Mauser gets his gun control, for now; 
House gets more pro-gun, Senate goes to Dems

Colorado voters gave a relatively mixed message in the November elections, proving once again that Colorado citizens won’t be pigeon-holed.

For gun owners, the message was equally ambiguous.  SAFE’s Amendment 22, which forces private sales at gun shows to undergo the Brady Registration check, passed by a 70% margin, proving that soft-pedaled gun control can win, even in Colorado.  Those of you who missed our comments to the media on election night should know we did everything we could to focus gun owners on the tasks ahead of us, which are daunting.

RMGO and GOA will file a lawsuit before Amendment 22 is enacted on March 31, 2001, challenging not just the amendment but Brady Registration checks in Colorado as a whole.  Colorado's Constitution reads “the right of no person to keep and bear arms.... shall be called in question.”  What do you call a background check, conducted by a dealer or a private person, at a sporting goods shop or a gun show, if not "calling in question?"  Expect to hear more on this as it is develops.

SAFE is now here to stay, and they are funded by an enormous machine.  Expect them to begin their crusade for other gun controls on a national and local level soon – probably trigger locks and the “private sale” loophole.

The Colorado Legislature

For the first time in 40 years, the Democrats are in control of the Colorado Senate.  Gun rights hero Jim Congrove lost his very tight race in northern Jefferson county, while Penn Pfiffner, a good vote but leaning toward apologist on our issues, lost handily.

Gun rights advocate Bruce Cairns of Aurora defeated his liberal Democrat opponent, despite his opponent’s blistering attacks on gun issues.  Conservative John Andrews won his race against Scott Evans, even though Handgun Control, Inc. attacked him mercilessly for his pro-freedom stance (see http://www.terrible-trio.com" for some of HCI’s nastiness).  Ken Arnold narrowly won in a race that lasted early into the morning.

The Senate GOP’s more liberal candidates failed by large margins: Fort Collins’ Steve Tool, Denver’s Dorothy Gotlieb, and Aurora’s Debbie Allen each lost by large margins, dispelling the myth that gun issues were the downfall of Republicans.

The Colorado House moved firmly to the right on gun issues with victories from real Americans Pam Rhodes (R-Thornton), Bill Crane (R-Arvada), Mark Chloer (R-Colo. Springs), Dave Schultheis (R-Colorado Springs) and Tim Fritz (R- Loveland).  Expect these new members to form a solid base in addition to newcomer Bill Cadman (R-Colorado Springs), gun rights diehards Mark Paschall, Joe Nunez, and Sean Mitchell, and the decent votes of Rob Fairbanks, Lauri Clapp, Don Lee and new House Speaker Doug Dean.

One very regrettable loss in the House: Scott McKay of  Lakewood lost in a surprise loss to Democrat Betty Boyd.   McKay’s seat overlaps with candidate Pfiffner’s senate seat, and results from both races were identical in percentage, suggesting bad feelings from Pfiffner’s divisive primary.  Republican (?) Senator Norma Anderson should shoulder some burden for the loss of both McKay and Pfiffner.

Some Conclusions

While gun issues weren’t the major factor, they certainly were a weapon favored by the Democrats.  But GOP loss of the Senate can only be attributed to the tide of Union money used to assail Republican Senate candidates.  In the last 6 weeks of the campaigns, Democrats used huge amounts of forced union dues to attack pro-gun conservatives on virtually every issue, especially gun rights.  If you pay union dues, you helped defeat your friends.

What vote did Democrats use against Republicans?  Dem. Sens. Matsunaka, Feeley, and Perlmutter forced a slew of gun votes on a “Safe Schools” bill last year, all designed to use in the election.

Senate conservatives warned GOP leadership about this very issue, but term-limited Sen. Ray Powers, who no one will mistake for a brain surgeon, told the Senate chairman to allow the amendments.  Ray Powers, more than anyone else, can be thanked for the Democrats’ coup in the Senate.   On the bright side, Powers is no longer in the Senate.

Liberal Republican pundits have claimed this Colorado election proves that Republicans must move to the middle to be elected:  nothing could be further from the truth.

Republican Senate candidates who ran to the left (Tool, Allen, Gotlieb) lost by large margins, compared to the closer elections of noted conservatives Congrove and Pfiffner.

Though the loss of Jim Congrove stings, the number of pro-gun Senators didn’t change when Bruce Cairns won in Aurora.   Democrats in charge could be a bonus for gun owners, if Democrats fight with Republicans over gun control plans.   However, expect a landslide of gun control coming from the left-lead Senate.

The House saw dramatic gains for pro-gun conservatives, despite Republicans losing a net of 2 seats (giving them a 38-27 majority).

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners PAC spent more than $50,000 in legislative races and in the battle against Amendment 22, setting a record for Colorado pro-gun organizations.  But with the Colorado Legislature in session in early January, our battle is far from over.

Our thanks go out to all of you who put in time, money and talent to fight the good fight.  Remember: we are serious people doing serious things, and we WILL be back.

2000 Rocky Mountain Gun Owners /
Gun Owners of America Candidate Survey Results

Click here for Candidate Survey Results

Answers Key:

Bolded names have been endorsed by Rocky Mountain Gun Owners PAC
Y = Yes, N = No
NR = No response on that particular question
NR on all questions = Candidate returned survey, but would not answer specific questions (and should be viewed with extreme caution)
Empty = Did not respond

Leadership Pledge Key:

Sponsor = Candidate has pledged to carry legislation
Co = Candidate has pledged to co-sponsor legislation

Questions Index

1.         Most Americans understand that criminals will always find ways of obtaining weapons whether legally or illegally. Yet gun control forces are calling for limits on the number of firearms that a law-abiding citizen may purchase in a specified time period, usually only one per month.  One-gun-a-month laws do not limit guns available to criminals, but they do require a complicated and expensive registration system to enforce.

Do you oppose "one-gun-a-month" laws that limit purchases of firearms by law-abiding citizens?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

2.         Gun banners have attempted to discourage gun ownership by creating a morass of differing municipal ordinances. These rules often snare innocent sportsmen merely passing through a neighboring city.

Should state law prohibit Colorado localities from placing limitations on the rights of citizens to purchase, possess, or carry firearms?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

3.            Registration leads to confiscation: New York City "only registered" long guns (rifles and shotguns) in 1966. But in 1992, the New York Daily News (9/5/92) reported the police began confiscating those very weapons. Of course, it's easy to confiscate firearms when the government has a list of the gun owners.

Would you oppose legislation that would require that firearms purchased by private citizens be registered with law enforcement and tracked by a centralized record system administered by government agencies?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

4.         Gun control advocates hype the false idea that certain cosmetic features make some semi-automatic firearms or high capacity magazines "different" than others.  Media hysteria has led to the misperception that semi-automatic firearms are so-called "assault weapons."  All semi-automatic firearms function essentially the same, as do all magazines.

Do you oppose legislation banning the manufacture, sale or possession of semi-automatic firearms and large-capacity magazines?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

5.            Manufacturers of any product are held liable if the product is defective and causes injury.  On the other hand manufacturers of kitchen knives are never held liable if a criminal uses one to stab a person.  Yet some politicians want to hold gun manufacturers liable when a firearm is used to commit a crime.  Their real objective is to simply ban guns.

Do you support laws which protect firearms manufacturers and sellers from being sued for the actions of a third party, despite properly-working firearms?

Yes _____                No _____

 

6.         The power to tax is the power to destroy.  When anti-gun politicians are unable to achieve their aims directly, they frequently resort to taxes to deviously achieve the same result.

Do you oppose laws which would impose any punitive taxes on the ownership, purchase or use of firearms or ammunition currently available to honest citizens?

Yes ______                No _____

 

7.         Gun control advocates push licensing systems with background  checks, fingerprinting, high fees and "training" requirements as a "reasonable" measure.  Once enacted, however, bureaucratic rulings, higher and higher fees, and arbitrary training requirements make it prohibitive for most law-abiding citizens to obtain a firearm.

Do you oppose government licensing to buy a gun?

Yes ______                No _____

 

8.         So-called "instant" background checks are in fact computerized central gun registration systems.  Only a single computer keystroke is necessary to permanently register every gun sale and gun buyer.  Furthermore, anti-gunners know an "instant" check system is the foundation for so-called "one-gun-a-month" laws (as in Virginia) and other gun control schemes.

Will you support the repeal of computerized "instant" background check legislation since it centrally registers gun sales and gun owners?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

9.         Most firearms experts recognize that mechanical devices, such as trigger locks, create an extremely dangerous condition, whereby a gun can be fired accidentally.  In addition, these dangerous "lock up your safety" devices and laws that coerce citizens to "safely store" their firearms may render a firearm unavailable and/or ineffective when most needed.  This may leave an individual or family defenseless.

Do you oppose government mandated use of trigger locks or other so-called "safe storage" laws which have the effect of making it difficult, if not impossible, to have a gun available to defend your home and family?

Yes ______                No _____

 

10.            Vermont has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the nation.  The Vermont carry law recognizes that every citizen has the right to carry a gun, openly or concealed, except to commit a crime.  Thus, with no government bureaucracy or license, Vermont citizens can defend themselves.  Criminals who use arms are severely punished.

Would you support Vermont-style legislation which would eliminate all requirements to pay fees and register gun owners and simply allow law-abiding citizens to carry firearms openly or concealed (at the individual's discretion) for any reason except for the commission of a crime?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

11.       For 30 years gun owners have let the institutional gun lobby lead them down a path of compromise, and our gun rights have suffered for it.  RMGO and GOA actively work to force recorded votes on gun issues, putting anti-gun lawmakers of both parties on record.

Will you actively work to force tough recorded votes on gun issues, despite the protests of leadership and colleagues within your own party?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

 

12.       Almost every legislative candidate will say "I support the Second Amendment" but not all will stand firmly against new and invasive forms of gun control.

Will you oppose all methods of gun control, including those the media calls "reasonable", such as laws like straw purchase, increasing the minimum age of firearms ownership, and new ways to track guns and gun owners?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

13.       Some gun rights groups have touted Project Exile as a way to enforce existing gun laws.   This has spawned TV commercials urging citizens to turn in their neighbors for "illegal guns" and other Gestapo-like tactics.  This project, which is really a collaboration between state and federal authorities, plays into the hands of gun-banners, using gun rights groups as a pawn to enforce domestic abuse gun bans and other bad gun laws.

Will you oppose Project Exile, which attempts to enforce unconstitutional and unwarranted attacks on citizens' rights to keep and bear arms?

Yes _____                 No _____

14.       Many elected officials place their allegiance in political parties rather than in principle.  As true non-partisan organizations, RMGO and GOA are concerned with gun rights, not maintaining partisan bonds.

Will you oppose incumbents within your own party during primary elections when that incumbent has voted against our gun rights?

Yes _____                 No _____

 

Leadership Pledge

1. Vermont has one of the lowest violent crime rates in the nation.  Their law simply says that every law-abiding citizen has the right to carry a concealed firearm except to commit a crime.  Thus, with no government bureaucracy, Vermont citizens can defend themselves.  Criminals who use arms are more severely punished.

Would you be willing to support Vermont-style concealed carry legislation which would eliminate all requirements to pay fees and register    weapons, and simply allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms for any reason except the commission of a crime?

q  I would sponsor such legislation

q  I would co-sponsor such legislation

 

2. The Brady Law (often called “Instant Check”) is called a background check system, but it is more aptly called a gun owner registration and tracking scheme.  Though written with prohibitions on record keeping, the FBI brags about the database of gun owners it is creating.  In Colorado, the Brady Law is administered by the CBI, creating a second database of gun owners, and denying citizens their Constitutional rights on a “guilty until proven innocent” basis.  This system is paving the way for future gun confiscation.

Would you be willing to repeal the Brady Law in Colorado?

q  I would sponsor such legislation

q  I would co-sponsor such legislation

 

Critiques of Background Checks | Take Action | Get your "No on 22" Yard Sign
Profiles of Law-Abiding Citizens | Ballot Language (PDF)
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners PAC * P.O. Box 3114 * Denver, CO 80201 * 303.432.3006

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Stop in at any of these gun shops to get your free “No on 22” yard signs and bumper stickers.

 

Front Range

Aurora

Supply Sergeant            9509 E. Colfax

Colorado Springs

Broken Star Trading Post    2340 Montebello Square Dr.

Paradise Sales

731 West Colorado Ave.

 

Shootin' Den

420 W. Fillmore

 

Specialty Sports            3735 Drennan Rd.

Denver

Dave's Guns                    1842 S. Parker Rd.

Dirty Harry's                     5524 E. Colfax

French's Gun Shop        258 Broadway

Rob's Guns                        2020 S. Parker Rd.

Scotty's                            5600 E. Colfax

Fort Collins

Active Arms                    5740 S. College Ave. #A

 

Cache LaPoudre Rifle Works    140 College

 

Lakewood

Firearm Service Center  9607 W. Colfax Ave.

The Gun Room               1595 Carr St.

Gunworks                3355 S. Yarrow St.

Longmont

Paladin Arms                    320 Main Street            http://www.paladinarms.com/

Loveland

Jensen Arms                     246 E. 4th St.

Woodland Park

Grizzly Firearms                210 W. Midland Ave.

Wheatridge

Gunsmoke                       3650 Wadsworth Blvd.            http://www.gunsmokeguns.com

 

Western Slope

Cortez

Shooter's World        1220 E. North St.

Grand Junction

Crime Prevention Resources    1710 North Ave.

Gene Taylor's Sportsman's Supply        445 W. Gunnison Ave.

Gunnison

Fullmer's Hardware        820 W. Tomichi Ave.

Traders Rendezvous        516 W. Tomichi Ave.

Monte Vista

Valley Gun Service    1419 E. US Hwy. 160 & 285

 

Eastern Plains

Fort Morgan

Shooters’ Emporium            509 Main Street

Lamar

Main Street Sports        106 N. Main St.

 

 

Return to main "No on 22" page

Critiques of Background Checks | Take Action | Get your "No on 22" Yard Sign
Profiles of Law-Abiding Citizens | Ballot Language (PDF)
Rocky Mountain Gun Owners PAC * P.O. Box 3114 * Denver, CO 80201 * 303.432.3006

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Amendment 22:

Backdoor Registration of Private Gun Sales

What does Amendment 22 do?

Amendment 22 seeks to expand the failed Brady background check and registration system to private sales at gun shows. Amendment 22 defines a "gun show" as one person with 25 firearms, or three persons with any firearms, even if only one gun is sold or given as a gift. Under this arbitrary and vague definition, Amendment 22 will only serve to harass peaceable gun owners.

Does this mean registration?

Amendment 22 expands the registration of gun owners. When you purchase a firearm and are forced to undergo the Brady Registration check, your name is entered into a state and federal database, tagging you as a gun owner. Former gun owners in Canada, Great Britain and Australia warn Americans that this type of gun owner registration is what led to the confiscation of firearms in their countries.

What about crime?

Background checks don't stop criminals, they wrongfully deny law-abiding citizens their rights to purchase a firearm for self-defense. Two independent studies prove the national background check system has failed to reduce crime. Yale scholar John Lott has found that background checks actually increase rape by 3.6%. Rapists love gun control.

Because of faulty and incomplete records, coincidental name similarities, and system break-downs, background checks routinely wrongfully deny law-abiding citizens their rights to purchase a firearm for self-defense. This empowers criminals, who prefer to attack disarmed victims.

Meanwhile, criminals resort to theft or the black market to get their guns or resort to some other weapon. Amendment 22 would not have stopped Columbine. The suppliers of firearms to Harris and Klebold both would have passed a Brady registration check. Instead of stopping criminals, Amendment 22 provides one more layer of government between you and your Constitutional rights.

Is Amendment 22 Constitutional?

Article 2, Section 13 of the Colorado Constitution states: "The right of no person to keep and bear arms in defense of his home, person and property... shall be called in question..." NO PERSON! Section 3 states: "All persons have certain natural, essential, and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties [and] of acquiring, possessing and protecting property."

Because background checks routinely wrongfully deny law-abiding citizens their right to purchase a firearm, Amendment 22 violates the Constitution. What is a Brady background check but "calling into question" your right to keep and bear arms?

Amendment 22 also places a presumption of guilt upon Colorado gun owners, who are then forced to prove their innocence to the government before exercising their rights.

Where will this lead?

Arnie Grossman, a founder of the anti-gun lobby sponsoring Amendment 22, said the initiative is only the "first step" toward the further erosion of your rights.

If private sales at "gun shows" are subjected to background registration checks, will the "next step" be the total registration of every gun owner? That's the explicit goal of many in the anti-gun lobby.

Amendment 22 is not about stopping crimes. It's not about stopping violence. It's about stopping you. It's about preventing you from protecting your family. It's about a vast registration scheme. It's about government record keeping of you and your family. Despite no mention in the explaining statement, this measure mandates the police to keep records of gun owners.

What can I do to oppose Amendment 22?

First, become a member of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and their PAC. RMGO is the largest gun rights organization in Colorado, and is the main organization opposing Amendment 22. It also was the organization that defeated HB1242, the bill in the legislature to outlaw private sales at gun shows.

To make your generous contribution to the "No on 22" campaign, send your check to "Rocky Mountain Gun Owners PAC," P.O. Box 3114, Denver, CO 80201.

Second, hand this information out to your friends and neighbors. Make sure they understand that Amendment 22 is gun control, not the removal of some little loophole in the law.

Third, get a "No on 22" bumper sticker and yard sign from RMGO PAC (many gun shops have them, or you can call 303-432-3006) and display them immediately.

Freedom is NOT a loophole!

The time to take a stand for your rights is NOW.

NRA, Heston publish support for SAFE's anti-gun agenda

Hardly a day goes by that the NRA doesn't end up agreeing with the anti-gun crowd (Project Gestapo being the chief instance) but rarely does the NRA allow this to become public knowledge.

In the October issue of Outdoor Life, NRA President Charlton Heston hung Colorado gun owners out to dry by supporting the concept of SAFE's anti-gun ballot initiative.

RMGO Executive Director Dudley Brown learned about the article after being blind-sided by a reporter, who claimed anyone opposing SAFE's ballot initiative was clearly out of the mainstream since Charlton Heston, Tom Mauser AND Sarah Brady agreed on the issue.

To see the entire article, click here

Some blind loyalists of the NRA claimed it was an old interview, and that Heston was taken out of context. In fact, several tried to physically bully RMGO board member Tom Minsel last weekend when Minsel was handing out copies of the article. Minsel, however, was practicing confrontational politics at its best by arming himself with facts and boldly standing his ground.

But RMGO staff talked to Outdoor Life Associate Editor Scott Bowen on Sept. 20 to determine the origin of Heston's comments.

Bowen said Outdoor Life sent both Heston and Brady a list of questions in early September of this year. Heston's comments were indeed his own, and official statements of the NRA.

Some readers might want to know what is gained by "inside bickering." But every gun rights activist, especially NRA members, should know what the NRA -- which has been dubbed "Too Afraid to Fight" for their lack of intestinal fortitude -- is doing with their dues, and their soapbox.

Million Commie Mommies in Denver; Protest Planned

With the Million Commie Mommies having their National Board Meeting in Denver this weekend, RMGO has teamed up with other organizations to steal some of the MMM media.

On Friday, Sept. 15th the TRT is leading a demonstration at the Hyatt Regency (17th & Welton, the site of our protest against James Brady earlier this year) beginning at 6:30 pm.

On Saturday, Sept. 16th from 10 am to 4 pm Crystal Albertus and the Second Amendment Sisters will lead the Ladies of the Tyranny Response Team & Rocky Mountain Gun Owners in a protest. These Constitution-loving gals invite you and your children (hubbies welcome too) to make a stand for freedom.

Let the (much less than a) million moms know they don't speak for you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Wed., August 9, 2000

Gun Rights Advocates Win Big in Colorado’s Primary Elections;
Gov. “Gun Control” Owens a Lead Anchor

Though most pundits had written off candidates who strongly support gun rights, Tuesday’s Primary Election in Colorado showed that standing firm on the issue was the key to victory, said the State’s largest gun rights organization.

“Candidates who didn’t back down on the Second Amendment won big in the GOP primaries,” said Dudley Brown, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners.  “The gun-grabbers really got their clocks cleaned last night.”

Brown is referring to a score of state legislative primary battles where firearms rights were an issue in the race, and where the most “pro-gun” candidates won.

“In almost every case, guns were the major issue,” Brown said.  “We advised candidates to stand against gun control, and voters agreed with us.”

Topping the list of upsets was the victory of Bruce Cairns of Aurora, who ran against well-financed and Gov. Owens backed State. Rep. Gary McPherson, who was the term-limited heir-apparent to Senate District 28.  Cairns defied “experts” by handily defeating McPherson 58% to 42%, largely on the gun issue.

Brown said McPherson, a 4-term legislator, had voted for numerous compromises on the right to keep and bear arms, compromises gun owners don’t take lightly.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners mailed heavily in Senate District 28, informing voters and lobbying McPherson to “change his ways.”  Instead, voters changed elected officials.

Gov. Owens apparently was little help – he backed McPherson early, but failed to make the difference in his own back yard.  Owens also backed two other current legislators, Ron May and Lauri Clapp, who both won but by very slim margins in races where their challengers, Douglas Bruce and Heidi Frey, were given little chance.

“Gov. Gun Control was a lead anchor in this primary,” said Brown.  “Where Owens got involved, he either lost the race or tightened what would have been a runaway race.  It’s clear by his icy reception at the State GOP convention and with primary voters that Bill Owens has misread the Republican Party on gun issues.”

Lauri Clapp, a first-term Republican from Englewood, was opposed from the left by Heidi Frey, a gun control advocate.  But Brown claims Clapp ran from the gun issue, failing to define her campaign and aligning herself with Gov. Owens, who has backed numerous gun control issues.

Brown blames the closeness of the race on Clapp’s betrayal of her base vote, namely gun owners.

“Once Heidi Frey started attacking Clapp for being too pro-gun, Clapp got weak-kneed, refused to answer the RMGO survey, and started talking about ‘reasonable’ gun control,” said Brown.

“Clapp stood strong with us in her 1^st election in 1998, then backed off by refusing to even answer our survey this election,” said Brown.  “Many of our members, frankly, were ticked off, and probably stayed home.”

Brown claims Clapp would have won her race by an overwhelming margin, like the Cairns-McPherson race, had she stood firm with gun owners.

Brown cited other races where the candidate with the more pro-gun stance won, and where RMGO played an active role informing voters, including House District 31 where Pam Rhodes beat Barb Kirkmeyer, HD40 where Debbi Stafford defeated Pete Kirchhof, HD26 where gun advocate Scott McKay easily defeated Gene Motta, HD22 where Dave Schultheis won, Senate District 21 where Penn Pfiffner prevailed, SD26 where Jim Dyer beat well-know liberal Martha Kreutz, and HD51 where Tim Fritz won.  All of these races, claims Brown, were won by the more pro-gun candidate.

 

###

 

RMGO cleans gun grabbers clocks at GOP Convention;
elect pro-gun delegates

Though the media reported part of last Saturday's Republican State Convention, they hardly got the story.

It was clear from early in the morning that gun rights supporters had the overwhelming majority of delegates: RMGO volunteers applied hunter orange stickers to convention-goers that said "GOP does NOT mean Gun Ownership is Prohibited: Support the Second Amendment." More than 2/3 of the building would wear this lapel sticker before the end of the day.

Owens' reception by Colorado Republicans was chilly, and when he began his speech, more than half of the 3200 delegates/1000 alternates raised RMGO-printed signs that said "No More Gun Control. Period." 50-some members of RMGO and the Tyranny Response Team walked up to the stage, shouting "Liar" and "No More Gun Control."

Owens tried to ignore the demonstration, but couldn't: clearly, the Governor cut his speech short when the "No More Gun Control" chant drowned him out.

Was this demonstration proper? We can think of NO MORE APPROPRIATE PLACE to voice our displeasure with Gov. Owens' views and his betrayal of his oath of office.

Often Republicans tell RMGO that they are personally upset with Owens' flip-flop on gun issues, but say we should work our differences out with Owens in a more appropriate setting: where better than the State Republican Convention, where the GOP is supposed to have its political battles and take stances on controversial issues.

But this was only the outward, public display of the GOP distaste for Owens and overwhelming support of our gun rights.

Every 4 years, the GOP state convention elects delegates and alternates to the National Convention, where the party's platform isset.

Normally, the battle for delegates centers around "social issues." This year, the battle centered squarely around firearms rights, withRMGO going on the offensive.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners has been working hard to "stack" the State Convention: in April we sent thousands of pieces of mail outto gun rights supporters, urging them to go to their precinct caucus(a requirement to be a delegate to the State Convention).

RMGO handed out an anti-gun slate of people thatwould undoubtedly make delegate (and usually do). This "anti-slate" listed elected officials (both former and current) as well asparty regulars who have compromised our rights, and couldn't becounted on to vote for a solid, no compromise gun rights platform.

Of those people, only Gov. Owens and the Party chairman even made it as delegate. Gov. Owens came in 4th in total votes -- a total embarassment -- to Rep. Joe Nunez, Sen. Marilyn Musgrave, and a hardcore conservative party activist. Former State Rep. Chris Paulson and current Rep. Joe Stengel (both on our anti-gun slate) didn't even make alternate.

Also notable is that 1998 2nd Congressional Candidate (NRA "A" rated and endorsed, of course) and darling of the establishment Bob Greenlee failed to even make alternate at the State Convention: Greenlee had publicly signed SAFE's Gun Control Initiative, and RMGO held him accountable for it.

RMGO also put out a pro-gun slate, consisting of delegate wanna-bes that will accept NO compromise of our 2nd Amendment rights, regardless of the wishes of Gov. George Bush or other party leadership.

ALL of our pro-gun slate made delegate except one person, who made it as first alternate. Very few on our pro-gun list (except for#1 and #2 vote-getters Nunez and Musgrave) were "big name" people within the party, while everyone we put on the anti-gun slate were THE big name politicos. In essence, we cleaned their clocks.

(If you'd like to see the results, go to http://www.cologop.org/WhatsHot/state_assembly.htm)

The state convention passed a resolution reaffirming our rights to keep and bear arms by 96%, though that resolution had absolutely no teeth.

Summary:

This all happened with RMGO doing the work it takes to organize the caucuses and the slates, with TRT assisting with the demonstration.

Though the NRA State lobbyist, the Firearms Coalition and the Shooting Association cheered us on, they could have actively worked to elect a pro-gun slate. Many delegates reported to us that the FCC and CSSA were defending at least one politician on the anti-gun slate, though that politician had signed a written pledge to support Vermont-style concealed carry but voted against it.

Imagine the results had there been a concerted effort by every gun group instead of RMGO and the activists with TRT.

A hearty well-done to the activists that helped pull off this enormous victory, and to the GOP State Convention delegates who put principle ahead of politics, didn't compromise and stood their ground on the gun issue.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners 

On Saturday, June 3 Republicans will gather at the Denver Coliseum for the Colorado Republicans State Convention.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners will have a table in the Convention, and is actively working to get pro-gun delegates elected to the Republican National Convention. This state convention's delegates, and the delegates to the national convention, vote upon a variety of resolutions, including our right to keep and bear arms.

RMGO is urging everyone who is not a delegate or alternate to the Colorado Republican State Convention to call the State Party at 303-758-3333 for a guest badge.

Only delegates, alternates, and others with a guest badge will be allowed in the convention. Call your county GOP party, or the State GOP to get a guest badge.

RMGO will have a large army of gun rights supporters outside the convention with pro-gun lapel stickers, and workers inside doing everything possible to defend our gun rights.

Hope to see you there.

Though the mainstream media continues to give the Million Mom March the lion's share of time, there are women who don't support gun control -- except, of course, the Weaver stance.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is proud to support the Second Amendment Sisters at their Armed Informed Mothers Rally.

Join us in a non-confrontational show of solidarity for our basic human right to self defense on

Sunday, May 14th

12 noon to 3pm

Denver's City Park Soccer Fields
(17th and Colorado Blvd - SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE PARK)

Listen to individual cases of successful self defense with firearms.  Show the public that ordinary citizens are opposed to the agenda of the Million Mom March.

A patriotic drum and fife band will play, and there will door prize drawings.

Bring beverages (no cans, glass bottles, or alcohol), chairs, umbrellas, and your conviction that more laws will not make criminals more obedient, but will interfere with your ability to protect yourself and your family.

Remember: Denver does not allow open carry and only allows concealed carry with a permit.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

SECOND AMENDMENT SISTERS, INC
13918 E MISSISSIPPI AVE #221
AURORA, CO 80012

E-MAIL : This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: 303.918.8125

Gun Owners Protest "Million Mom" Politics

by Ari Armstrong, February 23, 2000

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

On the eve of February 22 in Fort Collins, civil gun rights advocates clashed with state leaders of the "Million Mom March," a group that advocates new gun restriction laws and plans to march in Washington, D.C. this spring.

The Tyranny Response Team, assisted by Dudley Brown of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, led over 200 civil rights advocates in the protest. The Million Mom group, joined by members of Sane Alternatives to the Firearms Epidemic, the name of which likens gun ownership to a disease, turned out about 40 members.

Debra Collins, a state organizer of Second Amendment Sisters and the Armed Informed Mothers March, has expressed opposition to the political agenda of the Million Mom organization. Collins plans to lead a group of Colorado women to Washington, D.C. to advocate civil gun rights counter the Million Moms.

Kathleen Hopkins, an organizer of the Million Mom group, made allegations that she feels "threatened" by the civil gun rights protesters. But that's ridiculous, counter members of the Tyranny Response Team, which works peaceably for political change. Hopkins called police concerning the meeting.

Hopkins has also refused to debate publicly with Bob Glass, an organizer of the Response Team and the owner of Paladin Arms in Longmont. Glass has publicly and frequently offered to debate Hopkins on the right to keep and bear arms, at a location and time of Hopkins' choice.

Before the meeting, Carla Crowder of The Rocky Mountain News contacted several members of the Tyranny Response Team. These members joined Norm Resnick's show on the American Freedom Network at 1360 AM and complained that Crowder was impolite to them.

Crowder's story in the News today is obviously biased in favor of the Million Mom organization. This author sent a letter to the editor of the News which reads:

Maybe the *News* ought to send Carla Crowder back to journalism school for a refresher on the difference between an editorial and a news story. Her February 23 article was flagrantly biased against civil gun rights advocates.

The story's headline claims the Million Mom March group "tires of being target." Well, law-abiding gun owners are getting pretty tired of being targeted as well.

The sub-head claims the gun-control group was "taunted by gun-rights activists." Yet in the same edition of the *News*, the Justice for Mena Committee is defended for using bull-horns to defend their civil liberties. Why the double-standard?

Crowders' lead two paragraphs are condescending to civil gun rights activists and slanted to the perspective of the Million Mom March group. In addition, the caption by the photograph claims gun-rights advocates "blocked the entrance of the church to prevent people from attending a meeting of Million Mom March." That's a flat-out lie.

If Crowder can't learn to see past her biases to write fairly on gun issues, perhaps she should cover some other issue or find a new job.

That's not the first time Crowder has written with bias on gun issues. On January 26, she described the gun law "preemption" bill in terms used by opponents of that bill. Crowder wrote, "Throughout Colorado, municipalities use local ordinances to address gun issues specific to their needs." That's written as a point of fact, even though it is just an opinion. Another opinion is, "Throughout Colorado, municipalities use local ordinances to violate the Constitutional liberties of honest citizens and increase victimization at the hands of criminals."

In fairness to Crowder, she did a good job of covering the January meeting of the group FREE, or Firearm Rights Endorsed through Education. And there were a couple good things about the News story today. The photograph displays prominently a sign which reads, "Guns Stop Rape."

Crowder also included an excellent quote from Brown: "If someone proposed a new Jim Crow law in the South, do you think blacks would support that? No, they'd stand up and scream bloody murder. That's what we're doing."

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

Gun Owners Protest Owens in Fort Morgan

by Ari Armstrong, February 22, 2000

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

Last night (February 21) over 300 civil gun rights advocates congregated in Fort Morgan, Colorado to protest Governor Bill Owens at a Republican fund raiser.

Ralliers chanted, "You lied!" and "One-term Owens!" Owens won his 1998 race by a narrow margin with the support of the National Rifle Association and other Second Amendment advocates. He has since supported a slew laws that would infringe the right to bear arms, including a bill to expand background checks conducted on honest citizens, a "guilty until proven innocent" provision with background checks conducted by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and mandatory storage laws. Owens has also opposed pro-gun-owner laws, such as a provision which would overturn Unconstitutional local ordinances that discriminate against gun owners. Many feel Owens "stabbed gun owners in the back," earning him the nick-name, "Governor Gun Control."

Protesters drove to Fort Morgan from around the state, coming from Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs, as well as from the surrounding area. The fund raiser was held at the Quality Inn off of I-76 at Exit 75, about an hour north-east of Denver.

A grass-roots, loosely organized group called the Tyranny Response Team helped organize the event. Dudley Brown of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and Bob Glass of Paladin Arms also helped publicize the protest, and around a dozen Libertarian Party members joined the group.

Most of the civil rights advocates arrived by about 6:00 in the evening. Protesters initially lined the street in front of the hotel. Owens ran late, showing up just before 7:00, prompting protesters to gather near the hotel. Owens slipped in the back door of the hotel in order to avoid the protesters, which prompted the rally cry, "Back-door Owens!" Only Glass and a few others had been in back of the hotel to meet Owens.

The ralliers regrouped and led deafening protests until 7:30 by the back door Owens had entered. At that point, a regional Republican leader came out and said, "You god damn people disrupted our prayer." Brown replied, "You should have come out and told us, and we would have joined you." But the hotel managers had had enough: they requested the protesters to leave.

Ray Hickman, who handled security for RMGO, asked the protesters, out of respect for private property rights, to move down the street to the Loaf and Jug convenience store, which graciously extended its hours to accommodate the picketers. The crowd left peacefully to regroup.

Numerous participants noted the difference between this totally peaceful, respectful rally and the often violent protests conducted by leftist groups such as in Seattle. Several ralliers took the time to talk respectfully with Fort Morgan police officers, who were uniformly polite. One member of the Libertarian Party commented that the hotel had actually been quite accommodating in allowing protesters to meet on its property for about an hour and a half.

Many members left shortly after 7:30. No doubt this was largely due to the fact that many had brought children and driven long distances. Nonetheless, over 60 participants gathered in the parking lot of the Loaf and Jug to socialize and wait for Owens to come out. The line at the store for coffee and snacks went out the door.

The civil rights ralliers were blessed with beautiful weather. Scores shared stories, talked philosophy, and met with new friends for two hours as the fund raiser continued. One elderly gentlemen brought bagels to share and handed out copies of the U.S. Constitution.

Finally, around 9:40, the Republican gathering began to break up, which gave ralliers reason to renew their chants. Owens smiled and waved as his vehicle drove by and protesters shouted, "You lied!"

As the rally wound down, the air was charged with a spirit of camaraderie and victory. People glowed with smiles and expressions like, "That was great!" This probably has a lot to do with the fact that gun owners are so frequently demonized and attacked politically in our society that they enjoyed standing with like-minded friends and loudly proclaiming that they have rights, and that the practice of keeping and bearing arms is a noble endeavor rooted in the heritage of American freedom.

* * *

Owens' response to the protest was to spin it as the actions of a "very, very, very small minority," as he told 9-News. "I think what I'm doing is backed by the vast majority of Coloradans, except for a few people outside tonight."

However, as Hickman pointed out, the ralliers were more numerous than those who attended the Republican fund raiser. Given the remote location of the event, its timing on a week day, and its lack of formal organization, the number of protesters was remarkably high.

More significantly, the ralliers expressed the sentiments shared by thousands of Coloradans across the state. Even though the NRA has not sanctioned the Tyranny Response Team's protests, many NRA leaders and members have spoken out against Owens. The NRA is widely regarded as the most willing to compromise of all the gun groups, so when its members oppose a politician they supported at the ballot box, that's a significant change. In addition, many gun owners from Grand Junction reportedly oppose Owens now, even though much of Owens' support came from the Western slope and the eastern plains in 1998.

Owens may learn the limitations of mass-polling the hard way. Sure, the majority of Coloradans support Owens' "gun control" package -- when pollsters skew the results by phrasing the questions in favor of an affirmative response. For instance, most people will answer "yes" to a question like, "Would you support a law requiring the safe storage of firearms?" However, that's not the actual result of such a law. Instead, the law would make it more difficult for gun owners to defend themselves against violent criminals. But that doesn't make its way into the polling questions.

In addition, many gun owners refuse to divulge personal information on such polls, which automatically skews the results. Of those who answer, most don't vote -- only about 40% of the potential vote shows up to cast a ballot in any given election. Most of the masses don't have firm political beliefs anyway. Only the smallest minority have actually conducted significant research on any of the gun proposals.

In elections, a small minority can decide the outcome. Owens won with the gun vote. Can he win without the gun vote in 2002? Sure, incumbents always have the advantage. But not only are Bill of Rights advocates not going to vote for Owens, they're going to actively campaign against him. And those who favor more controls on gun owners are still going to vote for the Democrat.

Owens also told 9-News, "It's not even a Republican issue -- these are people against any gun legislation."

Owens' statement simply isn't true. The ralliers generally support several categories of gun legislation: laws providing criminal penalties for the use of a gun to commit violence, laws providing penalties for the willful transfer of a gun to another who intends to use it for violence, and laws preventing the sale of a gun to a minor absent parental consent. So Owens' statement can be taken only as a calculated effort to marginalize the protesters.

If we limit consideration to new laws which further restrict the right to bear arms, it's strange of Owens to claim that Republicans do support such laws. Certainly many Republican legislators in the state side with the ralliers -- that's why Owens has been trying to strong-arm other Republicans into supporting his proposals. But then, with Owens relying on Democrats Ken Salazar and Aristedes Zavaras as his point-men on gun control, the governor may not be qualified to judge what is a "Republican issue."

Many gun owners have vowed that Owens will serve at most one term as governor. Owens seems to believe he can overcome that kind of opposition, but his Democratic friends and skewed polling data won't help him in November of 2002.

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

Second Amendment Civil Rights March

by Ari Armstrong, February 3, 2000

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

Between 300 and 500 civil arms activists marched to Governor Bill Owens' mansion tonight to advocate their civil rights to keep and bear arms. The march started at Governors' Park at 7th and Logan in Denver around 7:00 pm and lasted just over an hour, progressing to the governor's mansion and then back to the park for closing speeches. Hundreds of signs and several American flags danced above the crowds.

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Bob Glass makes a speech defending civil gun rights.

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Bob Glass, owner of Paladin Arms in Boulder and publisher of Partisan magazine, helped lead the march and its organization. He said Owens was singled out for protest because the governor campaigned on pro-Second Amendment promises but has since "stabbed gun owners in the back." Dudley Brown of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners was also instrumental in publicizing and organizing the event. Both Brown and Glass spoke of the event on the Freedom Network on AM 1360. In addition, the Libertarian Party of Colorado encouraged its members to attend and passed out literature at the event.

The march was uniformly peaceful, though spirited. Protesters chanted, "No more gun-control!" "One-term Owens!" "More guns, less crime!" "Benedict Owens!" And, "You lied!"

Owens was dubbed "Governor Gun-Control" by RMGO and others after he introduced a slate of disarmament proposals, including one to discriminate against law-abiding adults ages 18-20 and another to put the burden of proof on Colorado citizens who are denied permission to purchase a gun based on faulty records. Owens selected Democrat Ken Salazar, Attorney General, and Aristed Zavaras, formerly of Democrat Governor Roy Romer's administration, to head his gun-control team.

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Even though many members of the National Rifle Association have openly expressed disapproval for Owens' recent tactics, some leaders of the state's NRA affiliate, the Colorado State Shooting Association, snubbed the civil rights march, opting instead for traditional political strategies. One of the marchers referred to the NRA leadership as "wimps." One protester held a sign saying he didn't support the NRA because the organization compromised. Brown said the NRA's politics of appeasement hasn't worked.

The 1998 Libertarian candidate for governor, Sandra Johnson, won more votes than Owens' margin of victory. Now many predict Owens will lose in 2002 because he is alienating gun owners in the state. Owens found much of his support on the Western Slope and on the Eastern Plains, more so than in the urban Denver area. Reports from Grand Junction suggest wide-spread disgust with Owens because of his push for new gun restriction laws. Owens told the Denver Post last fall in reference to gun owners, "What are they going to do -- vote Democratic?" Many have said they may do just that -- or vote Libertarian.

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Dave Kopel, author of numerous books and articles supportive of the right to bear arms, said in a 9-News interview that Owens is the greatest impediment to pro-gun legislation in Colorado. Others have said Owens is worse than Democrat Gail Schoettler would have been, because at least the Democrat wouldn't have been able to pressure Republican legislators.

The march was publicized through the internet and the radio and with a few hundred dollars worth of postage. On the other hand, the disarmament group Sane Alternatives to the Firearms Epidemic, the name of which likens gun ownership to a disease, purchased a multi-thousand dollar ad in a major newspaper and drew a smaller crowd for its rally last month. It's ironic that the disarmament lobby claims it has grass-roots support and demonizes the NRA, when in fact the disarmament lobby is driven by big-dollar donors and the civil gun rights movement is composed of dozens of different groups and thousands of individuals acting cooperatively to preserve civil rights.

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Marchers line the street in front of Governor Owens' mansion. Other activists -- unshown -- also lined the other side of the street from which the photo was taken.

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The fact that some NRA leaders snubbed the civil rights march, yet the march still pulled a large crowd, should demonstrate to the main-stream press once and for all that those who advocate the Bill of Rights do not necessarily even endorse the NRA, much less bend to its leadership. Whether main-stream reporters will acknowledge this now-obvious fact remains to be seen.

Of course, plenty of NRA members did attend the march. Many gun owners join a variety of groups, even when the leaders of those groups don't get along. Brown and CSSA leaders have suffered a strained relationship, but recently Brown publicly called for renewed cooperation in defeating gun restriction bills.

The principles for which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor are alive and well as the United States move into the 21st century.

Long live the Bill of Rights!

For additional coverage, see The Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post. RMGO also posted information about the event.

The Colorado Freedom Report--www.FreeColorado.com

SAFE to hold news conference, get Gov. Owens signature on May 3

On Wednesday, May 3 at 10 am, SAFE Colorado will hold a news conference on the West Steps of the State Capitol to announce their kickoff of gathering signatures for their "Gun Show" ballot initiative.

The first person to sign the petition to close the so-called "Gun Show Loophole": Gov. Bill "Gun Control" Owens.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners is encouraging all gun rights advocates to show up to this news conference to let Gov. Owens know what we think of his alliance with the left.

Gun-rights groups gang up on NRA
Accuse 2nd-Amendment giant of aiding gun-control efforts

Sign the Anti-Project Exile petition

By David M. Bresnahan (c) 2000 WorldNetDaily.com

A coalition of gun-rights organizations is attacking the National Rifle Association over the NRA's support of a program that attempts to hold the line on new gun control legislation by calling for strict enforcement of existing laws. Citizens of America already has the support of many national pro-gun organizations who have agreed to a declaration of opposition for the NRA's Project Exile.

The NRA, long critical of the Clinton administration for its failure to enforce existing gun laws and constantly battling efforts by gun-control advocates to pass newer and ever-more-restrictive gun laws, has endorsed the adoption of "Project Exile"-which would require strict, mandatory enforcement of existing laws.

The problem, according to the coalition of gun-rights groups, is that many of the existing laws whose enforcement is promoted by Project Exile are themselves unconstitutional and should never have been passed.

Gun-rights activist Brian Puckett decided to challenge the policy of the NRA by forming the coalition and writing the statement to which member organizations have agreed. The statement calls for the NRA to drop its support of Project Exile and asserts that NRA leaders are actually helping gun-control advocates.

National organizations that have joined the coalition and approved the statement include:

Larry Pratt, executive director, Gun Owners of America

Aaron Zelman, executive director, Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership;

Steve Silver, president, Lawyers Second Amendment Society;

Nancy Herrington, executive vice president, Women Against Gun Control;

Russ Howard, executive director, Citizens Against Corruption;

Leroy Pyle, president, Paul Revere Network;

executive director, Law Enforcement Alliance of America

The statement was also agreed to by many state and local gun-rights organizations and Puckett says others are being asked to come onboard. The statement and a full list of supporters is displayed on the organization's website, while a separate website was created for members of the general public who want to add their name to the list.

Puckett believes many gun owners give automatic support to the NRA's positions without taking the time to educate themselves on the issues.

In an effort to inform gun owners, Puckett formed a coalition of gun rights groups and leaders when he created Citizens of America. He describes his supporters as "true pro-Constitution, pro-Second Amendment people and organizations."

Speaking for himself, and not necessarily representing the views of the coalition of gun groups opposing Project Exile, Puckett told WND:

The NRA is a great and powerful tool for upholding the Bill of Rights and it must be directed by men and women with a clear vision of these rights.  One should never confuse the NRA or its members with the current leadership, the so-called 'winning team,' which has presided over the most profound and far-reaching losses of our Second Amendment Rights since the 1968 Gun Control Act. The 'winning team's attacks on the enemies of the Bill of Rights have been timid, misdirected, and ineffectual. And now we have their Project Exile-a complete reversal of position on unconstitutional gun laws. It is an utter betrayal of NRA membership and the organization's proud heritage.

NRA president Charlton Heston spoke about the controversial initiative in a recent speech. "For years the NRA has demanded that Project Exile be deployednationwide. Makes sense, huh? The laws are already on the books. Just enforce them. But Bill Clinton won't do it," said Heston in a speech at Yale.

Puckett and his coalition of supporters believe Heston and other NRA leaders are advocating the support of laws that should not be on the books at all. The NRA claims it is all just a matter of strategy. It doesn't want any more laws enacted and has adopted what it considers an undeniably logical position-require the government to enforce existing laws before making new ones.

Indeed, Heston blames Clinton for enacting laws simply for political gain without any effort to enforce them once they are established.

"Everyone remembers all the press support for his 'desperately needed' semi-auto gun ban that outlawed guns based solely on their appearance. But nobody is reporting that out of thousands of certain offenders, the Clinton administration prosecuted four people in 1997 andfour in 1998," said Heston.

"It's surreal. Mr. Clinton stands in the Rose Garden with his 10prop-cops, lip-biting in pained support of some new law. The pressdoes its best to get it passed. It becomes law. Then everybodyforgets about it. And Americans buy it over and over and over again," saidHeston.

"Maybe you think a politician's lies can't hurt you. But let me tellyou, armed felons can. Passing laws is what keeps politicians'careers alive. Enforcing laws is what keeps you alive. But nobody'sgetting arrested, nobody's going to jail, it's all a giant scam,"said the NRA president.

Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America and one ofPuckett's biggest supporters, told WorldNetDaily it's wrong to enforce laws that should not have been passed. He went so far as to claim that "most if not all existing gun laws are unconstitutional."

"American firearm owners and supporters of the Bill of Rights have invested countless millions of dollars and man-hours to prevent these same laws from ever being passed. Clear-thinking Americans continue to work tirelessly to repeal them," said Puckett (in his statement signed by Pratt and the other gun rights supporters).

The coalition was also critical of federal law enforcement agencies and the use of technical violations of the law to harass innocent people.

"There is no connection between supporting the Bill of Rights and supporting federal laws that are un-American. Moreover, the agencies that enforce such laws slaughtered over 80 people in Waco, shot to death a young boy and his mother at Ruby Ridge and continually commit brutal acts against citizens under the guise of 'gun control.' The 'legal' excuse behind the Waco massacre was the unproved suspicion of 'illegal' machine-gun possession. The 'legal' excuse behind the Ruby Ridge killings was a shotgun that may have been a quarter inch too short. Both are examples of 'zero tolerance,'" said the group in its statement.

The NRA has spoken out strongly in support of the enforcement of federal laws regarding the illegal possession of firearms by juveniles.

"Armed gangbangers should be afraid of getting caught. But, in the past two years, the President's Justice Department has prosecuted only 11 juveniles anywhere in the country for illegal possession of handguns," said LaPierre in a recent speech. But, according to Puckett and his group of supporters, despite LaPierre's good intentions there will be many problems for innocent gun owners if laws are strictly enforced.

"This could be your 15-year-old boy to whom you have given a .22 revolver to go shoot cans at a rural dump or out at the country home of a friend. You, yourself, can be criminally prosecuted for giving him the gun," explained Puckett about his concern of enforcement of existing laws.

The NRA does not want any minors to possess a firearm of any kind unless supervised by an adult at all times. LaPierre said adults must be held accountable for minors who gain access to firearms.

"So we support mandatory penalties for juvenile criminals caught carrying guns. But out of the thousands of these armed, teen thugs, we believe the Clinton Justice Department should have prosecuted more than just 3 in 1997 and 8 in 1998. That's not zero tolerance," said LaPierre.

Puckett said such a policy will make a young boy a felon if he is left alone with a rifle while out hunting with his father and the father will also become a criminal.

Most states require a concealed carry permit for those who wish to have a firearm with them in public. This is another area where the NRA and the coalition differ in opinion.

"We believe that a lawful, properly-permitted citizen who chooses to carry a concealed firearm not only deserves that right but is a deterrent to crime. We support the right to carry because it has helped cut crime rates in all 31 states that have adopted it ... with almost no abuse of any kind by the lawful citizens who took the courses, submitted to the background checks, passed the tests and became part of a proud citizens movement that's making America a safer place to live. The truth is, very few actually choose to carry a gun-but the bad guys don't know which few they are," explained LaPierre.

"So much for the Second Amendment. A right that requires getting a permit to exercise isn't a right, its a privilege granted by the government and revocable by the government," criticized Puckett.

The group has also called for the repeal of "all laws which infringe upon the right of Americans to freely carry arms in defense of self, family, and country."

 

David M. Bresnahan is an investigative journalist for WorldNetDaily.com

Clinton to be protested in Denver on Wed., April 12th

Wednesday, April 12th should be quite busy for gun rights activists, with 3 activities taking place in one day.  All events will be the same type of demonstrations we've set up for the last few months, just much bigger.

When:	Where:	What:	Our Event
10:30 AM	Colorado Convention Center (14th & California) MAP LINK	SAFE/Clinton rally	Counter Demonstration
1 pm	Denver University, Sturm Hall Just west of Evans & University	Clinton/NBC interview	Counter Demonstration
8 pm	Denver University	Clinton/MSNBC Town Hall	Counter Demonstration

RMGO and TRT urge everyone to show up in the morning, as this promises to be the largest event.

Plan on arriving early.  RMGO will have posterboard available, but pre-written signs ensure we have enough (so prepare in advance).

Any changes will be posted on this page, or announced at the 10:30 Demonstration.

Owens to be protested in Longmont on 31st

Thursday, March 16, 2000 -- RMGO will be sponsoring another large rally on Friday, March 31st in Longmont at the Raintree Plaza Hotel when Gov. Bill "Gun Control" Owens will be the speaker at the Boulder County GOP's Lincoln Day Dinner.

The rally will begin at 5:30 pm just outside the Raintree, and, again, posterboard will be provided. Bring friends, family members, or even students who want to get involved in defending their rights.

The Raintree Plaza Hotel is located on the South side of the Twin Peaks mall, just off the Boulder-Longmont Diagonal, at 1900 Ken Pratt Blvd. There is plenty of parking available, as the Hotel is literally located in the Mall's parking lot.

Call or e-mail RMGO with questions/comments/ideas.

Call Heritage Foundation... tell them Bill Owens is a traitor!

Wednesday, January 26, 2000 -- The Heritage Foundation, a Washington D.C. based think tank that claims to be active on conservative ideals, is hosting Colorado Governor Bill Owens for a discussion on "A year after Columbine: How do we heal a wounded culture?"

The announcement makes Gov. Owens look like a friend of liberty -- the liberty bell is the foundations' logo -- by saying that after Columbine "...liberals screamed for stricter gun control and more metal detectors.  Others, like Governor Bill Owens, looked deeper and saw the breakdown of the American family that started in the '60's as the more probable cause."

Either the Heritage Foundation -- often called the "Heretic Foundation" -- is ignorant, or this is a bold-faced lie.  As you all know, Gov. Bill "Gun Control" Owens has joined forces with the radical anti-gun crowd to offer a package of gun controls in the wake of Columbine. He's even vowed to support ballot initiatives offered by left-wing organizations dedicated to the confiscation of all firearms.

Owens' strategy is obvious, but his comments to the Denver Post are even more clear: "What are they going to do, vote Democrat?" Owens clearly takes the gun vote for granted, which has led many pro-gun leaders to call him "One Term Owens."

What you can do: Call the Heritage Foundation today at 1-800-544-4843 (then press 1 to skip the menus and ask to be transferred to events) or 202-546-4400, and tell them to cancel this event with Governor Gun Control.  Let them know that Gov. Owens is NOT a friend of liberty, and has teamed up with the anti-gun groups in Colorado to pass restrictions on our freedoms.

You can also e-mail them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Let’s tell Governor Owens ENOUGH!

Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2000 - Though Gov. Owens claimed to be a strong supporter of our gun rights, he is now our biggest foe in the battle against gun control.

Rocky Mountain Gun Owners and the citizens that brought you the protest at the Governor’s Mansion invite you to join us again as we do our part to turn the tide against Gun Control, and the politicians that support it.

Join us in Northeast Colorado, where Gov. Bill “Gun Control” Owens is the speaker at a Republican party fundraiser. This is a great opportunity for gun rights activists to tell the Republican Party that Gov. Owens has betrayed our trust and his oath of office.

This protest will be conducted in the same manner as the Mansion Maul: we will exercise our 1st Amendment right to free speech by protesting the Governor’s flip-flop on the gun issue. Posterboard and pens will be provided: just bring a friend.

Who: You and dozens (maybe hundreds) other gun rights activists
What: Protest Governor Owens at a GOP Fundraiser
When: Monday, Feb. 21st at 6 pm
Where: Fort Morgan Quality Inn Hotel (I-76 and exit 75)
Call 303-432-3006 for more details

House Conservatives kill potential 18-21 year old gun ban;
NRA - Missing in Action ... AGAIN!

Monday, Feb. 14, 2000 -- In a huge victory for your gun rights, State Reps. Scott McKay and Mark Paschall took our battle to the House floor, fighting against House Bill 1272 on Third Reading.

Though most insiders expected the bill to pass, McKay and Paschall convinced 37 lawmakers (4 more than needed) that HB1272 by Rep. Dorothy Gotlieb (R-Denver) was simply a Trojan Horse that could usher in a gun ban for 18-21 year olds. The bill would have made Colorado law mirror federal law, barring anyone under 21 years of age from purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer. The danger, McKay and Paschall (as well as RMGO) argued, is that it could easily be amended to include an all-out gun ban for 18-21 year olds, something Governor Bill Owens has been pushing.

NRA too afraid to fight (once again)

When the bill was being debated on the House floor on Friday, RMGO staff had asked the NRA to get involved against the bill in an effort to unite the gun groups against gun control. Instead, lawmakers reported that the NRA did nothing to kill the bill, instead making claims that the NRA had "promises" from known liberal politicians that amendments wouldn't be allowed. Gun control through compromise almost won the day, had it not been for the heroics of two House members and activists who put enormous pressure on the legislature to kill ALL gun control, not just the bills on which the NRA hadn't cut some kind of deal.

Once again, in the fight in Colorado this year the NRA was Missing in Action (MIA).

The defeat of HB1272 proves that when we fight gun control bills, gunnies win. So why is the NRA so reluctant to fight, and so quick to cut deals? RMGO wishes it knew.

It seems NRA lobbyists are more interested in keeping "access" to make "deals" than fighting gun control bills. Yes, they might lose some fights where everyone can see, but they'd also win a lot more of the most important battles. And then, their action in the legislature would be consistent with their direct mail.

Remember Wayne LaPierre: one week he is raising money with the phrase "jack-booted thug" and the next week his organization is actively supporting an $18 million budget increase for the ATF.

"Were we able to get the NRA actively involved against ALL the gun control bills in the Capitol, none of it would pass," said RMGO Chairman Damien Veatch. "Instead, the NRA makes deals with the politicians and expects them to stick, trusting those well-known to be untrustworthy."

Republicans voting for HB1272 (and against our rights) were:
Debbie Allen (NRA "A" rated)
Gayle Berry (NRA "A+" rated)
Dorothy Gotlieb (NRA "A" rated)
Bill Kaufman (NRA "A" rated)
Mark Larson
Joyce Lawrence (NRA "A+" rated)
Marcy Morrison (NRA "A" rated)
Joe Stengel (NRA "A" rated)
Bill Swenson (NRA "A" rated)
Steve Tool (NRA "B+" rated)
John Witwer (NRA "A" rated)
Russell George (NRA "A+" rated).

What's next?

Unfortunately, the CBI Brady Registration bill, SB125, passed the House overwhelmingly. But because of the changes while in the House, SB125 must go back to the full Senate for a final vote. Remember, SB125 allows the CBI to deny a firearms purchase until you are proven innocent, quite contrary to what most Americans assume is the process to practice a Constitutional right.

Call your State Senator today at 1-888-473-8136, or 303-866-2316 in the Metro area. Tell him or her to vote against SB125 because it makes citizens "Guilty until proven innocent."

Gun show registration bill defeated; 
battle on House floor advances some gun control measures

Friday, Feb. 11, 2000 - The House Appropriations killed HB1242 on Friday morning, with heavy lobbying pressure coming from both sides of the issue.

HB1242, which would have forced private purchasers at gun shows to undergo the Brady registration check, was defeated with the committee's Democrats and Rep. Steve Tool (R-Ft. Collins) supporting the measure, and the remaining Republicans (including Rep. Debbie Allen) voting against it.

Allen was the focus of much of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners' efforts, with mailings, e-mails, and even litdrops in her district, all designed to put the pressure on her. In the end, it was clear the efforts were not misplaced. RMGO also mailed numerous times in 4 other key legislative districts that could have been the deciding vote for the gun control bill.

This was a HUGE defeat for Gov. Bill "Gun Control" Owens. When considering the titles still left alive, only one of his major anti-gun issues is still left alive in the Colorado legislature: raising the minimum age of possession of a firearm.

House passes several anti-gun bills

Fresh from the news of defeat on Owens' gun show registration bill, the House began consideration of the remaining bills dealing with gun issues.

With the help of Governor Owens' staff, State Rep. Ken Gordon tried to amend several strongly anti-gun issues (including gun show registration checks and "safe storage" requirements) onto every possible bill, but his motions were denied because they did not fit under the title of each bill.

Most notable in the floor battle was the passage of HB1272 by Dorothy Gotlieb, a bill we have dubbed "The Trojan Horse." Though it currently only mirrors federal law on 18-21 year olds purchasing handguns from dealers, Gov. Owens has signaled his intent to amend the bill to ban the possession of all firearms to 18-21 year olds.

State Reps. Scott McKay (R-Lakewood) and Mark Paschall (R-Arvada) worked diligently to defeat this bill, and every gun control bill, but came up short in a somewhat rare recorded vote when 33 members beat 32 members to pass the bill.

The issue isn't dead yet - HB1272 will undergo a final recorded vote in the House (called 3rd reading) before it moves onto the Senate. That vote could be expected as early as Monday morning.

Passing the House on mostly voice votes (recorded votes will be taken next week) were:

SB125 - Authorizes the CBI to conduct Brady registration checks. Unfortunately, the "guilty until proven innocent" provision (often called "deny on arrest") is still within the bill.

HB1243 - Requires parental consent before providing a firearm to a juvenile.

HB1247 - Makes adults, not just parents or guardians, criminally liable when letting juveniles gain access to a firearm and they use it in a crime.

HB1235 - Requires some juveniles who are arrested to be fingerprinted.

HB1240 - Gives CBI authority to access juvenile records when conducting Brady registration checks.

HB1201and HB1241- Increase penalty for felons with firearms.

HB1214 - State penalty for so-called "straw purchases."

Pro-gun bills that passed the House were:

HB1208 - Limits the lawsuits on firearms manufacturers.

HB1114 - Keeps concealed carry permit information secret.

What can you do? Call these key State Representatives who supported HB1272, and who could turn the tide against the Trojan Horse bill.

State Rep. Gayle Berry 303-866-2908 
State Rep. Joyce Lawrence 303-866-2922 
State Rep. Gary McPherson 303-866-2944 
State Rep. Joe Stengel 303-866-2953 
State Rep. Bill Swenson 303-866-2920 
State Rep. John Witwer 303-866-2957

You can call any of these legislators toll-free at 1-800-811-7647.

Urge them to vote against HB1272, which is just a backdoor method to disarm 18-21 year olds.

Mayor Webb’s Wall of Death to be unveiled….
RMGO to be there for festivities

Denver Mayor Wellington Webb will unveil his "Wall of Death" on Thursday, Feb. 10 at 11 AM in the Denver City Building (2^nd floor rotunda). This wall is supposed to commemorate the 3,100 people lost to "gun violence" in 100 American cities since the Columbine incident.

His wall, a project of the US Conference of Mayors, is more aptly named "Web’s Iron Curtain" as it is just one more assault on our freedoms that effectively makes Denver residents (and visitors) wards of a police state.

In the same vein as our peaceful but poignant march on the Governor’s Mansion last week, RMGO is joining other concerned citizens at Webb’s supposedly public event. If you can attend, please call us at our office (303-432-3006)

Warning: do NOT bring in so much as a pocket knife into the city building, as Denver is not known for being lenient in these buildings.

BillWatch

RMGO Oppose  or  Support	Bill Number	Sponsors	Name (check bill for official full title)	Committee	Status
Support	SB10	Rep. Clapp / Sen. Teck	Firearms Manufacturers Lawsuit Limitation		Dead
Oppose	SB89	Sen. Hernandez	Raise Age for Handgun & "Assault Weapon" Purchase,  Brady Checks for All Gun Show Purchases		Dead
Oppose	SB125	Sen. Owen / Rep. Toole	CBI Brady Registration check authorization	Signed into law	Passed
-	SB152	Sen. Tebedo	Concealed carry optional for Sheriffs		Dead
Support	SB154	Sen. Tebedo	Expand carrying in vehicle w/o permit	Signed into law	Passed
Oppose	SB166	Sen. Pascoe	Trigger locks, raise age		Dead
Support	HB1114	Rep. Lee / Sen. Chlouber	CCW Permit Info. Confidentiality	Vetoed	Vetoed
Oppose	HB1197	Rep. S. Williams / Sen. Perlmutter	Negligent Storage of Firearms		Dead
Oppose	HB1201	Rep. McElhany / Sen. Epps	Felon Weapon Possession Penalty Increase	Senate Appropriations
Support	HB1208	Rep. Clapp / Sen. Teck	Firearms Manufact. Lawsuit Limitation	Governor's desk
Oppose	HB1214	Rep. Decker / Sen. Sullivant	Straw Purchases	Senate Judic.	Passed
Oppose	HB1220	Rep. Zimmerman / Sen. Phillips	Raise Gun Show Purchase Age to 21		Dead
-	HB1234	Rep. Mitchell / Sen. Hillman	Firearms Aggravating Factor for Death Penalty	Governor's desk
-	HB1235	Rep. Lee / Sen. Teck	Fingerprinting of juveniles	Signed into law	Passed
Oppose	HB1240	Rep. Chavez / Sen. Perlmutter	Include Juvenile Records for Brady Checks	Signed into law	Passed
Oppose	HB1241	Rep. Lee / Teck	Felon Weapon Possession Penalty Increase		Dead
Oppose	HB1242	Rep. Gordon	Brady Checks for All Gun Show Purchases		Dead
-	HB1243	Rep. Lee / Teck	Parental Consent for Juvenile Firearm Transfer	Signed into law
Oppose	HB1245	Rep. Windels	Prohibit Weapons on School Property		Dead
Oppose	HB1272	Rep. Gotlieb	Prohibit gun sales to 18-20 year old		Dead
Support	HB1289	Rep. Hefley	Preemption		Dead

Gun Show Private Sale Brady Registration bill in trouble

Friday, Feb. 4, 2000 -- House Bill 1242, the measure that forces Brady Registration checks on private sales at gun shows, is up against the ropes and could be killed.

Let's help that bill take a dirt nap: call these swing vote State Legislators on the House Appropriations Committee , and tell them to vote against HB1242:

Name		Area		Capitol		Home
State Rep. Debbie Allen		Aurora		303-866-2942		303-695-4920
State Rep. Gayle Berry		Grand Jct.		303-866-2582		970-255-9121
State Rep. Joyce Lawrence		Pueblo		303-866-2922
State Rep. Brady Young		Lamar		303-866-2940
State Rep. Nancy Spence		Aurora		303-866-2935		303-690-5106
State Rep. Gary McPherson		Aurora		303-866-2944

You can call any State House member toll free by dialing 1-800-811-7647.

This committee is the last barrier before the bill makes it to the House floor, where it will be much more difficult to kill.

And the gun-grabber organizations are lobbying Rep. Allen very hard - they think she is the swing vote they need, so our pressure is even more important.

All of these legislators are Republicans, but not all the Republicans are on the fence: Committee Chairman Steve Tool of Fort Collins is openly supporting this gun control bill.

Governor Bill "Gun Control" Owens is actively pushing this bill, and was the driving force (along with House Speaker Russ George) behind getting this measure out of the House Judiciary Committee.

Tell the legislators that forcing private sales at gun shows to go through Brady Registration checks is just another backdoor method at gun owner registration. The next so-called "loophole" will be private sales in the newspaper, or private transfers in your own home, like when Grandpa gives his 22 year old grandson the family shotgun.

400 Gun Rights activists march on Gov. Gun Control's mansion

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2000 -- Tonight over 400 true Second amendment patriots gathered at Governor's Park and marched on the Governor's Mansion. Over 100 came in buses and vans from Larimer County, 300 plus in the form of RMGO members, Libertarians from Colorado Springs, good folks from Ault, Fort Morgan, Boulder, Eaton, Niwot, Littleton.

They told the Governor he had sold them out. They shouted, "empty mansion empty promises, one term Bill, We voted wrong and we are sorry," most telling was "WE WON'T FORGET."

These were not NRA sponsored folks, they were just there to say how they feel about a Governor who asked for our vote with an official position paper, that would make Chuck Heston cry, then propose government control of our freedoms.

Forty years ago we sold guns mail order and the crime rate and serial shootings were infinitesimal in comparison to today and yet we have enacted more laws in these past forty years thinking they would make a difference. What have they helped? We need to change the hearts of people, not the laws that govern them.

The GOP who doubt the resolve of their core constituents need to reevaluate or they will lose the position they occupy today. Ask the former Sheriff of Larimer County.

D. Ray Hickman Fort Collins

Webmaster's note: we'll post photographs as they become available.

Put the heat on Gov. Gun Control!

With Bill Owens actively working against citizens' gun rights, it is high time we told him ENOUGH.

RMGO is joining a group of concerned citizens to protest Gov. Gun Control's lies and backstabbing.

On Thursday, Feb. 3, at 7 pm, everyone -- women, men, children, and anyone who cares about their gun rights -- is invited to meet at the park on 7th and Logan. The protest will last for a few hours, so please come even if you must show up late or leave early: the more, the merrier.

Once we have assembled, we will march north on Logan 1/2 block to the Governor's mansion, and DEMAND that he cease and desist his assault on our Second Amendment rights. Our gun rights are CIVIL RIGHTS, and we won't idly watch as politicians destroy our freedoms.

RMGO and others will supply the posterboard and pens, but bring either if you have them handy.

Remember, on Thursday night Owens cut a deal with hardcore gun-grabber Dem Rep. Ken Gordon to force Brady checks for private sales at gun shows. Owens is openly siding with most of the Dems (and left- leaning Republicans), and we know we are now facing a fight on the House floor.

We must drive a wedge between Owens and GOP elected officials with a very simple message: the GOP will lose gun votes if they back Gov. Gun Control's plans. And without gun rights supporters, the GOP is done for good.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to call our office.

NOTE: Please do not wear camouflage nor NRA caps. We want this to be citizens organizing, not the same old tired story about "White Anglo Saxon Protestant Gun Nuts." The gun-grabber groups have done a good job of framing themselves as everyday people, despite the fact that most are raving socialists: let's re-frame our issue a bit at this protest.

If you cannot arrange a ride, let us know: we might be able to hook you up with people from your area who are car pooling.

Remember: Denver does not allow open carry and only allows concealed carry with a permit. It is up to you, but be forewarned.

Many gun control bills dead: others waiting in the wings

Wednesday, January 26, 2000 -- Though the major media still has no clue what is happening in the legislature, our efforts to swamp the legislature with phone calls, postcards, e-mails and faxes are finally paying off. Many of the worst bills are dead – due to the pressure from RMGO and GOA members – but we are still facing half a dozen "reasonable" gun measures that are more likely threats to your freedom.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday killed these bills:

SB89 by Rob Hernandez to force all sales under the Brady Registration check, and raise the age of purchase of both handguns and so-called "assault weapons."

SB166 by Pat Pascoe to mandate you to lock up your safety by forcing dangerous trigger locks on citizens. It also raised the legal age to possess a handgun to 21.

But the Senate Judic. Committee passed SB125, the Baby Brady Registration bill. Though Sen. John Andrews and 3 liberal Democrats saved the day by defeating an attempt by Sen. Ken Arnold to make CBI deny a purchase based on an arrest (which they are doing now by presuming someone guilty until they prove themselves innocent) this bill is not out of the woods yet: expect moderate and liberal Republicans to do the bidding of Gov. Owens by amending the bill while on the Senate floor, where we could lose that battle.

The House State Affairs Committee on Tuesday killed these bills:

HB1220 by Paul Zimmerman – prohibiting purchase of handguns at gun shows for 18-20 year olds.

HB1245 by Sue Windels – The Teacher Disarmament Act, prohibiting weapons in schools.

It also passed two good bills:

HB1208 by Lauri Clapp to limit the lawsuits on firearms manufacturers, which Governor Gun Control vetoed last year. Though Owens has assured lawmakers he will sign it this year, we all know what his word is worth.

HB1289 by Lynn Hefley to create a statewide Preemption for firearms laws. This bill would overturn Denver’s assault weapons ban and stop their practice of seizing vehicles simply for having a firearm in your car.

Today the Senate Judiciary Committee killed two bills:

SB10 by Ron Teck, a companion bill to HB1208 that passed (see not above). If Senate President Ray Powers puts the House bill in Judiciary Committee, this mean no protection from the frivilous lawsuits filed by the city of Denver and other anti-gun mayors.

SB152 by MaryAnne Tebedo, a very feeble attempt at creating statewide criteria for issuing concealed carry permits. This bill did not even force sheriffs to issue: it left "may issue" alone in state statute, only suggesting that law enforcement officials issue permits. Like many other bills, it died on a tie vote with Wham joining the Democrats.

Now the hard works starts. Though House Speaker Russ George promised several lawmakers to assign all gun bills to the House State Affairs Committee (where conservatives hold a majority on the committee) he assigned the majority of gun bills to the House Judiciary, where we face stiff opposition.

The House Judiciary Comm. will meet on Thursday (Jan. 28) at 1:30 pm in the Legislative Services Building Room A (the large building just south of the State Capitol) with plans to hear 9 bills:

HB1201 by McElhany – Weapons possession by a felon
HB1272 by Gotlieb – Prohibiting gun sales to 18-20 year olds
HB1242 by Gordon – Brady Registration checks at gun shows
HB1241 by Lee – Previous offenders possessing weapons
HB1114 by Lee – Keeping concealed weapon permit information confidential
HB1235 by Lee – Fingerprinting of Juveniles
HB1243 by Lee – Parental consent for firearms for juveniles
HB1240 by Chavez – Using juvenile records for Brady Registration checks
HB1214 by Decker – Penalty for firearms straw purchasers

The only good bill is HB1114 to keep concealed carry permit holders information confidential. The rest have either some anti-gun provisions, titles that could fit anti-gun provisions on the floor, or are outright disasters, like HB1242. As for parental consent for firearms for juveniles, it could easily be laden with anti-gun provisions. Let’s not take the chance of accidentally passing the Governor’s gun control agenda by trying to "do something about that gun problem."

Watch out for this gun grab

Today (Wednesday, Jan. 26) the Rocky Mountain News reported that Gov. Owens hasn’t given up on his gun control agenda. Remember, Owens is a shrewd politician – he’s got something up his sleeve this session, and will certainly try to make the Baby Brady bill (SB125) as strict as possible, nabbing thousands of law-abiding gun purchasers.

The CBI can now deny a purchase to any applicant that has ever been arrested or charged with a crime that would bar them from purchasing a firearm (Capitol insiders call this "denial based on arrest" but we call it Guilty-Until-Proven-Innocent). RMGO staff field hundreds of calls a year from law-abiding citizens who were denied a firearm purchase because of something that happened 30 years ago.

Rather than the burden of proof being placed on law enforcement to prove that you are eligible to buy a firearm, Owens wants to continue the practice of assuming you are guilty until YOU prove YOURSELF innocent. Denial based on arrest is unconstitutional, but that hasn’t stopped politicians in the past. We oppose the Brady Registration checks because they register gun owners, but if we can’t get rid of Brady completely right now we’d rather force CBI to do their job by determining eligibility based on conviction.

This seems to be one area where the NRA and Gov. Gun Control disagree: to date the NRA has yet to show any public disapproval of Owens’ gun control agenda, and have even supported his idea of Brady Registration checks for private sales at a gun show. Hopefully, the disagreement between the NRA and Owens on "Guilty Until Proven Innocent" Registration checks will jolt the institutional gun lobby out of their long slumber.

What you can do: Call members of the House Judiciary Committee to urge them to vote against EVERY bill except HB1114.

House Judiciary Committee members:

Republicans
Kaufman (Chairman) 303-866-2947
Lawrence (Vice Chair.) 303-866-2922
Decker 303-866-2946
Hefley 303-866-2924
McPherson 303-866-2944
Mitchell 303-866-4667
Morrison 303-866-2937
Spence 303-866-2935

Democrats
Chavez 303-866-2925
Clarke 303-866-2909
Grossman 303-866-2015
Leyba 303-866-2911
Veiga 303-866-2921

Legislative Committees to begin hearings on gun issues; 
Speaker pulls a fast one in House gun control bill assignment

Friday, January 21, 2000 -- The House and Senate have scheduled hearings on a number of gun controls proposals next week, with more surely to be heard shortly thereafter.

It's time to gear up the troops

On Monday, January 24th at 1:30 pm, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear SB10 (which limits lawsuits against firearms manufacturers), SB89 (which sets sweeping new limits on firearms transfers & age of possession), and SB125 (which authorizes the CBI to conduct the Brady Registration checks).  The schedule also announces that other firearms-related bills could be heard on that day, should any be introduced in time.

The hearing will be in room 356, which is where many gun bills have been heard in previous years (on third floor, between the elevators).

On Tuesday, January 25th, the House State Affairs Committee will hear one good bill (HB1208, another lawsuit limitation bill for gun manufacturers) as well as some disastrous bills: HB1220 (Under 21 Gun Show Purchase Prohibition) and HB1245 (Prohibiting Weapons on School Property).  That meeting will take place in room 0107 (in the basement of the Capitol, between the elevators) upon adjournment of the House (around 10:00 am).

There is also rumor that the House Judiciary Committee will hear a number of the "more reasonable" gun control proposals on Thursday.  We will forward any details as we confirm.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend.  If you want to testify on the bills, we suggest talking to RMGO Executive Director Dudley Brown for instructions.  Look for his RMGO nametag.

Here's what to do: Call the following State Senators and Representatives as soon as possible to urge them to vote against ALL of the gun control proposals, whether sponsored by liberal Democrats, moderate Republicans, or our turncoat Governor.

Some politicians are telling citizens they are opposing gun control, but then are actively working for "reasonable gun safety measures."  Once these laws get momentum, they will be difficult to stop and nearly impossible to repeal.  And don't assume a bill will stay in its current form: measures like the "Straw Purchase" bill could easily be amended to prohibit giving a firearm as a gift, and passed through the process quickly.  Let's kill these bills quickly, and get back to the business of concealed carry and passing a statewide preemption law.

You can call every House and Senate member, but especially call these lawmakers that are key to killing the gun control bills:

Senate Judiciary Committee Key members:

Sen. Ken Arnold (R-Westminster)      303-866-4876
John Andrews (R-Englewood)            303-866-4883
Mary Ellen Epps (R-Colo. Springs)    303-866-6364
John Evans (R-Douglas Co.)              303-866-4881

Statewide Senate (toll free)             1-888-473-8136

 

House State Affairs Committee Key members:

Andy McElhany, Chairman (R-Colo. Springs)    303-866-2904
Don Lee (R-Littleton)                                             303-866-2939
Penn Pfiffner (R-Lakewood)                                 303-866-2951
Bill Sinclair (R-Colo. Springs)                               303-866-2965
Joe Stengel (R-Littleton)                                        303-866-2953

Statewide House (toll free)              1-800-811-7647

If you get their voice mail, make certain to leave a nice but firm message that you want EVERY gun control bill killed NOW.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN GUN OWNERS

Rep. Doug Dean
State Capitol
200 East Colfax
Denver, Colorado 80203

January 4, 2000

Rep. Dean,

We hear from people that you continue to cover up the things you have said and done to harm our Second Amendment rights.

As you know, actions speak louder than words.

Let me briefly review just a few of the facts that you are hiding from your constituents and the citizens of Colorado.

As you know, Mr. Larry Pratt of Gun Owners of America recently sent a letter to gun rights supporters in Colorado to let them know their rights are in jeopardy.

First, know that Mr. Pratt is our country’s strongest supporter of the Second Amendment. Rather than fattening their bank account (like many bureaucrats in the institutional gun lobbies) Mr. Pratt has been a tireless advocate for our rights, and, more importantly, against any compromise of those rights.

In your response to Mr. Pratt you state that you oppose background checks at gun shows, but just this summer you sent a letter to the Colorado State Shooting Association already conceding that they would pass and that you wanted "it done our [Republicans] way." Much like the disaster in 1994 that gave us the Brady Instant Registration check (which is now registering gun owners by the thousands), you suggest that we fashion the chains that will bind us.

Rather than fight the registration of private sales at gun shows, you are presenting a false dilemma. To borrow a friend’s analogy "At what speed would you rather drive off the cliff, 60 mph or 90 mph?" Gun Owners do not want any of it to pass, and don’t want their elected officials to support any of it. Anyone with fingerprints on a bill like this is responsible for it passing, and gun owners deserve to know who is behind this appeasement tactic.

You state that you oppose safe storage laws (what we think are more accurately called Lock-Up-Your-Safety laws), yet at a news conference in November you asked Rep. Rob Fairbank to carry this very bill. It started out being a bill addressing firearms, it has evolved into storage of "weapons", and now, per our phone conversation, storage of anything. Regardless of semantics,

this bill would greatly affect how firearms owners protect themselves. For fear of being strung up before a kangaroo court populated by anti-gun jurists, gun owners would need to lock up their safety by storing the firearms they depend on for the protection of themselves and their families.

Though you do not use the name "safe storage" in the title of this bill, Gov. Owens referred to the bill as "safe storage" on KOA radio on January 3^rd. This bill exists only because you asked a lawmaker to carry it, and it is a huge step backwards for Colorado gun owners.

Concealed carry is another issue that has concerned Colorado gun owners, but when Gov. Bill "Gun Control" Owens told lawmakers that he didn’t want to see a CCW bill after the Columbine incident, you killed your own bill.

You even admit in your response to Mr. Pratt that "The only reason [No Safety Zones] was added to my concealed carry bill was because the Governor said he would veto it if I didn't."

Apparently, when it is all said and done, Gov. Owens has the final say when it comes to your principles.

In 1994, 1996 and 1998, you signed a pledge with Gun Owners of America to support a Vermont law (copy enclosed, in case you forgot), yet in 1998 you voted against it. Last year, you opposed SB156 (the best concealed carry bill ever offered in Colorado) and made sure it did not make it through the House, stating that you knew the Governor wouldn’t sign it. It has become clear, in light of Gov. Owens’ harsh left-hand turn, that you were protecting the wrong interests. Rather than play political games, it would have made more sense to get behind the concealed carry bill in front of you and stand on principle.

In summary, Rocky Mountain Gun Owners’ message (and I’m sure Gun Owners of America’s) is very simple: NO GUN CONTROL. Anything even remotely resembling anti-gun legislation will be viewed in the worst possible light, and those responsible held accountable.

We are not interested in cutting any backroom deals to make gun control more palatable, nor to find ways to appease the liberal press with gun control dressed up in another costume.

You may be able to redeem yourself in gun owners’ eyes by apologizing for failing to support a more lenient concealed carry bill and for cutting backroom deals on our gun rights, and publicly oppose every Governor Owens gun control proposal.

When you wish to discuss ways to kill all of the gun control bills being proposed by both Democrats and Republicans, feel free to contact us.

For Freedom,

/s/

Dudley Brown
Executive Director

cc: Rocky Mountain Gun Owners members
Signed 1996 Gun Rights pledge