The
      PROponent

                   Peoples Rights Organization
5 E. Long St., Suite 412;   Columbus, OH 43215;   (614) 268-0122

Volume 5           December, 1993             Number 12

NRA not dead!


ELECTION RESULTS!

     Nationally it was a victory for our side.  Accompanied by a
deafening silence in the media, voters have once again shown that
gun-grabbing and tax raising is not the political plus that Schumer
and some others in Congress have been saying it is.  And when New
Jersey's governor Florio used every power of his office plus a few
he even probably didn't have to block the repeal of his "assault
weapon" ban, he told everyone that going for overthrow of our
Constitution was a political plus.  The guy had the nerve to say
this even after the big message from New Jersey voters which
consisted of turning over the state assembly last election.  I'm
sure Florio will turn up later in some cushy job arranged to show
appreciation for his faithful service in edging this country closer
to dictatorship, but for now the message from the people is loud an
clear:  Get too far out of line and you're out.
     The Virginia governor got the same message.  After promising
the Virginia instant check would be the last infringement on gun
rights, the Virginia Democrats came up with the gun-a-month club.
Gun owners just said no to these kinds of lies and tricks and ended
12 years of Democrat rule in Virginia.
     And the final message went to Mayor Dinkins of New York City.
You remember "general" Dinkins, who thought that a knife attack on
the subway could have been prevented by more gun control.  Even
liberal New Yorkers enjoying the peace and quiet of their gun-free,
drug-free, crime-free city had enough of this nonsense and booted
Dinkins out.
     The basic result was that of the three major offices up for
grabs this election, republicans took them all.  NRA backed
candidates took them all.  Dems are running scared as well they
should be.  The only question that remains is if they are scared
enough to back off on their head-long rush to an American Union of
Socialist Republics.  I doubt that they are that scared.
     Locally, the big disappointment was that Amy Salerno came in
forth, losing by 1.5% of the vote to Michael Coleman.  It was a
very strong showing in a council campaign that normally has
Republican candidates just going through the motions.  If the mayor
had endorsed Amy the way he endorsed Dawson and seemed to be
endorsing Democrats in Portman's ads, she might have had a chance.
I am sure you followers of Amy's campaign know why that could never
have happened.  When I saw how poor Coleman's TV spots were in
which he talked about subjects of no interest to voters like bike
paths, I thought maybe Amy could pull it off.  Unfortunately, her
TV spots weren't much better.  She just talked about crime in
generalities.  It didn't seem to be the real Amy we saw at our PRO
meetings.  In my opinion, she should have had some hard-hitting ads
on subjects near and dear to the hearts of us Columbusarians.  She
should have kicked some butt about our present city council
spending tax dollars like water for schemes and promotions like the
convention center (which voters repeatedly turned down) and council
dreams of a big-league sports arena, while city debt climbs and
they decide that trash collection is not going to be a function of
modern city government.  But, I wasn't running her campaign.
     The rest of the race, however, went very much our way.  Except
for John Liebold, all our endorsed candidates for municipal judge
won.  This keeps our gun education project on track and insures a
continuing positive influence for PRO in the justice system in
Columbus.
     One related election issue, however, also hinged on Amy's
defeat.  It was the loss of the City Council presidency to the man
who has been call by some in city government "the most arrogant
person on city council."  I am talking about Mr. John (name-game)
Kennedy.  The Dispatch covered the change but the Nov 4-10 The
Other Paper leaked the truth. "The Story was warm. The story was
fuzzy. Lazarus wouldn't seek the presidency, she said on the front
page of Wednesday Dispatch because she wanted to spend more time
with her daughter.  The story was a snow job."  It seems Mr. John
(the city charter doesn't apply to me) Kennedy had already lined up
the votes to boot her out of the job.  Word around the election
headquarters became that if Coleman won, Cindy was out.  He did.
She was.  It was just her deal with the Dispatch that let her put
her own spin on defeat.  Now Kennedy has another stepping stone
toward mayor.  Yech!

PRO'S $1000 RAFFLE FAILS MISERABLY...

     At the time it seemed like a good idea.  The plan was for PRO
to set aside some money as a prize for a raffle where tickets were
earned by giving time to PRO and our PAC's political projects.
However, after the plan was put in motion, national pro-gun leaders
warned us that the plan was not a good idea.  They claimed that
people would actually be less likely to volunteer if given a
monetary reward than if they were simply asked to do it for the
"good of the cause."  They said that once money or prizes were
involved people would just decide that they really didn't need the
money that much and not volunteer.  They were absolutely right.
     Our first two lit drops (door to door campaign literature
distribution) for Amy Salerno produced virtually NO volunteers
except for the few PRO officers showing up.  This editor spent
spare time for the first week delivering a ten inch stack of
handouts in the designated area and delivered a similar stack of
flyers with chairman Richard Hale in the area designated for the
second week.  We were both understandably disgusted with the PRO
membership.  To those PRO members who are upset with our comments,
let me say that we have earned the right to bitch.  We were out
there doing our part and your part!
     However, let me make one thing clear:  All these activities
are volunteer.  No one is required to do any of this work.  Our
comments are not directed at those who could not turn out at our
lit drop because they had to work or had previous commitments.  We
understand.  Our comments are not directed at those who in so many
other ways are doing their part for PRO.  Grant DeLorean who offers
PRO use of the Blue Moon Computer Bulletin board and was upset over
our castigation of no-shows is certainly doing his part and in no
way needs to feel guilty about missing a lit drop.  This editor
doesn't feel guilty about missing one.  I am doing my part.
     The problem here is not getting those doing their part to do
more but rather getting those doing nothing to do their part!  You
know with our large membership and with 91 letters being sent
asking our top members to help with this year's campaign efforts,
it is a pretty sad commentary that not only can we not turn out 10%
(8-9 members) but also that we didn't turn out any for the first
two weeks.  The good news, however, was that by returning to our
old phone tree method of getting volunteers, we did achieve our 10%
goal for the last lit drop.
     Let me explain why our political efforts are important and why
we need your help so much in an off-year election.  It is called
tactics.  Are any of you former and current military people
familiar with that word?  It is what wins battles.  It is what
gives our side power.  You don't want to hit the gun-grabbers where
they are strong.  Then you only use up your resources to no effect.
You want to hit them where they are weak and where they least
expect the attack.  Sure it is much easier to turn out a large
crowd of volunteers during the presidential election, but when the
megabucks (millions of dollars) are flowing freely, PRO becomes
just a pimple on the hind-end of progress.  It is in the off-years
when our influence becomes great.  This is when every pro-gunner
should be hitting the street.  This is when we can whittle away at
City Council seats and put pro-gun judges on the bench.  This is
when we need you most.
     There is one comment we received on the BBS that seems to need
a little more review.  One writer said, "I'll have all the time in
the world to worry about rights when I'm livin' in a van down by
the river ..."  The argument here seemed to be that since earning a
living in modern America is getting harder and harder, we simply
can't find time anymore to get political.
     Don't you get it, friend?  That is the plan!  Why would your
own government want to keep coming up with tax plans and regulations
to destroy the economy of its own house?  It's simple.  Those
seeking absolute power know that as they begin this push for the
"final solution"; As they perpetrate more and more illegal acts and
pass more and more unconstitutional laws; They know that grass roots
opposition is likely to be massive.  The perfect tactic here is to
simply give the people something to keep them occupied and their
minds off of politics ... like, say, trying to find enough food for
themselves and their families to eat.  So if you don't
have time to fight for your Rights now, how are you going to find
time once Billary's merciless health care taxes kick in?  Huh?
     If our membership is not each individually willing to do their
part;  If nobody attends our meetings, runs for PRO offices, or
helps with our various projects; If no one stands up and takes
responsibility for PRO going in the right directions, we can tell
you what you will read in the Media one day:
     Headline: New PRO chairman announces gun group's support for
sensible gun laws.  Newly elected PRO chairman held a press
conference indicating that his organization was fed-up with
extremist NRA positions.  He also announced a plan to use the
organization's funds to initiate a gun buy-back program and support
those legislators who support reasonable gun laws.  He said, "The
new PRO leadership finally understands that guns are killing people
and that we need sensible laws to control crime.  We think
registration of every gun owner is a good first step."
     If this is not YOUR vision of PRO's future, then you MUST
understand that if the membership allows a vacuum to be created in
our leadership, that vacuum WILL be filled and not necessarily by
someone on our side.  This choice is yours.
____________________________________________________________

"There's always an easy solution to every human problem - neat,
plausible and -wrong-."

     H. L. Mencken
____________________________________________________________

DEAR EDITORS...

     Thanks for PRO; I look forward to receiving each copy of the
PROponent.
     Your reply to John Haueisen caught my eye, "the PROponent is
looking for good articles...but we don't pay."  Perhaps I can offer
some material to you.  I am not a `writer' per se, however, I am
retired and like to dabble a little.
     The only credentials I can offer are: I am on the Board of
Directors for the Tri-State Gun Collectors, Inc. of Lima, and also
the Black Swamp Rifle/Pistol Club of Delphos.  I take care of the
PR and letter writing for these clubs.  In addition, I edit and
publish bi-monthly and quarterly newsletters. (copies enclosed)
     If writing helps, I will do most anything, legal of course, to
promote and preserve the Second Amendment.  Several years ago, I
joined the march on the capitol building in Columbus, to protest
the anti-firearms ordinance, that drove OGCA to Cleveland.
     Currently, I am writing regular monthly gun collector columns
for "OHIO-OUT-OF-DOORS" and the "SINGLE SHOT EXCHANGE" magazines,
along with some free-lance articles.  I keep trying to put together
articles such as the one I've enclosed for you.  It seems, this
type of material is a little to feisty for "THE AMERICAN RIFLEMAN"
and "THE GUN WEEK".
     Perhaps I should also mention that I am a Democrat and an
elected City Councilman.

Best Regards,
Charles E. Carder, Delphos, Ohio

P.S.  I set up the TSGC gun shows, eight times a year, if you would
like me to pass out copies of the PROponent, please send them to me
prior to the show dates.

(Editor's Note:  We feel like the ancient Greek that kept walking
the streets with a lantern in his hand till he found an honest man.
We have found a pro-gun Democrat. (Actually, we have found others.)
We are grateful to Mr. Carder for his efforts on behalf of the
Second Amendment and we are publishing his article below.)


ONE POSSIBLE FUTURE - WILL THIS BE YOUR STORY?

It can't Happen Here...

     That's what I thought, it could never happen here, in the good
old mid-west U.S. of A..  Home of the Ohio State Bucks, the
Cincinnati Reds and the Football Hall of Fame.  No sir, things like
that just don't happen.
     We heard the sirens, but didn't pay to much attention, except
to comment that there must have been one heck of an accident over
on the U.S. four lane highway.
     We didn't know what was going on, until we looked out the
window and saw the 'Storm Troopers', covered in black from head to
toe and armed to the teeth with automatic assault weapons,
surrounding our home sweet home.
     We were aghast, even shocked at what was taking place at the
perimeter of our small city lot.  Our phone rang and the voice at
the other end flatly stated, "We are authorized by the Federal
Government, with approval from the State to take charge of the
occupants and all of the contraband weapons in this building."
     Wow.  This is really very serious charges.  It must be some
kind of joke.  The `building' they are talking about happens to be
our 30 by 60 foot, three bedroom ranch style house.  At this moment
there are five of us inside, my wife and daughter and my
brother-in-law and his wife.
     The in-laws came over for the evening to enjoy a few games of
pinochle and to share a pot of coffee.  This has been sort of a
monthly ritual for years.  One month at their house and the next at
ours.
     Now we can hear the sirens and loud speakers outside more
clearly; the voice on the phone is still rambling on.  We're not
sure of what he's talking about, but we know one thing, we're
getting scared.
     Next, the voice on the phone shouts at us to "come outside,
one at a time, with your hands on top of your heads and you will
not be harmed."
     By now, I have regained some of my wits.  I sure as the devil
don't know what's happening here, but the guy on the phone seems to
know everything.  I ask him "What the hell is going on here?  What
do you want with us?"
     The voice turns very gruff and shouts "You have been told to
come outside one at a time.  You are considered criminals of the
government.  You have committed firearms and weapons violations and
if you don't start coming out in one minute, we will be forced to
open fire."
     We can't believe this is happening.  Why us?  How did they
ever get the idea we have something illegal going on in our home?
     Was it something we might have said, a wisecrack perhaps?  Or
a chance remark made by one of our acquaintances?
     The shock of what is transpiring here this evening, is to say
the least, mind-boggling.  We're scared and we're angry!  Dan, the
brother-in-law, isn't much of a gunman; at one time he had a .22
rim-fire rifle and I think he still has the old 16 gauge pump-gun.
I don't think he's ever owned any other guns.
     On the other hand, I've been a gun collector for more than
thirty years and have accumulated a nice display of old Damascus
and Twist double barrel shotguns, thirty single-shot rifles and a
dozen Colt pre WW I and II revolvers.  Many of these are chambered
for obsolete cartridges or .22 rim-fires.  Very few of them have
been shot since I got them.
     Here it comes again, the telephone voice began hollering for
us to open up the front door and start filing out.  Now I'm really
ticked off at this joke, and bellowed into the mouthpiece of the
phone to our unseen heckler that we needed a few minutes to pull
ourselves together.  After all, we were new at being federal
criminals.
     I could see Dan was worried as much as I was and asked him
what he thought we should do.  The first thing he said was "Carl,
I know you have collected and traded guns for years.  Can you think
of anyone that might have thought you short-changed them enough to
go this far?"  I replied "God, I don't know.  I've always tried to
be square in my deals.  I've never knowingly screwed anyone over a
gun deal."
     He came back saying "Well, it's pretty damn obvious, there is
someone out there that either doesn't like you or thinks you
socked-it-to-em for some reason or other."  At that moment, glass
crashed in the living room and just a second later another window
was broken in the back of the house-here it comes!  The tear gas
canisters burst open and were filling the house with their choking
fumes.  God help us-the government has declared war on our little
corner of the world.
     We don't even know what the charges are, yet we're already
treated like criminals of the worst element.
     Our privacy, as American Citizens has been blown all to hell.
All these years we worked hard to buy this house and to get ahead.
We paid our taxes, raised one kid, went to church and did most of
the usual things that are expected of small town people.
Occasionally we enjoyed going to the movies or shopping at the
mall.  We saved grocery coupons and brought a new car about every
three years.  I would have guessed that we were typical Americans.
     Dan likes fishing.  I like to play golf and shoot my
single-shot rifle.  Both of our wives like to shop and work on
crafts, and they are very good at these things.  Our kids went on
to get something we didn't, they all got college degrees.  So why
were we being singled out for this unbelievable affront?
     Our town has about 5,000 residents and everybody knows
something about everybody else.  For years, my wife and I have been
active in city affairs and clubs.  Even the Chief of Police, Jack
Schmit has been a good friend.
     I must admit that Jack's golf game isn't his strong suit, but
he's one heck of a fisherman and a damn good lawman.  Crime is not
a major problem here, and it's safe to say that we've never had an
unsolved crime.
     The Chief got here just in time to witness the Feds at work.
Needless to say, he was sick to his socks when he watched these
black-hooded henchmen doing a deed so gross, as to even make the
old KKK look like a Sunday School picnic.
     When the fire was silenced, Chief Schmit was the first person
to enter the remains of our home.  Or as the Feds said "building".
The Chief was the one that made the preliminary identification of
our bodies inside the building.  Two male Caucasians and three
female Caucasians.  Dead.
     You say this can't happen here.  Well stop and think; this has
been happening all over this country with every free thinker who
disagrees with the government.  The Feds are never guilty of wrong
doing.  Right?  You can't fight city hall.  Right?
     How about Waco?  How about Randy Weaver?  How about you?

(Editor's Note:  We wish to thank Mr. Carder for his contribution
to this issue of the PROponent, and hope that he will continue to
submit articles in the future.  We also would encourage any one
else that would like to contribute to the PROponent to do so.)
____________________________________________________________

     "Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can
easily win without bloodshed, if you will not fight when your
victory will be sure and not so costly, you may come to the moment
when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only
a precarious chance for survival.  There may be a worse case.  You
may have to fight when there is no chance of victory, because it is
better to perish than to live as slaves."

Sir Winston Churchill
____________________________________________________________

SEMI-AUTO "ASSAULT REVOLVERS"...

     Do you remember in our article on the Cleveland ban decision
where we predicted that the gun-grabbers would one day be expanding
the definition of "assault weapons" to even include revolvers?
That day is here. According to the Nov 5 Gun Week, a Massachusetts
Bill introduced by Rep. Jim Brett would raise the minimum age in
all gun statutes to 21 years of age.  Only those under 21 who are
presently licensed for concealed carry are allowed any contact with
firearms.  You should also note that BB guns are classified as
firearms under Massachusetts law.
     Also Governor Weld who was previously thought to be solidly
pro-gun has come up with his own bill providing a 5 day wait and
banning all handgun ownership for those under 21.  The nifty
feature of the 5 day wait is that if you are threatened you can be
exempted from the waiting period by filing a petition with the
Secretary of Public Safety.  Needless to say, your "exemption" to
the 5 day wait will doubtless be a two week wait.  But the "best"
part of the so-called pro-gun governor's bill is the "assault
weapons" ban.
     The bill not only bans the usual UZIs and Tec-9s but also
gives an appointed person authority to add any semi-automatic
firearm to the list.  AND GET THIS: A semi-automatic firearms are
defined as guns which "continue to fire with each subsequent pull
of the trigger." THIS MAKES ALL DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVERS POTENTIAL
SEMI-AUTO "ASSAULT WEAPONS" under Massachusetts Law!
     Governor Weld's name has been mentioned as a possible GOP
presidential candidate in 1996, but this crap writes him off OUR
list.
____________________________________________________________

     "The Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution did not
establish the sovereignty of "society," but the sovereignty of the
individual.  Neither did it require that the individual serve the
State, the king, the nobility, the society, the rich, the poor, the
public interest, the fatherland, or humanity. As long as the
individual did not initiate force against others, he was free to
live his own life without fear in accordance with his own
convictions.  It was individualism that was the basis of the most
free and progressive nation on earth."

Brown, Keating, Mellinger, Post, Smith & Tudor, The Incredible
Bread Machine, World Research Inc.;1974
____________________________________________________________

IT'S THE STUPIDITY, STUPID...

     Here's a good one.  A story on Page D1 of the November 10
Dispatch reports that the Ohio School Board Association is lobbying
for a law that would award diplomas to those students who fail to
pass the state proficiency test.  State Senator Gene Watts has
indicated that they will do this over his dead body.  Currently,
under state law a diploma cannot be awarded unless the student
passes the 9th grade test.  Notice that we said pass rather than
ace the test and it is for the 9th grade rather than 12th grade
level.  The OSBA executive director noted, "How can you get
somebody who has gone through 12 years of school and, in some
cases, had perfect attendance and because they haven't passed the
proficiency test, they aren't allowed to have anything?"
(Actually, the kids do get what they deserve, a certificate of
attendance.)
     Is it just me or is there something basically wrong with a
bunch of school administrators who can't even run a school capable
of bringing a 12th grader to a 9th grade level and then propose
that the solution is just passing everyone?  Of course, one of the
problems with educating a child with a real test of knowledge at
the end, is that the school system must constantly assess the kid's
progress ... and that actually takes some effort on the part of the
school system.  But taking attendance, now there's a job any
bureaucratic educator can handle.  We can grade the kids by
attendance and the teachers by whether they keep all the window
shades at the same height (The building must look tidy from the
street, you know.)  Who cares how much anyone learns.
     I also understand "education for the 21st century" and have a
few ideas of my own.  I don't think that simple attendance really
covers the "social diversity" that must be addressed by modern
education.  Suppose a child has missed a lot of school time because
he has been out selling drugs on the street corner.  I think this
kid deserves credit toward his diploma because of the value of his
"extra-curricular business experience".  Or say one kid whips out
a gun and shoots another right between the eyes. "possesses
exceptional motor skills" the administrator can write, giving the
shooter additional credit toward that diploma.  Or if a kid starts
his own gang, it can be said he "shows exceptional leadership and
initiative" and "gets along well with others."  All should provide
credit toward the diploma that lesser children earn by sitting in
class and demonstrating knowledge and ability.
     The OSBA represents 734 of 736 school districts in Ohio.  We
wonder who the last two holdouts are. (You see when I went to
school you had to demonstrate 12th grade ability to graduate so I
can tell that 736-734 = 2.)  Would these two districts please raise
your hands.  PRO wants to give you a certificate of intelligence.

CFR-CONGRESSWOMEN FOR RAPE...

     You have heard of the other CFR, The Council on Foreign
Relations, but now Oct 29 Gun Week reports there is a new CFR.  It
is what I term Congresswomen FOR Rape!  It seems that 26 female
members of congress including the semi-non-voting District of
Columbia delegate signed a petition protesting the NRA "Refuse To
Be A Victim" program.  They claimed the program was "an attempt by
the NRA to add new members and promote gun ownership by preying on
women's legitimate fears of violence."  They then cited the bogus
New England Journal of Medicine "study" which "found" that a
handgun in the home triples the chances of someone being killed
there.
     Any viewer of the nightly news can easily determine that it is
public fear that the elitist in-crowd promotes.  Just count how may
times in an evening the reporters use the words "fear", "afraid",
"scared", "frightened" and the like compared with reports of "joy",
"happiness", "serenity" or "satisfaction."  You see, you are
controlled by what you fear.  By promoting fear, the media promotes
control of the citizenry.  The same goes for these clever
congresswomen who cynically pretend to be fighting against the
victimization of women, while in actual fact are attempting to
reduce everyone to the level of quivering shaking bunny rabbits.
     Happily, this view is not universal in spite of the claims of
the pro-rape "take back the night" crowd.  PRO's classes are filled
with women who have figured out that equality springs from a
balance of forces.  Nothing makes a woman more forceful than a
firearm together with the skill and will to use it in her own
defense.  That is liberation.  Real feminism is never based on
fear.  It is based on strength and conviction.  Some of the real
women I know drive stick shift cars, shoot better than their men,
and run for political office to fix government rather than to use
the power of the office to try to control the masses through fear.
If the NRA classes which promote freedom from fear is "preying"
upon women then I "prey" that more women become NRA
"prey."(Continued on page 8)
____________________________________________________________

PRO's own Jim Ramm is running for NRA Board of Directors.
Give him your support!
(Biographical profile and picture of Jim Ramm)
____________________________________________________________

(Letter from Amy Salerno thanking PRO for support during
her campaign for City Council.  While being out spent 12-1 she
still only lost by 1.5%)

____________________________________________________________

The following congresswomen signed the petition indicating they are
FOR rape:  Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC delegate); Pat
Schroeder(D-CO); Nancy Pelosi(D-CA); Lynn Woolsey(D-CA); Carrie
Meek(D-FL); Nydia Velazquez(D-NY); Anna Eshoo(D-CA); Nita
Lowery(D-NY); Leslie Byrne(D-Va); Rosa DeLauro(D-CT); Lucille
Roybal-Allard(D-CA); Corrine Brown(D-FL); Marjorie
Margolies-Mezvinski(D-CA); Patsy Mink(D-HI); Louise
Slaughter(D-NY); Lynn Schenk(D-CA); Barbara Kennelly(D-CT);
Elizabeth Furse(D-OR); Eva Clayton(D-NC); Maxine Waters(D-CA);
Eddie Bernice Johnson(D-TX); Cynthia McKinney(D-GA); Maria
Cantwell(D-WA); Carolyn Maloney(D-NY); Cardiss Collins(D-IL); Karen
Shepard(D-UT).
     You will notice that those three idyllic regions of
violence-free serenity, New York, Washington D.C. and the People's
Republic of California are "liberally" represented in the list.
Also notice that no female representative from Ohio, Democrat or
otherwise, was dumb enough to be FOR rape and violence.


(Map of Brady Bill Vote in Ohio here)


"BRADY" BILL PASSES HOUSE AGAIN...

     If you think that pro-gunners are not making progress, if you
think that PRO has not made a difference, think again.  The last
vote was 239 for to 186 against.  This time the vote was 235 for to
198 against.  And look at the role Ohio played: last time Ohio
Representatives provided 14 "for" votes, this time the number was
only 11.  Ohio pro-gun political activities can take credit for 3
of the 4 votes ripped from anti-gunners this time around.  Look at
the map.  Sure, the Northeast Cleveland-Youngstown corner is black
as well as the Toledo district. (It must be that "stupid gas"
seeping out of Lake Erie.)   But look at the remnants of what was
last time the solid Cincinnati anti-gun block.  And the Central
Ohio area has been cleaned out of gun-grabbers as PRO promised.
Even the Cleveland area has developed a hole!  If every state had
followed Ohio's example and kicked out just one gun-grabber the
"Brady bill" would be dead.
     Those voting for the "Brady" bill were Applegate (D-18);
Brown(D-13); Fingerhut (D-19); Hall (D-3); Kaptur (D-9); Mann
(1-D); Sawyer (D-14); Stokes (D-11); Traficant (D-17); Oxley (R-4)
and Regula (R-16).
     The most obvious feature in need of repair now is the
pro-Brady 4th and 16th districts represented by rabid anti-gun
Republicans Michael Oxley and Ralph S. Regula.  We really don't
understand how these two representatives from rural districts can
stay in office when they vote over and over again to disarm honest
Ohioans.  Somebody needs to organize the gun clubs up there.
     The only good news was that the NRA amendment to force the 7
day waiting period (5 "working days" wait is really a 7 day wait,
bunky.) into an instant check in five years also passed.  So at
least the 7 day wait can't drag on forever if the bill should pass
the senate.  Needless to say, writing our gun-grabbing senators
won't change their mind but call them anyway since a tabulation is
kept.  Be sure to call them in Washington since a tabulation is not
kept at their Ohio offices.  Especially be sure to call Bob Dole
and express your opposition to "Brady".  They all can be reached at
the general Washington number 1-202-224-3121 and asking for the
senator's office you want.
     PRO's secretary (on the Republican Central Committee) called
Glenn's office and told them that he doubted that Glenn would ever
oppose the Brady bill but that if he voted against it he would
personally sponsor a fund raiser to help retire his campaign debt!
Have some fun and call Glenn's office and tell them you also will
attend that fund raiser if he votes no.

BAYONET CRIME...

     I recently bought a cheap SKS rifle at a gun show. It came
with a bayonet attached which I removed at once. I  thought nothing
of it since I just wanted a cheap plinking rifle.  Anyway, since I
changed the stock, you ran the risk of doing something undesirable
to your hand if you left it in place.  However, it turns out that
the rifle may have been imported illegally.  The BATF has recently
reported that a bunch of SKS rifles were imported from China with
bayonets still attached.  Any rifle with a bayonet is not considered
"suitable for sporting purposes" and may not be imported since
Bush's 1989 ban went into effect.  The BATF has requested that all
dealers, importers and distributors remove the bayonets prior to
sale.  If you have purchased such a rifle, remove the bayonet and
keep it separate.
     All SKS owners should be aware that current law prohibits
assembly of a "non-sporting" firearm if ANY parts are imported.
This means you may not attach a bayonet, folding stock, or a
removable magazine to any SKS rifle although mere possession of
these items separately is not illegal.
     If you hang around gun shows you will observe a certain
fascination with bayonets on rifles.  Let's take a timeout here for
a self-defense reality check.  First of all, if I had a heavy-duty
self-defense job, I would NOT use the SKS.  I would tend to choose
a real gun like a mini-14 (used, of course), Colt Sporter, or H&K
G91.  It would NOT have a bayonet on it.  Bayonets are a military
option for the case when both sides run out of ammunition in a
pitched battle.  In any reasonable (even extreme) self-defense
scenario your need for a bayonet will be zero.  If the bad guys run
out of ammo first, they will just withdraw.  If you run out first,
they will simply kill you and your family.  Save your bayonets for
slicing salami or making your vintage war rifle collection
authentic.
     Now lets think about something else.  Why is Congress in such
a hum about bayonets and bayonet lugs?  When was the last time your
heard about bayonet crime?  Have you ever read of a mass murderer
who drove his truck through the restaurant window, began shooting
victims, and when he ran out of ammunition continued to kill with
his bayonet?  Give me a break.  So what exactly does Congress find
so dangerous about a bayonet on a rifle?
     The answer can only be that Congress fully expects armed
revolution with pitched military battles in the near future.  There
can be no other motive than the desire to disarm now, the platoons
of patriots who have not even yet appeared or organized to fight an
overthrow of our form of government that has not yet occurred.
This fear of bayonet lugs can only be interpreted as plans for the
future with extremely ominous overtones.  So when you hear our
Senator Metzenbaum promoting the banning of bayonet lugs, you are
not hearing this old communist preaching the gospel of glory days
when "comes the revolution" and the workers rise up to throw off
their chains, you are hearing a Czarist quaking in fear that the
revolution he so long predicted might actually occur.

TINY TROUSERS...

     Here's another story related to the one above about 12th grade
students who couldn't pass the 9th grade test.  But this one is
about the ones who DID pass and went on to Ohio State which had to
take them in because they graduated.  The Oct 29 Lantern reported
that 50 or 60 persons attended a speech by Ingrid Newkirk, founder
of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
     Newkirk explained the nuances of "speciesism."  We have all
learned from the events of the 60's that racism is bad, so the PETA
founder explained to wide-eyed students what is needed in the 90's
is simply the logical extension of that moral effort.  If one race
should not exploit another, then it clearly follows that one
species should never exploit another.  How dare humans place
themselves above cows, bugs, or bacteria! "Animals are wonderful
and complete even if we don't understand them", Newkirk said. "Plop
one of us in the middle of a desert and see if we can get by.  An
animal will dig in and build itself a home.  They don't need
refrigerators or long-distance calling," she said.
     Hmmm.  I know my exploited cat uses the refrigerator all the
time and certainly has my permission to use the phone whenever she
wishes, but I still wonder where all those animal bones come from
in the desert.  Well, what do I know, after all, I am an animal
exploiter.  I have a pet, I kill roaches and mice, and (gasp!) I
hunt.  But I can say that I do have a certain twinges of
understanding of the PETA position.
     I must admit to second thoughts about the "rights" of animals
when I am out hunting and shoot a rabbit.  You know what really
gets to me?  It's that time right after you shoot the rabbit and
you have to pick up his little limp dead body and carefully
unbutton his miniature vest and pull off his tiny trousers, fold
them up and mail them back to the Disney studios.
     It's times like that, that make me think that PRO should be
out there on the streets protesting pest control companies and
centers of bacteria genocide like hospitals and doctor's offices.
If enough people would simply find enough love in their hearts to
turn their dogs and cats loose in the streets, we could bring an
end to all this animal exploitation tomorrow.
     Said Allison Gross, President of OSU's Students for Animals,
of Newkirk's speech, "She gave a very comprehensive overview. It's
a great opportunity just to have her here."  I can only say it's
just too bad I missed this great scholarly discussion.

BARE BULB IN THE BASEMENT...

     Remember all those cold war advertisements showing an Eastern
European family down in the basement huddled around a short wave
radio on a table under a bare light bulb listening to the Voice of
America?  The Nov 12 The Beacon Journal reported a story which
could take us one step closer to it being your family with that
clandestine receiver in the basement.
     When Congress passed the laws regulating radio transmissions,
they made one thing very clear; Only transmitters were to be
licensed and controlled.  They made sure that everyone understood
that government control of radio receivers was something
inconsistent with a free country.  Unfortunately, this high ideal
seems to have gone the way of so many others such as the
prohibition of the social security number ever being used as
citizen identification.
     The Department of Transportation has submitted a plan to the
White House Office of Management and Budget  to ban speed trap
radar detectors in trucks over 18,000 pounds.  Presently only the
District of Columbia (which is not a state and doesn't need to
abide by the constitution), New York, Illinois, and Virginia ban
these detectors.  Of course these states have shown little regard
for legality or freedom either.
     It's funny how whenever the discussion turns to the
suppression of freedom it's always the same names on the other
side.  Sen. Frank J. Lautenberg (D-NJ) who sponsored S376 to limit
handgun purchases to 2 per month and co-sponsored countless others
was also quick to speak up on this issue. "It's unacceptable to
have devices designed to thwart the law," he said.  In a manner
reminiscent of our own Sen. Metzenbaum, he declared, "I want to get
rid of these things."
     It's always done the same way.  You start with a minor ban
that seems reasonable, is not very restrictive, has few strong
opponents, and is difficult to publicly oppose.  Then once you have
established the principle, you slowly expand the ban until it is
all encompassing and oppressive.  First, it's just sawed-off
shotguns, and then soon it's all guns.
     Maybe the "Hush Rush" bill is stalled for now, but who knows.
Anyway, if they can't muzzle truth at the transmitter perhaps it
can be done at the other end.  Then it will be YOU down in that
basement clandestinely listening to Mr. Limbaugh or G. Gordon
Liddy.

NEW LIT-DROP IDEA...

     If there is one thing that has made PRO successful, it is that
we admit our mistakes and keep on trying.  In discussing our recent
raffle failure with members a new plan has emerged to make PRO the
kind of political kick-butt organization it should be considering
how many honked-off gun owners are members.  The key here is
getting our membership to volunteer to help pro-gun candidates.
     Our next experiment will be to allow members themselves to set
the times they distribute campaign literature.  What we are going
to do is to take the wards we have promised to do and make a series
of maps marked with an area to be covered.  We will then be
pressing our membership to volunteer to take one of these maps and
a stack of flyers and take responsibility for covering the area.
     This way, instead of having to all meet at a certain place and
time, each member can do the job at his or her convenience.  This
will tend to eliminate the problems we have had with persons who
wanted to help out but work weekends or otherwise couldn't make
scheduled events.  At the present time PRO is even talking about
delivering maps and literature to members who call and volunteer so
that those who can't or won't attend our meetings can do something
about gun control by giving a couple hours of their time.
     Hopefully, this new approach will generate many more
volunteers and make PRO lit-drops much more effective than they
have been in the past.

A FEINSTEIN DEMOCRACY...

     The Feinstein gun ban and registration amendment to the
infamous crime bill has passed the Senate and Mrs. Feinstein and
our own Metzenbaum were on television proclaiming victory " for the
American people" and democracy.  About the only thing missing from
this celebration of a new American Reich were goose-stepping
jackboots and Nazi salutes.
     PRO has been stressing over and over that America is a
REPUBLIC not a democracy and nothing points up the reasons for this
more than Mrs. Feinstein's TV speech.   You see, in a Republic
rights and laws are spelled out and not dependent upon the will of
the majority.  Changing the Constitution which is the document
defining our form of government takes not a simple majority but
rather a well determined process.  In our case it take a 2/3
majority to change it.  Moreover, the rights affirmed in the Bill
of Rights are considered God-given and can't be legally repealed.
     But a Democracy is a common tool of tyrants because acts
require a simple majority.  When you have a controlled media it is
rare that a majority cannot be generated by a propaganda blitz.
But Mrs. Feinstein crowed that when the will of the majority
conflicts with the Rights of the minority, the will of the majority
must prevail.  Of course, she was speaking about the Rights of gun
owners as opposed to the propaganda generated majority who have
been led to believe that "assault weapons" are machine guns and are
used in most crimes.
     But if you follow through the logic of the Feinstein arguments
you come to conclusions with which I am sure she would most
emphatically not agree.  For example let's vote to inject every gay
and lesbian person with the AIDS virus.  Lets vote to put black
welfare mothers back to work in the southern cotton fields.  Let's
vote to decide if all Hispanics should be deported to Mexico with
a possible option of letting them pick fruit in California.  Let's
vote to put all Japanese-Americans back in the concentration camps
again.  Lets hold a vote to decide whether all property owned by
Jews should be turned over to the State.  Lets vote to exempt
murder of a senator from any punishment.  If this is a democracy,
then if a majority agrees, these things become law.
     What Senators Feinstein and Metzenbaum are pretending not to
understand is that in our republic the Rights of the minority can
never be overthrown either by a majority vote of the people or a
majority vote of the U. S. Senate.   The law they just passed
getting the very firearms protected by the Second Amendment "off
the streets" is already illegal and therefore null and void.  It is
not sporting equipment but the "weapons of war" that we are
guaranteed to be able to keep and bear without infringement.  These
senators by voting for this ban have not only violated their oath
of office, but also have committed the same crime as the police
officers who beat Rodney King: They have violated the civil rights
of the citizens of this country.

____________________________________________________________

     "It has been observed that a pure democracy if it were
practicable would be the most perfect government.  Evidence has
proved that no position is more false than this.  The ancient
democracies in which the people themselves deliberated never
possessed one good feature of government.  Their very character was
tyranny; their figure deformity."

Alexander Hamilton, speech June 21, 1788.
____________________________________________________________

FEINSTEIN DETAILS...

     After a nice trial run in California, the ban and registration
of nasty "assault weapons" tries to go national, having passed the
Senate.  The law provides for a 10 year ban on the manufacture,
transfer, or possession of "assault weapons" and "large capacity
ammunition feeding devices."
     An "assault weapon" is:
A):
        '(i) Norinco, Mitchell, and Poly Technologies Avtomat
Kalashnikovs (all models);
        '(ii) Action Arms Israeli Military Industries UZI and
Galil;
        '(iii) Beretta AR-70 (SC-70);
        '(iv) Colt AR-15;
        '(v) Fabrique Nationale FN/FAL, FN/LAR, and FNC;
        '(vi) SWD M-10, M-11, M-11/9, and M12;
        '(vii) Steyr AUG;
        '(viii) INTRATEC TEC-9, TEC-DC9 and TEC-22; and
        '(ix) any shotgun which contains its ammunition in a
revolving cylinder, such as (but not limited to) the Street Sweeper
and Striker 12;
OR B):
     Any semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a
detachable magazine and has at least 2 of the following features:
        '(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
        '(ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath
the action of the weapon; (thumb hole?)
        '(iii) a bayonet mount;
        '(iv) a flash suppressor or barrel having a threaded
muzzle,
        '(v) a grenade launcher;
OR C):
     Any semiautomatic pistol that has an ability to accept a
detachable magazine and has at least 2 of the following features:
        '(i) an ammunition magazine that attaches to the pistol
outside of the pistol grip;
        '(ii) a barrel having a threaded muzzle;
        '(iii) a shroud that is attached to, or partially or
completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to
hold the firearm with the non-trigger hand without being burned;
        '(iv) a manufactured weight of 50 ounces or more when the
pistol is unloaded; and
        '(v) a semiautomatic version of an automatic firearm;
OR D:)
     Any semiautomatic shotgun that has at least 2 of the following
features:
        '(i) a folding or telescoping stock;
        '(ii) a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath
the action of the weapon;
        '(iii) a fixed magazine capacity in excess of 5 rounds;
     '(iv) an ability to accept a detachable magazine.

     ALL OF THE ABOVE FIREARMS ARE DEFINED AS "ASSAULT WEAPONS".
The bill defines their possession or "use" in a crime of "violence"
or drug trafficking as being the same as having a sawed-off
shotgun.
     THIS BILL REGISTERS ALL "ASSAULT WEAPONS"  While currently
owned "assault weapons" and "high capacity" magazines are exempt
from the possession ban, every "assault weapon" must have a 4473
form that was signed by the owner.  If you did not sign a 4473 form
when you bought the gun you will have 90 days after the publication
of regulations by the Secretary of the Treasury to turn yourself in
to a licensed dealer and get one.  All private sales these "assault
weapons" require both buyer and seller to keep copies of the 4473
forms.
     ALL "LARGE CAPACITY AMMUNITION FEEDING DEVICES" ARE NOW DEFINED
TO BE THE SAME AS  "DESTRUCTIVE DEVICES." A large capacity magazine
is any feeding device that holds more than 10 rounds (including
stripper clips & MG links), or can be readily "restored"
"converted" to hold more than 10 rounds or any collection of parts
that can be made into a more than 10 round magazine.  All such
magazines are to be treated like firearms and stamped with a date
of manufacture and serial number.
     ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT ARE EXEMPT. Federal, State, and all
state political subdivisions and any of their agencies and
departments are exempt from this law. (natch!)
     After the rather inept attempts in California and around the
country to define an "assault weapon" you must admit that Feinstein
and her staff have really demonstrated and exceptional knowledge of
firearms and their parts.  We can only wonder which pro-gunner sold
out to help Feinstein render all civilians defenseless victims of
a government soon to run amok.
     Lastly, the law requires that the Attorney General do a study
and submit a report to Congress (if our present form of government
still exists) no later than 8 years after the enactment of the law.
The report will detail whether this law actually made any
difference in violent and drug crime.  Anyone want to take a few
bets?

TWO-FACED WHITEHOUSE...

     No, not the one in Washington, but Richard A. Whitehouse, City
Council candidate and loser.
     When PRO makes a mistake, we don't hide it.  We admit it, go
on, and try to do better next time.
     As you know Citizens Against Crime endorsed Mr. Whitehouse for
City Council and although our enthusiasm was luke-warm compared to
that for Amy Salerno it was apparently still too much.
     PRO has been around enough to know that when candidates come
to speak at our candidates night they try to appear as pro-gun as
possible.  They dredge up any association they can think of
relating to guns or hunting to win our favor.  Those who have never
even been near a gun come off sounding like big game hunters.
     Few candidates have figured out that PRO is much more than a
pro-gun group.  We stand for all constitutional rights and we
strongly oppose the current crop of dishonest politicians who say
they support what America stands for and then proceed to ride
roughshod over the constitution.  One of our goals is to kick these
guys out of office (like old Chalmers P. who would lie right to
your face about supporting your rights and then go back to
Washington and vote against you).   Or better yet, see that they
are never elected in the first place.
     While stretching your pro-gun experience may be one thing,
being two-faced is another.  PRO has learned that Mr. Whitehouse
during the campaign spoke to the League of Women Voters and
indicated that he never owned a gun, never would own a gun and
supported gun control.  We all have recent experience with a
politician who told everyone what they wanted to hear to get
elected and we don't need another.  Whitehouse should never have
been endorsed.

CHANGES IN PRO BYLAWS...

     PRO bylaws were changed by the members at the November
meeting.  Two of the most important changes were the raising of
dues to $16 with the elimination of pro-rated dues and the
provision for absentee ballots.  New members paying dues after
September 30 get membership for the next year.  Details in the next
issue.

ROAD TRIP...

     The November, 93 World in Review newsletter which obtains many
of its stories through international intelligence connections
reports the following:

"Another area where guns can be freely obtained is Thailand. [Ed.
The other is Panama] Intelligence information recently received,
indicates that AK-47 and or M-16 rifles can be freely bought at the
going rate of around $8 per piece.  Apparently the trade is quite
open.  As long as you have the U.S. dollars to spend, no questions
are asked and no restrictions imposed."
...Anyone for a road trip?

LAST MINUTE SHOPPING...

     If you are doing a little last minute shopping, either for
Christmas or before the 90 days is up and the "Brady bill" kicks
in, don't forget the December PRO gun shows.
     The PRO CENTRAL GUN SHOW will be December 11 and 12 at the
Pickaway County Fairgrounds in Circleville.  It will be open
Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.  Don't miss it.
     PRO's DECEMBER GUN SHOW at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in
Hilliard, Ohio will be held December 18 and 19.  Hours will be
Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 4pm.
     See you at BOTH shows!

HOLIDAY PARTY...

     The PRO membership has voted once again to provide meat trays
for our annual holiday get-together after the (short) December PRO
meeting.  We are asking members to bring their favorite cookies or
desert to share with members.  This year we have won some and lost
some but in this season of good cheer we invite all PRO members to
come to our Christmas party and enjoy the company of other PRO
members, discuss the past year and make plans for the next.  We
hope you can attend.
____________________________________________________________

     "The editors of the PROponent and all the officers of PRO
would like to wish all PRO members a most merry holiday season and
a happy New Year!

_________________________________________________________________

The PROponent is published by:
Peoples Rights Organization;
5 E. Long St., Suite 412;  Columbus, OH 43215;
Tel (614) 268-0122
Fax (614) 275-0092
EMAIL: 73427.1615@compuserve.com
Richard Hale, Chairman;  Ron Herman, Vice Chairman
Dennis Walker, Secretary;  Bill Johnson, Treasurer
Editors:  Dennis Walker and Frank Jacoby
Contributions, either written or financial are gladly accepted.

       Anyone wishing to reprint all or part of an article from the
PROponent may do so.  Please mention the PROponent and the issue
that the article was in, and send a copy of your publication to our
PRO office. (We like to know what your organization is doing too.)
Also, PRO will exchange newsletters with any pro-gun, pro-rights,
pro-hunting, etc. group to further grass-roots communication.  Put
us on your newsletter mailing list and we will put your club on
ours.
     PRO general meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month
at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, W. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio.
_________________________________________________________________