From: Lawrence.V.Cipriani@att.com
To: chan@shell.portal.com
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 95 11:35:48 EST
Subject: PROponent - July 1995


The
      PROponent

                   Peoples Rights Organization
3953 Indianola Ave;   Columbus, OH 43214;   (614) 268-0122

Volume 7            July, 1995               Number 7

[Headline]
Welcome FOP members


PRO WELCOMES YOU ...

     This year, much to our surprise, we were contacted by the
organizers of the Ohio State Fraternal Order of Police Convention
asking if we would like booth space.  As a long-time supporter of
the rank and file police officer, we jumped at the chance.  Our
greeting headline is given since this particular issue of our
newsletter will be distributed at our booth at the convention.  We
will also be representing the NRA at our booth.
     We would like to extend a welcome to the members of the
Fraternal Order of Police who are attending the convention this
year.  The National Rifle Association (NRA) and the People Rights
Organization(PRO) extend this greeting in conjunction of our
combined support of the front-line police officer who puts his life
on the line, so that our streets, homes, communities and cities are
safe from the predatory criminals that roam our country.
     Both organizations have always supported the street cop in his
endeavors to make our streets safer, though we have at times
vehemently disagreed with the leadership of the Fraternal Order of
Police, and with various police chiefs and sheriffs pertaining to
our Second Amendment Rights.
     The NRA was founded in 1871, after the Civil War, when Union
generals concurred that the common soldier did not have enough
experience with firearms to be rapidly trained for combat.  Since
then, the NRA has come to be much more.  They are now involved in
Hunter Education, Home Firearm Safety, Personal Protection with
Pistol and general instruction in rifle, pistol, shotgun and
black-powder firearms.  They have also developed many programs to
instruct police officers in the handling of firearms, along with
many shooting competitions that have been designed specifically for
the police officer.  The NRA developed the Eddie Eagle program,
which is used by many communities in their DARE program.
     PRO began in 1989, when the Columbus, Ohio city council
instituted a ban on certain types of firearms without understanding
their purpose or function.  This was done at the urging of the U.S.
Council of Mayors and as a result of the tragic shooting in
Stockton, California.  Without substantive evidence or
corroborating facts, the city council outlawed several makes of
semi-automatic firearms, of which many were simply hunting or
competition firearms.  PRO filed suit against the city, and won in
the summer of 1994.  This suit cost the city over $63,000 in
attorney fees for our side plus whatever they had to pay their
lawyers to argue against us.  This money could have been used to
purchase several vehicles for the police department, or many
outfits of body armor.
     During deer hunting, after Thanksgiving in 1994, the Columbus
city council again banned certain firearms.  This time they banned
all semi-automatic rifles that could accept a magazine with a
capacity of over twenty rounds.  With the limited knowledge of
council, they effectively deprived law-abiding citizens the
possession of any semi-automatic rifle.  If it can accept a
two-round magazine, then it can accept a fifteen-round magazine, or
even a fifty-round one.  They even based the new ordinance on the
previous one that had been declared un-constitutional by the U.S.
Sixth Circuit Court in Cincinnati.  Again, suit was filed against
the city of Columbus by PRO and two other plaintiffs in the U.S.
Sixth Circuit Court.  Filing in the Sixth Court considerably speeds
up the process of overturning the ineffective law.
     In researching  FBI and Department of Justice statistics, the
NRA and PRO have great difficulty in obtaining information
pertaining to the use and confiscation of semi-automatic firearms.
To this end, PRO conducted a survey of all eighty-eight county
Sheriff Departments, and of police chiefs from many of the larger
cities in Ohio.  We also inquired about drug confiscation and
arrests.  Many departments wrote back to us that they could not
supply the information that was requested because they do not keep
records on the confiscation of firearms, their actions, make or
model.
     Without any substantive facts, why do the "gun grabbers"
continue in their efforts to disarm law-abiding citizens?  The
number of semi-automatic firearms owned by the general populace is
not a large segment of the gun-owning citizenry.  But it can be
considered a giant first-step in disarming American citizens if all
semi-automatic firearms are banned and confiscated.  Then, it is
another step in banning another type of firearm and then pistols,
and then single-shot firearms.  Because the American public just
doesn't need that type of firearm.
     The implementation of the Brady Bill was supposed to stop
crime, acts of passion and suicide.  Several hundred thousand
citizens were denied the right to buy a pistol due to the
background check.  Many of them due to traffic tickets or minor
violations of the law.  Only four cases have been prosecuted.  What
a waste of time for the various police departments across the
nation.  Our congress passes a law and then fails to prosecute
those violating that law.
     The NRA has gone even farther in establishing training schools
and instructor programs for police officers, and have the Jeanne
Bray Memorial Scholarship, NRA Felonious Death Benefit and a soft
body armor discount program.  The Jeanne Bray Scholarship is an
award of $1,000.00 per year, for up to four years to the sons and
daughters of public law enforcement officers killed in the line of
duty, that were NRA members at the time of their death.  This
scholarship is also available to the sons and daughters of any
current or retired law enforcement officers who are living and have
a current NRA membership.  The deadline for applications is
November 15 of each year.
     The NRA has established a Felonious Death Benefit of $25,000
to the widow or survivors of any law enforcement officer who is a
member of the NRA, and is feloniously killed in the line of duty.
This is automatic coverage for all law enforcement officers that
are members of the NRA.
     The NRA also provides a discount coupon for the purchase of
soft body armor to any law enforcement officer that is a current
member of the NRA.  T.G. Faust, Inc. and Silent Partner Body Armor,
Inc. offers 25% off on their products.  These coupons can be
presented to any retail outlet serviced by participating companies.
     The NRA also has established a Law Enforcement Officer of the
Year Award.  Nominations are being accepted for the 1996 award, and
are given for exceptional valor or service performed by a law
enforcement officer.  Nominations may be made by the nominee's
agency head or by an NRA member, and must be endorsed by a NRA Life
Member.  It is a substantial cash award for scholarship purposes
and will be presented at the NRA Annual Meeting of Members in 1996.
Nominations must be postmarked by January, 13, 1996.
     The Law Enforcement Activities Division of the NRA has
established a Technical Information Center to provide information
regarding law-enforcement related and firearms training in
reference to firearms, ammunition and associated equipment.  This
service is in addition to the Police, Security, Submachine Gun, Law
Enforcement Rifle and Long-Range Rifle firearms instructor schools
already offered.  For further information contact the Law
Enforcement Division, Technical Information Center at 703-267-1638.
     As one can see, the National Rifle Association is a strong
supporter of the law enforcement community and the Peoples Rights
Organization is proud to be representing them at the 1995 State
Fraternal Order of Police Convention.

GEORGE BUSH & THE NRA ...

[Editor's Note:  Last month we printed Mr. Walker's response  to a
Mr. Lipke's letter that appeared in the Dispatch just days after
George Bush's resignation from the NRA became a topic of
conversation for the media pundits.  We noted that his response had
not yet been printed.  However, we are happy to report that not
only Mr. Walker's letter, but a whole page of pro-gun letters were
printing in the June 3, 1995 Dispatch.  It's little signs like this
that tell us all the work our members have done over the years is
paying off!  As we promised last month, here are excerpts from a
letter written by Tom Washington, President, National Rifle
Association in response to the Bush resignation.]

     Mr. Washington's letter is prefaced by a brief statement from
Wayne LaPierre.  "I am releasing a copy of a letter from NRA
President Tom Washington to former President George Bush.  It
speaks for itself and I can only add that the issue has been joined
on matters of critical importance to our nation's future.  The
American public needs to know the truth about BATF abuses.  We will
meet our critics in congressional hearings and I am confident that
when all the testimony is in, our words and actions will be
completely vindicated."

     Due to constraints of space, we are not able to reproduce
Washington's complete letter to Bush, but we will give you the
highlights.

"Dear President Bush:
     I was surprised and saddened to see your letter of May 3,
1995.  I can understand and sympathize with the deeply emotional
consequences you are enduring as the result of losing a close
friend in the Oklahoma City tragedy.  We, too, have NRA members who
were victims and rescuers that were scarred by that most horrendous
crime.
     "I am sorry that you have chosen to unequivocally condemn
NRA's words without first seeking an explanation.  Surely, a
private exchange between us might persuade you to at least reserve
a final opinion until all the facts are examined.  Such a course of
action, I believe, would have better served the country than what
will now become a public disagreement that can only lead to more
polarization in these troubled times."

     "Within hours of the bombing on April 19, 1995, the NRA issued
a statement saying that it had nothing but contempt for terrorist
or hate groups that attempt to disguise themselves as patriots.
The NRA also called for the death penalty for those found
responsible.  They went on to praise federal, state and local
authorities for their effort in this tragedy, and said that law
enforcement has no stronger ally than the NRA."
     Bill Clinton, at first presidential, but then returning to his
political hucksterism, lambasted radio talk shows and the NRA for
the use of "Jack-booted thugs."  Clinton was joined by our favorite
New York representative, Schumer, and anti-gun groups from all over
the country.  One such organization was the Southern Poverty Law
Center that lumped gun ownership, militias and the Oklahoma bombing
together.  It has been learned that they founded two failed
anti-gun organizations in the 1970's.  After forming the first one,
one of the founders said that they would have the NRA on it's knees
in five years.  Contrary to popular belief, the NRA is still alive
and kicking with more members than ever before.  Eight new members
for every one that falls to the wayside.
[Morris S. Dees is a simple civil rights lawyer working for the
Southern Poverty Law Center(SPLC), and he's not really anti-gun,
he's just worried about anarchy and rebellion.  Right.  The actual
truth is that Dees is a wealthy Alabama lawyer who has been a
passionate anti-gunner for more than two decades.  Here is some of
Dees' track record:
     1969: Founded the SPLC with Joseph J. Levin, Jr.
     1972: Direct mail fundraiser for George McGovern's
presidential campaign.
     1976: Started the National Gun Control Center(NGCC) along with
Levin.  Made quote that 'Within five years we'll break the National
Rifle Association.  Levin stated that: I am for handgun abolition
totally and completely."
     1976: Dees became national finance chairman for Jimmy Carter's
presidential campaign.
     1977: NGCC failed.  Membership list goes to National Coalition
to Ban Handguns.
     1979: National finance director for Ted Kennedy's presidential
run.

     That is a long anti-gun history, so keep it in mind the next
time you hear Dees claiming that he is not really anti-gun on the
air. The above information was taken from the Gottlieb-Tartaro
Report, Issue 5, May, 1995.]
     The words of the NRA have been called "grievous, defamatory,
insensitive distortions of truth."  Yet Clinton, Schumer and others
of their ilk, such as Fraternal Order of Police union president,
Dewey Stokes are allowed to say whatever they want, whenever they
want.  Stokes, while attending the National Police Memorial Day in
Washington, D.C., decried the slanderous tongue of the NRA.  This
was said while 400 of New York's finest allegedly were celebrating
in drunken binges, cavorting naked through the halls and lobbies of
their hotel and sexually accosting females in the hotels.  The
internal affairs bureau is having trouble bringing charges against
the "officers" because there were no video tapes taken of their
alleged transgressions, even though law-abiding citizens are
calling in about the incident from all over the country.
     "After exhaustive interviews with The New York Times, The
Washington Post, NBC, CBS, ABC, Time and dozens of others, it is
disheartening to see such enthusiasm for stories on NRA rhetoric
and so much reluctance to balance those presentations with fact.
As someone who has been victimized yourself by such media tactics,
I would have expected you to allow us to offer information that was
not being provided by the press."
     Alas, it was not to be, so a fired politician takes aim at his
former supporters to gain the light of publicity one more time.  A
little over a week later, fired politician Tom Foley, publicly
resigned his membership to the NRA.  It was Foley that allowed the
passage of the Brady Bill and of the assault weapon ban.  Fired
politician Foley also sued his constituents over their passage of
term limits in his home state of Washington.  No wonder he was
fired.
     "On January 10, 1994, the American Civil Liberties
Union(ACLU), the NRA and other organizations appealed to President
Clinton for the appointment of a national commission to
`...investigate serious allegations of abuse by federal law
enforcement agencies and to recommend steps that must be taken to
reduce constitutional and human rights violations by federal law
enforcement personnel citing allegations of abuse, including the
improper use of deadly force.'  Our letter offered specific
examples of black suited, masked, massively armed mobs of
screaming, swearing agents invading the homes of innocents."

Donald Carlson:  August 25, 1992, 10:30 pm.  Carlson came home in
Poway, California and opened his garage door with a remote control
device.  Drug Enforcement Agents sitting across the street could
easily see into the lighted structure.  Shortly after midnight,
while Carlson was sleeping, a group of DEA agents broke into his
house.  Carlson grabbed a pistol to defend himself from robbers.
He also called 911 for help.  The DEA agents shot him three times,
twice after he was clearly down and disabled.  No drugs were found
on the premises, and Donald Carlson spent seven weeks in intensive
care fighting for his life.
     It was later learned that the Federal Customs Service, the DEA
and the U.S. Attorney's office in San Diego had relied on
information from an unreliable source.  The agents conducted the
raid even though they could not see 2,500 kilograms of cocaine or
four armed guards in the garage.
     Carlson has still to be compensated for his injuries and none
of the agents have been sanctioned.

Sina Brush:  September 5, 1991, just after dawn.  Sixty agents of
the DEA, U.S. Forest Service, BATF, and National Guard, complete
with painted faces and camouflage, along with an armored vehicle
with twenty more National Guardsmen, raided the homes of Brush and
two of her neighbors near Mountainair, New Mexico.  Caught in their
underwear, Brush and her daughter were forced to kneel in the
middle of the room, handcuffed, while agents searched their house.
No drugs were found.  Again the agents were using information
provided by an unreliable informant.  They also entered without
knocking first.

Waco and Ruby Ridge:  These have become the cornerstones of federal
agents abuse of the citizens of the United States going about their
daily business.  One case involves entrapment of a citizen by
agents of the BATF.  Randy Weaver was later cleared of all charges,
yet his son and wife died at the hands of federal agents.
     In Waco, four federal agents died and over eighty citizens
died, many gassed and burned as a result of the 51-day stand-off.
It has been said that David Koresh was stockpiling automatic
weapons.  It has been said that Koresh was abusing children.  It
has been said that he led a cult, mesmerized by his words.  Many
other things have been said, but none were proven.  With the
destruction of the remains, many questions will forever remain
unanswered.

Janice Hart:  Portland, Oregon, 1993, returning from grocery
shopping with her daughters.  Hart discovered ATF agents ransacking
her house looking for cocaine and firearms.  The law enforcement
officers threw dishes, pulled clothing from hangers and emptying
drawers on the floor.  This has been verified through pictures that
she took.  Eight ATF agents questioned her in the basement for an
hour before reading her rights.  She asked to call an attorney but
the agents refused.  The agents asked if she was Janice M. Harrell.
She said that her name was Janice Hart.  The ATF agents mocked her,
and then arrested her for selling cocaine and firearms.  When Hart
got downtown, the Portland police finger-printed her, realized that
the ATF had the wrong person, and let her go.  The Portland Police
were commended by Hart for their professional demeanor.

Louis Katona:  Katona is a part-time police officer in Bucyrus,
Ohio.  The BATF used a part of his firearm collection to set up a
"sting operation."  After several attempts to have his property
returned, Katona's house was searched by the BATF.  They dropped
many of his valuable collection on the floor.  BATF agents have
also been accused of shoving his pregnant against a wall, thus
causing her to miscarriage several days later.  Katona won his suit
against the ATF in a Federal lawsuit with the judge ordering the
ATF agents to immediately return his property or face jail
themselves.

     The list goes on and on.  Harry and Teresa Lamplugh, Ron and
Elaine Miller, Howard and Sandy Wittenberg, and many others.  The
ACLU and the NRA have asked for investigations into 25 alleged
abuses by federal law enforcement of innocent citizens.
     "On Wednesday, March 8, 1995, USA Today reported that `...a
group of black agents has sued the 4,200-employee agency(BATF),
charging widespread discrimination.  The suit charges ATF officials
have routinely ignored racial abuses while funneling blacks into
low-paying, but dangerous street assignments with little career
potential.  The black agents' legal document cite numerous racial
problems including Confederate flags on office walls, state of
Oklahoma hunting license for blacks, and KKK business cards.  Black
agents at the Chicago office found derogatory slogans scrawled on
Jesse Jackson's picture."
     Washington went on to say that none of this material was used
to deflect criticism away from what the NRA had said.  Nor was any
use made of a "60 Minutes" report of January 12, 1993, in which
female ATF agents accused their male counterparts with sexual
harassment, intimidation and retaliation in their own ranks.  A
male ATF agent came forward to substantiate what they alleged,
saying "They violate the basic principals and tenets of the
Constitution and the laws and simple ethics of morality.  That what
disgusts me."
     On March 4, 1995, a New York Times editorial said that the
BATF has had it's share of problems, including inexcusable errors
at Waco.  The editorial stated that the BATF is "badly in need of
internal reform.  Waco was merely the most spectacular in a series
of lapses in which the BATF became too aggressive."  The editorial
also referred to the BATF's sexual and racial discrimination,
mismanagement and large, visible mistakes that have undermined the
public's confidence in its ability to do its job.  The editorial
concludes that "...if the agency is to survive, it must face its
demons" and that "congressional hearings can serve a useful
purpose."  That is the same thing that the NRA, ACLU, BATF victims
and many others have been demanding for the last several years.
     As a point of information, Rep. Jack Dingell(D-Mich), was the
first person to use the "jack-booted thugs " remark back in 1981.
No furor was raised at that time, yet it is now.  Representative
Harold Volkmer has called the BATF "one of the most Rambo-rogue
law-enforcement agencies in the United States."  Does our president
need another enemy to fight so that he can build up his ratings?
     In hearings, dating back to July, 1979 and April, 1980 before
the Senate subcommittee on Treasury, Post Office and General
Appropriations, and before the subcommittee on the Constitution of
the Senate Judiciary Committee in October, 1980, it was concluded
that "Based upon these hearings it is apparent that enforcement
tactics made possible by current federal firearms laws are
constitutionally, legally, and practically reprehensible.  ...These
practices, amply documented in hearings before this subcommittee,
leave little doubt that the Bureau has disregarded rights
guaranteed by the Constitution and the laws of the United States.
...It has trampled upon the Second Amendment by chilling exercise
of the right to keep and bear arms by law abiding citizens.  ...It
has offended the Fourth Amendment by unreasonably searching and
seizing private property.  ...It has ignored the Fifth Amendment by
taking private property without just compensation and by entrapping
honest citizens without regard for their right to due process of
law.  It was the Regan-Bush administration that cracked down on the
BATF and forced them to clean up the way they conducted themselves
throughout the 1980's.
     The Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, David S. Broder,
Sandy Grady, Robert D. Novak and Mike Royko have all called for
some type of an investigation into the abuse of citizens by federal
law enforcement officers.  A poll conducted by Time/CNN on April
27, 1995, found that 52% of those questioned agreed that "...the
federal government has become so powerful that it poses a threat to
the rights and freedoms of citizens."
     Many in the liberal camp are trying to blame Liddy, Limbaugh,
militias and the NRA for the tragedy that occurred in Oklahoma.
Yet, are the liberals any less to blame than conservatives?  With
their rhetoric concerning budget cuts and starving children.  With
their willingness to jump on hoaxes such as the "rhino" bullets.
With their continual onslaught of portraying law-abiding gun owners
as baby-killers, or as people that have absolutely no feelings
towards their fellow citizens.  Are they any less to blame?  Speech
had nothing to do with the bombing.  Neither did the NRA, nor
Liddy.  The liberals and their hate speech toward conservatives,
gun owners and budget-cutters did not cause the bombing.
     The actions of a liberal Congress, with its gradual erosion of
rights and freedoms over the last 40 years might be responsible.
The inaction of a liberal congress when confronted with abuses of
federal agencies might also be responsible.  The inability of a
liberal congress to protect its citizens while affording special
privileges to the criminal element and wayward youth might be
responsible.  It is a given that the twisted minds of those that
caused the death and destruction in Oklahoma are responsible.
Whatever their motive.
     "President Bush, NRA never intended for its words to offend
your sense of decency and honor or your concept of service to
country.  I firmly believe that after a thorough congressional
examination of BATF, you will agree that our words have been more
truth than slander.  I believe you will judge too much of what has
been done to be inexcusable and deserving of your personal
repudiation.  Therefore, I respectfully ask you to reconsider your
resignation as a Life Member of the National Rifle Association
until all the facts are known.  Then, if you still feel that NRA
has been wrong in the way it has confronted this issue, NRA will
deserve your resignation.  Until then, I believe we and the
American people deserve your help in getting to the truth."

Respectfully,
Tom Washington, President NRA

[Editors Note:  Those areas that are in italics are direct quotes
from Washington's letter to fired, ex-President Bush.  One wonders
why we call our past leaders presidents until they leave this
mortal coil?  The American voter fired Bush.  They fired Carter.
Hopefully, they will fire Clinton, and we can wonder why we called
him president at all.]

"WE HELP MAKE THE LAWS ..."

Wayne LaPierre, NRA Executive Vice-President
Address to the Annual Meeting of Members; May 20, 1995

[Editors note: When the media began rabid attacks upon the
Militias, the NRA, Talk radio, and gun owners in general after he
Oklahoma bombing, PRO noted that our main worry was with the
politically inexperienced militia people.  The NRA, Rush Limbaugh,
Gordon Liddy, and even PRO for that matter would be able to take
care of themselves.  This is pretty much what happened.  While a
few camo-clad militia leaders, in spite of the exhortations of
their fellow militia members, continued to provide fodder for the
media cameras, Liddy, on the other hand turned his whole show into
a news conference.  Limbaugh bounced media charges with equal
facility.  And the NRA?  Well just read this barn-burner speech by
Wayne LaPierre and see if PRO didn't hit the nail on the head.]

We ... are being watched.

The eyes of the nation, the eyes of history, are upon us.

Our every word is being scrutinized, our every action studied.

And we should be grateful.  Let me tell you why.

A few weeks ago I decided what I wanted to say here today.
I wanted to give America a clear definition of our mission at NRA:

That at the end of this century we want to leave the Second
Amendment in the same condition as it was at the beginning of this
century.

But since April 19, that day of terrible, cowardly cruelty in
Oklahoma City, I've realized that job will be harder than I
thought.

As we gather here today, our mission is in jeopardy.

Because too many Americans are increasingly confused about who we
are.

I don't know.  You could blame it on tragic events, or on poor
reporting, or on political opportunists, or even on our
adversaries.

But all of a sudden, N-R-A patriots are being confused with Grade-A
terrorists.  Well ... to those in the national media, I hope you're
listening, because I'm going to put a stop to the confusion right
here and now.

I will not sit idly by while the media, or the President, or anyone
else, tries to disgrace the members of this great Association by
blurring the distinction between heroism, and terrorism!

There is a difference between democracy, and anarchy.

There is a difference between criticism, and insurrection.

There is a difference between sound reason, and sheer treason.

There is a difference between acting within the law, and acting
above the law.

And believe me, there is a difference between 3.5 million united
NRA members, and some scattered band of paranoid hatemongers!

And if someone in this room doesn't know the difference,  THEN
THERE'S THE DOOR!

For 124 years the National Rifle Association of America has been
promoting liberty.

Not mutiny.

Our fight is for the minds of men.  Never against the lives of
children.

We do not do battle with bullets.  We fight with ballots.

We don't train for revolt in the woods.  We train for safety -- in
grade schools and shooting ranges and police departments.

We don't break laws.

We help make the laws.

We don't sit home and complain about bad government.  We vote for
and elect good government.

If there is anyone within the sound of my voice who still doesn't
get it ... get it and get it now:

There is not, nor has there ever been, any room at NRA for anyone
who supports -- or even fantasizes about -- terrorism, sedition,
insurrection, treason, conspiracy or any other unlawful activity.

Period!  End of story!

And you know what?

If you do support any of that stuff, you'd better not let the
Americans in this room find out about it.

At the same time, there is no room in America for those who support
a double standard of justice.  And at NRA, we've been saying so --
for years.

I'm talking about the double standard that says if someone wants to
profiteer from rap music about killing cops, those rights are
defended.

But if a shotgun barrel is a quarter-inch below the legal minimum,
they can surround a Ruby Ridge home and shoot a 14-year-old boy in
the back and kill a mother holding a baby.

Then promote the guy in charge of it all.

I'm talking about the double standard that says, if a drugged-up
ex-con speeds through L.A., resists arrest and gets beat up,  he
can sue for a few million bucks and win.

While the cop in charge gets ruined.

But if a religious cult is suspected of a gun law violation, it can
be assaulted with bullets, tanks and tear gas.  Everyone dies ...
and the cop in charge gets promoted.

I'm talking about the double standard that says, it's okay to call
gun owners "gun nuts" and call the NRA "an evil empire of lying,
stupid, rednecks, zealots and extremists."

But if we engage in some impassioned name-calling about abuses by
a few federal police, we are suddenly indicted, tried and found
guilty-by-association with America's most despicable criminals.

Nonetheless, for some of my words, an apology was due. And I
apologized.

I have repeatedly said it, and our actions back it up:  The NRA is
pro-law-enforcement.

We respect and support our many heroes out there doing their jobs
every day under impossible circumstances.  We're proud of them --
hundreds of thousands are NRA members.

But I have also repeatedly said that if a handful of them behave
like bullies, we're gonna call them bullies.

If some of them act like thugs ... then that's what we'll call
them.

That's why the NRA and the ACLU and several other civil rights
groups joined together 18 months ago to ask President Clinton to
create a commission to investigate serious abuses by federal law
enforcement agencies, in order to reduce many reported violations
of constitutional and human rights.

And what do we have to show for our repeated requests?  Nothing.

No fact-finding action that could settle the issue once and for
all.

No hearings.

No investigations.

No answers.

Just hypocrisy and arrogance.

While he appealed for "toning down the rhetoric," Mr. Clinton
criticized NRA for our language ...  by using this language!  Let
me quote him from a few days ago, quote:

"We must stand up against these people who say they love their
country but not this government.  Who do these people think they
are?" End quote.

I'll tell you who we are.  We are the people who helped clean out
Congress in 1994, and who are going to help clean your clock in
1996!

Mr. President, there is nothing un-American about questioning our
leaders.  As citizens, it's our job.

There is nothing unpatriotic about being skeptical of our
government.  As citizens, it's our job.

In fact, our very system of self-government requires us to question
our officials and candidates with each election cycle.  The more
zeal and passion we bring to the process, the better government we
get.

So why do they so readily attack the NRA?

I'll tell you why.  They're attacking the messenger, instead of the
message, because most Americans agree with the message!

Most Americans think that government has grown so big it can't keep
its hands out of our pockets or off of our rights.

In fact, just eight days after the bombing in Oklahoma City, a 52%
majority of Americans said they think the federal government has
become so powerful that it poses a threat to the rights and
freedoms of its citizens.

That's not an NRA poll -- that's a Time/CNN poll April 27, 1995.

That's the message, and Mr. Clinton doesn't get it.

Think about it:  Over half of your countrymen think the federal
government has become so powerful that it poses a threat to the
rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Surely you've felt that invasion bit by bit, year after year. More
and more you've got to
scoot-your-butt-over-and-make-room-for-a-bureaucrat-and-his-book-
of-rules.

I know you've felt it.  Especially if you own land, if you own a
small business, if you own a home, if you drive a car, or heaven
forbid, if you want to own a gun.

But it's not just about your gun freedoms.

It's about plans for a federal multi-agency super-police force
called the "Directorate of Central Law Enforcement" that Bill
Clinton and Janet Reno wanted to put together.

It's about HR97, a bill that would allow Reno to establish a
2,500-member "Rapid Deployment Strike Force" that could be deployed
to enforce federal, state and local anti-gun laws.

It's about special micro-chips that the government wanted to put in
every phone, fax and computer so it could tap into people's
communications at will.

It's about saddling the states with unfunded federal mandates,
paperwork, red tape and regulations that deny private property
rights and civil rights.

It's about that California farmer whose tractor was seized and who
faced a year in jail plus a $200,000 fine for allegedly running
over an "endangered" kangaroo rat while plowing his own land.

It's about federal agencies like HUD threatening to prosecute
citizens for exercising their First Amendment right by opposing
criminal halfway houses in their neighborhoods.

It's about why 300 Marines, on a written test at Twentynine Palms
Combat Center in California, were asked whether they would, quote
"fire upon U.S. citizens who refuse or resist confiscation of
firearms banned by the U.S. government," end quote.

In the end, it's about all these creeping cancers  ... feeding on
all the freedoms we once took for granted. So it'll be tough to
leave this century with the Second Amendment in the same condition
as it was at the beginning of this century.

But with courage and character, we will.

Today, as 95 years ago, there is no room at NRA for any people that
support violence against government. But there is also no room in
America for government that supports violence against the people,
and a double standard of justice.

We will continue our important work of gun safety, hunting and
wildlife conservation, crime prevention, judicial reform and
protecting the cherished Second Amendment.

But we will meet the millennium with our more difficult -- and
perhaps more unpopular -- duty: of living on the leading edge of
defining what patriotism means in modern America ... of making
government put our freedom where its mouth is.

I began today by telling you that, like never before, we are being
watched.  And we will be judged not by what we say, but what we do.


So I ask those in the media who observe this Association to do so
closely, with fairness and balance.  But I also ask those who
participate in this Association to be worthy of scrutiny, by living
up to a promise you made ... when you were a kid:

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

In spite of the diversity of opinion that comes with 3.5 million
members, we are all still united by that promise.  Don't let the
chaos of current events tarnish the majesty of its meaning:

We don't promise to try when it's convenient, we pledge our
allegiance.

Not to who's powerful or popular, but to the flag of the United
States of America.

And not just to its stars and stripes, but to the republic for
which it stands.  Which isn't one faction, but one nation.    Not
under tyranny, but under God.  Not divided, but indivisible.

With liberty and with justice, not for a few, but for all.

Let's tell it, teach it, live it, and breathe it.

To give the kids of this country a running start at another
glorious century of being the envy ... of the world.

God bless you all and thank you.

DEAR PRO ...

     Through the good efforts of one of your members, I am able to
read your monthly newsletter via the internet newsgroup
talk_politics_guns.  I find it a useful resource concerning the
pro-Second-Amendment efforts in the Buckeye State.  However, I must
take issue with one item in your most current (June 1995) issue.
     I direct your attention to the editorial reply to Dr. Donald
Silberger in the BOO! section.  You claim to 'have difficulty
dealing with the Libertarian Party' despite their support of the
Second Amendment.  I suggest that the reason for this is contained
in the next sentence, which is a complete mischaracterization of
the Libertarian Party.
     I quote: "...some of our members have doubts about government
'promotion' of drugs."  I don't know where you got that idea, but
it is at best a misunderstanding of the Libertarian Party's
position on the issue.  In general, libertarians believe that the
government should be limited to those powers enumerated in the
United States Constitution.  If it's not there, the government does
not have that authority.This position extends to, among other
things, firearms, property, and the amount and manner in which you
have sex with your spouse or significant other.
     The Libertarian Party does not wish for government to
'promote' drugs.  The Libertarian Party wants government 'out of'
drugs in general and out of the so-called 'War On Drugs' in
particular, for reasons that have already been listed ad nauseam.
In no way should this be construed as in support of what you term
the 'hippie philosophy.'  Many libertarians, myself included,
merely believe that if an otherwise responsible person wishes to
engage in a hazardous or particularly stupid activity, they should
be free to do so as long as no other person is placed at risk of
life or limb.  Characterization of this belief in the manner you
did in this month's issue is a disservice, and serves to alienate
those who are otherwise on your side.
     Freedom is not easy, and I'll be the first to admit that some
of the implications of freedom can be frightening to those who have
spent their lives in an environment that is not free.  But please
don't use that fear as an excuse to attack your allies:  you get
enough of that from your enemies, and believe me we're not your
enemies.

Sincerely,
Frank Ney

[Editors note:  One thing PRO loves about Libertarians is that they
are never shy about writing letters expressing themselves on the
issues they find of interest.  If only ALL gun owners would be as
quick to dash of a few lines to their Congressperson, newspaper or
others involved in the debate!  PRO received a great number of
letters from Libertarians about our "Boo!" article.  Mr. Ney's was
the most mild and was also the only one which correctly noted that
our statement was about how some PRO members felt and NOT a
statement of PRO policy toward "drug control".
     PRO policy toward Rights clearly enumerated in the
Constitution is clear: We unequivocally support them.  However, PRO
also has a policy designed to address the very issue that Mr. Ney
raises.  We DO NOT wish to make enemies of those who would support
us on Rights issues, so therefore PRO does not take sides on many
of the controversial issues of the day.  Abortion is one such
issue. PRO is not going to argue as to when exactly life begins.
We also are not going to argue as to exactly how much government
control of drugs is the "right" amount.
     Everyone should note that although the constitution clearly
guarantees that "the Right to keep and Bear arms shall not be
infringed", nevertheless PRO does not support a blanket Right for
felons and others to use firearms for illegal and destructive
purposes.  The same goes for drugs.
     It should be clear that PRO does not favor the "war on drugs"
for the reasons explicitly pointed out in our Boo! article.  But it
is also true that many of our members (but NOT ALL, as some ARE
Libertarians!) have problems with the "legalization" of certain
drugs.  They view the Libertarian position as going too far.  For
example, should the government being "out" of the drug business
mean that liquor stores could also sell crack?  And if so should
advertising for hard drugs be permitted as the government is to
stay out of the issue?  And wouldn't such activities being allowed
by the authorities amount to a "promotion" of destructive behavior?
Some of our members think so.
     But PRO does not take sides in these arguments.  If the
libertarians want to debate those of our membership who don't agree
with their position on drugs, we think that's great, but PRO is not
taking an official position here.  We don't want to loose the
support of either the Libertarians or our membership.  It is clear
to PRO that the "war" on drugs is excessive.  We do NOT approve of
the use of military troops for domestic enforcement be it for drug
or gun laws.  We do not think that some kid's life should be ruined
by getting a mandatory 30 years in the slammer, simply because he
was stupid enough to grow some marijuana in a flower pot on his
window sill... especially when rapists and murderers are being set
free because the jails are filled with small-timers serving these
mandatory drug sentences.
     But PRO is not going say how much enforcement is the "right"
amount of drug enforcement.  Generally speaking, we think that
destructive acts that hurt others should be discouraged.  Making
them against the law provides some measure of "discouragement".
Legalizing destructive acts actually IS in a sense, government
"promotion" of that behavior.
     Now, as to the Libertarian party, PRO's position to our
membership was and is, "We love their position on gun control, but
as to their position on drug laws, we encourage each PRO member to
make up his or her own mind."]
____________________________________________________________

"Our results ended up indicating, depending on which figures you
prefer to use, anywhere from 800,000 on up to 2.4, 2.5 million
defensive uses of guns against human beings -- not against animals
-- by civilians each year."

Dr. Gary Kleck, Florida State University Criminologist, Speaking in
an interview with J. Neil Schulman about the results of the
National Firearms Defensive Use Survey which Dr. Kleck and Dr. Marc
Gertz conducted in the spring of 1993.

____________________________________________________________

NRA CONVENTION REPORT...

1995 NRA National Convention

by Michael Regan, PRO chairman.

     I knew after President Bush submitted his resignation from the
NRA that this year's convention was going to be very interesting.
I took a vacation in Arizona starting a week before and every time
we turned on the news or read a paper I was being told by the
"mainstream" media there was going to be a coup by the moderates
against the "radical" leadership and the 125 year old organization
was falling apart and spiraling into disrepute with its members.
Far from it.  Every time Wayne or Tanya were introduced at any of
the functions they received a thunderous applause and cheers.
     Saying some federal law enforcement agents have behaved like
"jack booted thugs" is a very toned down description from what I
have heard liberal organizations and even other politicians call
them during the 1960's and 1970's when those on the left rightfully
demanded the government stop spying on innocent citizens.  But we
all know those on any issue categorized as "conservative" are not
allowed to accuse the government as behaving like...dare...I...say
fasci-uh-...oh...no.., wouldn't be prudent.  Of course it is okay
that for Senator Pat Schroeder (D-CO) from Colorado to call the NRA
a bunch of "goose stepping Nazis" and not be rebuked, even though
the NRA has not kicked anybody's door in.
     But back to the convention.  The reporters were all over the
convention's various functions like bees on honey. Every time an
elderly member wearing an NRA cap went by one of these bugs the
poor fellow got a 100mm Nikon shoved in his face. Therefore, most
of the attendees were on their best behavior - which is not
unusual.  The press expected a gathering of tobacco chewing "red
necks", not jackets and ties and professional looking ladies and
gentlemen.
     The first function I attended, and the main reason PRO sends
a representative to the convention, was the Grassroots Workshop.
This was not the hands on format of last year but an update of
activism procedures.  They are making a concerted effort at getting
the long time lazy gun clubs to get into the action of local
lobbying and Phil Journey, of the Kansas State Rifle Association
and newly elected board member, presented activities much like what
PRO has been involved in.  Especially of interest to me was the
time Sam Stone spent on the Volunteer Fund raising Programs, ie,
Friends of the NRA Banquets. Two members of city councils from
California spoke on working local government.  An ominous talk on
the future of the DCM program at Camp Perry was given by M.S.
Gilcrest; it appears the best we can hope for is that Congress will
let it exist only if it is self sufficient.  He said this was a
result of the leader of the Michigan "Militia" say the DCM program
was their legal access into our military on a nationally televised
talk show.  The best thing I learned from the Grassroots sessions
is that PRO appears be the most organized and effective for its
size; our only rivals being the state associations.
     The annual meeting on Saturday was the big media event of the
weekend.    Quite a disappointment for CNN.   The members all but
bowed down to Wayne, Tanya, and Neal Knox. The first resolution
introduced read, "Be it resolved...NO MORE APOLOGIES!".    Mr. La
Pierre advised, with wisdom, that during all our lives at some time
we say something that is taken in a way we did not intend and we
with good manners need to ask the offended party's forgiveness.
The submitter withdrew the resolution.
     If any PRO member feels de-motivated or disillusioned by the
current media generated image of the NRA after Bush's resignation,
then please be informed that Mr. Bush did not call any NRA leader
to complain privately of the style and content of the fund raising
letter - he just sent in the resignation letter and then made a
public announcement.  His problem with the NRA on this was he felt
the organization has too much prominence in this country and,
therefore, should communicate more professionally in order to
deserve his membership.  I believe anyone who is as high on the
totem pole as Mr. Bush should be mature enough to first talk to
Wayne La Pierre man to man instead of acting in an immature manner
by first grandstanding his case to the national press.  If he ever
was a serious life member he should have known that any member with
a minimum of five years continuous membership can speak his or her
peace at the annual meeting and submit a resolution. Instead he,
like a child, throws "the baby out with the bath water".
     During Tanya's speech she spoke of the "heart" of the NRA and
introduced several people in the audience who been heros in using
their 2nd Amendment rights to save lives and some who had been
victims of federal law enforcement, including Louis Katona from
Bucyrus, Ohio, and she closed her speech by saying, "Take
government to task by taking democracy to heart."
     During the meeting they announced the mew board members and
that the top five vote getters were women, and we were introduced
to the new president, Marion Hammer.  Ours is not a male dominion
as stereotyped.  Hey! And Ted Nugent is also on the board - world
famous bow hunter and rock star.  I think I saw a reporter with a
magnifying glass down on the floor trying to find the elusive and
dreaded T-shirred and pot bellied "red neck".  Few were found but
media stereotypes continued unabated.
     The members passed a resolution that the membership does not
support David Edmunson, an often interviewed dissenting member who
claims to speak for the silent majority of the NRA.  This passed
with only two dissenting votes out of 1600.  We tabled a vote on
the NRA opinion of the Conference of the States.  The big
resolution was the passage of the official NRA statement regarding
the so called state "militias".  This will be published in a future
NRA magazine. My favorite resolution, not being an accountant, was
the one for requiring laymen's terminology in the annual financial
statement.
     I also attended the first NRA Women's session.  The speakers
were those that had given testimony at various state hearings on
the concealed carry laws.  My favorite was Mikey Voorhees who used
a handgun to scare off 8 would-be rapists, who screamed, "Sh_t! The
b_tch has a gun", before screeching off with legs hanging out of
the windows of their car.
     I encourage all who are qualified to vote at the annual
meeting to attend next year's meeting in Dallas, especially those
who think the NRA is too political to deserve their dues money.
The NRA is not like the FOP where only regional representatives
vote.  When you see all that is on the agenda you will learn
politics is only one of several activities and the shooting sports
and firearm safety are still paramount.

P.S.    Just before the Louise Mandrell concert at the "Rawhide"
western amusement town, PRO and NRA board member, Jim Ramm got
married in front of the sheriff's office and then was brought up on
stage, along with his new bride, by Miss Mandrell who dedicated a
song in their honor.

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL...

     Our intrepid Columbus City Council strikes another blow for
criminals and predators on June 12, 1995.  Under the leadership of
appointed councilwoman Lisa Griffin, city council passed a
resolution: "To urge the Ohio General Assembly to defeat Senate
Bill 68, proposed legislation that would permit individuals to
carry a concealed weapon in Ohio and to state our strong opposition
to the bill."
     The resolution reads:
WHEREAS, according to the 1994 report by the Governor's Task Force
on Gun Violence, Ohio has experienced an alarming increase in gun
violence with the rate of firearm murders increasing by 39% from
1988 to 1992 and the rate of handgun murders increasing by 48% from
1988 to 1992; and
[No mention is made of the restrictions on firearms imposed by the
governments of Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton and Cleveland upon
law-abiding citizens.  Nor is any mention made that most crime is
now being committed by inner-city youths]

WHEREAS, legislation is pending before the Ohio General
Assembly(S.B. 68) that would enable most citizens, including felons
convicted of a non-violent crime, to carry a concealed weapon upon
receiving a concealed firearm license; and
[A law-abiding citizen will have to submit to a state and FBI
background check, plus being finger printed.]

WHEREAS, last year alone, 941 arrests were made in Columbus for the
crime of carrying a concealed weapon; and
[No mention is made if it was a firearm, or knife, or brass
knuckles or some other type of weapon; and no mention is made as to
whether any of them were exonerated of the charge; and no mention
is made as to how many of the 941 were already felons.]

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 68 could result in tens of thousands of people
carrying hidden weapons and has the potential to greatly escalate
"crimes of passion," such as those committed out of fear or anger;
and
[The intent behind S.B. 68 is to allow law-abiding citizens of Ohio
to carry a concealed firearm.  Crimes of passion have been
unaffected in other states due to the issuance of concealed carry
laws.  If one is in fear of his life, or the lives of his loved
ones, they are justified in using any means at their disposal in
protecting their lives.  A concealed carry permit is one more tool
that law-abiding citizens may use to protect themselves.]

WHEREAS, Senate Bill 68 poses a serious threat to the safety of
Ohio's law enforcement community; particularly the officers on the
street; and
[This has not proven the case in the other 40 states that already
have a concealed carry permit system.  Why should law enforcement
officers fear law-abiding citizens carrying concealed firearms?]

WHEREAS, virtually every law enforcement official and law
enforcement organization in Franklin County as well as the State of
Ohio, including, Columbus Police Chief James Jackson, the Ohio
Association of Chiefs of Police, the Fraternal Order of Police of
Ohio and the fraternal Order of Police capital City Lodge #9, have
voiced their strong opposition to S.B. 68; and
[Many street cops have voiced their support of a concealed carry
law in Ohio, both in the Ohio General Assembly and before Columbus
City Council.  Chief Jackson shot a would-be robber outside of his
home as he tried to break into his house.  FOP president Stokes has
admitted that early in his career, an armed citizen shot a criminal
in the leg while Stokes was pursuing the criminal.  The vast
majority of people speaking out against S.B. 68 are public
officials.  There are few, if any citizens, speaking against S.B.
68.  Virtually all female victims of rape and assault approve of
the concealed carry of firearms.

WHEREAS, every city, county and state official serving the citizens
of Ohio has a responsibility to make violence prevention a
priority; now, therefore
[In each and every case that has appeared before the U.S. Supreme
Court, the ruling has been in favor of law enforcement in that the
police are not here to protect the individual, but to protect
society as a whole.  The individual citizen has no recourse but to
arm themselves against depredations and attack.  How can state
officials prevent crime when criminals hardly ever commit a crime
in front of a law enforcement officer or state official?  The
citizen is left to their own defenses to survive, and then report
the crime to police so that they may protect society as a whole.]

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:

That this Council does hereby state our strong opposition to Senate
Bill 68 and urges its immediate defeat by the 121st Ohio General
Assembly.
[This resolution was passed over the objections of many residents
of Columbus, and without a vote or poll being taken of the citizens
of Columbus.  Furthermore, Senate Bill 68 is moving quickly through
the Ohio General Assembly garnering huge support from the citizens
of Ohio.  This is over objections from elected and appointed law
enforcement officials that have no Department of Justice, Federal
Bureau of Identification or Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification
statistics to support their claims of increased danger to law
enforcement officers, or that crimes of passion, fear or anger will
actually increase.  The Ohio Senate has held four hearings on
Senate Bill 68.  During the last one on June 7, 1995, Fraternal
Order of Police national president, Dewey Stokes, was unable to
support his comments with facts and figures.  Chief Jackson and
Mayor Greg Lashutka admitted on June 12, on a local radio show,
that they had no supporting evidence to fortify their claims of
increased violence due to citizens being able to carry concealed
firearms.]

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be forwarded
to each member of the Franklin County state legislative delegation,
the Speaker of the Ohio House, the President of the Ohio Senate and
the Governor of Ohio.
[Make your voice heard to these same people with letters and phone
calls in support of Senate Bill 68.]
____________________________________________________________

"If and when the public opinion of a free country accepts a
distinction between political and non-political criminals, it
accepts the notion of political crimes, it supports the use of
force in violation of rights--and the historical process takes
place in reverse: the country crosses the borderline into political
despotism."

Ayn Rand, The New Left: The Anti-Industrial Revolution, (May 1970),
pp. 99-101.
____________________________________________________________

FRANKLIN COUNTY FAIR ...

     The Franklin County Fair will be upon us soon, and we need
volunteers to work our booth.  The Fair begins July 15, and lasts
until July 22.  The fair begins at 11:00 am every day and closes at
11:00 pm.  We try to break up the day into two shifts lasting six
hours each.  Sometimes the day shift extends a little longer than
six hours.
     The day shift lasts from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, and the night
shift lasts from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm.  If you can work any of
those days, please contact the PRO HOTLINE, and let us know what
times you can work.  The fair is held on the same grounds as the
PRO gun shows in Hilliard, Ohio.  Thanks.

WACO LECTURE...

     As we indicted last month, The Lorain County Firearms Defense
Association will hosted David Thibodeau, Louis Katona and Rep. Mike
Wise at a "Liberty and Justice Forum" on June 22, 1995.
     Thibodeau was one of the few that survived the fire at Waco,
and will speak from his perspective as to what happened at Waco.
He was not charged with any wrong-doing at Waco, but was held as a
material witness but not used.
     Katona is the Bucyrus police officer who was harassed by the
BATF, causing his wife to miscarriage.  The agents of the BATF deny
causing the miscarriage. Wise has introduced the "tenth Amendment
Resolution" in the Ohio General Assembly, and has co-sponsored the
Concealed Carry bill in the House.
     It was hoped that PRO could host an identical forum here in
Columbus before the speakers returned home.  Unfortunately, such
was not to be.  The insurance requirements that the Veterans
Memorial Auditorium imposes for a rental agreement could not be met
in the time available for arranging a second forum.  Thus, the
PRO-sponsored lecture in Columbus had to be canceled.
     We believe, however, that the Cleveland gathering was
videotaped and we will publish how to obtain copies once details
become known.   Stay tuned.

GRPC...

     The 1995 Gun Rights Policy Conference will be held in Dallas,
Texas this year on September 29, 30 and October 1.  This is the
tenth year for the Conference, sponsored by the Citizens Committee
for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and will be bigger and better
than ever.
     Plans are in the works to hold a machine gun shoot and
bar-b-que on Saturday night.  This will be in Texas, the state that
has just passed a concealed carry bill.  You should plan on
attending the conference as it is a great place to network, meet
and speak with the leaders of the gun rights movement and to
participate in hearings and discussions of all areas of the gun
rights debate.
     See you there!

     [ Editors note: Once again PRO's Vice Chairman and PROponent
co-editor, Dennis Walker, has been asked by the Gun Rights Policy
Conference management to serve on the Resolutions committee.  This
is quite an honor and feather in PRO's cap.  This post is extremely
important in that this committee by choosing which issues will be
brought to a vote, sets the tone (particularly as viewed by the
media) for the whole conference. At the June PRO meeting members
and trustees indicated their desire that Dennis should represent
PRO at this important pro-gun conference.]

GUN BAN CRIME FACTS ...

     The recent gun bans have been widely touted by many
politicians (including some police leadership) as "fighting crime",
but the facts show these laws to be as cosmetic as the rules they
engender to define the elusive "assault weapons".  We present now
some true facts about "assault weapon" crime:

>  Over 85% of the firearms banned as assault weapons in 1994 are
rifles, yet rifles of any description are the least used category
of firearms used in crime.
>  Since 1980, the annual number of rifle homicides has declined
29%.(FBI Uniform Crime Reports)
>  Between 1985-1993, there were more than 3,200 homicides in
Washington, D.C., but none were committed with a rifle of any
description. (Metropolitan Police of Washington, D.C.)
>  Less than 1% of firearms seized by law enforcement, and only
3.7% of those firearms actually used to commit homicides or
assaults, were "Assault weapons."(California Dept. of Justice)
>  The Washington Post admitted on Sept. 15, 1994, that "Assault
weapons play a part in only a small percentage of crime.  The
provision is mainly symbolic."
>  New York Times reported that since New Jersey police began
keeping records, "assault weapons" have been used in only
26/1000ths of 1% of all crimes in the state.  In 1991, "assault
weapons" were used only 75 out of 46,858 times.
>  The New York City Police Department reports that criminals only
fire between 2 and 3 rounds on average, when they fire at all,
making a firearm's ammunition capacity largely irrelevant to crime.
>  BATF does not trace firearms to crimes.
>  Police officers are 6 times more likely to be killed with their
own firearm, and 30 times more likely to be killed in automobile
accidents, than with "assault weapons."
>  Polls conducted by the National Association of Chiefs of Police
have consistently shown little support for an "assault weapon" ban
among police officers.
>  15% of all firearms in the U.S. are semi-automatic and have been
popular for over 100 years.
>  "Assault weapons" use the same ammunition as many other
firearms.  Most commonplace deer hunting rifles are far more
powerful than "assault weapons."
>  Military accessories to "assault weapons" play no part in crime,
and provide no advantage to a criminal.
>  All semi-automatic firearms function the same.  So-called
"assault weapons" are semi-automatic only.
>  Semi-automatic firearms are not easy to convert into machine
guns.  If they were, the BATF would not approve them for sale.

[Editor's Note:  The above information came from the May, 1995
issue of the NRA GRASSFIRE!]

____________________________________________________________
The PROponent is published by:
Peoples Rights Organization;
3953 Indianola Ave.;  Columbus, OH 43214;
Tel (614) 268-0122
Fax (614) 275-0092
EMAIL: 73427.1615@compuserve.com

Michael T. Regan, Chairman;  Dennis Walker, Vice Chairman
Todd Koehler, Secretary;  Ron Herman, 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.

     Unlimited electronic distribution of all or part of this text
file is permitted so long PRO is credited.

     PRO general meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month
8:00pm at Veterans Memorial Auditorium, W. Broad St. Columbus,
Ohio.


"That government of the people, by the people, and for the people,
shall not perish from the earth"
_________________________________________________________________