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HR 5175 Delayed, Not Deceased. |
“We
did what was in the best interests for the NRA and the Second
Amendment, and we would do it again. We do not take positions
on bills that do not affect us.”
That was NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam
quoted in "Politico"
discussing HR 5175, a bill that would allow free speech for
the NRA and cut out almost everyone else.
HR 5175 is a blatantly unconstitutional bill that would end
free speech for countless organizations and was opposed by the
NRA until they cut a backroom deal with Democrats in Congress.
NRA would be "carved out" of this bill and the NRA
would slink away and end any opposition to it. All other pro-gun
organizations, including other national and all state-wide groups
would be silenced, with the NRA's tacit blessing, and the NRA
would be assured of a monopoly on political speech before elections.
Of course, just like much of McCain Feingold, this bill, if
passed, will be overturned by the courts. But not before the
next election, and that is exactly what the anti-gun majority
is planning for. The bill is intended to protect people like
NRA darling Harry Reid for one more election cycle.
Since the NRA cut this shameful deal they have been working
overtime to spin,
and yes, lie about the bill, their positions and their intentions.
Start with their letter to Congress here.
Notice how they describe this bill: "This unnecessary
and burdensome requirement would leave it in the hands of government
officials to make a determination about the type and amount
of speech that would trigger potential criminal penalties."
Yet when offered their few pieces of silver, the NRA said "fine
with us" and of course "we'd do it again."
The NRA's Chris Cox says "there is no legitimate reason
to include the NRA in H.R. 5175's overly burdensome disclosure
and reporting requirements." But smaller, less well
funded organizations should be included.
In their column called "Setting
The Record Straight On The “DISCLOSE Act” The
NRA may have inadvertently done just that. There, they state
"Consequently, congressional leaders announced they
would exempt us from its draconian restrictions on political
speech. If that happens, we will not be involved in final consideration
of this bill in the House. If it doesn’t, we will strongly
oppose the bill. "
In other words, this is by everyone's estimation a horrible
bill, but as long as the NRA get's its "carve out"
they will not oppose it.
NRA's first vice president, David Keene writes this "I
consider such restrictions to be not only repugnant, but blatantly
unconstitutional, an opinion shared by NRA Executive Vice President
Wayne LaPierre and Institute for Legislative Action Executive
Director Chris Cox" and "The so-called "DISCLOSE
ACT" is a horrible piece of legislation designed to do
exactly what you suggest. It would require advocacy groups to
run a regulatory gauntlet designed to make it very difficult
for many of them to play the role for which they were formed
and is both bad policy and flies in the face of recent Supreme
Court decisions."
And yet, the NRA, in spite of their own descriptions of this
bill as "horrible" have withdrawn an opposition as
long as they are not included. So state-wide groups from coast
to coast will be left spinning in the wind with the blessing
of the NRA, because they were exempted from something THEY call
"repugnant."
We know there are some who will defend the NRA under any circumstances.
Whether it be their joining the Brady Campaign to pass
HR 2640, the anti-gun "mental health" bill or Charlton
Heston's radio proclamation that American citizens have no right
to own military style firearms. But we firmly believe that this
action by NRA is inexcusable.
If only the richest organizations deserve free speech then our
Constitution is truly a relic. If the NRA is ok with that, then
those of their members who are not , should let them know.
HR 5175 was pulled from the schedule last week. That was a certain,
but very temporary victory for liberty and the Constitution.
But it is far from dead. With the exception of Greg Walden,
all of Oregon's congressional delegation are in the pocket of
Nancy Pelosi. It would be far more productive in the short
time we may have before this bill returns
to contact NRA and demand they oppose HR 5175.
You can reach the NRA at (800) 392 8683. or by e-mail at:
ILA-CONTACT@NRAHQ.ORG.
or contact their officers here:
Ronald L. Schmeits, NRA President:
Home: 18 Private Rd #2001ST, Raton NM 87740, (575) 445-5836,
(575) 445-2080 fax
Office: International Bank,200 S 2nd Street, Raton NM 87740-3908,
(575) 445-2321
Charles L. Cunningham, Director, NRA-ILA Federal Affairs:
4864 Oakcrest Drive, Fairfax VA 22030
703-352-3245, 202-651-2570
David A. Keene, NRA 1st Vice President:
5602 Dawes Ave, Alexandria VA 22311-1102, 703-671-5602
James W. Porter II, NRA 2nd Vice President:
215 21st St N # 1000, Birmingham AL 35203-3710, (205) 322-1744
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© 2000 - 2011, Oregon Firearms Federation. All Rights Reserved.
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