A PRO-CITIZEN GRASSROOTS EFFORT TO PRESERVE THE PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This entire package is released into the public domain. PLEASE copy and distribute freely. This package was written and paid for by private citizens, not by any company nor organization. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- WHY THIS PACKAGE EXISTS ----------------------- The anti-citizen groups have loud voices in the White House, the Senate, the House of Representatives, and most of the media. When this occurs, one of the few peaceful approaches that can still let the PEOPLE decide how they wish to be governed is a grassroots effort. A grassroots effort involves large-scale contacts to elected officials by an overwhelming majority of citizens. Anti-citizen groups may speak loudly, and have a lot of money, but they cannot vote - and politicians, more than anything, want to be re-elected. Politicians simply cannot ignore that many voters, no matter how much money the anti-citizen groups have. When talking to citizens about losing their rights, I have usually received one of the following replies: * "I don't know what to say." * "I don't know who to say it to." * "I don't know how to get it to them." Basically, they are mad about what's happening but don't know how to get their message across. This package solves that problem! WHAT THIS PACKAGE CONTAINS -------------------------- The files in this package create a two-page document that includes a pro-citizen letter, the names and addresses of politicians, and instructions. All of the hard work and research have already been completed. No envelope is required. The citizen simply signs their name, picks a politician, licks a stamp, and mails the letter. Three files are needed to create the complete package: COVER, ??-FEDER, and LETTER. COVER and ??-FEDER are the two sides of the top sheet, while LETTER is the only side of the second sheet. You can prepare the package as three sheets if you do not have duplex (two-sided) capability; in that case the order of the sheets from top to bottom should be COVER, then ??-FEDER, and finally LETTER. ??-FEDER is the generic name for the list of Federal officials from a given state. For example, California's Federal officials are contained in the file named CA-FEDER. NOTE: More states will become available as time passes; check your online sources frequently for updates. Both PCL 3 (LaserJet II and above) and PostScript formats of each file have been included. They produce identical results; simply use the format that is most convenient. ABOUT THE LETTER ---------------- Many people confuse the "right to keep and bear arms" with gun ownership. But rights are about having the CHOICE, not actually owning firearms. The letter does NOT encourage firearm ownership. The letter addresses each citizen's right to CHOOSE ownership when, and if, they wish. The intention is not to change people's mind about owning guns. The intention is to make sure they have the ABILITY to choose, now and in the future. That should be the function of government: Preserving the people's right to CHOOSE for themselves, not deciding for them. CREATING THE PRINTED PACKAGE ---------------------------- To print out one copy of the packet to a LaserJet-compatible parallel printer (and assuming you want the California list, for example), issue the following commands at a DOS prompt: COPY /B COVER.PCL LPT1 COPY /B CA-FEDER.PCL LPT1 COPY /B LETTER.PCL LPT1 To print out one copy of the packet to a PostScript-compatible parallel printer, issue the following commands at a DOS prompt: COPY /B COVER.PS LPT1 COPY /B CA-FEDER.PS LPT1 COPY /B LETTER.PS LPT1 In both cases, you will produce three printed pages. The first two are intended to be opposite sides of one sheet - this cuts down on paper costs if you are preparing a large number of handouts. You may, however, keep them separate if it is more convenient. The resulting pages are also camera-ready artwork suitable for mass copying with either photocopiers or offset lithography. If you only need a few copies, just print them out on the printer. If you need quite a few, it's probably faster and cheaper to print out a master set and have them copied at a "quick copy" or print shop. Another option is to take the PostScript files to the print shop. Most modern printshops can accept PostScript data; whether this results in a cost savings depends upon the shop. Each packet should be stapled together at the top left corner. This is crucial - you want to be sure that the citizen receives all of the information. Many print shops can do mass stapling, or you can do it by hand with either a manual or electric stapler (most PTA's and similar organizations have electric staplers which you can borrow, and they are well worth it). GETTING THE WORD OUT -------------------- The most obvious place to distribute packets is at firearm stores. Ask the owner if you can place a stack of 100 or so on the counter. The large fonts on the cover attract the eye, and most viewers will take one. Also ask the owner to make sure one goes in every box, bag, and sack that leaves the store. After all, it's in the store's best interest to promote a healthy firearm economy. Firing ranges and clubhouses are the next option. Make up a group of packets, check with the range manager or club leaders, and put them where everyone will see them. Sporting goods stores are another good distribution point. Even though many do not carry firearms, they cater to hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who are sensitive to this issue. Truck stops are an excellent location. Truckers are very patriotic, very pro-citizen, and most are gun owners too. An added benefit is that they travel around a lot and will help spread the word. Obviously, fairs and conventions are a good way to contact a lot of people. There is usually a literature section where people sell books and hand out pamphlets. If your company has a bulletin board in the cafeteria, use it. Bulletin boards in shopping malls and other gathering places are good, too. The large fonts on the cover are visible many yards away. This might give a bored spouse something to read while standing around! Don't ignore the door-to-door approach in your neighborhood. The packet is not offensive, and if homeowners don't like it they can just throw it away. Block Watch programs and condominium neighborhood meetings are other "close to home" communication paths. Organizations outside the home are good choices, too. Health clubs and civic organizations provide plenty of opportunities for discussion. Town hall meetings are EXCELLENT. Attend every one you can - even those outside your district - and have plenty of copies available. The people attending such meetings are, by definition, interested citizens. If you, or a close friend, are a doctor, attorney, or other professional who maintains a waiting room at your place of business, consider placing copies in the lobby along with the usual array of magazines and newspapers. GET PERMISSION -------------- Always obtain permission before placing stacks of packets on private property. Don't behave like the anti-citizen groups, who believe "the end justifies the means". Ask first - recognize the owner's right to choose. That's what we're trying to protect, and we should set a good example. USE LEVERAGE ------------ Keep in mind that we can't possibly hand everyone a copy. We can't possibly contact enough people that way. Instead, we must encourage citizens to take one copy, make many more, send several letters themselves, and pass copies on to others. This will build the grassroots effort geometrically. Don't ever deny someone a copy. Just try to encourage them to help with the effort. UPLOADING TO ONLINE SERVICES ---------------------------- By all means: Upload the compressed file to every online service you can reach. And don't forget to post messages in appropriate forums to make people aware of its existence. Many large services have multiple areas or "forums", and users often stick to their favorite areas and might never see the file unless it is in their "regular forum". Don't hesitate to upload it to the same service multiple times. LIST OF FILES IN THIS PACKAGE ----------------------------- The following files are included in this package: README.TXT ...this file COVER.PCL ...front of cover sheet in PCL 3 format ??-FEDER.PCL ...back of cover sheet in PCL 3 format LETTER.PCL ...pre-written letter in PCL 3 format COVER.PS ...front of cover sheet in PostScript format ??-FEDER.PS ...back of cover sheet in PostScript format LETTER.PS ...pre-written letter in PostScript format A WARNING --------- The sad truth is that if the majority of the citizens of this country are committed to giving up their rights, there is really nothing anyone can do about it. After all, that's democracy! But it is my belief that the citizens of this country are not CHOOSING to give up their rights. They are just being misled by those with personal agendas and loud voices. They are unaware of what is happening, and if they knew, they'd change it. Since you DO know, it's your responsibility to tell others. It is up to EACH AND EVERY citizen to protect their rights. You cannot assume others are watching out for you. You cannot assume that your one voice does not make a difference. You cannot assume that everyone is fully informed and has made an intelligent choice. The best approach is education. It is peaceful and promotes the democratic process. That's why those with the wrong intention always oppose the spread of information: It allows people to think for themselves and arrive at an intelligent conclusion. People generally make the right choice if they understand what is going on. So print out this package and spread it around. Upload copies to every online service you can access. Talk to your friends about it. Help your neighbor weed her flowerbed and talk to her about it. Call your parents (they miss you anyway!) and make sure they understand. Pass out copies of this printout and encourage everyone to get involved. If everyone mails a dozen or so letters, we can preserve our rights. If we do nothing, we will get what we deserve. Inaction is the same as consent. Remember: YOU GET THE GOVERNMENT YOU DESERVE. And: THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE GOOD THAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WHEN NO ONE CARES WHO GETS THE CREDIT.