status of being one of the many \par groups of American even more harassed by excessive government than are \par gun-owners. So truckers understand the importance of limited \par government. \par \par \page \par \par 5. Read Gun Week \par \par ``EVERY GOOD AND EXCELLENT THING STANDS MOMENT BY MOMENT ON THE RAZOR \par EDGE OF DANGER AND MUST BE FOUGHT FOR.'' Thornton Wilder. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Lack of information can be dangerous to you and your gun \par rights. The general media do not do an adequate job of giving an \par objective description of gun-related events and statistics. Whether \par it's the federal scene, or states and cities, there is no other way to \par get the crucial information as fast as subscribing to a publication \par dedicated to firearms information. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you didn't hear about a gun control proposal in Congress \par until your local paper reported the outcome of a Congressional vote, \par then you haven't been reading Gun Week. Gun Week keeps you posted on \par what the gun control lobby is doing before it is too late for you to \par do something. Regular reports from Washington DC keeps you up to date \par on federal issues, but Gun Week also reports on what is happening at \par state capitals around the country. Every week Gun Week tells you what \par you need to know to protect your gun rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Regular hunting reports are also a valuable part of your Gun \par Week subscription. Deer, elk, turkey, bear, waterfowl, upland birds, \par small game--Gun Week covers all the seasons. Most importantly, Gun \par Week covers the seasons on a regional and local level. When deer \par season in Pennsylvania looks terrific, elk hunting in Colorado looks \par so-so, or Michigan has just issued new hunting regulations, you'll \par read about it in Gun Week. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Week's new product reviews evaluate new outdoor products \par before you shell out your hard-earned money. Every week you can read \par reports about new clothing, handguns, rifles, sights, knives, powders, \par ammunition and anything that can make you a better hunter or shooter. \par Gun Week is also the first and best place to look for important \par product recalls that increase your safety. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun Week has been leading the media pack on industry news as \par well. Do you know about the metallurgical problems with the M-9 \par pistol, or the FBI's struggles to adopt a new semi-automatic, or the \par troubles at Glock? If none of this sounds familiar then you haven't \par been reading Gun Week. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A year's subscription costs $32.00, just $.64 per issue, which \par is probably less than the cup of coffee you get at the local diner. \par And there is no risk of disappointment; if you are not 100% satisfied \par you will be promptly refunded for unmailed issues--no questions asked, \par no hard feelings. You simply can't go wrong. In fact, you will \par probably wonder how you ever got along without it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 You can subscribe by calling the Second Amendment Foundation \par at 1-206-454-7012. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A few years ago, one of Rep. Charles Schumer's Brooklyn \par constituents bought him a gift subscription to Gun Week. Schumer was \par so upset that he wrote back, and asked to have the subscription \par canceled. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most Congresspeople, however, are not as frightened of open \par debate as Rep. Schumer is. A trial subscription sent to your Senator, \par or State Representative, or City Councilwoman probably won't turn them \par into NRA Life Members. But it may show some of them a new perspective. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And just maybe, some college intern in the office will read \par Gun Week with an open mind, and come to some new conclusions about the \par right to bear arms. \par \par \page \par \par 6. The Big Lie, or Don't Believe Everything You Read \par \par ``NO MATTER HOW THIN YOU SLICE IT, IT'S STILL BALONEY.'' New York \par Governor Alfred E. Smith, speech, 1936. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Handgun Control, Inc. knows how effective pro-rights \par grassroots lobbyists are. That's why HCI has invented a special \par campaign, ``Operation Alienate,'' designed to drive gun owners away \par from the NRA and other pro-rights organizations. What HCI hopes is \par that if you read enough negative information about the right to bear \par arms and its supporters, you'll stop working to defend your rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In fact, much of the anti-gun ``information'' you read in the \par press is really disinformation--falsehoods invented by the anti-gun \par lobbies, and thoughtlessly repeated by the media. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The problem of media disinformation is not limited to the gun \par issue. During the Persian Gulf War, University of Massachusetts \par sociologists Sut Jhally, Justin Lewis, and Michael Morgan tested \par people for their knowledge of important facts about the conflict (e.g. \par knowledge that Kuwait was not a democracy). The authors found that the \par more television people watched, the less they knew. That is, after \par controlling for other variables, the study discovered that people who \par watched a lot of television coverage of the war knew less about the \par war than people who watched only a little television. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the gun issue, who's telling the truth. The NRA and Handgun \par Control, Inc. both accuse each other of being fundamentally dedicated \par to dishonesty. At least one of the two organizations must be lying \par quite a bit. Here's what Library Journal said in its Sept. 15, 1988 \par ``Alarums and Diversions'' column: ``A highly placed library source in \par Washington, D.C. told A&D that the American Library Association lobby \par and the National Rifle Association lobby are the only ones whose \par information was considered consistently truthful and reliable by \par legislators.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So before you let some hysterical article in the national \par media drive you out of the guns rights movement, take the latest \par anti-gun screed with a big grain of salt. \par \par \page \par \par 7. Computer Bulletin Boards \par \par ``NECESSITY IS THE PLEA OF EVERY INFRINGEMENT OF HUMAN FREEDOM. IT IS \par THE ARGUMENT OF TYRANTS; IT IS THE CREED OF SLAVES.'' William Pitt, \par English statesman and friend of American independence, Speech on the \par India Bill, Nov. 18, 1783. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If your personal computer has a modem (short for \par ``modulator/demodulator''), the computer can communicate over phone \par lines with other computers. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you don't have a modem, you can buy either an internal \par modem (a circuit board that goes into one of your computer's expansion \par slots) or an external modem (which is attached to one of the serial \par ports at the back of your computer). In either case, the modem has two \par phone jacks in it, one of which runs to your telephone, the other of \par which runs to the wall jack (where the telephone line from outside \par enters the room). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Modems require communications software to run them; almost \par every modem vendor will supply you with software too. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The faster a modem, the more it costs. However, speedy modems \par will usually pay for themselves in the long run by saving you long \par distance charges (since they transmit data faster). Try to get a modem \par rated at least at 2400 bps, with 9600 being preferable (and \par increasingly affordable). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Anyway, once you've got a working modem, you can--using the \par communications software--instruct the modem to connect over the \par telephone lines with another computer that is ready to receive phone \par calls. You can then communicate with any other computer that also has \par a modem. For instance, you can dial your cousin Egbert's computer \par (assuming that he has a modem, and has his communications software on \par and ready to receive calls), and send him your file containing \par chocolate chip cookie recipes. Or better (from a gun rights point of \par view), you can dial a gun rights bulletin board. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A bulletin board is a computer that is dedicated to making \par itself available for communication with other computers. A bulletin \par board contains files, electronic mail, and other material of use to \par the people who dial in to the bulletin board. There are literally tens \par of thousands of bulletin boards in the United States, covering a huge \par diversity of topics. Below is a list of bulletin boards focusing on \par the right to bear arms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 All bulletin boards listed under state headings belong to the \par ``Paul Revere Network'' run by Leroy Pyle, and all Paul Revere boards \par echo each other; this means that if a file becomes available on one \par Paul Revere board, it will shortly become available on all Paul Revere \par boards. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Pro-rights bulletin boards transmit information \par instantaneously. They are unquestionably the fastest way to get \par in-depth information about gun rights issues around the nation. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The boards also have ``conferences,'' which are discussion \par areas for particular topics, such as reloading. Conference \par participants can write messages to each other, and leave the messages \par for viewing in the conference area. Thus, they can have a discussion \par stretching over weeks and months, without having to be sending their \par messages at the same time. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The bulletin board listing below is arranged by state. For all \par of these boards, your modem settings should be N-8-1. \par \par Arizona \par \par Brass Cannon. (602) 639-1039. \par \par Run-Time. (602) 779-3115. PRN \par \par Arkansas \par \par Conway PC Users Group. (501) 329-7227. \par \par California \par \par The Silhouetter. (209) 472-0843. \par \par PRN Los Angeles. (310) 837-7818. \par \par Telecommuter WorkSystems. (310) 676-0492. \par \par Paul Revere Network Headquarters. (408) 947-9800. \par \par PRNet/SF Eastbay. (510) 791-8246. \par \par The City of Tanelorn. (510) 803-0319. \par \par Rights of the People. (619) 961-1708. \par \par A&B Express. (619) 447-0641. \par \par Eagle's Nest. (818) 769-6584. \par \par Bullet Box. (818) 403-0399. \par \par NRA/ILA Sacramento. (916) 446-3221. \par \par Highsierra Online. (916) 577-4438. \par \par Florida \par \par RedMan. (305) 435-1972. \par \par Minnesota \par \par Minnesota MinuteMan. (612) 493-3558. \par \par Missouri \par \par Party Line. (314) 845-7937. \par \par PRN Central. (816) 597-3950. \par \par The Institute. (816) 421-3944. \par \par The Money Pit. (913) 287-1102. \par \par New Hampshire \par \par The Quiet Revolution. (603) 753-9716. \par \par VAXCAT. (603) 424-023. \par \par New York \par \par Airpower Rybbs. (215)- 259-2198. \par \par ImageSoft. (516) 767-5189. \par \par Midnite Caller. (716) 297-0291. \par \par Knights of Discovery. (716) 837-2901. \par \par The Outback. (914) 339-1816. \par \par Paul Revere Network. (914) 339-1816. \par \par The Network. (914) 635-9501. \par \par The Rifle Range. (914) 452-4753. \par \par PRN/DIS. (914) 635-2712. \par \par Ghandeel's Fortress. (914) 647-7280. \par \par The Final Encyclopedia. (914) 737-2539. \par \par Ohio \par \par PRN Cincinnati. (513) 474-9193. \par \par Liberty Line. (513) 891-2430. \par \par The Christian Star. (614) 841-9991. \par \par Oklahoma \par \par Gunners Mate. (918) 665-6841. \par \par Bedrock. (918) 985-6836. \par \par Oregon \par \par The Post House. (503) 667-2649. \par \par Pennsylvania \par \par 2nd Amendment. (814) 898-1732. \par \par South Carolina \par \par Schroedinger's Catbox. (803) 652-3759. \par \par Tennessee \par \par Southern Cross. (615) 349-5473. \par \par Reality Relief Fido. (615) 690-2227. \par \par Reality's Link. (615) 246-5595. \par \par Texas \par \par The Firing Line. (214) 341-5582. \par \par BackStage. (409) 721-9606. PRN \par \par Flotom Ent. (512) 282-3941. \par \par Jack's Range. (915) 757-9311. PRN \par \par Virginia \par \par Bullet 'n Board. (703) 971-4491. PRN \par \par PRN/LGC. (804) 877-8320. \par \par Washington \par \par Troubador Systems. (206) 661-2135. \par \par National \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Of all the pro-rights boards, the best one is Gun Talk, run by \par NRA/ILA. The number is 1-703-719-6406. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 To register as a user, you need to supply your NRA membership \par number, and pay a $15 annual fee (to defray part of the enormous \par hardware costs associated with operating a BBS with numerous incoming \par phone lines capable of operating simultaneously). You can register \par on-line, or by calling 1-800-GUN-TALK. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once you're registered, you have full access to the Gun Talk \par BBS, with no further fees (except of course long-distance charges from \par wherever you're calling). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The opening menu of Gun Talk offers you the option of reading \par any of about two dozen bulletins dealing with up-to-minute accounts of \par key political battles, recent news involving gun issues, and \par fast-breaking legislative developments. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A Files Section contains several hundred text files dealing \par with every angle of the right to bear arms issue. Historical articles \par about the original meaning of the Second Amendment; detailed analysis \par of topical issues such as waiting periods; reprints of articles from \par American Rifleman, American Hunter, and the popular media; ballistics \par tables; and much, much more are all available in the Files Section. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Files Section can be a tremendous resource when you need \par hard facts to put in a letter to the editor or to an elected official. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finally, Gun Talk allows you to send messages to other Gun \par Talk users. While you can send private messages to an individual, \par almost all messages are intended for public consumption, and are \par posted in a Message Section for all to read. The contents of the \par Messages Section are as diverse as the users, and include debates \par about the recent Presidential race, questions about reloading \par technique and gun repair, updates on forthcoming gun shows, and \par first-hand reports about what it's really like to try to get a pistol \par license in New York. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another national BBS paying attention to gun rights issue is \par the Outdoor Forum, on Compuserve. The Forum is shared by a number of \par hunting and outdoor groups. \par \par Canada \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Canadian bulletin boards dealing in part with firearms or the \par right to bear arms: \par \par CARS--The Automotive BBS (Alberta). (403) 752-3930. \par \par K9COPS BBS (British Columbia). (604) 599-0514. \par \par Yorkton Area Opus (Saskatchewan). (306) 782-1355. \par \par \page \par \par 8. Telephone Hotlines \par \par ``NOBODY MAKES A GREATER MISTAKE THAN HE WHO DOES NOTHING BECAUSE HE \par COULD ONLY DO A LITTLE.'' Edmund Burke \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Recorded telephone hotlines are one of the best sources for \par up-to-date information about gun control battles. You can call \par evenings or weekends, if you want to reduce long-distance charges. \par Besides the normal phone charge, there is no fee for calling any of \par these numbers, except as noted below. \par \par National \par \par Neal Knox's Firearms Coalition runs a high-quality automated phone \par message center. The messages are usually updated once or twice a week. \par 301-871-3006. \par \par International \par \par Sporting Shooters Association of Australia. Dial Australia, then 0055 \par 23308. This number is similar to a 900 number; besides long-distance \par charges, you also pay a premium to the phone company of up to 70 cents \par per minute. The SSAA earns revenue from the service. \par \par California \par \par California Rifle & Pistol Association. (800)-I'M 4 GUNS \par (800-464-4867). This 800 number is only usable from within California. \par \par Gun Owners ACTION Committee. 714-871-4515. \par \par Colorado \par \par Firearms Coalition. 303-369-GUNS. \par \par Connecticut \par \par Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen. 203-722-3030. \par \par Massachusetts \par \par Sportsmen's Legislative Hotline. (800) 338-6999. (Only from within \par Mass.) \par \par Missouri \par \par Western Missouri Shooters' Alliance. (816) 444-0228. \par \par Texas \par \par Texas State Rifle Association. (512) 288-3242. \par \par North Texas Arms Rights Coalition (214) 270-4068. \par \par \page \par \par 9. Attend a Leadership Training Seminar \par \par ``PARUM PROFICET SCIRE FIERI DEBEL, SI NON COGNOSCUS QUOMODO SIT \par FACTURUM.'' (Roman legal maxim: ``It profits little to know what ought \par to be done, if you do not know how it is to be done.'') \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you want to be a part of the gun rights movement, then \par eventually you must meet with other members and leaders of the \par movement. Fortunately, with the gun rights movement this is easy to \par do. \par \par Gun Rights Policy Conference \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Each year, the major players in the gun rights movement gather \par at an event called the Gun Rights Policy Conference. Together with \par activists from across the nation, as well as local participants, each \par year's activities are reviewed, and strategies shared. The Gun Rights \par Policy Conference provides you with an inside scope view of how the \par gun rights movement operates, and lets you become a part of that \par process. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Since 1986 the annual meeting, which is free to the public, \par has been sponsored by the Second Amendment Foundation, the Citizens \par Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms and Gun Week newspaper. \par In addition, over 40 other organizations and industry leaders provide \par funding or other types of support to the conference. The GRPC has \par gained the attention of the national media for its ability to draw \par together all of the heavy hitters in the pro-gun movement. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The GRPC is the largest meeting of its kind in America. \par Registration for the event has risen steadily each year as more people \par experience the benefits of attending the conference. As a result, \par opportunities abound for interested individuals to talk face-to-face \par with the people who are on the front lines and in the headlines. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The schedule for the GRPC is spread out over two nights and \par three days. Participants are free to select which events to attend as \par receptions, speeches, panel discussions and other meetings give \par everyone the opportunity to participate fully. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make your plans to attend the next Gun Rights Policy \par Conference by contacting the Second Amendment Foundation, 12500 NE \par 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. 1-206-454 7012. \par \par Attend a Leadership Training Conference \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you cannot attend the Gun Rights Policy Conference the next \par best thing to do is attend a Leadership Training Conference held by \par the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. These \par meetings are much smaller both in size and scope than the GRPC, but \par the lessons learned are no less valuable. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Leadership Training Conferences are one day events where the \par focus is on intensive training in the art of grass roots lobbying. The \par speakers and materials aim to assist motivated individuals in becoming \par effective voices in the gun rights movement. Topics include means to \par affect the outcome of legislative deliberations, organizing a local \par gun rights organization, successful fund raising, organizing a \par communications network and other aspects of the daily fight to save \par our firearms rights from extinction. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make your plans to attend the next Leadership Training \par Conference in your area by contacting the Projects Director at the \par Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms 12500 NE 10th \par Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. 1-206-454-4911. \par \par \page \par \par 10. Speeches and Debates \par \par ``GUARD WITH JEALOUS ATTENTION THE PUBLIC LIBERTY. SUSPECT EVERYONE \par WHO APPROACHES THAT JEWEL.'' Patrick Henry. \par \par Style \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Begin to establish a bond with the audience by relating an \par experience of your own which the audience is likely to have shared. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Wear a suit and tie (just a suit, if you're female). Surveys \par of college students show that they have more intellectual respect for \par professors who dress professionally, rather than the ones who dress \par casually. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Instead of writing the speech word for word, jot down key \par words and topics that you can glance at as you go along. It's much \par more fun to hear somebody who's speaking instead of somebody who's \par reading aloud. Keep your sentences short, remembering that things \par presented orally must be simpler than things delivered in writing. \par Make sure that your speech has a beginning, a middle, and a \par conclusion. Maintain eye contact with the audience as much as \par possible. Instead of looking over the audience's heads, focus on one \par particular person, and speak directly to her. Of course make sure to \par keep changing the person you focus on. Practice, practice, practice \par your speech before you deliver it to the audience. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One obvious audience for speeches is gun clubs or hunting \par clubs. But don't overlook other potential audiences. For example, \par groups such as Rotary Clubs have weekly luncheon meetings, always with \par a new speaker. Same for the Kiwanis, for women's clubs, and for the \par League of Women Voters. Many would be glad to have someone address \par their group about a topic in the news. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And bring along some written materials to hand out to \par interested people afterwards. Membership flyers from your local gun \par rights group are a good choice, as is any of the educational material \par discussed above chapter 1. \par \par Substance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Choose one topic for a short speech. It's much easier to write a \par good, powerful speech on a single subject, than to try to cover the \par whole field. A single topic might be ``The Truth about So-called \par Assault Weapons'' or ``What the Second Amendment Means'' or ``Why \par Concealed Carry Permit Laws Are a Good Idea'' or ``Why Waiting Periods \par Don't Work'' or ``Because the Police have no Legal Obligation to Protect \par Individuals, People Need the Ability to Protect Themselves.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition, gear the topic to the audience. If you're \par speaking for a gun club, the audience might appreciate a fairly \par ``advanced'' topic, such as how waiting periods set the stage for gun \par prohibition. In contrast, an audience of Rotarians might want an \par elementary introduction to the Second Amendment, or a discussion of \par the importance of self-defense and responsible gun ownership in \par today's high-crime society. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As with virtually every other type of persuasive \par communication, concrete examples work well. If you're talking about \par waiting periods, discuss the people who couldn't get a gun to defend \par their families during the Los Angeles riots because of California's \par 15-day waiting period. \par \par Debates \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most the same rules applicable to speeches apply to debates as \par well. One major difference is that you'll have much less time to \par develop your points. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In debates (and in general), try to stay focused on the \par pro-rights positive agenda, instead of attempting to rebut \par point-by-point every argument made by your opponent. If your debate \par opponents says something like ``The gun nuts want semi-automated \par plastic machine guns firing cop-killer teflon bullets to be sold to \par children without a waiting period,'' it would take you 15 minutes to \par rebut each of the charges contained in the single sentence. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Instead, keep the debate on our positive issues, with which \par the vast majority of people agree with us: using force to defend home \par and family is morally legitimate; because the police cannot protect \par everyone, people should have the option to protect themselves; \par criminals are afraid of and deterred by armed citizens; gun controls \par affect only criminals, and distract politicians from genuine solutions \par to crime. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Except in front of an audience of lawyers or similar group, \par don't spend a lot of time on Constitutional issues. You can make the \par point that your own state Constitution (in most states) as well as the \par federal Constitution guarantee a right to bear arms, and the US \par Supreme Court re-affirmed the individual right in the 1990 \par Verdugo-Urquidez case. But in general, non-lawyer audiences are more \par likely to be persuaded by practical arguments than by legal ones. \par \par \page \par \par 11. Look Good on TV \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH JAILS, NOT ENOUGH POLICEMEN, NOT ENOUGH \par COURTS TO ENFORCE A LAW NOT SUPPORTED BY THE PEOPLE.'' Vice-President \par Hubert H. Humphrey, speech, Williamsburg, Virginia, May 1, 1965. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When gun control stories are happening, television stations \par often come to local gun stores for interviews and pictures. Sometimes \par the media uses the gun store footage for anti-gun purposes. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A typical anti-gun segment might show a police chief calling \par for ``strict gun control'' and offering some phony statistic. Then the \par announcer would say, ``But not everyone agrees.'' The picture then \par shifts to a gun store owner with a two-day old beard and a ratty \par shirt, claiming that ``Gun control is just a conspiracy of the damn \par liberals.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Viewers who are making up their minds about the issue will \par find the neat and clean police chief much more convincing than the \par slovenly store owner. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So if you get a request for an interview, accept only if can \par make sure that you and your surroundings (such as your body and/or gun \par store) are neat and tidy before the cameras roll. And only if you feel \par confident that you know enough about the particular issue to speak \par persuasively. It's no disgrace modestly to step aside, and suggest \par someone else who you know to be a good talker. It is a disgrace to put \par your ego ahead of the pro-rights cause, and do a bad job when someone \par else could have done a good job. \par \par Preparing your Substance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before the television appearance, watch as many segments of \par the program as you can. Write down about four key points you want to \par convey. The purpose of writing isn't for you to read out loud later, \par but to help you organize your thoughts. Think up concrete examples \par that support your point. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even if the interviewer is sympathetic to your point of view, \par he or she will try to ask you challenging questions. That's how \par journalists conceive their job. So during your preparation work, think \par of the hardest questions that someone could ask. And think of the \par questions that someone might asked, based on the other side's main \par arguments. Then think up responses to all those hard questions. Have a \par friend play the role of interviewer, and ask you tough questions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One good way to handle hostile questions is to use them as a \par transition to the positive points you want to make. That way, instead \par of being on the defensive, you're communicating a positive agenda. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For example, if the question is ``Why do you support the \par availability of these assault weapons which drug dealers like so \par much?'' the answer could be ``Actually those guns are hardly ever used \par by criminals. Most of the folks who like semiautomatics are target \par shooters, or people who want a reliable home-defense firearm.'' \par \par Preparing your Appearance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As we keep suggesting throughout this book in regards to \par public appearances, dress conservatively, preferably in a business \par suit. Never dress in hunting clothes, camouflage, or carry a gun. \par Even if the station asks you to. The station's interest in \par sensationalism is outweighed by your interest in looking dignified. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For television, there are also a couple other clothing \par suggestions. The ideal men's shirt is a light blue one, and the ideal \par tie is a conservative one. If you're a male with long hair or beard, \par follow your mother's advice (just this once), and get it neatly \par trimmed. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If your ego is too big to let a barber tidy up your beard a \par little, then you're putting your personal satisfaction ahead of \par everyone else's freedom. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 During the 1968 New Hampshire Democratic Presidential primary, \par Senator Eugene McCarthy was helped tremendously by the thousands of \par young people who came to New Hampshire to support his insurgent \par campaign against President Lyndon Johnson. The youthful volunteers \par were mainly motivated by McCarthy's strong stand against the Vietnam \par War, and the volunteers, similar to like-minded youth of the era, \par sported thick beards and long hair. And the men were even more \par far-out! \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Yet when these ``long-haired'' rebels headed off to \par conservative New Hampshire to campaign door-to-door, they got \par haircuts, following their motto ``Clean for Gene.'' Their objective \par was to help Gene McCarthy beat Lyndon Johnson; and if it required a \par haircut to avoid alienating New Hampshire voters, they got a haircut. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And on primary day, little-known, underfinanced Senator Eugene \par McCarthy garnered a stunning 42% of the New Hampshire vote. Within \par weeks, President Johnson withdrew his bid for re-election. Going \par ``Clean for Gene'' had knocked out an incumbent President. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So if a 1968 hippie was willing to get a crew cut, you can at \par least ask the barber to trim your beard a little. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Television stations generally won't offer to apply makeup, but \par if you arrive early and ask for it, they might put some on for you. \par Makeup is helpful, but not at all essential, particularly with modern \par studio lighting, which is much less likely to make you sweat than its \par predecessors from a couple decades ago. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Women can continue to use whatever makeup they feel \par comfortable with already, as long as it's not excessive. Use lipstick \par and eye liner sparingly. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If any of jewelry is larger than ``small,'' leave it at home. \par Jangly jewelry will distract the viewers. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Women's clothes should emphasize soft colors. Big prints, big \par polka dots, bold stripes, and giant checked patterns are out. So are \par pure black, pure white, and pure black and white. Ideally, your suit, \par skirt, or dress should come below the knee. Pants are okay too, and \par should also go below the knee. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While dressing conservatively, still pick out clothes that \par you're comfortable in and familiar with. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Obviously there are a lot of television personalities who \par don't follow the above clothing guidelines, and who look great on TV. \par At the same time, there are a lot of television personalities who do \par follow these guidelines, and also look great. The guidelines aren't \par intended for Geraldo; they're intended to help someone who's not a \par professional TV person look their best the first time out. After \par you've done a dozen TV appearances, you'll have enough experience \par under your belt to figure out if you can vary the appearance \par guidelines a little. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And remember, gun control is a ``hot button'' issue, and the \par other side tries hard to whip up public hysteria. Our job in \par communicating with the public is to present the calm, rational side of \par things. If your appearance is conservative and dignified, it supports \par your message instead of distracting from it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When the crew is done taping you, leave the interviewer a card \par or piece of paper with your name and phone number, in case they need \par to do any follow-up. When you get home, send thank-you notes to the \par television station's contact person, and to the interviewer. \par \par On the Air \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Keep your head steady. Don't bob it around, the way you do in \par normal conversation. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Maintain eye contact with the interviewer, not the camera. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're in a chair, sit up straight (but don't be rigid). \par Remember what your mother taught you about posture. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If a mike is clipped on your shirt or tie (which is common in \par many sitting interviews), don't play with it! \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 SMILE! And then smile some more. A somber face on television \par looks terrible. And on television, a small smile looks almost somber. \par So let out your natural enthusiasm with a bright smile. (At the same \par time, don't make it look forced or unnatural.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And just as your face can convey your enthusiasm, so can your \par voice--not in an angry or frantic manner--but in a vibrant, positive \par way. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you naturally talk with your hands and arms, keep on doing \par so. Television likes things that move. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Be nice. No matter how discourteous the interviewer may be to \par you, stay nice, and don't blow your cool. Remember, you're trying to \par make a good impression on the folks in television land, who may notice \par how you act much more than what you say. If you stay calm while the \par interviewer works himself into a hissy fit, you'll score points for \par the good guys. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Being nice, by the way, doesn't mean you can't be assertive. \par You just have to be nice while doing it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before answering, pause for a couple or three seconds to \par organize your answer. If you're being taped for later broadcast, the \par station will edit out any pauses. If you're live on the air, you'll \par still sound better with good answers than with hurried ones. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the interviewer or interviewers ask you several questions \par simultaneously, don't get flustered. This isn't a doctoral \par dissertation oral exam, and you don't have to answer every question. \par Answer the one that gives you the best opportunity to present your \par positive agenda. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Keep your answers to each question to three sentences or less. \par A good format is to give the main point, and then illustrate it with \par one example. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you keep your answers short, the station will be more \par likely to use the points that you wanted to make. If you give \par rambling, lengthy answers, the station's editors might pick out the \par weakest or silliest statement you made, ignoring the good points that \par surrounded it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And despite all the preparatory warnings above, relax. You've \par probably got a nice personality, a good mind, and a pretty smile. Just \par let them shine through, and you'll be fine. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finally, when you gather your family around the television to \par watch the fifteen minute interview that was taped, don't feel \par disappointed when only five seconds of you shows up on the air. \par Television stations routinely shoot far more material than they expect \par to use. The theory is by shooting a lot, they build themselves a \par margin of safety to ensure they'll have all the good material they \par need. \par \par \page \par \par 12. Confronting the Media \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``THE BRAVE MAN INATTENTIVE TO HIS DUTY, IS WORTH LITTLE MORE TO \par HIS COUNTRY, THAN THE COWARD WHO DESERTS HER IN THE HOUR OF DANGER.'' \par General Andrew Jackson, speech to troops before the Battle of New \par Orleans, January 8, 1815. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In rare cases, the media may impose a black-out on the pro-gun \par viewpoint. This doesn't mean the kind of coverage typical of the New \par York Times, where the news articles are usually slanted against guns, \par and the in-house editorials are always anti-gun, but pro-gun op-eds \par pieces and letters-to-the-editor do appear from time to time. Instead, \par we're talking about newspapers like the San Jose Mercury-News or the \par Minneapolis Star-Tribune, which have from time to time shut the \par pro-rights viewpoint out entirely. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In cases of pervasive or systemic bias, ask for a meeting with \par the relevant person at the newspaper or broadcast station (the news \par editor, or the editorial page editor, or the person in charge of \par letters to the editor). Bring two or three well-informed people to the \par meeting, and bring extensive clips from the paper documenting the \par problem. (Or for broadcast media, written notes of particular problems \par with particular shows.) Also bring pro-gun articles and books to give \par to the newspaper as background information. (If you can, avoid books \par published by gun groups.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While the meeting will certainly not turn an anti-gun \par newspaper into a pro-gun one, it might convince the paper to let some \par opposing viewpoints trickle into print once in a while. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If your efforts at reasonable dialogue hit a stone wall, hold \par a rally in front of the media outlet, decrying its bias. Make sure to \par invite all the other media outlets in town to attend. And make sure to \par have detailed documentation of the picketed outlet's bias available. \par \par PART II \par \par INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The battle in the arena of public opinion is a warm-up for the \par battle in the halls of government. Here's how you can stop the passage \par of laws restricting freedom, and promote reform of existing laws that \par infringe our rights. \par \par \page \par \par 13. Register Voters, Not Guns \par \par ``SO THEY COMMITTED THEMSELVES TO THE WILL OF GOD AND RESOLVED TO \par PROCEED.'' William Bradford, Plymouth Plantation (1647). \par \par Does Registering to Vote Matter? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some people may tell you that voting by our side doesn't make \par a difference. Nonsense. Just ask Moody Stallings. Virginia State \par Senator Moody Stallings centered his re-election campaign with boasts \par about his attacks on the NRA. In November 1991, Stallings was defeated \par for re-election, thanks in large part to pro-rights volunteers who \par flocked to Stallings' opponent, and got out the vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every single vote really does count. During the 1980s in \par California, over 21 local elections were decided by a single vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even in Presidential elections, pro-gun voters can make a \par difference. In 1980 and 1988, the pro-gun vote swung Pennsylvania (and \par several other states) to Ronald Reagan and George Bush. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some folks complain about the paperwork and bother involved in \par registration. The question to ask them is: ``Would you rather register \par to vote, or register your guns?'' Either we vote and win elections, or \par the other side wins, and national registration of all guns will become \par a reality. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When we don't win elections, we pay a heavy price. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In 1990, Senator Howard Metzenbaum helped push a bill banning \par semi-automatics through the Senate by pointing out that the NRA had \par failed to defeat him in 1988, despite his being a fierce opponent of \par gun rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 New York Governor Mario Cuomo expressed the sentiment that \par shows why many politicians feel free to ignore the opinion of gun \par owners. He called people who opposed his mandatory seat belt law ``NRA \par hunters who drink beer, don't vote and lie to their wives about where \par they were all weekend.'' Beer-drinking is your own business, and where \par you were this weekend is between you and your spouse. As an American \par citizen you have a duty to vote, and a duty to vote against \par politicians who want to destroy our rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 (Cuomo, by the way, apologized for the slur on the NRA, \par although he never recanted his anti-gun positions.) \par \par Finding Information about Registration \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The starting point for every registration campaign is the \par county election commission or similar office. The Commission will have \par all the information you need about registration. Procedures vary a lot \par from state to state. The Commission will also probably have plenty of \par free ``how to register'' literature that you can take and distribute. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition to county election commissions, the Secretary of \par State's office (located in the capital city of each state) also has \par voter registration information. At the state government level, the \par Secretary of State (usually an elected official) is the person \par responsible for supervising elections. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another source for registration information is the local \par League of Women Voters. You could also contact the Election Services \par Division, League of Women Voters Education Fund, 1730 M St. NW, \par Washington, DC 20036, (202) 429-1965. The League is, unfortunately, \par anti-gun, which will make it all the more satisfying to use its \par resources to elect pro-rights candidates. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Political parties are also an excellent place to go for \par registration assistance. \par \par Getting People Registered \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 After you've gotten yourself registered, the next step is \par registering as many pro-rights voters as you can. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In many states, you can take voting registration sheets and \par sign up new voters yourself. Once the forms are filled out, you mail \par them to the county election commission. Be sure to read the \par instructions carefully, and follow them exactly. One tiny error could \par easily invalidate a whole sheet of new voters. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In states that don't have registration by mail, you can still \par distribute how-to-register information, and encourage individuals to \par register. Lots of potential voters who are intimidated by the \par bureaucracy will register once you put the how-to information in their \par hands. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun clubs are a good starting point for voter registration. \par Just as every gun club member should belong to the NRA, every club \par member should be registered to vote. No excuses. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In states with registration by mail, all it takes is about 20 \par minutes at a regular club meeting to distribute, fill out, and collect \par all necessary information for every single club member to register. \par The following states allow mail registration: Alaska, California, \par Delaware, Florida (under special circumstances), Hawaii, Iowa, \par Kentucky, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, \par New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, \par Utah, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In states which don't allow registration by mail, a gun club \par meeting can be scheduled during which to march the whole club down to \par the election commission, and register en masse. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun shows and gun stores are other good places to distribute \par registration material. Gun store owners might want to put a \par registration leaflet in every customer's sack, and gun show operators \par might want to give such a leaflet to everyone buying an admission \par ticket. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And when you're handing out the registration material, hand \par out some other literature on the right to bear arms, and the threat it \par faces. (Some good sources of free materials include the NRA/ILA \par Research & Information office, the Second Amendment Foundation, and \par the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. See \par chapter 1 for more info.) \par \par \page \par \par 14. A Guide to the Legislative Process \par \par ``THE BEST ARGUMENT IS THAT WHICH SEEMS MERELY AN EXPLANATION.'' Dale \par Carnegie \par \par Organization of the Legislative Body \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 All state legislatures, as well as the US Congress, are divided \par into two houses. (Nebraska, with one house, is the lone exception.) \par The lower house (with a larger number of members, representing smaller \par districts) is usually called the House of Representatives, or \par sometimes the Assembly. The upper house, containing fewer members who \par each represent larger districts, is usually called the Senate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the city or county level, these is usually only one legislative \par body, generally called the City Council, or Board of County \par Commissioners. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The practice of dividing a legislative body into two houses is \par called ``bicameralism.'' In order to become law, a bill must pass both \par houses of the legislature. Bicameralism provides a check on hasty, \par poorly-written, or emotional legislation. It's no surprise, therefore, \par that the anti-gun movement is generally much more successful at the \par city council level than at the state legislature level. \par \par How a bill Moves through the Legislature \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Upon introduction by a legislator, the bill is assigned a number. \par The number reflects the house of origin, and the order of \par introduction. For example, if the bill is the 52d bill introduced in \par the Senate during the year, the bill will be ``S. 52'' or ``S.B. 52.'' \par (The ``B.'' stands for ``Bill.'') \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once the bill has been introduced and assigned a number, it should \par be available from the ``bill room'' of the legislature. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make sure to notify your National Rifle Association state liaison \par and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms about \par any gun-related bills that are introduced as soon as you hear about \par them. The national pro-rights organizations depend on local activists \par to be their eyes and ears about gun issues in their area. The national \par groups have only a limited ability to monitor state legislatures, and \par almost no ability to monitor city and county government. They need you \par to keep them up to date. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 State legislatures and city councils (but usually not boards of \par county commissioners) have committees that specialize in particular \par subjects. A bill dealing with firearms issues will usually be sent to \par the Judiciary Committee, although there are sometimes other \par committees, such as Public Safety, State Affairs, Military Affairs, or \par Local Affairs that might hear the bill. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The committee will schedule a public hearing, where interested \par persons will have the opportunity to testify. (See chapter 24 for \par hints on testimony.) The bill may be revised in committee. If the \par committee votes to approve the bill, the bill is sent to the full \par house for consideration. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In rare cases, the bill may be sent to another committee. For \par example, a bill which increases the penalty for unlicensed gun \par possession might first be sent to the Judiciary Committee, and then \par the Appropriations Committee. The latter committee would consider the \par fiscal impact of the extra prison space required by the increased \par penalty. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The assigning of bills to particular committees is the \par responsibility of the leaders of the majority party in the house. \par Usually the leaders have great discretion. If they favor a bill, they \par will send it to a committee that they expect will approve the bill; \par and if the leadership doesn't like the bill, they will send the bill \par to a committee they expect to bury it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the bill survives the committee process, it is brought up on \par the floor of the particular house for a vote. So if the bill was \par sponsored by a Senator, it would have been sent to the Senate \par Judiciary Committee. If approved by Senate Judiciary, the bill would \par be voted on by the full Senate. If approved by the full Senate, the \par bill would then be sent over the House of Representatives. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once in the House of Representatives, the bill would go through \par the same process, being assigned to a committee, and if successful in \par committee, being voted on the full House of Representatives. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Thus, opponents of a bill have at least four separate \par opportunities to kill it: once in Senate Committee, once on the Senate \par floor, once in the House Committee, and once on the House floor. As a \par result, it's much easier to kill legislation than to pass it. This is \par exactly as was intended by the framers of the federal and state \par constitutions, who wished to guard against the proliferation of laws. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the city or county level, there will be only one legislative \par body, and there may be no committees. So to be enacted, a bill may \par need only to receive a single vote of approval. This is one important \par reason why anti-gun forces have been so much more successful at the \par local level than the state level. This is also one reason why \par preemption laws are so important, in order to make sure that laws on \par crucial issues like gun rights are made only at the state level. \par (State legislatures can, if they wish to, enact laws ``preempting'' \par local laws on a particular subject, in order that legislation on the \par subject be uniform throughout the state; about 40 states have some \par form of preemption for gun laws.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the bill has passed through the legislature, it is sent to the \par executive branch (the president, governor, or mayor), for approval. \par The executive may sign the bill, or veto it. If the bill is vetoed, it \par may become law anyway, if two-thirds of each legislative body vote to \par override the veto. (A few legislative bodies, such as the Indiana \par legislature, can override the veto with a simple majority.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The above discussion is a general outline that leaves out numerous \par details and complications. Legislators who are expert in legislative \par procedure can find numerous ways to revive bills that have been \par killed, to avoid the committee process, and to accomplish all sorts of \par other strange results. \par \par How to Get Information About the Law \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most state capitols have a ``bill room'' or other area where \par interested citizens can pick up copies of proposed legislation. In \par some states, the bill room staff can mail a bill to you. You make \par their life much easier by knowing the bill's number. Staffers for your \par Congressperson can help you get copies of federal bills, although the \par process will usually take a while. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Studying the exact language of a bill is very important. Careful \par review of the bill may save you from making false statements about the \par bill which your opponents (or your legislator's staffer) will quickly \par refute. In addition, legislators are more apt to be persuaded by \par people who can discuss the concrete details of a bill, rather than \par people who just make generic statements about ``gun control.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Careful attention to language is also important because major \par results can flow from tiny revisions in drafting; just removing the \par word ``or'' and replacing it with ``and'' can turn a reasonable gun law \par into a highly repressive one. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you need to refer to existing city (municipal) law, the city \par hall will have a copy of existing city laws. Law libraries, and some \par public libraries, will have copies of state and federal laws. Most \par courthouses will have their own small law library. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Compilations of statutes will usually have a key-word index at the \par end. If you don't find something under ``gun,'' look under ``firearms,'' \par ``arms'' and ``weapons.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bound volumes of statutes are not updated every year to reflect \par new laws which have been passed. The new laws can be found in the \par ``pocket part'' at the back of each volume. Make sure to look in the \par pocket part before considering your study of a particular law \par complete. If there has been a change made in the last couple years, \par the new wording will likely be found in the pocket part, and not the \par main volume. \par \par How Your Congressperson Gets Information \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators suffer from the unhappy dilemma of being starved for \par information at the same time they are drowning in it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Congresspeople must live and work in Washington, DC, but have to \par represent the views of folks in their district. Indeed, staying \par employed as a Congressperson means keeping the folks at home happy. \par How can you live in Washington, and at the same time know what the \par folks in Kalamazoo are thinking? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Many state legislators face a similar problem. They live and work \par in state capitols such as Albany, but have to represent the views of \par their district far away in Brooklyn. How to stay in touch? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One obvious way is to read the hometown newspapers. But while \par newspapers are important sources of information, the concerns of \par journalists aren't necessarily the concerns of ordinary folks. Yet \par after a while, legislators tend to confuse newspaper opinion with \par public opinion. So when the editorial board of your hometown newspaper \par goes on an anti-gun rampage, your representative starts to think the \par folks back home are against guns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators also depend on letters from their district, which is \par one reason that mail operations are so important to most legislative \par offices. And legislators also rely on the in-person contacts they have \par when they go back to the district. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Yet while legislators are desperate for information from the \par district, their are overwhelmed with information about legislation. \par Even in the smallest state legislatures, elected officials must make \par decisions about a bewildering variety of topics every day. Lobbyists \par try to buttonhole the legislators as they walk from one committee to \par another; bills hundreds of pages long are introduced on Monday and \par require a vote on Wednesday; and a torrent of printed matter descends \par on the legislative office every day. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Knowing the twin conditions of information glut and information \par starvation faced by the legislators, gear your presentations to cure \par both problems at once. The most persuasive argument you can present to \par a legislator is how a bill will affect his own district, and how \par people at home will react--that cures the legislator's problem of \par information starvation. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Deliver your arguments in easy to understand, carefully-prepared \par formats, such as a strong one-page letter, or a well-practiced five \par minute presentation during an office meeting with the legislator. \par Instead of just handing him a transcript or a book or a stack of \par articles, you will have already digested the material for him, and \par presented it to him in a readily accessible way. That cures his second \par problem of information overload. (You can still hand him the stack of \par articles that supports the information in your one-page issue summary; \par he'll be impressed with your thoroughness, and his aide might actually \par look at some of the articles.) \par \par \page \par \par 15. Letters to Elected Officials \par \par ``TO SIN BY SILENCE WHEN THEY SHOULD PROTEST MAKES COWARDS OUT OF MEN.'' \par Abraham LincolnCoalition of NJ Sportsmen, July 1991. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The section on letters is one of the longest in the book. Why? \par Because writing to legislators and other public officials is the \par single most effective way for a regular person to influence the \par political process. In preserving Second Amendment rights, nothing is \par more important than exercising the First Amendment right to write \par letters. For ease of reading, we refer to ``legislators'' in this \par chapter, but the suggestions are equally applicable to any public \par official \par \par Style and Mechanics \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Include your return address, so the elected official can recognize \par that you're from her district, and can send you a reply. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If know or have met the legislator, and feel it is appropriate to \par address him/her with a first name, do so. (A familiar salutation will \par get more attention from the staffer, but will annoy the legislator if \par you're never really met him.) If you're not in a position to write \par ``Dear Pat,'' then use either of the following salutations for Senators: \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Senator \par \par Dear Senator Grobnowski \par \par The salutations for a member of the House of Representatives can be \par any of the following: \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Representative Zortch \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Representative \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Congressman \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Congresswoman \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Congressman Fudpucker \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Congresswoman Zortch \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dear Mr. Fudpucker \par \par Use the same principles for other officials. ``Dear Governor'' and ``Dear \par Governor Jameson'' are both fine; ``Dear Backstabbing Liar'' isn't. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Keep the letter to one page or less. It's much more effective to \par use your time to write several short letters instead of one long tome. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you'd like to convey more information than can fit on one page, \par send along copies of supportive printed materials, such as newspaper \par and magazine articles, or other studies. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Type the letter if you can; otherwise write neatly. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you have personal or business stationary, use it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you know the fax number for the office you're writing to, send \par a fax, since faxes (being rarer than letters) get noticed. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you sign the letter, don't bother to include your affiliation \par with a pro-rights organization (unless you're writing on behalf of the \par organization). Your legislator already knows what the NRA thinks about \par the bill, so adding ``NRA Life Member'' to your signature block doesn't \par tell the legislator anything new. Gun rights groups get their \par influence from citizen activists, not the other way around. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In contrast, signing something about your role in the community \par (college student, bus driver, nurse, or the like), may help the \par legislator learn about the broad cross-section of the community that \par is pro-rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Originality is essential. You don't have to go do your own \par statistical analysis of the effectiveness of state waiting period \par laws. But you do have to say things in your own words. Simply mouthing \par the slogans from pro-gun sources shows that you didn't care enough to \par think up your own language. Since you appear less committed, your \par letter will be less influential. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you feel shy because you may not write as smoothly as does \par someone who writes for a gun magazine, don't worry. Legislators aren't \par looking for superior rhetoric and linguistic excellence. They just \par want to know that you care. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Originality is also essential in the physical letter. Don't even \par think of writing one letter, and sending photocopies to several \par elected officials. If the issue isn't important enough to you to send \par an original copy, the legislator won't worry much about pleasing you \par with his vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Of course you can use your word processor to send various original \par print-outs of the same text to several legislators. As far as the \par legislators can tell, they're getting an original. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 You can save time by keeping a letter-writing file containing the \par addresses of officials you write to. Chapter 16 of this book contains \par addresses for many federal officials, and includes space for you to \par pencil in the addresses of everyone you write to. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Encouraging other pro-gun people to write is an excellent idea. \par Gun clubs can have ``letter parties'' at their monthly meetings. Bring a \par supply of paper, envelopes, and pens, and let the club know about \par what's going on in the legislature. Fifteen minutes later, all 25 \par members have written letters that are ready to be stamped and mailed. \par \par When \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The time to write a letter is whenever a gun bill is being \par considered by a legislative body. Over the course of a typical year, \par everyone ought to write at least two letters each to her US \par Representative, two Senators, President, Governor, and state \par legislators. Some hardworking folks will write more often, and as long \par as they don't write to the same official more than once every month or \par two, every extra letter helps. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The time to violate the one letter/month letter limit is for the \par follow-up letters described below. \par \par Who \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The most important people to mail to are people whose elections \par you vote in. A Congressman from California doesn't care a lot about \par what people in West Virginia think. So when you write people whose \par election doesn't depend on your vote, focus on people who might want \par to stay on your good side anyway. The US Representative who represents \par a district on the other side of your state may care about you if he's \par thinking of running statewide for Senator or Governor. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also, if a Congressperson has taken a leadership role on \par pro-rights issues, send him or her a thank-you no matter where you \par live. The Congressperson will like the idea of becoming a \par nationally-known leader. \par \par Substance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Be polite. Honey catches more flies than vinegar. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A letter should be about one particular issue or bill, which the \par letter should identify right away. If you know the bill number, \par mention it. For example: ``I am writing to let you know of my \par opposition the proposal to outlaw many semiautomatic firearms, Senate \par Bill 666.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Offer reasons why your action would be a good idea: ``The \par preemption bill would make gun laws uniform throughout the state. \par Everyone will have an easier time obeying one consistent set of laws, \par instead of hodgepodge of city and county laws.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Mention anything about your background that would be especially \par interesting to the official. If you are affiliated with law \par enforcement (e.g., police officer, former prosecutor), say so. Same if \par you're a kid. (Only people who are presently children should say so; \par being a former child doesn't count.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 It seems counterintuitive that being under the voting age would \par make a legislator more interested in your letter, but it's true. First \par of all, the legislator expects you to become a voter one day. Second, \par children and teenagers are less involved than are adults in political \par issues, so the fact that you are involved stands out all the more. \par Most importantly, children and teenagers get less mail than adults do, \par and tend to treat the mail they do get as more significant. Thus, the \par legislator thinks that his letter to a young person may be brought to \par a history or civics class for discussion, or at the very least talked \par about within the young person's family. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you have voted for the elected official before, or contributed \par to her campaign, or are an active member of her political party, let \par her know. Of course don't make something up. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you are familiar with any of the legislator's past acts or \par words on the gun issue, weave them into the letter. For example, \par ``During your campaign, you stated at a speech at South Bonaparte High \par School that you were against gun control. I hope you will be able to \par maintain the pro-rights commitment you made then by voting against the \par waiting period bill.'' Or: ``Your vote several months ago in favor of \par the ban on semiautomatic firearms was very disappointing. Too many of \par our American rights have already been eroded. I hope you will be able \par to protect what's left of the right to bear arms, and vote against the \par waiting period bill.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Personalize the letter as much as you can. If you met the \par legislator ten weeks ago at a public event, say so. It's okay if all \par the meeting amounted to was you shaking his hand and saying ``I'm John \par Josephson,'' and all he said was ``Nice to meet you.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The prior meeting need not have had any policy discussion to be \par worth mentioning in your letter: ``It was good to say hello to you last \par month at the county frog-jumping contest. I'd like to let you know \par about my concern regarding the upcoming vote on S. 228, the handgun \par waiting period bill.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Likewise, if you've met or talked with a staffer, say so: ``I \par called your office last May to discuss the gun issue, and had the \par pleasure of talking with your assistant Bob Anderson.'' And if the \par staffer was pleasant or helpful, say so. \par \par Things not to do \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Getting hysterical about the issue or making excessive assertions \par doesn't work. ``If the gun registration bill is enacted this year, all \par guns will be confiscated next year, and the Communists will take over \par the year after that'' will not convince anyone. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bragging about how important or influential you are will not be \par persuasive. If you're influential, use your influence to convince \par other folks to write to the legislator. \par \par Follow-through \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Less than one percent of people who write to Congress write a \par response to their Congressperson's reply letter. Moreover, big \par lobbying organizations have no ability to generate reply letters, so \par legislators who read a reply know that you are strongly motivated. \par Accordingly, follow-up letters get noticed by the Congressional staff. \par And since your follow-up letter probably can't be replied to simply \par with a form letter, the mail staffer may have to write an individual \par reply, which will of course engage his attention all the more. \par \par Follow-up to the Evasive Reply \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your follow-up letter needs to be carefully keyed to the \par legislator's reply. Be on the lookout for replies that were designed \par to give the impression that the legislator is on your side, but \par actually made no commitment. Phrases such as ``I am happy to let you \par know that hearings on this issue have been scheduled,'' ``Many people \par share your concern,'' ``I will keep your views in mind when the bill \par comes for a vote,'' or ``I am following this legislation carefully,'' do \par not, in themselves, indicate anything about the legislator's actual \par view or intended actions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the legislator sent you an evasive reply, write back and \par politely ask for some substance: ``Thank you for replying my recent \par letter about semiautomatic prohibition. Unfortunately, the reply \par didn't answer the most important question: do you support or oppose \par the prohibition?'' (From here, you can proceed as usual, offering an \par argument or two in favor of the pro-rights position.) \par \par Follow-up to the Negative Reply \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another type of letter you may get, rather than being evasive, may \par forthrightly explain that the legislator disagrees with you. In this \par case, write back, and refute his arguments. However much the stupidity \par or prejudice displayed by the letter may anger you, don't letter your \par anger show through in your reply. Remain polite. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Refuting the legislator's arguments can be difficult sometimes, \par because the legislator is likely getting his ``facts'' from the anti-gun \par lobby, and the facts may have no connection to reality. For example, \par if he tells you that ``semi-automatics are 20 times more likely to be \par used in a crime than other guns,'' you may have trouble refuting the \par claim, unless you are happen to know that the ``20 times'' figure is a \par distortion of statistics about firearms traces analyzed by Cox \par newspapers. (For the truth about the ``20 times'' statistic, see The \par ``Assault Weapon'' Panic, Issue Paper, discussed in chapter 1.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So don't worry about refuting every single sentence, if you don't \par have the facts at hand. Limit your reply to pointing out errors by the \par legislator for which you do have the facts available. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If any new facts have come to light about the issue, bring them up \par in the letter, to offer the legislator a chance to reconsider. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Include in the follow-up letter a question or two, designed to \par force a response from the legislator. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In your reply, recognize that the legislator was at least honest \par enough to tell you how he feels. Here's a sample follow-up. \par \par Thank you for answering my recent letter about semiautomatic \par prohibition. I appreciate your honesty in stating that you would \par support a gun ban. I think however, that your position may be based on \par some mistaken facts. \par \par For example, your letter claimed ``There is no reason why anyone needs \par a machine gun in today's society.'' Actually, the semiautomatic \par prohibition has nothing to do with machine guns. While some \par semiautomatics look like machine guns, they do not fire like them. A \par semiautomatic fires only one bullet at a time-- just like every other \par gun. Would you agree that gun laws should be based on how guns \par actually function, and not how they look? \par \par Two weeks ago, the Hometown Gazette ran a story detailing how \par so-called ``assault weapons'' are never used in crime. A copy of the \par story is enclosed. In light of the new information, perhaps you would \par want to re-evaluate your position regarding these guns. \par \par Finally, I would like to point out that semi-automatics are very good \par guns for home defense. Because the operation of the semi-automatic \par action diverts recoil energy away from the shooter, the gun is easier \par to fire accurately, and there is less chance of a stray shot. Were you \par aware that semiautomatics are therefore actually safer for \par self-defense than other guns? \par \par Follow-up to the Positive Reply \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 What would you think of a parents who scolded their children when \par they did something bad, but ignored them when they did something good? \par Well that's how most Americans treat their legislators. No wonder \par things are such a mess! \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you've written your legislator to ask to take a pro-rights \par stand, and he writes back to say he will, by all means send him a \par thank you letter. Supply some positive reinforcement. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Consider making photocopies of the legislator's positive letter, \par and giving them to your pro-rights friends. And when you write to \par thank the legislator, tell him about how you're circulating his \par letter. In effect, you've multiplied his favorable interaction with \par one constituent into favorable interactions with a dozen constituents. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In your thank you letter, mention any new facts that validate the \par legislator's pro-rights stance. Send a copy of a recent editorial or \par article or letter-to-the-editor that supports the pro-rights position. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And finally, your reply can gently urge the legislator to take a \par more active role on the issue--such as by cosponsoring a good bill, or \par speaking up on the floor during debate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A sample thank you: \par \par Thank you for responding to my letter from last month, and letting me \par know that you support the firearms preemption bill. You are absolutely \par right that things will be easier on the police and on ordinary folks \par if there is one consistent set of gun laws that applies throughout the \par state. \par \par Enclosed is a letter to the editor from the South Wasquatch Herald. \par The writer explains how she was arrested for carrying a firearm for \par protection in East Wasquatch, even though carrying for protection is \par legal in her hometown of South Wasquatch. The letter is just one more \par example of why our state needs to have consistent, uniform laws. \par \par In addition to voting for the preemption bill, would you consider \par adding your name to the list of cosponsors? It's going to be a tough \par fight to get the bill enacted, and any support you could offer would \par be very helpful. \par \par Telegrams and Mailgrams \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Generally speaking, mailgrams are better than telegrams, because \par mailgrams contain up to a hundred words, while telegrams are much \par shorter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The telegram's sole advantage is that it will arrive within four \par hours, while a mailgram will arrive early in the morning the day after \par it is sent. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Mailgrams and telegrams are best when they are not a substitute \par for a personal letter, but a supplement to it--as a last minute chance \par to reemphasize your views. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And mailgrams/telegrams do have some value for legislators who \par still haven't made up their mind at the last minute. As the legislator \par leaves his office to go to the floor and vote, an aide may tell him \par ``We got 20 mailgrams against the bill this morning.'' \par \par Who reads the letters? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A major federal official probably won't read your particular \par letter. But he might. President Johnson would often walk across the \par street from the White House to the Executive Office Building and \par personally sample some random letters from citizens. President \par Johnson, like almost every other elected official, cared a lot about \par what people thought of him. And he knew that anyone who cared enough \par to write a letter probably had a pretty strong opinion. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While most Congresspeople don't have time to read every letter, \par they do take their mail seriously. Most Congresspeople believe that \par answering letters promptly does more to help their re-election than \par almost any amount of paid advertising. Letter-writers are people who \par care about Congress, and are hence likely to vote, and to influence \par how their friends and family vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Congresspeople like getting mail from home so much that if it \par falls in volume, they get nervous. The issue questionnaires that some \par Congresspeople send out are intended in part to stimulate mail. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most state legislators or city councilpersons read everything sent \par to them. And no matter what, the letter will almost certainly be read \par by a staff member for the legislator. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 These staffers are particularly important people to influence. \par Usually they are young, well-educated people who are doing legislative \par mail (and many other staff jobs) for a few years or a few months. Some \par of them go into politics later, and nearly all of them end up having a \par reasonably large influence on public policy somehow. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For almost all of them, their job doing letters is the first time \par that they've worked full-time inside government. They're just learning \par the ins and outs of a world that's always interested them. They're \par impressionable, and they beginning to live in a world where big \par government is regarded more highly than folks in the rest of the \par country regard it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At this impressionable time, the staffers are forming their views \par on issues which they may not have thought about much until then. Gun \par control will likely be one. When you send letters that are polite and \par neat and easy to read, and when you use the letters to bring up \par convincing arguments, the staffers are paying attention. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you keep up with writing letters several times a year, it's \par likely that you'll end up provoking some positive thought in a staffer \par one day. Although you'll never see the exact result of your work, \par you'll be doing a world of good. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And of course even the staffers who are jaded and don't care still \par count the mail, and all legislators still pay close attention to the \par mail count. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even if your legislator is already solidly pro-rights, letters \par still help. She can use the letters to help influence her colleagues. \par For example, if her mail tells her that a proposed federal ban on \par semiautomatics would harm the many target competition clubs in her \par district, she can use the fact to urge her fellow representatives to \par oppose the ban. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Does mail make a difference? Colorado in early 1989 was ready to \par outlaw all semiautomatic firearms using a detachable magazine. Popular \par Governor Roy Romer had said so. The major chiefs of police agreed. The \par President of the State Senate gave the gun ban a special legislative \par preference. When concerned gun owners tried to hire a professional \par lobbyist, no-one would accept their money. The lobbyists didn't want \par to waste time trying to stop a bill that was certain to pass. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A few weeks later, gun prohibition was defeated by a 5-4 vote in \par the first committee to consider it. Why? Thousands of Colorado \par gun-owners had written letters to state legislators. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The same story is repeated every legislative season. In 1991, \par Maryland's anti-gun Governor William Donald Schaefer suffered a \par humiliating defeat when the Maryland Senate responded to the tens of \par thousands of Marylanders who sent letters to the Capitol, and rejected \par Schaefer's ban on semiautomatics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The pen really is mightier than the sword--or at least mightier \par than William Donald Schaefer's mouth. \par \par \page \par \par 16. Letter and Telephone Master List \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY.'' Wendell Phillips, \par abolitionist leader. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The listings below include blank space for you to fill in \par information about your own elected officials. \par \par President: 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500. White \par House opinion line at 202-456-1111. \par \par Vice-President: Same address as the President. \par \par U.S. Senators (two): US Senate, Washington DC 20510. Salutation is: \par The Honorable (First name and last name).}{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your Senators also have \par districts office in your home state; the addresses are listed in the \par blue pages of the phone book. \par \par U.S. Representative: US House of Representatives, Washington DC 20515. \par Salutation is: The Honorable (First name and last name). Your US \par Representative also has a district office in her home state; the \par address is listed in the blue pages of the phone book. \par \par Capital Switchboard: Will connect you with any Senator's or \par Representative's office. (202) 224-3121. \par \par Republican National Committee: 310 E. 1st St. SE, Wash., DC 20003. \par (202) 863-8500. fax: (202) 863-8820. \par \par Democratic National Committee: 430 S. Capitol St. SE, Wash., DC 20003. \par (202) 863-8000. fax (202) 863-8091 \par \par Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, \par Wash., DC 20226. (202) 566-7511. \par \par Governor: As a general rule, State legislators and the Governor can be \par found at the State Capitol. If you don't know who your State Senator \par and State Representative are, your County Election Commission (also in \par the blue pages of the phone book) can tell you. \par \par State Senator: \par \par State Representative or State Assemblyman: \par \par Mayor: \par \par City Councilperson or County Commissioner: \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Below are phone numbers for state government offices in a few \par states. Note that the toll-free ``800'' numbers listed below are usable \par only with the relevant state. \par \par California \par \par Governor (916) 445-2841. \par \par Assembly Speaker (916) 445-8077. \par \par Senate President Pro Tem (916) 445-8390. \par \par Attorney General (916) 361-3109. \par \par California State Legislature (all Senators and Assemblymen): State \par Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814. \par \par Colorado \par \par Governor: State Capitol, Denver, CO 80203. (303) 866-2471; (800) \par 332-1716. \par \par Senators and Representatives: Same address. \par \par Connecticut \par \par Governor (800) 842-2220. \par \par House Democrats (800) 842-8267; 1902. \par \par House Republicans (800) 842-8270; 1423. \par \par Senate Democrats (800) 842-1420. \par \par Senate Republicans (800) 842-1421. \par \par ``Turn in Poachers'' tip line (800) 842-4357. \par \par Pennsylvania \par \par Governor's Office. 225 Main Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA 17120. \par (800) 932-0748. \par \par State Representatives: Pennsylvania House of Representatives, \par Harrisburg, PA 17120. (717) 787-2372. \par \par State Senators: Pennsylvania Senate, Harrisburg, PA 17120. (717) \par 787-5920. \par \par Texas \par \par Governor's Opinion hotline. (800) 843-5789. \par \par \page \par \par 17. Computer Letters\page \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``THEY'LL HAVE TO SHOOT ME FIRST TO TAKE MY GUN.'' Roy Rogers, \par discussing proposed California ``handgun freeze.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The advance of technology helps the Second Amendment, as guns get \par better. Progress also helps the First Amendment, where computers are \par making writing a letter to Congress even easier than writing by hand \par or by typewriter. Word processors make it simple to send the same \par letter to your two Senators, and just change the address. A few months \par later, the computer letter can be revised slightly, and sent to the US \par Representative. \par \par Help other people write \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you own a personal computer and a printer, and you're adept at \par word processing, consider setting up a letter table at a gun show. \par Visitors to the gun show give you their name and address, which you \par input into the computer, which outputs letters ready to mail. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At one gun show, a man brought his personal computer and printer, \par along with pre-written letters to the President, the Republican \par National Committee Chairman, the Governor, and US and state Senators \par and Representatives. The man also brought stamps, envelopes, and a \par good supply of printer paper. He ended up generating 1,608 pro-rights \par letters, and raised $1212.80 in voluntary donations. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 David Bollinger, a Texan who runs a group called ``Civil \par Rights...Civil Responsibility,'' also sets up a computer for letter \par writing at gun shows, and offers these tips: \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make sure to tell the gun show operator that you will need an \par electrical hook-up. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Ask a local gun store if they could chip in to pay the table fee \par (usually 30-80 dollars). \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Pull your table about six inches back from the aisle, thereby \par giving the impression of a small island amidst the sea of customers. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're not charging anything, make sure your display banner \par says ``FREE.'' \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bring extra paper, and a large supply of pens, and expect some of \par the pens to walk off during the course of the day. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Voluntary donations can be collected in a small-mouthed \par transparent plastic jug, with a label like ``Donations gratefully \par accepted.'' \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bring wire ties with which to control the computer cables. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A sheet draped over the front of the table helps protect the \par cables and equipment from children. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Lay out samples of letters that you will generate. Print plenty \par in advance, since some will walk off. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Learn the legislative district boundaries for the areas near the \par gun show, since many people will not know who their representatives \par are. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Morning hours will be slower than the afternoon. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Don't get mad at people who don't stop at the table to write a \par letter. They may have already written on their own. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Do some advance research, and prepare letters tailored to the \par different officials that people will be writing too. A letter to the \par President might have a different content than a letter to a pro-gun \par Representative than a letter to an anti-gun Senator. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bring some carts for hauling your equipment in and out of the \par show. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Don't have the letters pre-metered, and don't mail them in zip \par code bundles. The letters make more of an impact if they arrive one at \par a time, with less of a mass-produced look. (Encouraging people to add \par a ``p.s.'' can also help individualize the letters; but any letter is \par much better than no letter at all.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 To make things even easier, Bollinger has written a computer \par program called ``Letergen'' designed especially for use at gun shows. \par It's not a program suited for a computer novice; a user needs to be \par familiar with terms such as ``ASCII,'' ``path,'' and ``print buffer.'' \par The program also requires a few hours of work entering legislators' \par addresses and draft letters before it's ready to use at a gun show. \par But once it's up and running, Letergen can help you generate a lot of \par letters very quickly. The only flaw is that the program's model \par ``anti'' letters (chastising legislators for bad votes) are too \par hostile; happily, the program allows you to write your own model \par letters. Bollinger sells a DOS version for five dollars. If you want \par the program, write to David Bollinger at 7410 Silent Sunset, San \par Antonio, TX 78250, (512) 647-0547. Make sure to specify the disk size \par and density you want. \par \par \page \par \par 18. Petitions \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``CONSTITUTIONS ARE CHECKS UPON THE HASTY ACTION OF THE MAJORITY. \par THEY ARE SELF-IMPOSED RESTRAINTS OF A WHOLE PEOPLE UPON A MAJORITY OF \par THEM TO SECURE SOBER ACTION AND A RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS OF THE \par MINORITY.'' President William Howard Taft, veto of the Arizona Enabling \par Act, August 22, 1911. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Petitions have played a long and honorable role in the American \par struggle for freedom. Besides helping to influence government, the \par gathering of petitions is valuable in its own right, since it \par stimulates debate and individual involvement. If done correctly, \par petitions can also stimulate media interest. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like any other request to a government official, the petition \par should ask the official to take a particular action. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The message of the petition should be short enough to be easily \par read in a few seconds by a person who is thinking of signing. The \par message should be stated directly and forcefully. For example: ``We the \par undersigned residents of Kansas support the right of law-abiding \par persons to own the type of firearm best-suited to their needs. We urge \par our representatives to vote against bans on semiautomatic firearms, \par which have many legitimate uses for personal protection, hunting, and \par target shooting.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And the message should not contain ideas or references that the \par average person would not recognize. A petition isn't the place for \par quotations from the Wright, Rossi, & Daly National Institute of \par Justice study. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Petitions are good when you have a large mass of enthusiastic \par volunteers who have little experience. The petition gets the \par volunteers into action, and creates community outreach and discussion. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he replied \par ``That's where the money is.'' To gather petitions, go where the people \par is: colleges, busy downtown sidewalks, factory gates, parks, county \par fairs, and other similar places. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember that private property owners--including shopping mall \par owners--have a right to exclude you. (A few states, including \par California, require mall owners to make their space available to the \par public for political activity.) And on public property, be careful not \par to obstruct access to buildings, or to impede the flow of pedestrian \par traffic. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 After someone signs the petition, hand him a leaflet, encouraging \par further action. After all, by signing the petition, he's already \par indicated that he's friendly. The leaflet might urge him to write or \par call certain elected officials to voice his support on the issue \par raised in the petition. The leaflet should supply the names, full \par address, and telephone number of elected officials. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you get a large number of petitions, stage some kind of \par dramatic presentation to their target, and invite the media along. And \par since you've gone to all the work of gathering the petitions, bring \par your own photographer along to record the presentation. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Good occasions to present petitions to elected officials are when \par you meet with the official, or when you testify at a public hearing, \par or when the official attends a meeting of a pro-rights organization \par you are affiliated with. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While petitions have value, they are far from the most effective \par way to influence elected officials. What officials look for in judging \par public sentiment is depth of commitment. One person who makes the \par personal effort to write a letter to Congress does more good than 15 \par people who sign petitions. (Likewise, sending in pre-printed postcards \par is not a particularly powerful way to get a legislator's attention.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So in deciding whether to start a petition drive, consider how you \par want to deploy your resources. If the folks out gathering petitions \par from the public in general could instead be encouraging other pro-gun \par folks to write actual letters, the time might be better spent on \par letter generation. Still, petitions offer an opportunity to interact \par with the public, and can be a lot of fun. \par \par \page \par \par 19. The Magic Words \par \par ``NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN \par CHANGE THE WORLD. INDEED, IT'S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.'' Margaret \par Mead. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A few years ago, the book Everything I Needed to Know I Learned \par in Kindergarten came out. The title is particularly appropriate for \par communications with legislators. Like a kindergartner, a legislator \par may understand virtually nothing of what you're talking about. He may \par never have touched a gun in his life. And so, as we discussed above, \par it's important that you explain you point of view to him in a \par well-organized fashion that doesn't assume a lot of knowledge about \par the issue. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also, just like Dave's teachers insisted in kindergarten, the \par ``magic words'' of ``please'' and ``Thank you'' really do help you get \par along. Some Congressmen get dozens of letters a week, and others get \par thousands. But no-one gets more than a handful of thank you letters. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In a sea of pleas asking a Congressperson to do something, a thank \par you is a pleasant surprise to the Congressional aide reading and \par responding to the mail.}{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Another reason thank yous are important: \par After a pro-gun vote, the legislator stops hearing from the pro-rights \par forces (who are content with the vote) and starts catching grief from \par the antis, particularly the antis in the media. A nice thank you \par letter helps remind the legislator that the pro-rights forces are \par still there, even after the vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Praise need not be limited to perfect legislators. If a legislator \par has generally been anti-gun, but then casts a pro-gun vote, give him \par some applause. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Just as being nice helps our cause, being a jerk helps our \par enemies. Don't call legislators late at night; don't show up at their \par home unannounced; and don't assume that people who disagree with you \par have evil motives. Several years ago, the Philadelphia City Council \par enacted a severe law requiring police permission to buy a handgun; the \par bill might have been defeated, but a few bad apples ruined our cause \par by making abusive phone calls to the Councilpersons. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember, our objective is to demonstrate that people who own guns \par are just as responsible (maybe even more so) as anyone else. It's the \par gun prohibitionists who want legislators to think that gun owners are \par a bunch of borderline psychopaths, and it's the irresponsible gun \par owners who assist the gun control lobby. \par \par \page \par \par 20. Telephone \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``ON THE 18TH OF APRIL IN SEVENTY-FIVE NARY A MAN IS NOW \par ALIVE, WHO REMEMBERS THAT FAMOUS DAY AND YEAR, OF THE MIDNIGHT RIDE OF \par PAUL REVERE'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When Paul Revere (and also William Dawes and Samuel Prescott) rode \par through the night yelling ``The British are coming; the British are \par coming!'' they were alerting Americans that the next day, the British \par redcoats would be marching on Lexington and Concord to seize \par Americans' arms there. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Because of the heroic rides of Revere and Dawes and Prescott, \par American militiamen were assembled ready to face the British the next \par morning on the Lexington Green and on the Concord Bridge. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Americans were routed at Lexington, but at the Concord Bridge, \par there ``the embattled farmers stood, and fired the shot heard 'round \par the world.'' The men of Concord smashed the Redcoats, and chased them \par all the way back to Boston. The American Revolution had begun and \par America had won the first battle--all because three brave men had \par risked their lives to alert their fellow citizens. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Today, it wouldn't be very efficient to jump on a horse and yell \par ``The bureaucrats are coming; the bureaucrats are coming.'' But they are \par coming, and they want your guns. Success in a legislative committee \par hearing, like success in battle, depends on turning out large numbers \par of well-prepared forces. In mobilizing the pro-rights forces, the \par telephone today does that work that Paul Revere's horse did in 1775. \par The phone tree is more comfortable than a midnight horse ride, but \par it's just as important. \par \par Calling Legislators \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Just as powerful as letters are telephone calls. Telephone calls \par also allow you to fire one last salvo in the final days before a \par crucial vote. It's always helpful for an undecided legislator to be \par told by his aide ``Thirty calls came in this morning in support of the \par preemption bill.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most of the same rules that apply to writing to elected officials \par apply to phone calls too: stick to a single action you want the \par official to take (like vote for a particular bill). Express yourself \par politely. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you call, ask for the legislator's assistant who deals with \par right to bear arms issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The address and telephone master list in chapter 16 lists the \par numbers of some elected officials, and provides room for you to add \par more. \par \par Phone Trees \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One of the most effective legislative tactics for gun clubs and \par local gun rights groups is to set up a phone tree. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The tree operates as a system for one person (such as the Chair) \par to call five people (or thereabouts) who in turn call five more \par people, who in turn call five more, until the whole club gets the \par telephone tree message--hopefully within 24 hours or less. The \par organizational chart for the telephone tree lists exactly who will \par call whom, and at what phone number. Persons who can be counted on to \par be especially responsible (and to call back later if the first call \par goes unanswered) should be placed near the beginning of the tree. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 An alternative to the phone tree is the phone circle. There, the \par initiator calls person one, who calls person two, who calls person \par three, until the last person is called. The last person then calls the \par initiator, who then knows that the circle has been completed, and \par everyone has been called. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Phone circles are best for groups of a dozen or less people. If \par the initiator hasn't received his confirmation call on time, he can \par begin calling through the circle, to see where the circle was broken. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Phone trees are much more effective than phone circles at reaching \par larger groups of people rapidly. Their weakness is that if one person \par near the top of the tree neglects to make his calls, a large number of \par people down the line will never be notified. Thus, the phone tree \par organizers need to make spot calls, to check the progress of the \par message down the tree. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Telephone trees are used for rapid mobilization, when there's no \par time to wait until the next club meeting. Trees can tell members about \par upcoming legislative hearings, or remind them to vote on election day, \par or urge them to attend a rally. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The tree message has to be simple, because complicated messages \par get garbled when passed through several people. The purpose of a tree \par isn't to educate; it's to mobilize people who are already inclined to \par our point of view. After all, Paul Revere road through town with a \par simple message that ``The British are coming.'' He didn't offer detailed \par arguments about why King George's tax policies were unfair. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The importance of telephone trees is proven every legislative \par season, when gun club members and their friends and families pack a \par room to watch a hearing on a bill affecting gun rights. It makes a \par very powerful impression on legislators when they see the whole room \par filled with pro-rights citizens. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Phone trees are particularly important at election times. A few \par dozen votes is often the margin of victory in tight state \par representative or city council seat. If you and a few friends can make \par a few hundred phone calls in the two weekends before the election, you \par can put a pro-gun candidate over the top. \par \par \page \par \par 21. Visiting Your Legislators and their Staff \par \par ``FREEDOM EXISTS ONLY WHERE PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF THE GOVERNMENT.'' \par Woodrow Wilson \par \par How to Set up a Meeting \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Ask for one. If you'll be in the capital city, call and ask to \par make an appointment. Or call the legislator's hometown office, and ask \par for an appointment when the legislator is in town. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the legislator just doesn't have room in her schedule, you'll \par probably be given an appointment with a staff assistant. That's fine \par too. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Don't take the legislator sending a staff assistant to meet you as \par a personal snub. Legislators have overwhelming demands on their time. \par It's nearly impossible to get a meeting with a United States Senator, \par unless you are from a very small state. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your chances of getting an appointment with the legislator \par herself, or of getting a relatively longer meeting with the staffer, \par increase if you are making the appointment for a group of people. \par (Seven people is about the largest practical size for an office \par meeting.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The comments below refer to meeting with a ``legislator,'' but are \par equally applicable to other public officials, and to assistants to \par those officials. \par \par Preparation \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Familiarize yourself in detail with the legislator's voting record \par on the gun issue. Your NRA state liaison or the CCRKBA staff will \par usually have the legislator's history on file. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Take along a one-page fact sheet, with a concise summary of the \par issue you want to discuss. Legislators appreciate having arguments \par boiled down to their essentials, and preparing the fact sheet will \par help you collect your own thoughts. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As you prepare what you will be saying to the legislator, make \par sure that you have hard facts to back up every single statement you \par make. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you want to bring more material, to give the legislator as \par background, bring some editorials or newspaper clippings; write your \par name and address on the items, so that when the legislator or his \par staffer reads it later, he'll remember where it came from. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also remember that legislators are in the business of making laws, \par just as meat factories are in the business of making sausage. So if \par you tell a legislator that gun control is not the solution to crime, \par be prepared to be asked if you have any better solutions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Similarly, many legislators understand that gun control won't do a \par lot of good, but they think it might help a little, and they feel a \par need to ``do something.'' So be prepared to explain how the particular \par gun control would not only be ineffective, but would be actively \par harmful. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition, legislators want to vote for each other's bills. This \par is particularly true for legislators of the same party. The desire \par stems partly from a natural inclination to get along with the people \par you spend all day with, and partly from the necessity of maintaining \par friendships to get the legislator's own bills passed. As a result, you \par need to look for ways to help the legislator protect the Bill of \par Rights and keep on a positive plane with his fellow legislators. For \par example, a bad bill can often be fixed with some simple amendments. If \par you suggest to your legislator that he introduce amendments to a \par bill--rather than just oppose the bill outright--he can amend the bad \par bill into a good bill, and can stay on good terms with the bill's \par sponsor. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 It's extremely important (and this also applies when you testify \par before a legislative committee) to read the bill in question \par thoroughly. Get together all of the pro-rights people who will be \par attending for a ``pre-meeting'' to discuss the agenda, and map out who \par will say what. Designate one person as the group leader, who will lead \par the meeting through the agenda. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The visit should be confined to one topic, such as a particular \par piece of legislation. You should present the legislator with concrete \par acts you would like him to take (such as cosponsoring a bill). \par \par During the Visit \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 BE ON TIME! In fact, plan to be early, thereby leaving time for \par getting stuck in traffic, lost, etc. The legislator may run on a very \par tight schedule, and if you're not ready when he is, your meeting may \par vanish. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While you should be early, accept the risk that the legislator may \par be extremely late. He may be coming from another meeting someplace \par else, and be unavoidably delayed. Take the lateness in stride, and \par don't let it spoil your attitude for the meeting itself. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Dress in a conservative business suit, or at least a jacket and \par tie. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators are people too, and appreciate friendly behavior just \par as much as your neighbors and business colleagues do. So start the \par meeting with a compliment about something the legislator has done that \par you liked. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you know somebody who knows the legislator, drop the name: \par ``Eddie Jackalope, one of your campaign volunteers, said to say hello; \par we live down the block.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 No matter how unhappy the legislator's statements make you, be \par courteous. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators have to vote on dozens of complex issues every week, \par and they rarely have time to master a single issue in detail. So gear \par your presentation to the level of an intelligent generalist--someone \par who may not know a lot about the gun issue, but who has a good ability \par to pick out the essential facts necessary for a decision. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your basic presentation should take a maximum of five minutes. \par (The entire meeting may be as short as ten minutes, and will almost \par never be more than half an hour.) The most important points should be \par brought up first. The presentation should emphasize the impact that \par the particular issue would have on the community the legislator \par represents. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators learn how to make decisions in a hurry. Thus, be \par prepared for direct, challenging questions. Prepare yourself by going \par over the most difficult questions someone could ask, and coming up \par with answers. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And if the legislator does start throwing you some hard questions, \par don't get defensive and assume he's an enemy. Asking tough questions \par may simply be his way of getting to understand the issue. After all, \par if he supports you, then he'll have to answer ever tougher questions \par from his anti-gun colleagues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In a legislator's office, just like everywhere else, the most \par successful talkers are the people who are the best listeners. Pay \par attention to what the legislator is saying, and give his questions the \par good answers they deserve. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If, instead of talking about the issue at hand, the legislator \par wanders off the topic of the meeting, bring the topic up again when \par it's your turn to talk. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the legislator agrees to take the action you want (cosponsoring \par a good bill, voting against a bad bill, or whatever), give him the \par praise he deserves, and let him know that folks in his district \par appreciate his pro-rights stance. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you can't tell what the legislator will do, ask him directly. \par He may tell you that he hasn't made up his mind--which is a reasonable \par answer. (And it's also an answer that should trigger additional \par efforts on your part to influence him later--such as doing everything \par you can to get other pro-rights people to write him letters). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Give the legislator your one-page fact sheet at the end of the \par meeting. If you give it the legislator earlier, he may focus on the \par written material, instead of on you. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're meeting with the legislator on behalf of a local pro-gun \par group, ask if you can have a quick black & white photo taken of your \par group with the legislator. (Bring your own camera, flash, and loaded \par film.) The picture can be used in the group's newsletter, to \par demonstrate your good relations with elected officials. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If by the end of the visit you have not met the legislator's aide \par who deals with gun issues, ask to be introduced. \par \par Afterwards \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Send your NRA state liaison a note or give him a call to let him \par know how the meeting went, and where the legislator stands. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Whether or not you got the result you wanted during the meeting, \par follow up by sending a thank-you note for the opportunity to have the \par meeting. If the legislator hasn't taken action one way or the other in \par regards to your request, ask specific questions about what she plans \par to do. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 This kind of follow-up is very impressive to legislators, because \par so many concerned citizens don't follow up. When you do follow up, the \par legislator will take you all the more seriously. \par \par Informal Meetings \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Formal office meetings aren't the only place you can see your \par legislators. They're likely to be out and about at all sorts of \par community events, including fairs, receptions, town meetings, civic \par group meetings, barbecues, and clambakes. Call the legislator's \par office, and ask what events she will be attending which are open to \par the public. Even things which you might think are closed--such as a \par political fund-raising dinner --are usually open to anyone willing to \par buy a ticket. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Federal elected officials have an appointments secretary who keeps \par track of their calendar; state and local officials usually have one \par assistant who handles that chore and many others. If you call the \par legislator's office and talk to the appointments person, they can tell \par you of upcoming times when the legislator will be in your area. In \par fact, they'll be glad to tell you, since legislators stay in office by \par meeting and making fast friends with their constituents. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you know the legislator's next appearance, recruit some \par friends to go there with you, and give him their own two sentence \par pro-rights speeches. If the legislator will be at a paid event, such \par as a political fund-raiser, shell out the money if you can afford it. \par Besides having the chance for your two-sentence dialogue with the \par legislator, you can meet lots of other government officials and party \par volunteers. And when different people at the county fair and the \par district fund-raiser and the town meeting and the high school talent \par contest all come up to the legislator and suggest that he support the \par right to bear arms, he'll get the idea that the gun rights are \par important to the folks back home. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 These informal gatherings are not the place to get the legislator \par alone for a 15-minute discussion on gun control. But they are a good \par place to introduce yourself, shake hands, and make an acquaintance. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The legislator will need to circulate at the gathering, and meet \par as many people as possible, so your opportunity for dialogue may be as \par little as one sentence or two. Of course the two sentence can be \par pro-rights sentences, such as ``Thanks for all your good work, Mr. \par Cravath; I hope you'll vote against the waiting period bill when it \par comes up next month.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once you're an acquaintance of the legislator, you can write to \par her on a first name basis, and refer to your previous meeting. (See \par chapter 15 for the beneficial impact this will have on your letters to \par the elected official.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you're interested in setting up an office meeting to discuss an \par issue, now's the time to set the stage. When you're introduced, ask \par ``Could I come see you at your office and talk about the waiting period \par bill?'' The legislator will usually say yes, thereby giving you the \par opportunity to call her office and ask ``I met Representative Cahill at \par Democratic Party dinner last week, and she said to set up a time to \par come see her and talk about the waiting period bill. What would be the \par most convenient time for her?'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even though the representative didn't specifically say so, you may \par end up meeting with a staff assistant, rather than the legislator \par herself. As discussed above, that's still good. \par \par \page \par \par 22. Study Your Legislator, Her Friends, and Staff \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``DON'T PUT NO CONSTRICTIONS ON DA PEOPLE. LEAVE 'EM TA HELL \par ALONE.'' Jimmy Durante. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every legislator has friends and allies--lots in fact, that's why \par she won the election. Some of those friends and allies may be \par pro-rights, and might be willing to put a word in with their \par legislative friend, if you ask them. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 How do you find the legislator's friends? Look in the public \par record. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every Congressional candidate, and most state candidates, have to \par file reports listing their campaign contributors. (Small donations \par usually don't need to be reported.) The Congressional reports are on \par file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in Washington, DC. \par (1325 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20463. 800-424-9530.). Reports must \par usually be filed on a quarterly basis; the quarterly reports are \par consolidated into a final report for each election. When asking for \par reports, specify whether you want the quarterly reports, the final \par report, or both, and the time period you want (e.g., ``all quarterly \par reports for 1983 through 1992.'') The FEC charges a photocopying and \par document retrieval fee. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The state reports will usually be filed with the Secretary of \par State's office in each state capitol. (At the state level, the \par position of Secretary of State has nothing to do with US foreign \par policy; it's mostly a record-keeping job.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For both federal and state election reports, remember how busy \par election time is for the agencies that receive and process the \par reports. If you make a document production request around election \par time, give the agency plenty of lead time. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The campaign finance reports will list major donations, \par expenditures, and will also list some of the major campaign officers. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Guides to Congress, such as the Almanac of American Politics, \par Congressional Directory, and Congressional Quarterly Politics in \par America all have biographies of Congresspersons. Available at \par high-quality bookstores and most libraries, these books tell you facts \par such as where the Congressperson went to school, what jobs he's held, \par what religion he believes in, and what issues interest him. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Many state legislatures publish low-cost booklets giving short \par biographies of the members. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Your town library may also have back issues of the local newspaper \par on microfilm or microfiche, plus an index to the old newspaper \par articles. Biographical articles about the legislator will be a strong \par source of information, and may tell you who his political allies are. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Computer databases such as Prodigy, Compuserve, and Nexis may also \par be useful. These databases usually contain a specialized political \par biography library. Even better, they also contain full-text versions \par of newspaper articles, allowing you to pull up dozens or hundreds of \par articles dealing with every facet of the legislator's career. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the legislator is an attorney, his law firm will be listed in \par the Martindale Hubbell law directory. The massive multi-volume \par reference, available in all law libraries, and some general libraries, \par lists every attorney or law firm in each state, in alphabetical order \par by city. For lawyers who are affiliated with large law firms, the \par directory also often lists major clients of the firm. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As you find out about the legislator's circle of friends, you may \par recognize some people that you also know. And if you don't know \par anybody the legislator knows, then somebody in the local gun rights \par organization may share a common acquaintance with the legislator. \par \par Staff \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As we've said, good relationships with staff members are \par important, so you may want to do some research about the legislator's \par staff. Detail about the staff person can most likely be found in \par newspaper articles, and in computer databases which compile newspaper \par articles. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you're interacting with legislative staff, a good staffer \par will throw the hardest questions he can at you. After all, the \par legislator is going to ask him hard questions about the staffer's \par recommendation, and the legislator's colleagues are going to ask the \par legislator even harder questions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While the staffer will be trying to ask hard questions, he may ask \par ignorant ones too. Like the legislator, the staffer must be a jack of \par all trades, and can't be expected to master every issue. Staffers look \par good when they provide their boss with solid, reliable information. So \par when you provide such information to the staffer, you begin to give \par him a reason to like you. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 There are some important differences between staffer and boss. \par First, only the boss has the authority to make a commitment, so don't \par demand that the staffer promise you positive action by his boss. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also, the legislator is used to rough-and-tumble verbal combat. \par The staffer isn't. (The legislator's facility with human interaction \par is one reason that she's a legislator, and the staffer is a staffer.) \par While you don't want to provoke verbal clashes with legislators, you \par want to be even more careful about keeping things courteous with \par staff. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Staffers have their advantages too. For instance, they're likely \par not to be as pressed for time as the legislator is. Your meetings may \par last longer. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also, there's a greater chance that the staffer will accept your \par offers for activities outside the office, such as a gun demonstration \par at the firing range, or a 25 minute lunch at the capitol cafeteria \par (Dutch treat). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Likewise, if you give a staffer a pro-rights book or monograph, \par there's a chance he'll actually look at part of it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 How easy it is to get the staffer's attention is will vary with \par who the staffer works for. Senior Washington staff for United States \par Senators are quite powerful, and quite busy. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The above suggestions have focused mainly on legislative \par assistants--the staff personnel who help legislators evaluate issues \par and answer mail. Good manners, though, are never out of place no \par matter who you're dealing with. Smart journalists make a point of \par being pleasant to the secretaries they meet, since secretaries can be \par a wonderful source of information about their boss. Making a pleasant \par acquaintance with everyone in the legislator's office, powerful or \par not, will make your dealings there more pleasant, and may also, \par perhaps, yield a valuable advance notice of something important. \par \par \page \par \par 23. Help a Pro-rights Candidate- \par \par ``THOSE WHO EXPECT TO REAP THE BLESSINGS OF FREEDOM MUST, LIKE MEN, \par UNDERGO THE FATIGUE OF SUPPORTING IT.'' Thomas Paine. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Most people have never volunteered for a political campaign \par before, and imagine that folks without previous experience wouldn't \par fit in. Not at all. The majority of volunteer tasks are simple and \par straightforward. Campaign volunteers can stuff envelopes, or put up \par yard signs, or make telephone calls, or pass out literature \par door-to-door, or hand out information at gun shows. Enthusiasm and \par energy, not prior history, is what makes a good volunteer. Almost any \par campaign will have a job that needs doing and which a novice can feel \par comfortable doing. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The actual jobs you do as a volunteer might have something to do \par with guns--such as handing out the candidate's literature at gun shows. \par More likely, the volunteer work that needs doing may have nothing to \par do with the gun issue. That's alright. The objective, after all, is to \par help the pro-rights candidate win, not to spend your time talking \par about guns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While the campaign schedule varies from state to state, the \par earlier you volunteer, the more good you can do, and the more chance \par you have to earn yourself positions of greater and greater \par responsibility (if you want them). Also, by getting involved sooner, \par you can help a candidate in the primary election, not just in the \par general election. Since voter turnout in the primaries is relatively \par low, good volunteers can make all the more difference. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The best candidates to volunteer for are ones whom you know to be \par stalwart friends of the Second Amendment. If you're not sure which \par race would be the best to get involved in, call NRA/ILA's state & \par local affairs office. Ask for the liaison for your state, and he'll \par point you in the direction of the most important local campaigns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While volunteers make a big difference in statewide races, they \par are even more important in smaller, local races, such as state \par legislature or city council. The candidates in these races all have \par less money, and have to rely on volunteers to spread the word. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Besides working as a volunteer, you can: \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make a monetary contribution to a pro-rights candidate \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Talk to at least 5 friends or neighbors about the importance of \par voting for pro-rights candidates \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Display a yard sign on bumper sticker for pro-rights candidates \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And of course, vote for pro-rights candidates. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you're mailing in your contribution, or picking up your yard \par sign at campaign headquarters, let a campaign staffer know that your \par support is based on the candidate's positive stand on the right to \par bear arms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Does your work make a difference? You bet--sometimes even when we \par lose. Governor William Schaefer has long been a vehement gun \par prohibitionist. In 1988, Schaefer's political machine blackmailed \par regulated businesses like banks and insurance companies to make them \par contribute to a campaign against small handguns. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Fred Griiser, who led the (losing) fight in 1988 against \par Schaefer's gun ban, ran against Schaefer in the 1990 Democratic \par primary. Griiser had only $10,000 to spend against Schaefer's 1.2 \par million dollar war chest. The press ignored Griiser, refusing to even \par acknowledge that he was running. Yet in the Democratic primary, \par Griiser tallied an impressive 23% of the vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the general election, Schaefer outspent his opponent 20 to 1. \par Schaefer's Republican opponent faced the further handicap of being a \par political novice who had selected his wife as a running mate. The \par political pros expected Schaefer to sweep the state and win over 75% \par of the vote. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 But on election day, Schaefer came home with only 60%, and \par actually lost in a majority of the state's counties. Everyone, \par including Schaefer's allies, took the relatively narrow margin against \par a very weak opponent as a personal repudiation of Schaefer's \par arrogance. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Governor's opponent, William Shephard, explained that many of \par his own votes came from Marylanders fed up with Schaefer's support for \par gun control. Schaefer had long been speculating about a run for the \par Presidency, speculation which his miserable performance against two \par weak opponents has now ended. \par \par Recall Elections \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Talk of recall elections for legislators who make you mad is \par almost always political idiocy. The pro-rights vote rarely exceeds \par five percent, so it's foolish to imagine turning someone out of office \par in a special election over the gun issue. Wait till the next regular \par election, when the Second Amendment vote can make a difference in a \par close race. \par \par Group Involvement \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Besides volunteering as an individual, you can join--or \par lead--election mobilization on behalf of your gun club or grassroots \par pro-rights group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Work closely with the candidate's campaign manager, since the \par manager knows best where scarce resources need to be applied. \par Moreover, going off on your own jag, without coordinating with the \par campaign, could backfire, and harm the candidate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If your group will, in addition to time and toil, also contribute \par money to the campaign, check out what regulations apply. For example, \par federal law covers contributions to campaigns for President, US \par Senate, and US House of Representatives, and imposes some limits on \par donations by organizations. At the same time, organizations have great \par freedom to put their money into ``independent expenditures.'' Instead of \par giving money to a candidate, the organization spends its money on its \par own advertising or other projects on behalf of the candidate. To check \par out the rules of play, call the Federal Election Commission's \par toll-free question service, at 800-424-9530 for any question involving \par federal election law. For state races, the Secretary of State's office \par in your capital city will usually have information. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Pro-rights candidates may be interested in doing a mailing to your \par organization's members. One way to help the candidate is to pay for \par the postage for the mailing yourself. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In order to preserve your members' privacy, don't give the \par campaign the actual computer database of your members. Instead, on \par your own equipment, run a set of adhesive mailing labels for the \par campaign to use. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One of the most useful things you can do in the months before an \par election is to publish a voter's guide listing how local elected \par officials have voted on gun control issues. The voter's guide can also \par include information about primary and general election dates, and how \par to register to vote. The NRA and Gun Owners of America both send \par questionnaires to most candidates, so you may want to work with those \par organizations, and publicize the ratings they give. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you compile your own ratings, be extremely careful in recording \par pro and con votes. Do not rely on memory; get official records or \par newspaper reports for which way the legislator voted. Mistakenly \par giving a pro-rights legislator only an 80% rating because you made an \par error about he voted on a bill will infuriate the legislator, and may \par cost you an ally. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When deciding which candidates to endorse, you might want to \par invite them to individual endorsement conferences, to meet with you \par and two or three of the group's most articulate people. These informal \par conferences can take place at the candidate's headquarters, or a local \par restaurant, or any other mutually convenient location. The same rules \par of promptness and preparation that apply for any meeting with elected \par officials (chapter 21) apply here too. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the endorsement conference, you'll have the candidate's \par attention in a way that you may not have again for quite awhile; right \par now, he wants your support to help get him elected. The conference can \par be educational for both you and the candidate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Offer to write a position paper about the right to bear arms for \par the candidate. The position paper serves to put in print all those \par good things the candidate said to you at the endorsement conference; \par the position paper thereby helps solidify the candidate's commitment, \par and gives you an anchor to remind him of his pro-gun promises once he \par gets elected. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition, the process of reviewing the draft position paper \par helps the candidate make up his own mind about the gun issue, and to \par understand which particular questions involving guns are most \par important to gun owners. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Write the position paper as an outreach document-- with a positive \par approach that will sound reasonable to voters who don't know much \par about guns. At the same time, include explicit positions on the topics \par that are important to you. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Try as hard as you can to endorse candidates of various parties. \par While the Republican Party is generally perceived as more pro-gun than \par the Democratic Party, there are plenty of pro-gun Democrats. If your \par group only endorses Republicans, you may be seen as a captive of the \par Republicans--and be taken for granted by the Republicans, and ignored \par by the Democrats. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If both the Republican and Democratic candidates are anti-gun, \par consider endorsing the Libertarian candidate. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In your first couple or three election cycles, don't feel \par compelled to get involved in every race. Focus on a few races where \par your limited resources can have the greatest impact. In general, the \par smaller the race, the more of a difference a local group can make. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At whatever level you choose to get involved, it is very important \par that you roll up your sleeves for pro-gun candidates. The US House and \par the Senate are both closely balanced between pro and anti forces. A \par couple narrow elections could make the difference between the right to \par bear arms, and the beginning of the end of civilian gun ownership. \par \par \page \par \par 24. Testifying before Legislative Committees \par \par ``THOSE WHO WON OUR INDEPENDENCE BY REVOLUTION WERE NOT COWARDS. THEY \par DID NOT FEAR POLITICAL CHANGE. THEY DID NOT EXALT ORDER AT THE COST OF \par LIBERTY.'' Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis, Whitney v. California \par (1927). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Testifying before a legislative committee is probably the most \par dangerous thing a pro-rights activist can do. If you write letter to a \par legislator that's not very good, little harm is done; a bad letter is \par simply a missed opportunity to do good. In contrast, a bad witness \par before a legislative committee can single-handedly destroy months of \par effort by thousands of activists. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bad testimony is like a tank crew member pulling a grenade pin--and \par dropping the grenade in his own tank! The good guys suffer all the \par damage. So here are some tips to keep your testimony from causing \par friendly fire fatalities. \par \par Should You Testify? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 First, find out whether you can or should testify at all. At all \par Congressional hearings, and at some state legislative and city council \par hearings, there is simply no room for a citizen witness. The \par legislators limit testimony to a few pre-selected people. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At other hearings, the committee may only have time to hear from a \par half-dozen witnesses (or less) on a particular bill. And at still \par other hearings, the committee may take the time to listen to every \par citizen who wants to say something. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before deciding to testify, call NRA headquarters and talk with \par your state liaison, or call your state shooting association or other \par local pro-gun group. They can tell you how the hearing will be \par structured, and if the committee can accommodate citizen witnesses. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At a hearing where only a few pre-selected people will be heard, \par you can still help by showing up with a written statement (more on \par that below), and asking the committee clerk to include your statement \par in the record. The tactic is particularly effective if you can find a \par friendly legislator who will call attention to it. She might, for \par example, say, ``Mr. Chairman, I would like to enter into the record the \par written statement of Mr. Fred Goodguy. Mr. Goodguy is strongly opposed \par to the bill. May his statement be entered into the record?'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you do testify, remember that there is only one reason to \par testify: winning. Your objective is to convince a legislative body to \par take a pro-rights vote, or at least to modify a bill in a pro-rights \par direction. The purpose of testifying is not to get your picture in the \par paper, nor is the purpose to make yourself happy. Gun-owners who put \par their egos aside help kill bad legislation. Gun-owners who testify to \par feed their egos make themselves happy, get their pictures in the \par paper, and help pass bad legislation. \par \par Preparation \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like it or not, how you testify may be more important that what \par you testify about. So dress in a business suit. If you don't own one, \par at least wear a jacket and tie. Women should also dress \par conservatively. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Whenever you're doing anything that involves dealing with public, \par including testifying, never wear hunting orange or similar \par paraphernalia. Orange clothes increases the wearer's chances of \par getting on TV, but mainly because he looks stupid, sort of like the \par hunter that Johnny Carson portrayed on the ``Tonight Show.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Try to arrive at least a half-hour early, so you can get a seat, \par and coordinate with the rest of the pro-rights folks there. Quite \par often there will be a local gun rights leader serving as an informal \par coordinator of the witnesses. If there is such a coordinator, seek him \par out, introduce yourself, and follow his advice. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you get to the hearing room, be aware that there is already a \par waiting period in effect, and it applies to you. Hearings often start \par late and run overtime. Be ready to wait a long time before it's your \par turn. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When you're in the audience, waiting for your turn to testify, be \par quiet and respectful. Do not call out or say anything rude when \par opposing witnesses speak. Legislators hate such rudeness, and the \par press may well make you look like the bad guys. \par \par During Testimony \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Be consistently polite and respectful. If a legislator treats you \par rudely, respond politely. Honey catches more flies than vinegar, and \par some of the other legislators may appreciate your mature response to \par their obnoxious colleague. Besides, the legislator may not actually be \par hostile, but may just be trying to make up her own mind by asking you \par tough questions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you feel yourself getting hot under the collar, take a few \par seconds for couple deep breaths and drink of water. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Other legislators, rather than being hostile, may strike you as \par stupid, and keep asking you the same question, thereby indicating that \par they didn't understand your previous answers. Don't get frustrated. \par Patiently answer the question again, perhaps with different phrasing. \par The other legislators in the room will probably understand, even if \par the one legislator never does. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Address the legislators with appropriate titles, such as ``Madame \par Chairperson'' or ``Mister Chairman'' or ``Senator'' or ``Representative \par Jones.'' If you're not sure of what title to use, ``Sir'' and ``Ma'am'' \par work fine. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember that the anti-gun lobby thrives on promoting hysteria, \par and portraying pro-rights citizens as unstable nuts who can't be \par trusted with guns. Your job when testifying is to defuse the issue, to \par calm things down, and to demonstrate by your every act that gun-owners \par are extremely mature and patient. Let the legislators see what good \par citizens gun owners really are. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Of course a witness can scream at the legislators that they're a \par bunch of Communist butchers, and he may well get some media attention. \par Anyone can get his picture in paper for pulling his pants down in \par public. But such histrionics help the gun prohibitionists. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Even if you are positive that the committee is biased against you, \par don't attack the committee; you'll simply alienate them further. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the same vein, lay off personal attacks on other opponents. \par True, the bureaucrat testifying in favor of gun control may be \par small-minded enemy of freedom, but now isn't the time to say so. \par Confine yourself to factual evidence disproving his statements. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If there is a time limit on your testimony, obey it, even if an \par anti-gun windbag who testified before you ran overtime. Show that our \par sides plays by the rules. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The time limits that apply to regular folks generally aren't \par enforced against government officials who are testifying. They can--and \par do--pontificate as long as they want. Don't waste your energy getting \par upset about it. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One way to multiply your impact before the committee is to \par demonstrate that you are speaking on behalf of other ordinary \par citizens. Maybe you can present the committee with a petition signed \par by 20 of your friends indicating that they support the same proposal \par you are testifying to support. Even better, they could write short \par letters (maybe with your help) for you to offer to the committee. \par Present the evidence of citizen support with something like ``Mister \par Chairman, before I begin I would like to present you a petition from \par 25 other residents of Fenario who are unable to attend this hearing, \par but who wanted to let the Committee know of their strong support for \par House Bill 649.'' \par \par Substance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the very beginning, state who you are, where you're from, who \par you're representing (if anyone else), and your position on the bill: \par ``Thank Madame Chairwoman for this opportunity to testify. My name is \par Jack Straw. I live at 2201 Terrapin Lane, in Bailiwick. I am here on \par behalf of my local community organization, the Southern Bailwick \par Neighborhood Association. Madame Chairwoman, we strongly support House \par Bill 2285 for the following reasons.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 With a good personal appearance, you've cleared the way for \par legislators to listen to what you have to say. For substance, the key \par rule is this: Be specific. Quotations from James Madison, or \par soliloquies about how gun control never works are a waste of time. \par Most legislators already believe in a general right to bear arms; and \par the legislators that don't can't be persuaded by rational argument. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 What the legislators need is not general philosophy, but specific \par reasons to vote for or against a particular bill. So if they're \par hearing a bill about a semiautomatic prohibition, they need to hear \par about why a semiautomatic ban would be bad. If you're a target \par shooter, you could explain how you use semis in competition. If you \par have a semi for home defense, explain why it makes a superior defense \par gun in many situations. If you're well acquainted with firearms \par technology, explain how a semi fires at the same rate as a pump action \par shotgun, not at the same rate as a machine gun. If you're up to speed \par on gun policy issues, detail how the semiautomatic prohibition in \par California failed. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Likewise, if you're talking about a gun registration bill, talk \par about the specifics of registration. Explain how the twenty dollar \par registration fee would work a hardship on some gun owners. Point to \par specific examples in other states of how anti-gun police chiefs have \par twisted registration laws to turn them into gun bans. Let the \par legislators know about other legislatures which have rejected \par registration. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember that legislators are generalists, not specialists. They \par may not know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. They may \par have no idea of how severe gun control laws already are. (One New York \par City Councilman thought that guns could be instantly purchased over \par the counter in his city.) Some of them have never touched a gun in \par their lives. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 So explain yourself in a non-technical straightforward manner that \par doesn't assume a lot of prior knowledge on your listeners' part. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Anecdotes which illustrate broad points are very useful. If you're \par opposed to a bill creating a statewide handgun waiting period, tell \par the committee about how the city-level waiting period in your hometown \par is administered; while the city law specifies a 5 day wait, the police \par often take a month to approve gun purchases. You might tell the story \par of a woman you know who, after her house was burglarized, wanted to \par buy a handgun in case the burglars came back; but because of the way \par the waiting period really works, she couldn't pick up her handgun for \par five weeks. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make sure that your anecdotes (like everything else you say) can \par be presented quickly, without extraneous detail, and that you can come \par to point before the committee gets bored. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unless you are going to tell a story about something that happened \par to you, your own personal background should not account for more than \par a sentence or two. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Name-dropping and similar puffery are verboten. The committee will \par think less of you, not more, if you drop lines like, ``I was discussing \par this bill yesterday with my high school classmate, Mr. Moneybags, who \par owns three major factories outside of town.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When challenging factual assertions made by previous witnesses or \par committee members, confine yourself to explaining the truth, without \par calling the other person a liar. Your factual arguments will be \par strongest if you can cite a source of evidence: ``A few minutes ago, \par one of the witnesses claimed that semiautomatics are the `weapon of \par choice of criminals.' That statement's not entirely accurate. Even in \par the big high-crime cities such as New York City, or Los Angeles, the \par police records show that only about 1% of guns seized from criminals \par are so-called `assault weapons.''' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Try to avoid repeating points made by previous speakers, unless \par you've got something new with which to elaborate the point. If by the \par time the committee gets to you, prior speakers have already said \par everything you planned to say, it's alright to tell the committee ``I \par support House Bill 2285. The previous witnesses have already made all \par the points I was going to make, so I'd simply like to ask you to \par include my written statement in the record, and to enact this \par important, life-saving legislation.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Visual aids and props, if handling correctly, can be quite \par effective. In a bill to ban ``assault weapons'' you could take a picture \par of an AKS rifle, and a Remington rifle, enlarge the pictures, mount \par the pictures on stiff cardboard, and explain to the committee that \par while the two guns look very different, their internal mechanisms and \par rate of fire are just the same. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Or, you could use your home computer to make a graph showing how \par gun crime has increased in states with waiting periods. During your \par oral presentation, you could give the committee members their own copy \par of the graph, and explain its significance. (When you hand anything to \par the committee, you will almost always do so by handing multiple copies \par to the Sergeant-at-Arms, who will then distribute your material to the \par committee.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In conclusion, thank the committee for the opportunity to express \par your position, and quickly summarize the position: ``Thank your for the \par opportunity to testify on the carrying of handguns by licensed, \par trained citizens. House Bill 2285 will start saving lives and \par preventing crime the day it is enacted.'' \par \par Written Statements \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you have time, prepare a written statement to supply to the \par committee. It's a good way to show you're serious, and will help you \par prepare your oral remarks. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Bring a clean, typed copy of your testimony for every member on \par the panel, five extra copies for committee staff, five extra copies \par for the media, and five more extra copies for unexpected \par circumstances. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The written statement can go into much more detail than you can \par cover in the few minutes that you may be allotted for an oral \par statement. So when making your oral statement, summarize the important \par points from the written statement. Don't read from the written \par statement. Listening to someone read aloud from a prepared text is \par boring. You may notice that some of the public officials who spoke \par before you were reading word-for-word from a prepared text. They're no \par role model for you; the committee was probably bored with them. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The statement itself should contain your name and address at the \par top, along with the bill number or topic of the committee hearing. If \par you're representing a group, the fact should also be noted in the \par heading. (As we mentioned above, there's no point in mentioning that \par you represent a gun group. It's more effective if you can arrange to \par appear on behalf of another organization, such as your church, office, \par or community organization.) \par \par Other Legislators \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Since you've gone to all the work of preparing a good written \par statement, and driving to the capitol, take the opportunity to garner \par some influence with other legislators. If your own district's \par representative isn't on the committee, drop by her office, ask for the \par legislative assistant who deals with the right to bear arms issue, and \par give the assistant a copy of your testimony. If you're lucky, the \par assistant (or maybe even the legislator) may have a couple minutes to \par chat with you. (See chapter 21, on meetings with legislators and \par staff.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Follow up by writing a letter to your home-district \par representative. Enclose a copy of your testimony (``In case you have \par any use for a duplicate copy...''). Mention that the witnesses who \par appeared before the committee overwhelmingly supported the pro-rights \par position (which will almost always be the case, unless the committee \par chair decides only to hear from certain witnesses). And offer to \par supply any additional information the legislator would like help \par decide about the issue. \par \par Media Attention \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you do testify, consider notifying your hometown media, and \par providing them with a copy of your statement. If you come from a small \par town, the local weekly might contemplate doing a couple paragraphs on \par your testimony in the state capital 200 miles away. Even if the paper \par doesn't do a brief story on the testimony, having been alerted that \par local people are interested in the gun rights issue, the paper may pay \par a little more attention to it in the future. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A media release is only worth doing if you come from a fairly \par small area. The New York Times will not care that you, a resident of \par Brooklyn, testified before the New York state legislature. \par \par Citizen Hearings \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In rare cases, citizens may be entirely shut out of public \par hearings. For instance, in 1989, the Cleveland City Council passed a \par semi-auto ban without even publishing the notice of the proposed law \par on the Council calendar. The Council's deliberate violation of the \par open meetings law was a conscious tactic to avoid pressure from \par pro-rights citizens. When citizens are shut out in a blatantly unfair \par manner, consider holding your own ``Citizen Hearings.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Such hearings will be challenging to pull off, and you should \par therefore work closely with your NRA State Liaison. The hearings work \par like normal legislative hearings, except that they're run by regular \par folks, rather than politicians. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Hold the hearings at a friendly forum (such as a Veterans of \par Foreign Wars meeting hall). Invite sympathetic elected officials or \par candidates to attend, and to serve on the panel if they wish. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unlike your governmental counterparts, be fair, and allow all \par points of view to be expressed by anyone who wants to make a \par statement. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Inform the media (see chapter 31, press releases), and get as many \par pro-rights folks to attend as possible. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Hire a court reporter to record and print a transcript of the \par meeting. Send copies of the full hearing transcript, a one-page \par summary of the highlights, and a cover letter to all relevant \par governmental officials. Explain how the official hearing excluded the \par views of ordinary citizens, and how the Citizen Hearing was designed \par to let the legislators know how ordinary people feel about the issue. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The meeting is a good chance to mobilize pro-gun people. Collect \par the names and addresses of attendees on a sign-in sheet, and give \par attendees leaflets detailing further actions they can take. \par \par PART III \par \par STRENGTH IN NUMBERS: \par \par WORKING WITH THE GUN GROUPS \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every activist should join with fellow activists by participating \par in pro-rights organizations. At the least, everyone should become a \par due-paying member of the National Rifle Association. At the most, \par perhaps you'll become the founder of your own local pro-rights group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 This part of the book goes through the numerous pro-rights groups \par that would be delighted to have your help, and also offers extensive \par advice about how to form your own organization. \par \par \page \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 25. Join the National Rifle Association \par \par ``AS LIFE IS ACTION AND PASSION, IT IS REQUIRED OF MAN THAT HE SHOULD \par SHARE THE PASSION AND ACTION OF HIS TIME, AT THE PERIL OF BEING JUDGED \par NOT TO HAVE LIVED.'' Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 There's a reason that the establishment media says so many vicious \par things about the National Rifle Association: the NRA works. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The anti-gun lobby desperately hopes you don't join. In fact, \par Handgun Control, Inc. has begun ``Operation Alienate'' specifically \par designed to keep gun owners out of the NRA. The simple act of joining \par the NRA repudiates Sarah Brady's claim that she, and not the NRA, best \par represents the opinions of American gunowners. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The best way to join is with a three or five year membership. You \par get a discount on the annual rate, and NRA doesn't have to spend money \par sending you renewal notices. Even better, join as a life member. You \par can spread the payments out in quarterly installments over several \par years. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Not only does the NRA need your membership, it needs you to \par recruit other members, including your spouse, children, relatives, \par hunting buddies, friends who carry for protection, co-workers, and \par everybody else. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Georgia State Shooting Association takes a sophisticated \par approach that other large groups of local activists might consider. \par The GSSA does computer cross matches of registered voters, handgun \par carry license holders, hunting license holders, and NRA members. If \par somebody fits into all of the three first categories, but not the \par fourth (NRA membership), the GSSA sends a representative to the \par person's house to politely ask if he or she would like to support \par their rights by joining the NRA. \par \par New NRA Address \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Around November of 1993, the NRA will be moving into new \par headquarters at 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, Virginia 22030. As \par this book goes to print, no phone number is available. The area code \par is (703). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The NRA's old headquarters will remain open for at least a year, \par as a forwarding office. That address is 1600 Rhode Island Ave. NW, \par Washington, DC 20036. Telephone (202) 828-6000. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Because of the office move, we can't supply you with phone numbers \par for particular NRA offices, such as the Research and Education \par division. But if you call the old Washington phone number, they'll be \par able to give you the new phone numbers as soon as they become \par available. \par \par \page \par \par 26. Support the Second Amendment Foundation \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 ``LET US CONTEMPLATE OUR FOREFATHERS, AND POSTERITY, AND \par RESOLVE TO MAINTAIN THE RIGHTS BEQUEATHED TO US FROM THE FORMER, FOR \par THE SAKE OF THE LATTER. THE NECESSITY OF THE TIMES, MORE THAN EVER, \par CALLS FOR OUR UTMOST CIRCUMSPECTION, DELIBERATION, FORTITUDE, AND \par PERSEVERANCE. LET US REMEMBER THAT `IF WE SUFFER TAMELY A LAWLESS \par ATTACK UPON OUR LIBERTY, WE ENCOURAGE IT, AND INVOLVE OTHERS IN OUR \par DOOM.' IT IS A VERY SERIOUS CONSIDERATION...THAT MILLIONS YET UNBORN \par MAY BE THE MISERABLE SHARERS OF THE EVENT.'' Samuel Adams, speech in \par Boston, 1771. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Second Amendment Foundation was founded in 1974 and is \par dedicated to promoting a better understanding of the constitutional \par right to keep and bear arms. To that end, the Foundation carries on \par many educational and legal action programs designed to inform the \par public about the legal, social and academic aspects of the gun control \par debate. SAF publishes or distributes over 30 different books and \par research reports covering all issue related to the Second Amendment \par and gun control. A full time staff travels the country taking part in \par meetings, conventions and shows where accurate information about gun \par rights can be collected and distributed. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Foundation defends the rights of law-abiding gun owners \par through legal challenges of anti-gun laws at the local, state and \par national levels. SAF has taken an active part in cases which have \par defined the boundaries of gun rights for millions of Americans. SAF \par retains some of the most respected legal scholars in the nation to \par write amicus briefs, file lawsuits, and conduct negotiations with \par state and local lawmakers. The Foundation also took part in the first \par ever legal symposium on the Second Amendment which brought together \par America's leading legal scholars on the subject of gun rights and the \par Constitution. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In an average year, SAF staff members make more than 75 radio and \par television appearances nationwide. SAF programming is carried on over \par 160 radio stations on three national radio networks. Public service \par announcements and advertising are heard by a market of over 100 \par million people. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition, SAF publishes several highly respected periodicals. \par Gun Week newspaper, which has been in existence since 1966, is a \par weekly publication that provides the most up to date news and \par information about what is happening to your gun rights across the \par country. (For more about Gun Week see chapter 5.) Since 1989 SAF has \par also published Women & Guns magazine, the only pro-gun magazine \par written by women, edited by women and designed to reflect women's \par issues. In September 1991 SAF made Women & Guns available on \par newsstands nationwide. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Membership dues are only $15.00 per year, which entitles you to a \par SAF membership card, a subscription to the SAF Reporter (the \par Foundation's newsletter), as well as information about the right to \par keep and bear arms throughout the year. Life membership is $100. SAF \par is organized under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) and as a result all \par membership dues and contributions are tax deductible. Contact the \par Second Amendment Foundation, 12500 NE 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. \par 1-206-454-7012. \par \par \page \par \par 27. Support the Citizens Committee for the \par \par Right to Keep and Bear Arms \par \par ``TYRANNY, LIKE HELL, IS NOT EASILY CONQUERED: YET WE HAVE THIS \par CONSOLATION WITHIN US, THAT THE HARDER THE CONFLICT, THE MORE GLORIOUS \par THE TRIUMPH. WHAT WE OBTAIN TOO CHEAP, WE ESTEEM TOO LIGHTLY...IT \par WOULD BE STRANGE INDEED IF SO CELESTIAL AN ARTICLE AS FREEDOM SHOULD \par NOT BE HIGHLY RATED.'' Thomas Paine \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Since 1971 the Citizens Committee or the Right to Keep and Bear \par Arms fought for the Constitutional rights of the American gun owner. \par Started by ordinary citizens with an extraordinary commitment to \par preserving the American tradition of lawful firearms ownership, CCRKBA \par has battled for the gun rights we now enjoy. The premise that an armed \par populace is more likely to be a free populace is one that goes back to \par the American founding and has its roots in ancient Greek political \par philosophy, and still rings true today. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 CCRKBA has come a long way in a short time. What was started by a \par couple a people with a few thousand dollars and a one-room office has \par grown steadily over the years. Today the CCRKBA has a staff of over 50 \par people with offices on both coasts and a budget of over $2.5 million. \par A small group of dedicated individuals has become an organization with \par over 600,000 members and supporters nationwide. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 On Capitol Hill, the Washington, DC public affairs staff works \par year round with national politicians and pro-gun groups. CCRKBA has \par initiated or assisted with passage of several of the most important \par pieces of pro-gun legislation including the Firearm Owners Protection \par Act. The CCRKBA National Advisory Committee has over 100 elected \par representatives, authors and statesmen. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The Bellevue, Washington office works full time at coordinating \par grass-roots lobbying in state legislatures. Satellite offices in other \par states give the CCRKBA an on-site presence to fight in the trenches \par where needed. With the help of affiliated local organizations, the \par Committee has defeated anti-gun legislation in states and localities \par across the nation. Due to the grass-roots orientation of the \par Committee, a great deal of time is spent informing members of ways \par they can actively participate in the fight to retain our freedoms. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 CCRKBA video and audio presentations have been aired in more than \par 200 cities. They have been transmitted on numerous cable systems \par including The Nashville Network, CNN, CBN, USA, and ESPN. CCRKBA also \par produces literature and other materials on topics related to firearm \par rights and political action. Staff members travel year-round \par throughout the country promoting our rights as gun owners. CCRKBA \par appears at seminars and conferences, schools and guns shows, and on \par television and radio programs. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Memberships are $15.00 per year, which entitles you to an official \par membership card, action alerts which keep you informed on what you can \par do to stop anti-gun legislation, bumper stickers, access to the \par Speakers Bureau composed of outstanding pro-gun experts, access to the \par latest pro-gun books, posters, placards, hats, and other items, and \par periodic membership surveys that aid in determining CCRKBA policy. \par Life memberships are available for $150. To join the Citizens \par Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms write to the Membership \par Department, CCRKBA, 12500 NE 10th Place, Bellevue, WA 98005 or call \par 1-206-454-4911. \par \par \page \par \par 28. Think Globally, Act Locally \par \par ``AND FOR THE SUPPORT OF THIS DECLARATION, WITH A FIRM RELIANCE ON THE \par PROTECTION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE, WE MUTUALLY PLEDGE TO EACH OTHER OUR \par LIVES, OUR FORTUNES, AND OUR SACRED HONOUR.'' The Declaration of \par Independence. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When geese fly south for the winter, they adopt a ``V'' formation. \par As each bird flaps, he creates an uplift for the bird immediately \par behind. Consequently, by flying together in a V, the flock gets at \par least a 71% greater range than if the birds flew individually. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The hardest-working goose is the one at the front of the V, who \par doesn't get the benefit of an uplift from following anyone. When the \par lead goose gets tired, he drops back, and lets another goose take the \par lead. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The principles that work for geese work for people too. Working in \par a group often helps you achieve much more than you could just by \par yourself. And when people in a group share hard jobs, everyone remains \par fresher for the long haul. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Local gun issues affect far more than their locality. If bad gun \par controls are enacted at the local level, it builds pressure on \par Congress to make gun control national. As Sarah Brady points out, \par state and local anti-gun laws are the ``building blocks'' for severe \par national controls. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Local groups fight the day-to-day battles on everything from \par supporting pro-rights legislation in the state legislature to making \par sure that shooting ranges aren't shut down by zoning laws. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If there's no group in your area, contact one of the existing \par groups listed below, and find out about setting up a local chapter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Some of the organizations below have telephone hotlines to keep \par you up-to-date on developing legislation and other issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The addresses and phone numbers listed below are the most recent \par ones available to us, but some will have undoubtedly changed by the \par time you read this. Groups are listed by state. \par \par Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association. PO Box 40962, Mesa, AZ \par 85274-0962. \par \par FACT--Firearms Action Committee, Tucson, PO Box 27321, Tucson, AZ \par 85726. \par \par Bay Area Professionals for Firearms Safety and Education. 101 First \par Street, Suite 131, Los Altos, CA 94022. (408) 865-1720. \par \par Californians Against Corruption. 115 W. California Blvd., Suite 225, \par Pasadena CA 91105. These folks made a special point of exposing the \par corrupt record of California Assembly Majority Leader Mike Roos, a \par notorious anti-gunner and author of the infamous ``Roberti-Roos Assault \par Weapon Ban.'' After a couple years of pressure, Roos was forced to \par retire from the Assembly to take a non-elective job in Los Angeles \par government. Californians Against Corruption now aims its fire at other \par enemies of the Second Amendment, of whom there are plenty in \par California. \par \par California Organization for Public Safety (C.O.P.S.). 1451 South \par Rimpau Ave., Suite 214, Corona, CA 91719. (714) 279-9953. Fax (714) \par 279-1185. Mr. Mike McNulty. Among COPS many good works has been \par exposing California government documents which demonstrate that the \par state's ``assault weapon'' has been a fraud from its inception; \par California government officials knew then, and know now, that the guns \par are almost never used in violent crime. \par \par California Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. 12062 Valley View St., \par Suite 107 Garden Grove CA 92645. This is California's NRA affiliate; \par unlike the NRA affiliates in some other states, the CRPA is very \par active in politics, and publishes a lengthy newsletter with \par legislative updates. \par \par California NRA Office. The NRA is organizing grassroots City Chapters \par in several California cities. To get involved, call the NRA Grassroots \par Coordinator, at (916) 446-2455. \par \par Citizens For a Better Stockton, 6333 Pacific Ave., Suite 335, \par Stockton, CA 95207. (209) 478-9633. Mr. Dale Thurston. \par \par Committee to Enforce the Second Amendment. PO Box 94, Long Beach, CA \par 90801-0094. Mr. Neil Schulman. \par \par Firearms Education Institute. Box 2193 El Segundo, CA 90245. Mr. \par Michael Robbins. \par \par Firearms Freedom Society. 7818 Stewart & Gray Road, #209, Downey, CA \par 90241. \par \par Gun Owners ACTION Committee. 862 Granite Circle, Anaheim, CA 92806. \par These folks are among the hardest-working activists in all of \par California. They garnered national publicity in late 1990 by \par successfully urging Californians to disobey the state's registration \par law for so-called ``assault weapons.'' Leader T.J. Johnson burned a \par registration card for the television cameras, just as Vietnam \par protesters had burned their draft cards. They also do a fine \par newsletter, We The People. Hotline (714) 871-4515. \par \par Gun Owners of California. 3440 Viking Drive, # 106, Sacramento, CA \par 95827. (916) 361-3109. The GOC is one of the largest and oldest \par activist groups in California, with 40,000 contributors. They work \par especially effectively in state legislative races, although they \par sometimes let other social issues, such as abortion, get in the way of \par right to bear arms activism. \par \par Quicksilver Coalition. PO Box 28873, San Jose, CA 95159. Mr. Jeff \par Klopotic. \par \par Firearms Coalition of Colorado. PO Box 1454, Englewood, CO 80150-1454. \par Hotline: (303) 369-GUNS. A very strong grassroots organization. \par \par Colorado State Shooting Association, PO Box 10425, Colorado Springs, \par CO 80932. Formerly a sleepy domain of club shooters, now revitalized \par into an active pro-rights, pro-safety association. \par \par Pro Second Amendment Committee. PO Box 40191, Grand Junction, Colorado \par 81504. (303) 464-5282. \par \par Coalition of Connecticut Sportsmen, PO Box 2506, CT 06146. (203) \par 245-8076; fax (203) 245-1957; legislative hotline (203) 722-3030. \par Publishes the monthly Hook n' Bullet. \par \par Delaware State Sportsmen's Association. PO Box 1786, Wilmington, DL \par 19899. \par \par Unified Sportsmen of Florida, PO Box 6565, Tallahassee, FL 32314. \par (904) 222-9518. USF's Marion Hammer is perhaps the most outstanding \par state lobbyist for our cause in all fifty states. Because many trends \par start in Florida, and because the balance of power in the legislature \par is never stable, USF's work in Florida keeps us all safer nationally. \par USF secured passage of the landmark legislation allowing citizens to \par obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon for self-defense, after a \par background check. The trend USF started in Florida is now spreading \par nationwide. \par \par Georgia State Shooting Association, P.O. Box 93345, Atlanta, GA 30318. \par Telephone: (404) 874-6805. The group publishes the GSSA Sentinel. An \par effective group in one of the key battleground states. \par \par (Hawaii) Valley Isle Sport Shooters. P.O. Box 216, Puunene, HI 96784. \par \par Illinois Informed Gun Owners, PO Box 9116, Downers Grove, IL \par 60515-9116. \par \par Illinois State Rifle Association, PO Box 27, Kankakee, IL 60901. \par \par Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association, PO Box 1322, Glen Burnie, \par MD 21061. Mr. Fred Griiser. An extremely hard-working and powerful \par state organization. \par \par Maryland Licensed Firearms Dealers Association, Inc., 2201 Victor \par Court, Silver Spring, MD 20906. (301) 942-3329; fax (301) 942-7946. \par Many gun dealers in Maryland--unlike their counterparts in some other \par states--understand that unless they get actively involved in public \par affairs, their business will be constricted and regulated until it \par dies. \par \par Gun Owners Action League of Massachusetts. 14 Main St., Box 272, \par Southboro, MA 01772. (508) 481-5112. How is it that in Massachusetts, \par where three-term Governor Dukakis supported gun prohibition, not a \par single major new statewide gun law has been enacted since 1976? The \par Gun Owners Action League worked harder to preserve freedom than \par Dukakis did to restrict freedom. GOAL makes a major effort to \par encourage gun owners to register to vote, a strategy which should be \par imitated by pro-rights groups in other states. The group makes \par available to its members a Massachusetts legislative directory, \par providing phone numbers and addresses for the whole state legislature. \par (Another good idea for other groups to imitate.) GOAL also runs the \par GOAL Foundation, which promotes firearms safety, and to which you can \par make tax deductible contributions. \par \par Motor City Sportsman's Association. PO Box 21383 Detroit MI 48221. \par Motor City's feisty General Laney has been one of Michigan's \par longest-standing supporters of civil rights. \par \par Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance of Minnesota. PO Box 131254, St. \par Paul, MN 55113. (612) 293-1269. \par \par Minnesota Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. 4890 Hanson \par Road, Shoreview, MN 55126. \par \par Western Missouri Shooters' Alliance. 2900 Bedford Court, Blue Springs, \par MO 64015. Also, PO Box 11144, Kansas City, MO 64119. Hotline: (816) \par 444-0228. Answering machines/phone lines (816) 229-5920, (816) \par 597-3533, (314) 567-2081, (314) 434-7322. Very involved in political \par action, this group publishes a good monthly newsletter, The Bullet. \par The Alliance is a key leader in the fight for laws allowing licensed, \par trained citizens to carry concealed firearms. \par \par Missouri Citizens for Civil Liberties. PO Box 9140, Richmond Heights, \par MO 63117. Mr. John Ross. \par \par Gun Owners of New Hampshire, RFD #1 Box 517, Andover, NH 03216. (603) \par 225-4664. A hard-working group which, thanks to its influence in the \par New Hampshire presidential primary, has a major national impact. \par Publishes the monthly Firearms and Freedom. \par \par Coalition of New Jersey Sportsmen. PO Box 423, Oakhurst NJ 07753. \par (201) 389-3355; (908) 889-5931. Ms. Barbara Nappan. Thanks to Governor \par Jim Florio's plans to confiscate semi-automatics, New Jersey went from \par the state with the weakest pro-rights movement to the strongest. \par During the 1991 legislative elections, the Coalition played a major \par role in ousting scores of anti-rights legislators. \par \par Association of New Jersey Rifle and Pistol Clubs. P.O. Box 66, \par Highland Lakes, NJ 07422. (201) 764-2433; (201) 661-0634. Like the \par Coalition of New Jersey Sportsmen, these folks are very involved in \par turning New Jersey around. \par \par Citizens for Responsible Gun Ownership. Akron, OH. (216) 773-5701. Mr. \par Ken Zeigler. \par \par Firearms Fact Committee. Cincinnati, OH. (513) 474-6958. Mr. Bob \par Eickelberger. \par \par Land of Legend Rifle & Pistol Club. Newark, OH. Mr. & Mrs. Bob & \par Kathryn Dennis. (614) 345-2860. \par \par Lorain County Firearms Defense Association. (216) 327-6655. Mr. Chris \par Crobaugh. \par \par Miami Valley Association for Responsible Legislation. Dayton, OH. \par (513) 294-6623. Mr. Mike Chaves. \par \par Ohio Constitution Defense Council. 12900 Triskett Road, Cleveland, OH \par 44111. Publishes the quarterly Liberty Bell. Umbrella organization for \par the local Ohio groups. \par \par Ohio Rifle & Pistol Association. (513) 293-6194. Mr. Frank Fecke. \par \par People's Rights Organization, PO Box 2652, Columbus, OH 43216; \par 614-268-0122. Dues $12. An effective grassroots organization, with the \par common sense to realize that an assault on any part on the Bill of \par Rights is an assault on all of it. \par \par Citizens Safety Committee, Multnomah County. PO 19448 Portland, OR \par 97219. (503) 283-4368. \par \par Pennsylvania NRA office. 301 South Allen St., #103, State College, PA \par 16801. (814) 234-2222. Mr. Alan Krug. \par \par Keystone Second Amendment Association. PO Box 361, Curwensville, PA \par 16833. (814) 236 1013. Mr. Don Boal. One of the most informative \par monthly newsletters published by any local group, chock full of \par interesting information, and marred only by a sometimes overly \par strident attitude. \par \par Americans Against Gun Control. PO Box 1564, Rapid City, SD 57709. Mr. \par Bill Wells. \par \par Texas State Rifle Association, Texas State Rifle Association, PO Box \par 710549, Dallas, TX 75731. (800) 876-8772 and (512) 288-6608. Fax (512) \par 288-1008. Legislative hotline (512) 288-3242. The TSRA is the local \par branch of the NRA. This hardworking group has its hands full with all \par the anti-gun laws being proposed in the Texas legislature. They've \par been publishing the TSRA Sportsman for over 20 years. The group also \par offers TSRA Long Distance, a TSRA Mastercard, and dental insurance. \par (Other groups take note!) \par \par North Texas Arms Rights Coalition (NTARC). POB 28186 Dallas, TX \par 75228-0186. (214) 270-4068. Mr. Wayne Burnham. \par \par Wisconsin Pro-Gun Movement, PO Box 51, Hales Corners, WI 53130. (414) \par 425-5577 phone/fax. \par \par Wyoming Arms Rights Coalition. PO Box 2571, Gillette, WY 82717-2571 \par \par \page \par \par 29. Other National Groups \par \par ``LIBERTY DOES NOT CONSIST IN MERE GENERAL DECLARATION OF THE RIGHTS OF \par MEN. IT CONSISTS IN THE TRANSLATION OF THOSE DECLARATIONS INTO \par DEFINITE ACTION.'' Woodrow Wilson, speech, Philadelphia, July 4, 1914. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 We've already told you to join a whole bunch of organizations. \par Here are some more national groups that do good work: \par \par American Pistol and Rifle Association. Box USA, Benton, TN 37307. \par (514) 644-0440. Mr. Ron Boylan. \par \par Firearms Coalition, PO Box 6537, Silver Spring MD 20906. This is \par outfit is run by Neal Knox, one of the most important pro-gun leaders \par in American history. A former national shooting champion, Neal enjoys \par a keen understanding of not only the politics of gun control, but also \par the pleasures of shooting. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As head of the Firearms Coalition, Knox does yeoman work for gun \par rights. He authors excellent columns for Guns & Ammo, Shotgun News, \par and other publications. He also does extensive lobbying. Like CCRKBA's \par lobbyist John Snyder, he is particularly effective at keeping the \par pro-gun stalwarts energized and unified. He runs an excellent \par telephone hotline providing constant updates on the battles in \par Washington and across the country (301-871-3006). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In 1990 and 1991, Neal led insurgent slates of candidates for NRA \par Board of Directors. Most of Neal's slate, including Neal himself, were \par elected, providing the NRA Board with the most pro-rights composition \par it has had in years. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unlike some avid shootists, Neal understands that the assault on \par ``bad'' guns like small handguns or semiautomatics with plastic stocks \par is only a warm-up for the assault on all guns. \par \par Gun Owners of America. 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA \par 22151. (703) 321-8585. Fax (703) 321-8408. GOA is the third-largest \par national pro-gun lobby, after NRA/ILA and the Citizens Committee for \par the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. GOA generally takes an uncompromising \par stance on gun questions. While the hard-line stance can sometimes \par cause problems, GOA provided a clear voice on behalf of the Second \par Amendment in early 1989, when GOA President Larry Pratt, on behalf of \par GOA's 100,000 members, spoke out immediately and forcefully against \par restrictions on semiautomatic firearms. \par \par International Paintball Players Association. PO Box 90051, Los Angeles \par CA 90009. What does paintball have to do with firearms? Well, learning \par how to run around the woods, avoid the enemy, and shoot accurately \par under pressure sounds an awful lot like voluntary militia training. \par That's one reason why anti-gun bureaucrats are determined to clamp \par down on paintball. In New Jersey, the Attorney General even tried to \par force people to get firearms licenses in order to buy a paint gun. (It \par takes about four months to get a firearms license in New Jersey.) The \par IPPA is headed by attorney Jessica Sparks, a persuasive advocate for \par our cause. Like many paintballers, she started out with no interest in \par the Second Amendment; but after playing paintball for a while, she \par started to recognize the importance of the right to bear arms. \par \par Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership. (JPFO). Mr. Aaron \par Zelman. 2872 S. Wentworth Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207. JPFO's \par membership magazine Maccabee is one the most interesting publications \par of the smaller gun rights groups. Among JPFO's many interesting \par publications are interviews with a survivor of the Nazi extermination \par camps and with Armenian victims of Turkish genocide, who explain how \par gun control helped the killers achieve their objectives. The JPFO \par initials are appropriately evocative of the JFO initials of the Jewish \par Fighting Organization which led the revolt against the Nazis in the \par Warsaw ghetto during World War II. (For information about their book \par Gun Control: Gateway to Tyranny, see chapter 1.) \par \par Law Enforcement Alliance of America. Suite 421, 7700 Leesburg Pike, \par Falls Church, VA 22043-2618. (703) 847-COPS. As more and more big-city \par police chiefs push for gun control and gun prohibition, more and more \par rank-and-file officers are fighting back. LEAA is a national \par organization of police officers (civilians may also join) which pushes \par for stronger laws aimed at criminals, and opposes restrictions on the \par freedom of law-abiding citizens to own firearms. \par \par National Firearms Association, PO Box 160038, Austin, TX 78716-0038. \par The nation's major association for automatic firearms collectors. \par \par National Foundation for Firearms Education, 440 Park Ave. South, NY, \par NY 10016. Former head of Amnesty International USA Mark Benneson runs \par this one. They focus on publicizing writing by folks like Jim Wright \par and Paxton Quigley. \par \par We Are Aware (Armed Women Against Rape and Endangerment), PO Box 255, \par Maynard, MA 01754. This organization promotes self-defense by women, \par and strongly supports a woman's right to choose to own and carry a gun \par or Cap-Stun. They publish a quarterly newsletter. \par \par \page \par \par 30. Start Your Own Group \par \par ``DISPERSE YOU REBELS; DAMN YOU, THROW DOWN YOUR ARMS AND DISPERSE.'' \par British Major John Pitcairn's futile order to the American patriots at \par Lexington, April 19, 1775. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Starting a pro-rights group can be a wonderful experience; you'll \par work hard, succeed sometimes, fail other times, and do your country a \par tremendous service. But before you leap, it's important to take a hard \par look, and realistically analyze what you want to do and what you can \par do. Assess yourself, and whether you're ready to put the time and \par emotional commitment into starting the group from scratch. While \par organizing the group may be somewhat easier than founding your own \par small business (you won't starve if the group flounders), you will \par face many of the same enormous challenges. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 You must be prepared to handle the virtual certainty of failure. \par Not the failure of the group as a whole, since it's likely that the \par group will succeed, and will do some worthwhile projects. But along \par the way, it is inevitable that you will run into blind alleys, \par misguided projects, and more snafus than you imagined could happen at \par once. Any human enterprise--especially one involving a lot of humans--is \par bound to encounter all sorts of unexpected disasters. When setbacks \par happen, take them in stride, learn from experience, and move on. If \par you're not comfortable with taking chances and failing some of the \par time, then you won't be able to create the opportunities to take \par chances and succeed other times. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Realistically assess how much time you can put into the \par organization month after month. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Set moderate goals you can reach. It's like an exercise program. \par If you start off intent to do a 200 pushups a day, you may not meet \par the goal, and may give up from discouragement. But if you start with \par 20 a day, and when 20 become easy you do 30 a day, and so on, then \par after a while, you may be doing 300 pushups one-handed! \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finally, be professional. Remember the importance of first \par impressions. Dress neatly. Keep your appointments, start meetings on \par time, mail out literature when you say you will. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In building a group, follow-up is essential. Send thank you notes, \par keep a list of names, addresses, and phone numbers of interested \par people, and invite them to meetings. If a member puts in extraordinary \par effort, let Alan know, and he'll send your member a certificate of \par appreciation. \par \par Name \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In general, it's better to be for something than against. So \par consider a name that emphasizes what you're for (freedom) rather than \par what you're against (gun control). Look at the list of local \par organizations (chapter 28) for some examples of positive, upbeat \par names. \par \par Meetings \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unless meetings are held in your own home, book your meeting rooms \par at least four weeks ahead of time. A few days before the meeting, call \par to reconfirm your reservation. If you always have meetings at the same \par time and place (``2d Sunday of every month, at 7:30 p.m.''), then it's \par easier for people to remember to attend. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Gun clubs, apartment party rooms, libraries, schools, community \par recreation centers, and churches are all good choices for a meeting \par site. A private room in a restaurant is also possible, but any unless \par the prices are very modest, some potential members may not attend \par because their budgets are tight. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In many urban areas, people don't want to drive all the way back \par downtown for an evening meeting. So have the meeting at a convenient \par suburban location in an area where you have a lot of active members. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 It's true that the members who live in suburbs on the other side \par of town will have to drive even further than they would to a downtown \par meeting. But if they were willing to drive downtown, they'll probably \par be willing to drive ten minutes further. And in the suburb that's \par hosting the meeting, you may get several more attendees who wouldn't \par have showed up for something a long distance away. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When the group is starting out (and this goes for booking rooms \par for speeches too), get a room slightly smaller than you expect to \par need. Fifteen people who show up in a room that can set a hundred may \par feel that there aren't enough other people to make group participation \par viable; fifteen people in a room built for twelve will feel that the \par energy in the group is growing by leaps and bounds. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The small rooms rule, like all the other rules in this book, is \par not an absolute. If you're having a strategy meeting with ten key \par volunteers, get a room that holds ten people, not seven. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Show up early for meetings, and make sure that everything is in \par working order. If the meeting is in your home, serve light \par refreshments. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Have plenty of free literature (see chapter 1) on hand. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Supply name tags for meetings, and make sure to greet newcomers \par with a handshake and a sincere smile. Introduce new people to the \par veterans (or have everybody introduce themselves). Do everything you \par can to make everybody feel comfortable. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When recruiting new members, remember that high school and college \par students (whose minds are still open), middle to upper income people \par aged 30 to 50 (who are generally pro-rights), and small businessmen \par (who know the perils of excessive government) are often especially \par interested in pro-rights issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At the meeting, pass around a sign-in list for people's names, \par address, and phone number. Before the next meeting, call through the \par list, reminding people about the date, time, and location of the next \par meeting, and inviting them to attend. The calling can be \par time-consuming, but the personal touch really does make a difference. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When the meeting is finished, ask people what they liked and \par didn't like, and ask one-on-one for suggestions for future meeting \par topics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And lastly, if the group is productive, but the meetings aren't, \par stop holding meetings, and put the energy that you were using to \par organize meetings into other projects for the group. \par \par Committees \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 An effective grassroots group may simply be three people. Such a \par small group has little need for formal structure; it just needs to get \par each member going on projects for which the particular member is \par suited. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Larger groups, though, may need more structure. One effective way \par to build structure is through committees. A committee consists of a \par chair--chosen for her reliability and ability to get things done--and as \par many committee members are necessary. Committees focus on one \par particular area of responsibility. Some of the committees your group \par might use are: \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Communications Committee. Works on newsletters for members and \par other interested people. Informs members of actions by the \par organization. Coordinates letter-writing campaigns to elected \par officials. Runs the phone tree/phone circle (see chapter 20). \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Logistics Committee. Organizes meeting times and places, and \par informs members of upcoming meetings. Also keeps close watch on the \par legislative calendars of relevant local governments, and informs \par members about local government meetings involving gun issues. \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finance Committee. Raises funds for the organization. In addition \par to soliciting the membership, and raising funds at gun shows, the \par committee can also ask for help from sympathetic local businesses, \par such as gun stores. Fundraising is generally more successful when \par donors know that the money will be used for a specific project, or \par will have a clear tangible value. For example, next to the donation \par can at your information table write out: ``$15 will pay for printing \par for one thousand educational flyers'' \par \par o }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Press Committee. Drafts news releases, keeps a list of addresses \par for local media, calls and writes media to inform them of upcoming \par events. Some Press Committee tips are offered later in this chapter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The organizational structure above is just an outline. Don't feel \par constrained to stick with it if another type of committee organization \par would work best for your group. Each group's organization should be \par flexible, to reflect the particular abilities of its members. \par \par Membership Lists \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Speaking of lists, your organization will likely end up compiling \par a list of people in the area who are interested in gun rights. Some \par people who sign up will feel very strongly about not being put in a \par database someplace, or having their name given out. Respect their \par wishes. \par \par Recruiting New Members \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Emphasize benefits, not features. If you've got a table at a gun \par show, and are trying to raise individual contributions, point out how \par your group can benefit the donor (e.g., ``we're working to defeat the \par semiautomatic ban that the anti-gun lobbies are pushing in the \par legislature''). Don't emphasize features, which may not interest your \par donor (e.g., ``our group was founded in 1990''). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At legislative hearings and other gatherings related to gun \par control, circulate a sign-up sheet in the audience, asking for names, \par addresses, and phone numbers of people who would like to work together \par to fight gun control. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Because you'll be operating on a financial shoestring, every \par source of revenue will be important, and no revenue source will be as \par important as memberships. Set the dues high enough to cover your cost \par of recruiting, and to leave something extra for your operating \par expenses. Twenty or twenty-five dollars would be about right. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Do not prorate your dues for what part of the year they come in. \par If your annual dues are $20, don't in July sell a ten dollar \par membership that expires at the end of the year. Instead, make \par memberships good for one full year. If it's much easier \par administratively for you to have all memberships expire at the end of \par the year, offer people who sign up late in the year some kind of \par premium, but still collect the full dues amount. (E.g., in July, sell \par a $20 membership that expires in December, and throw in a free t-shirt \par as a bonus.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Consider selling multiyear memberships at a discount. The \par multiyear memberships are helpful because you don't have to worry \par about renewal, don't have to spend any resources encouraging renewal, \par and you get a good sum of cash right up front. So if annual dues are \par $25, then offer a two-year membership for $40. You'll probably need to \par be around for a couple years before people are willing to invest in \par three or five year memberships. \par \par Membership Cards and Paraphernalia \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 People liking having some tangible token of their membership. \par During your organization's first six months, new members can have the \par added distinction of being ``charter members,'' a fact which the \par membership card should recognize. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you know someone who can volunteer some graphic design \par services, ask them to create an attractive logo for your group. And \par think up a good slogan that the group can put on its membership cards, \par newsletter, and other materials. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Besides membership cards, you may also want to create t-shirts, \par bumper stickers, buttons, and similar accessories. Members will enjoy \par wearing them; non-members will enjoy buying them, and everybody who \par has one will be a walking advertisement for the group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Before selling anything, check with your city, county, or state \par Department of Revenue (or Tax Bureau), and find out the rules \par regarding sales tax. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For these products--and for everything else you do-- it's best to \par take things one step at a time. Instead of ordering 500 t-shirts, \par order 20, and see how they sell, see how well the supplier meets your \par needs, and see if it's a small project that shows potential for \par becoming a larger project, or if it was an experiment that should be \par abandoned for more productive endeavors. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If plan to do a mailing to recruit new members, it's conventional \par wisdom in the direct mail business that self-addressed envelopes more \par than pay for themselves. If you make it easy for people to mail you \par money, they're more likely to do so. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the long run, the cheapest self-addressed envelopes are the \par Business Reply Mail type. The Post Office charges a you premium to \par deliver these. But since you only pay for the envelopes that people \par actually send back to you, the cost savings can be substantial. Check \par with your local Post Office for the detailed requirements for using \par Business Reply Mail. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 You don't have to get stationary or business cards right away, but \par when you do so, make sure they look professional. \par \par Personal Skills \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Here's the most important tip: Listen more than you talk. People \par will help your pro-rights efforts for their reasons, not for your \par reasons. Listen carefully to what interests them, and then suggest how \par your group is supporting their interests. Emphasize areas of \par agreement, rather than disagreement. If you're leafleting a shopping \par mall, and somebody takes your literature, and says ``I think that \par people need guns for protection, but I don't see what's wrong with a \par waiting period,'' you don't need to engage him in a debate about \par waiting periods. Instead, talk about how your group is working to \par promote the right to have guns for self-protection (such as by \par supporting a concealed carry bill, or by opposing gun prohibitions). \par It's more important to win allies than to win debates, so save your \par arguments for another day. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In discussions among your group, and in everything you do with the \par group, don't act like the great dictator. The more you encourage other \par people to talk and to make decisions, the more involved they'll want \par to be. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Unskilled as your volunteers may be, they won't stay volunteers \par long if you just put them at a desk and make them stuff envelopes. The \par really tedious work should be shared by everyone (especially you) in \par ``work party'' atmosphere, with ample beer and refreshments on hand. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And while you're encouraging people to work hard, make things fun. \par Consider what we know about life in the military: People join the \par military for many reasons, including ideological reasons and \par patriotism. But when soldiers are running across open fields under \par hostile fire, or sleeping in foxholes, their motivation doesn't have \par much to do with ideology. The soldiers who perform the best in combat \par are those who are part of a cohesive unit. When you're under fire, \par your desire to save your buddy's life by pulling him out of a ditch is \par a lot more important at motivating action than your attitude towards \par the Bill of Rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Similarly (sort of), volunteers will come to your organization \par because of their ideological support for freedom. But the most \par important factor in determining whether they will develop into \par long-term, active volunteers is whether they form friendships with \par other folks in the group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Accordingly, make sure that your meetings have plenty of \par opportunity for socializing. Just asking people to drive downtown, \par listen to a speech, and then leave, isn't going to promote \par camaraderie. Having a cocktail hour before the meeting, or beer and \par pretzels afterward, or making the meeting itself a potluck supper are \par among the ways to promote conversation. You can also have parties \par without a formal meeting, and urge members to bring friends and \par family. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 People thrive on praise and recognition, so distribute them out \par generously. If people take on projects, give them a title. The woman \par who volunteers to write the press release can become the Media \par Relations Director, and the guy who drops off the press release at all \par 15 radio stations can be the Assistant Media Director. These titles \par aren't meant to be grandiose, but to reflect the training you'll be \par giving, to help people build skills, and take on more and more \par responsibility themselves. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In fact, your most important contribution as a leader will be to \par help other people develop the skills and confidence to take on \par responsibility and leadership themselves. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When big projects are completed, hand out the praise and \par recognition for those who helped. If you're holding a press \par conference, early in your remarks thank by name the volunteers who \par made it happen. \par \par Advisory Council \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A group's credibility is enhanced if it has the support of \par well-known civic leaders. If there are some local elected officials, \par university professors, business leaders, religious leaders, or similar \par folks who would support your group's pro-rights objectives, invite \par them to serve on the group's Advisory Council. Your letterhead can \par include a list of Advisory Council members. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And what does the Advisory Council actually do? First of all, you \par should turn to it for advice. The reason that your Advisory Council \par members have become prominent in the community is that they're good at \par something. Take advantage of their experience. (You don't need to call \par the Council together as a formal body; a telephone call to a \par particular Council member will be fine.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Perhaps over time, the Advisory Council members will grow even \par more enthusiastic about the pro-rights cause, and be interested in \par taking a more active role. Council members might serve as \par spokespersons for the group, or help with fundraising. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As always, be flexible, and adapt our suggestions to your \par particular circumstances. For example, if two State Senators--but \par nobody else--volunteer to serve as advisors to your group, you don't \par really have enough people to create an ``Advisory Council.'' So make the \par two Senators ``Honorary Chairpersons'' of the group. The Senators might \par even be so pleased with their lofty title that they'd help you send \par out a press release announcing their new role. \par \par Affiliations with Larger Groups \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Affiliation doesn't mean that you simply become a local chapter of \par the national group. Rather, your independent local group maintains a \par link with national group, in order that the two groups can share \par information and expertise \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Affiliating with a national pro-rights organization can give you a \par tremendous leg up in learning the basics of organizing activists. You \par can benefit from the national organization's years of experience, and \par avoid learning the hard way about mistakes other activists have made. \par The Citizens' Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (Alan's \par group) is particularly eager to work with local activists. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 National groups are also likely to have campaigns in progress that \par you can join. \par \par New Chapters? \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Inspired by your success, activists in other cities may ask if \par they can form area chapters of your group. If you feel comfortable \par with them, sign them up. But in the long run (or maybe even the short \par run), your goal should be for them to form their own group. To help \par them, offer to share all the expertise and resources you have to get \par them get started. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Two groups in different cities can still coordinate their \par activities, but each group will get more done if its energy is \par concentrated in actual work, rather than in managing a multi-city \par structure. \par \par Newsletter \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once a group gets established, it's a good idea to publish a \par newsletter. Once a month is a common interval. The newsletter can be \par as simple as an 8 1/2 x 11 inch flyer, or much more elaborate. \par Newsletters are great to hand out at gun shows; they help bring in new \par members, and help alert everyone about projects, elections, and \par legislative issues. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Newsletters need not look like 4-color glossy corporate reports, \par but neither should their look like they were produced on a mimeograph \par machine that saw its best days during the Eisenhower administration. \par With today's advances in computers and desktop publishing, it's not to \par hard to put together a nice-looking newsletter that conveys the sense \par of organization and efficiency that will attract new members. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The title should be closely linked to the name of your group. If \par your group is the ``East Orange Public Safety Association,'' call the \par newsletter the ``East Orange Public Safety Association Newsletter.'' \par True, it would be more glamorous to call the newsletter ``The \par Liberator,'' but since you're trying to build name recognition for your \par group, you need to make it very easy for people (even people who \par aren't careful readers) to associate the newsletter with the group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every newsletter should include a blank form for new members to \par fill out in order to join. The blank form can ask people which areas \par they would be most interested in helping in: \par \par ``Please check all of the following which interest you: \par \par ___Handing out leaflets or manning tables at gun shows \par \par ___Making phone calls to voters in support of pro-gun candidates \par \par ___Putting up yard signs for pro-gun candidates \par \par ___Having a sign in your own yard.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Every newsletter should list the names, addresses, and phone \par numbers of your two US Senators, the US Representatives in your area, \par and other public officials to whom you are encouraging people to \par write. And every newsletter should encourage people to take specific \par actions (writing a letter, registering to vote, etc.) in whatever \par battle is going on at the moment. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If the newsletter will be mailed, make it a self-mailer. One side \par of a folded sheet of the newsletter contains space for the addressee, \par thereby obviating the need for a separate envelope. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The news that goes in your newsletter can include updates on \par events in Washington, DC and your state capital, details of your \par group' s recent meetings and activities, local news relating to the \par gun issue, facts about guns and gun control, reprints of pertinent \par material from other publications (telephone to get permission first), \par and announcements of forthcoming shooting events. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And don't neglect to tell folks what the anti-gun people are up \par to. Most gunowners are like the militia members of the American War \par for Independence. When the threat is close at hand, they'll fight with \par vigor and determination. But when trouble seems far away, they don't \par take much interest in public affairs. And since the mainstream media \par doesn't always slot gun control stories into the limited space \par available, terrible anti-gun bills may be moving through Congress or \par your state legislature, and most gun-owners may have no idea that \par there is a danger. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In the newsletter (as elsewhere) be generous in praise for people \par who have helped with the group. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Legislators, being human (usually), like praise just as much as \par everyone else--more so, in fact, since they keep their jobs only as \par long as they stay popular. So use the newsletter to give full \par recognition to public officials who have voted for or otherwise helped \par the pro-rights cause. If the legislator gave a good speech on the \par floor of the legislator when she voted for the bill, reprint the \par speech in your newsletter. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While all legislators are hungry for praise, urban Congresspeople \par are especially hungry. In many states, including California, North \par Carolina, Florida, and New York, Congressional districts are twisted, \par bizarre oddities that run in thin strips from county to another to \par another, turn, and then veer off for the next county at a strange \par angle. These gerrymandered monstrosities mean that the Representative \par elected to the district does not represent a single town, or a \par cohesive group of neighborhoods, but instead represents disparate \par slices of several towns, or freakish slices of various neighborhoods. \par The result of all this is that the Congressman may have a hard time \par getting attention from the home-town newspaper, since he doesn't \par represent any full town. Consequently, the Congressman is all the \par hungrier for good publicity wherever he can find it--and your \par newsletter should supply it. \par \par Awards \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Besides giving pro-rights legislators good coverage in your \par newsletter, you may want to give an annual award to an outstanding \par legislator or two. The award can be announced at an annual dinner (if \par your group has one), or similar occasion. Or the award can simply be \par mailed to the legislator, along with a nice cover letter. An engraved \par wall plaque will be appreciated, especially by state and local \par officials. The inscription on the plaque could read something like \par this: \par \par OUTSTANDING LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR \par \par presented to \par \par State Representative \par \par Walter E. Dilworthy \par \par for his energetic and devoted \par \par work in defense of \par \par the Right to Keep and Bear Arms \par \par March 22, 1990 \par \par Central Outerway Citizens for Safety \par \par Leafleting and Information Tables \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Places to hand out leaflets include any large public area, such as \par fairs, shopping malls, museums, government buildings, colleges, office \par buildings, factories, and especially college student unions. \par Door-to-door leafleting is also possible, but make sure that \par volunteers don't put leaflets into mail boxes. The United States \par Postal Service zealously guards its mail monopoly, and putting \par material without a stamp into a mailbox is a fast road to ruin. (We \par don't make the rules; we're just letting you know.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Set up an information table at a shopping mall (ask permission \par first) or a public event such as a street fair. Posters, banners, and \par the like help draw attention to the table. Or just hand out literature \par there. When handing out literature, make sure to emphasize that it's \par free. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Shopping malls, like other places which are private property, have \par a right to exclude you, in most states. If the mall security officer \par tells you to stop leafleting, respect the mall owners' property \par rights. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Smiles are always important when meeting the public, but they're \par particularly helpful when leafleting. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Everything in a leaflet (like everything else you put in print) \par should be backed up with authoritative sources that you can document. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Information tables are good places to encourage letter-writing. \par Bring a list of the relevant addresses, and a healthy supply of \par stationary and pens. (See also chapter 17, on computer-generated \par letters.) Public areas are also good places to collect signatures on \par petitions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you can, bring a television and VCR, and keep pro-rights tapes \par playing. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And after you're done with the day's literature distribution, \par police the entire area to pick up any material of yours that might \par have been littered on the premises. Going out of your way to be a \par considerate guest raises your chances of being allowed to come back. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Information tables can also raise a little money by selling \par t-shirts, buttons, and the like. The NRA and the Citizens Committee \par for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms have a good supply of merchandise \par that they make available at wholesale prices to grassroots groups. \par \par Media \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One of your main objectives will be to get media coverage of your \par group's activities, so as to bring your message to many more people \par than you could through direct contacts. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Make a list of media contacts in your area, and keep it updated. \par The list should include not only media addresses, but also the names \par of the reporters and editorial writers who keep doing stories about \par gun issues. Since a media career requires frequently changes of \par assignment--and of employer--keep the list fresh. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Don't snub the small papers in your area (like the give-away \par weeklies). They're much easier to get coverage in than are large urban \par dailies. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Remember that the news media exist to cover news. Just \par articulating a position isn't newsworthy. Taking action (especially \par the kind of action that creates interesting photos) is newsworthy. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Anytime you're trying to get the local press to cover something, \par make sure it has a local angle. Even if the issue is a national rather \par than a local one, find a local angle on it. For example, while the \par Congressional debate on banning so-called ``assault weapons'' is a \par national issue, the fact that a local gun club is using them in a \par tournament is a local angle. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Never say anything to any journalist that you don't want to see in \par print. Many journalists will keep a promise of confidentiality, or of \par being ``off-the-record,'' but some don't. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Strive to make yourself useful to the local media. Provide them \par with useful, accurate information. Everything the media ask from you, \par they will ask on short notice, because the reporters themselves are \par under time deadlines. Help the reporters out by being able to fit with \par their schedules, by suggesting additional sources for them to \par interview, and by remembering that while the media as a whole may be \par biased, every individual reporter should be treated with respect. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once your quotes start appearing in print and broadcast reports, \par your influence will be magnified. Not only will you be reaching larger \par audiences, elected officials will begin to see the media take your \par group seriously, and may start to do the same themselves. \par \par Finances \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 As the above sections on fundraising ideas have indicated, money \par will always be tight. At the same time, the group's finances may be \par closely watched by government regulators. So keep close track of your \par finances, right from the start. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Believe it or not, while you'll be poor, many folks will think \par that you're rich, because they've fallen for the myth that ``the gun \par lobby'' is made out of cash. \par \par Elections \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Chapter 23 contains detailed advice for how to participate in \par elections effectively. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. The Citizens Committee \par for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms would be glad to offer you advice \par on anything you need. And your NRA State Liaison--while usually very \par busy--will also be eager to help grassroots organizations. The NRA also \par has staff assigned full-time to assisting grassroots groups. Your \par local bookstore's or library's business section will have several \par advice books on how to run a non-profit association. \par \par \page \par \par 31. How to Write a Press Release \par \par ``IF YE LOVE WEALTH MORE THAN LIBERTY, THE TRANQUILLITY OF SERVITUDE \par GREATER THAN THE ANIMATING CONTEST FOR FREEDOM, GO HOME AND LEAVE US \par IN PEACE. WE SEEK NOT YOUR COUNCIL, NOR YOUR ARMS. CROUCH DOWN AND \par LICK THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU; AND MAY POSTERITY FORGET THAT YE WERE \par OUR COUNTRY MEN.'' Samuel Adams \par \par Timing \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Send the press release out well in advance of the event you want \par covered. Many small newspapers publish only once a week, so get the \par release to them in plenty of time for their own deadlines. If you have \par any doubts about timing, call their office, and ask about their \par deadlines. As a rule of thumb, try to send the release at least 15 \par days in advance of the event. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you know of a particular person at the media outlet who might \par be interested in doing a story based on your event, send the release \par addressed to them. (And to be safe, send another copy of the release \par just addressed to the media outlet.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 On the morning of the event, call the places you've already sent \par the press release to, and remind them about the event. Send a fax of \par the press release too. \par \par Style \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 A press release should never be more than 2 pages long (one page \par is better), and should be double-spaced, with wide margins. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Since the media receive literally dozens of press releases a day, \par do what you can with graphics to make it look attractive. Put an \par interesting title on top. If your organization has a logo, use it. And \par print the release on colored paper. (This last suggestion applies to \par releases that will be mailed or hand-delivered, and not to faxed \par releases.) When choosing colors, avoid red, since red is an \par ``emotional'' color, and the whole object of the pro-rights effort is to \par help undecided folks look at the issue in a rational, non-hysterical \par manner. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 There should be at least a one-inch margin at the left, right, \par top, and bottom of the page. (This applies to any kind of written \par output, in fact.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Proofread the draft release numerous times, and verify every fact \par contained in the release. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Ideally, the entire text of the press release should not occupy \par more than one side of a sheet of paper. If the press release \par absolutely requires more than one page, put your group's name, the \par title of the press release, and the name and phone number of the \par contact person at the top of the second page. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Press releases sent to the print media should be written so that \par they are ready to insert in the publication, as a self-standing story. \par Likewise, press releases for the radio should be capable of being read \par on the air. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Proofread it again, just before you send it out. \par \par Substance \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 When print or radio editors need to cut a story for length, they \par generally cut from the bottom. So make sure that all the most \par essential information is at the beginning, not the end. Press releases \par should use the ``inverted pyramid'' writing style, whereby the most \par important facts come first, the less important facts in the middle, \par and the least important facts at the end. Saving the best material for \par the end is all right for detective novels, but not for press releases. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The opening sentence of the press release must have a strong lead \par that grabs the reader's attention. The second paragraph of the news \par release can be used to explain the significance of the event. By the \par end of the first two paragraphs, you should have supplied all of the \par ``five Ws'' (who, what, where, when, and why. And also how). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 In addition, show the ``human interest'' aspect to your release, \par emphasizing who your story affects, and how it affects them. For \par example: \par \par For immediate release \par \par For more information, contact: \par \par Bob Skjellyfeti (505) 555-8740. \par \par Gun Safety Classes \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Firearms safety classes for the community will be held on June 18, \par at the North Shore Gun Club. The four-hour classes are free to the \par public, and begin at 1 p.m at the 509 West Main Street. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Club President Jackie Jackson explained that the recent surge in \par gun ownership after the Los Angeles riots makes it especially \par important that gun owners learn proper safety techniques. Ms. Jackson \par added that everyone in the community is welcome to attend, whether or \par not they own a gun. Persons without their own gun may borrow a club \par gun to use at the range. \par \par The last paragraph can include a brief description of the group \par sending the press release. Make sure that the release includes the \par name, address, phone number, and contact person for the group. \par \par Content \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Press releases should not be sent out as a writing exercise. Send \par them only when there is something genuinely newsworthy. The subject \par must have immediacy (be about something that's happening now, or will \par happen soon), and must have a local angle to it. Ideally, the subject \par should relate to some other event currently in the news. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The press release should be written so as to stimulate a \par reporter's interest in covering the story himself, and to provide the \par person who compiles the newspaper's ``community calendar'' section with \par concise information to insert a paragraph about your event. \par \par \page \par \par 32. Public Service Announcements \par \par ``IF THERE IS NO STRUGGLE THERE IS NO PROGRESS.'' Frederick Douglass, \par abolitionist, letter to Gerrit Smith, March 30, 1849. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Public service announcements are free advertising, run by the \par media as a public service. They most commonly appear on radio, \par sometimes on television, and once in a while in print media. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Because radio and television broadcast licenses are allocated by \par the Federal Communication Commission ``in the public interest'' \par (theoretically), stations like to broadcast public service \par announcements to show how public-minded they are. PSAs also help fill \par up unsold advertising slots. \par \par Radio \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Let's start with radio. Every radio station will have someone in \par charge of PSAs. Call your local stations, learn who the PSA person is, \par and find out what the station's PSA guidelines are. All future \par communications with the station should be aimed at the PSA person. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The PSA for the radio station will be a neatly-typed script that a \par station DJ/announcer can read on the air. The script should be about \par 20 seconds (40-50 words) long, unless station guidelines specify a \par different length. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Read the PSA out loud to yourself many times, so that you can \par revise it and make it as close to perfect as you can get. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The PSA should conclude with a tag line indicating who produced \par the PSA, such as ``This announcement brought to you by the North \par Eastwick Rifle Club.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Also on the PSA sheet (but not in the on-the-air script) should be \par a contact person and a telephone number, so that the station can \par contact you if there are questions. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Public service announcements have to relate to some type of public \par service. Political and/or legislative material is not allowed. Nor \par should any person or organization be criticized. The PSA should \par involve something to do with community programs or education, rather \par than with anything partisan or for-profit. Examples of PSAs could \par include: announcing an upcoming safety class at a local gun club; \par informing the public about an upcoming speech or debate; urging people \par who have firearms to store them safely; or telling children that if \par they find a gun, they should not touch it, should leave the area \par immediately, and should tell an adult. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Once you've got a good PSA written, send copies to all radio \par stations in your area that do PSAs. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The NRA can also help you with PSAs, especially for the group's \par Eddie Eagle child safety program. \par \par Television \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The same general guidelines used for radio apply to television. \par While most radio PSAs will be broadcast late at night (when it's \par harder for the station to sell advertising slots), virtually every \par television PSA will be late-nighter. (That means 2 a.m., not during \par the Tonight Show.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 While a radio PSA can simply be a written script, you'll have to \par give the television station a ready-to-use videotape. That's not as \par hard as it might sound. If you live in an area with cable TV, there \par will be at least one ``public access'' channel. The purpose of the \par public access channel is to help ordinary folks produce and air TV \par shows. So if you make an appointment for studio time at the public \par access station, the staff will be glad to help you produce a short \par commercial for use as a PSA. (Of course you'll have to think up all \par the content; the staff can only help with production.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you absolutely can't create a videotape, at least supply the \par station with a few high-quality slides. \par \par Print Media \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Broadcast media was invented at about the same time as the federal \par government's explosive growth in the 1920s and 1930s. Print media, in \par contrast, is older than America. As a result, print media grew to \par maturity long before government could get ahold of it, and print media \par is subject to much less regulation than broadcast media. Newspapers, \par unlike radio and television stations, don't need government licenses, \par and don't have government officials reviewing their content (usually). \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The greater independence of print media is good in general, but \par bad for PSAs, since the print media don't have to convince any FCC \par official that the media are acting ``in the public interest.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And while radio and television stations can't stop broadcasting \par simply because they have empty advertising slots, a newspaper or \par magazine that doesn't sell enough advertising simply prints fewer \par pages. As a result, the print media has much less incentive than the \par broadcast media to run PSAs. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Nevertheless, PSAs do find their way into print media. First of \par all, press releases which get printed sometimes function as a kind of \par PSA. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Secondly, some print media (particularly the smaller, newer ones) \par will run free advertising for public interest groups that the \par publisher likes. For example, the advertising space you see for the \par ``Partnership for a Drug-Free America'' is donated by the host newspaper \par or magazine. (Much of the Partnership advertising is, unfortunately, \par just as hysterical and factually incorrect as advertising from the \par anti-gun lobby.) \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you have a friendship with a local publisher, ask her if she \par would be interested in running some pro-rights advertising as a public \par service. The Second Amendment Foundation, CCRKBA, and the NRA all have \par camera-ready copy (meaning that the advertisement needs no layout or \par other further production work) which they can send to any interested \par newspaper or magazine. \par \par \page \par \par 33. SUPPORT OTHER PRO-RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS \par \par ``ETHICAL INSIGHTS ARE BORN IN ATTACKS UPON CONFORMITY TO EXISTING \par MORES.'' Rollo May. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 One of the greatest strengths of the anti-gun lobbies is their \par ability to network with like-minded organizations and leaders. The \par Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (formerly the National Coalition to Ban \par Handguns) has relatively few actual members. But the Coalition \par networks with powerful organizations whose leaders support gun \par prohibition, and thereby achieves far more influence than it could \par solely on the strength of its membership base. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Likewise, Handgun Control, Inc. does an outstanding job at \par reaching out to important political and other leaders to enlist them \par in the cause. While these leaders are usually not interested enough in \par the gun issue to play a major role (otherwise they would already have \par volunteered to help HCI), they are happy to add their name to a press \par release, or put in a good word with a Congressperson they know, if HCI \par comes to them, and makes it easy for them to help. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Just as the anti-gun lobby has increased its clout by copying many \par of the tactical innovations of the pro-rights lobby (such as effective \par use of direct mail), pro-rights folks should take a leaf from the \par opposition, and work to build bridges with sympathetic community \par leaders. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 For instance, suppose you're friends with a physician. Also \par suppose that your state legislature is considering whether to require \par that licensed, trained citizens be allowed to carry concealed handguns \par for protection. At an appropriate moment, ask her what she thinks of \par the gun issue. If she says ``I think people ought to be able to have \par guns for protection, but I don't see why the NRA is so crazy that it \par won't even accept a waiting period.'' \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 At this point you do not engage her in a debate over waiting \par periods. Instead, you express your agreement with her basic attitude \par about guns. Then bring up the concealed carry bill in the legislature, \par and see what she thinks of it--especially in light of the fact that \par licenses would only be issued after there is a background check, and \par proof of safety training. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If she likes the general idea, suggest that her support might help \par the carry reform bill get enacted. Perhaps she could testify before a \par legislative committee, and explain why doctors--who must sometimes \par carry controlled prescription drugs while traveling--are robbery \par targets, and need guns for protection. Or maybe she would just want to \par write a letter to her State Senator. If she says she'd like to help, \par you could offer to draft a letter for her consideration. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 There's no limit to the kinds of folks who can approached for \par assistance: religious leaders, union officials, professional \par associations, teachers, professors, scientists, and more. Some will \par rebuff you; others will be delighted to be asked and will be willing \par to do something major (such as give a speech to a local group like the \par Rotary); some will do something smaller, like write to their \par Congressperson; and others may just ask you to send them more \par information. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Prior to a meeting with anyone you don't know well, it always \par helps to learn a little bit about what makes them tick. As detailed in \par chapter 22 (finding out more about your legislators), computer \par databases such as Prodigy, Compuserve, and Nexis; and the Martindale \par Hubbell legal directory can provide you with some basic background \par about community leaders. Public libraries contain numerous other \par biographical guides which you may find helpful. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Making alliances with local activist groups involved in other \par issues is often an effective tactic. One obstacle to such alliances is \par that each group wants to stick to its own agenda, for fear of \par alienating members on peripheral issues. For example, your local gun \par group probably wouldn't want to take a stand on abortion, since the \par gun group probably includes members who are pro-choice and other \par members who are pro-life. Likewise, the local tax limitation group may \par feel uncomfortable taking a stand on gun control. But there is a way \par to finesse this problem: each group can pick an angle to the issue \par that fits within the group's own agenda. For example, your gun group \par and the local anti-tax group might agree that they both oppose a \par proposed increase in gun licensing fees. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 The more you can get other groups involved, even if peripherally, \par in the gun issue, the more impressed elected officials will be about \par the importance of gun rights. For instance, the anti-tax group might \par send legislators a 20-item questionnaire to determine election-year \par endorsements. If one of the questions is ``Do you support or oppose \par Governor Baldbreath's proposal to double the fee for gun licenses?'' \par the legislator reading the questionnaire will start to get the idea \par that gun freedom is important to more than just gun organizations. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 And if an organization just flat-out turns you down, don't walk \par away in a huff. Accept their decision, but ask if you can send them \par information about the issue from time to time. Over the long run, \par patient outreach can make quite a change. In the early 1960s, the \par Sierra Club favored nuclear power, and Planned Parenthood opposed \par abortion. Over time, dedicated activists convinced those groups to \par change their mind. \par \par \page \par \par 34. Parting Shots \par \par ``THE LIBERTIES OF OUR COUNTRY, THE FREEDOM OF OUR CIVIL CONSTITUTION, \par ARE WORTH DEFENDING AT ALL HAZARDS; AND IT IS OUR DUTY TO DEFEND THEM \par AGAINST ALL ATTACKS. WE HAVE RECEIVED THEM AS A FAIR INHERITANCE FROM \par OUR WORTHY ANCESTORS: THEY PURCHASED THEM FOR US WITH TOIL AND DANGER \par AND EXPENSE OF TREASURE AND BLOOD, AND TRANSMITTED TO US WITH CARE AND \par DILIGENCE. IT WILL BRING AN EVERLASTING MARK OF INFAMY ON THE PRESENT \par GENERATION, ENLIGHTENED AS IT IS, IF WE SHOULD SUFFER THEM TO BE \par WRESTED FROM US BY VIOLENCE WITHOUT A STRUGGLE, OR BE CHEATED OUT OF \par THEM BY THE ARTIFICES OF FALSE AND DESIGNING MEN.'' Samuel Adams, 1771. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 Like Hollywood, we believe that anything that's worth doing right \par is worth a sequel. So we're already at work on volume two of this \par book, which will cover material that we couldn't fit in the first \par book. We'll go into topics such as which corporations support or \par oppose the Second Amendment, how gun clubs and gun stores can maximize \par their effectiveness in supporting civil liberties, which gun companies \par really support the right to bear arms, and how you can fight back \par against media bias. Plus plenty of other topics. \par \par }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 }{\f2\fs20\insrsid15604007 If you have suggestions about what has worked for you--regarding \par any type of pro-rights activism--drop us a line, and maybe we'll be \par able to include your advice in volume 2. Send your note to: Alan \par Gottlieb & Dave Kopel, Volume 2 Project, Citizens Committee for the \par Right to Keep and Bear Arms, 12500 NE Tenth Place, Bellevue, WA 98005. \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15604007 {\f1\fs20\insrsid15604007 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\insrsid15604007 \par }}