PA Bill Number: SB945
Title: Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.
Description: Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals. ...
Last Action: Third consideration and final passage (199-0)
Last Action Date: Apr 17, 2024
FOAC's November 2021 Newsletter and Meeting Notice w-Linked Agenda :: 11/13/2021
The general membership meeting of FOAC will be Sunday, November 14th, at 10 a.m. through the Zoom Conferencing option (details below). The FOAC Meeting Agenda is available HERE.
Online Meeting Connection Details (also available at the end of the newsletter) are as follows:
Join the FOAC Meeting by Clicking this Link: https://zoom.us/j/96196852137?pwd=R3FqdXo2MTU2VHN4ME5tZlNDUWQzUT09
**Please Note: To join this FOAC meeting (Time: 10:00 a.m.) you must RSVP by sending an e-mail info@foac-illea.org and the Meeting Password will then be e-mailed to you by one of the officers.
You can view or download a copy of the Meeting Agenda at this Link: Meeting Agenda!
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The last 30 days have seen and extraordinary number of 2nd Amendment developments. Perhaps the most gratifying is for history to have come full circle with the example of the old axiom “time heals all wounds”! To explain, let’s go back 90 years when Pennsylvania was the first state in the nation with a “Uniform Firearms Act” with California and Ohio closely following.
You may ask yourself why the above is important. The fact of the matter is that 90 years ago we lost Constitutional Carry here in Pennsylvania with the passage of the “Uniform Firearms Act” which instituted laws severely restricting the concealed carry of firearms among others. This past week the Pennsylvania Senate has passed SB 565 (Constitutional Carry) and SB 448 (Stronger Preemption) with strong majorities returning Pennsylvania to its constitutional roots that existed prior to 1931.
It’s ironic that back in 1931 there was a major effort to push the enactment of New York City style Sullivan anti-gun laws on ALL the states! This political ploy of pushing gun control intimidated the gun groups of the time to the point where they accepted “gun control lite” by pushing for “Uniform Firearms Act” that essentially set precedent for violating the Second Amendment due to pressures because of violent crime that government couldn’t control, sound familiar? Is this not “history” repeating itself?
As we have seen throughout the last nine decades the push for gun control has not only been an ultimate failure at impacting criminal acts but it has also led to the unintentional consequences of creating an entire subclass of victims who would otherwise have had the opportunity to protect themselves especially in urban centers which have been cesspools of violence since the formation of this country!
I have a copy of an editorial from the NRA’s American rifleman publication from June 1931 which extols the virtues of the cooperation in passing “gun control lite”. As history has shown us, this kind of cooperative effort on passing moderate gun control is like accepting cutting off your fingers instead of your arm in the hopes of staving off an infection. In the end, your quality-of-life is totally up ended! See the quoted paragraph from this editorial below:
- With sane legislation now on the statute books of three such important States as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California, in the East, Middle West and West the groundwork is definitely laid for the adoption of the Uniform Act all over the United States, so that no matter where an honest shooter may journey or may live, he will be familiar with the provisions of the law and will be able to comply with them without inconvenience.
Having the benefit of historical perspective, we can see just exactly how misguided those thoughts were because they depended upon the benevolence of a government to not expand its authority even further! Willingly tolerating the creeping political socialism that has as its operating principle the “ends justify the means” is anathema to a Constitutional Republic and that’s why the anti-Federalists insisted upon a Bill of Rights. The prescience of the founding fathers in recognizing the proclivity of man to seek power and dominion over all else is truly inspiring!
The real question now is do we have the force of will to carry on that legacy and tradition of stopping government from infringing in areas where they have no authority?
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will be taking up both SB 448 and SB 565 this week and they are both expected to pass handily. We ask that you call your state representative to make sure they understand and know where you stand on this legislation!
Articles on Senate Legislative Developments:
- https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2021/11/10/leaders-and-gun-owners-split-state-senate-approves-firearms-bills/
- https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-senate-backs-bill-to-allow-guns-to-be-carried-without-permit/
- https://www.goerie.com/story/news/2021/11/09/pa-concealed-carry-law-changes/6348003001/
As we have previously reported, on October 26th Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has threatened to veto both of the bills above. There are some in the Second Amendment community who think that this is a wasted effort but I/we disagree completely and we recommend that you reach out and contact Gov. Wolf’s office once these bills passed the House of Representatives!
Our history is replete with examples of individuals taking a stand when it appeared hopeless such as the Texas fight at the Alamo amongst many others. In each case, history has shown how these courageous stands have led to ultimate victory and the fight over this legislation is just as important!
Majority of FOAC Candidates Victorious Throughout Pennsylvania!
In a stunning rejection of the woke mob and the polarization of politics throughout Pennsylvania, candidates who stood for the constitutional rights and freedom as embodied in our Constitution compiled victory after victory on Gen. Election Day 2021.
The greatest focus for FOAC in this election cycle were the statewide Court races and our efforts seem to have been justified because three of the top statewide races (out of four) saw pro-gun pro-Constitution candidates elected to office. The fourth judicial position is so close between the pro-gun and the anti-gun candidate that it has triggered an automatic recount.
Perhaps the most important race was won by Judge Kevin Brobson as he advanced to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and we wish him the best as he assumes his new role!
Another focus of FOAC was to deal with anti-gun incumbents, especially in district attorney seats. In Westmoreland County, in particular, longtime incumbent John Peck in the District Attorney’s office has finally been toppled from his lofty position where he could pronounce his opposition to citizen’s right to bear arms! We wish District Attorney elect Nicole Ziccarelli all the best as she assumes her new office!
CeaseFire PA Targets Pro-Gun State Rep in Advance of Vote on Constitutional Carry and Preemption in The House of Representatives
In an online posting, CeaseFire PA is going after Representative Natalie Mihalek in an effort to intimidate her from voting for SB 565 and SB 448. The CeaseFire PA protest rally is scheduled for Monday, November 15 at noon to 1230. FOAC is blending a counter rally to stand up for Representative Mihalek and provide counter information that CeaseFire PA has been putting out!
This anti-gun rally against Rep. Mihalek will occur at her District office:
1121 Boyce Rd, Suite 2200A Pittsburgh 15241
FOAC and Second Amendment activists will meet up around 11:30 AM to join forces and to distribute materials.
If you live in this area of southwestern PA or know someone that does, please ask them to join us on Monday!
Patriot’s Passage: Meryle-Lynn Epps – a Woman of Indomitable Will and Character
"Recently, America lost Meryle-Lynn Epps, a patriot, a woman of great compassion and kindness, a dear friend, wife, mother and grandmother. Meryle-Lynn was active in Westmoreland and Fayette County Tea Party groups and contributed generously of her time and talents to the preservation of her beloved Republic. She lived according to traditional, conservative values, always putting God, Family and Country in the forefront of her daily activities. Meryle-Lynn will be remembered as a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment, traveling to Harrisburg for 2A Rallies, attending various FOAC functions and working hard to elect representatives, who respected freedom and liberty and would act accordingly in Harrisburg or D.C. While her friends and family mourn the loss of Meryle-Lynn, we celebrate her life with a donation to FOAC to continue the fight for preservation of our God given rights. God Bless Meryle-Lynn with Eternal Rest and God Bless America."
Many thanks to Tom Altman for bringing this to our attention ‘and’ to Karen Kiefer for her donation in Ms. Epps name!
ANOTHER FOAC Legal Victory: Monumental Decision by Pa Supreme Court on FOAC v Harrisburg Preemption Lawsuit
The Pa Supreme Court on October 20th issued a welcome and long-awaited decision on the FOAC Harrisburg Lawsuit which began six years ago. Chief Counsel Joshua Prince, assisted by Attorney Dillon Harris, secured a monumental decision by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, affirming the decision of Judge Kevin Brobson who at the time of his decision was a Commonwealth Court Judge (and now a Pa Supreme Court Judge elect), in the matter of Firearm Owners Against Crime, et al. v. City of Harrisburg, et al, where the Court held that FOAC and the other plaintiffs had sufficiently averred standing under Pennsylvania’s Declaratory Judgment Act to challenge Harrisburg’s illegal and unlawful firearm ordinances. This case involves FOAC’s challenge to Harrisburg’s passage of laws regulating firearms. This action by Harrisburg violates the PA Criminal Preemption statute (PA 18 C.S. §6109) which reserves firearm legislation solely to the PA General Assembly. Violation of this statues is a misdemeanor one.
The PA Supreme Court’s affirmed Judge Brobson’s decision that FOAC and the other plaintiffs had sufficiently averred standing to challenge Harrisburg's illegal and unlawful firearm ordinances. The decision maintained that a PA resident does not have to violate the law, be arrested and prosecuted ‘prior’ to challenging the legality or constitutionality of the ordinance. Justice Wecht declared that; “We do not require plaintiffs to violate laws or regulations and subject themselves to sanctions for engaging in protected conduct as the price of admission to the courthouse. The rights guaranteed to the citizens of this Commonwealth do not depend upon an individual’s willingness to subject herself to the risk of jail or criminal penalties to assert her rights.”
This pivotal decision will allow FOAC’s litigation affirming Harrisburg’s violation of PA Preemption statues, as well as FOAC’s similar challenge to Pittsburgh’s illegal firearm ordinances, to proceed. Upholding state preemption is critically important to PA residents’ fundamental Freedom to help ensure the protection and safety of one’s self and loved ones. https://blog.princelaw.com/2021/10/20/monumental-decision-by-the-pa-supreme-court-on-pennsylvanias-firearm-preemption-statute/
Powerful Constitutional and Self-Defense Arguments put before the U.S. Supreme Court
On November 3, 2021, the US Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of New York State Rifle & Pistol Assn. v. Bruen.
The two-hour hearing put on full display the strength and logic of the argument in favor of concealed carry and the ignorance and disdain of those supporting the current burdensome and unconstitutional laws. Based on these arguments, and on the questions and comments of the conservative justices, it appears there is a good chance for a ruling supporting 2nd Amendment rights. The question is the breadth of the decision by the Court.
You can listen to the audio and download a transcript here.
At question in this case is New York's 108-year-old-law that requires anyone applying for an "unrestricted" license to carry a concealed firearm outside the home to show "proper cause." The state of New York defines proper cause in a way that makes it difficult, if not impossible, for most people to acquire a license.
You must demonstrate that you have a special and specific need to defend yourself. The rich and famous, and those with political connections, can get licenses with ease. But ordinary residents of the state, especially those in New York City, are unlikely to do so.
If you want to read about the history of the New York Sullivan Law see the links below:
- https://bearingarms.com/john-petrolino/2021/10/29/law-professor-misfires-on-nysrpa-v-bruen-n51547
- https://nypost.com/2012/01/16/the-strange-birth-of-nys-gun-laws/
Robert Nash and Brandon Koch challenged the law after New York rejected their concealed carry applications based on their failure to show proper cause, even though they met every other requirement. A district court dismissed their claims, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit affirmed. The case was then taken up by the Supreme Court.
In presenting the case to the court, attorney Paul Clement argued that the 2nd Amendment enshrines the right to not only "keep" arms in the home, but also to "bear" arms outside the home for self-defense. Given that New York prohibits open carry, and in practice severely limits concealed carry, his clients' rights are being infringed.
He pointed out that carrying a gun in public is a right enjoyed by residents of 43 other states. He stressed that when it comes to a constitutional right, people should not have to satisfy a government official that there is a good reason to exercise the right.
The liberal justices pushed back hard, questioning Clement's interpretation of the history of gun laws. Justice Breyer appeared to become agitated at one point and revealed his fear of guns when he blurted out this:
Yeah. Well ... you have a concealed weapon to go hunting. You're out with an intent to shoot, say, a deer or a rabbit, which has its problems. But, here, when you have a self-defense just for whatever you want to carry a concealed weapon, you go shooting it around and somebody gets killed.
Their premise, and the core argument of opposing counsel, was that guns are dangerous and should be limited in highly populated areas. This led to an absurd exchange between the Solicitor General of New York and Chief Justice Roberts:
CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: ... if the purpose of the 2nd Amendment is to allow people to protect themselves, that's implicated when you're in a high-crime area. It's not implicated when you're out in the woods.
MS. UNDERWOOD: Well, I -- I think it is implicated when you're out in the woods. It's just a different set of problems. I mean, you're --
CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: Yeah, deer.
MS. UNDERWOOD: -- you're deserted there and you can't -- and law enforcement is not available to come to your aid if something does happen. But --
CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: Well, how many muggings take place in the forest?
(Laughter.)
MS. UNDERWOOD: If we -- if we --
CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS: How many do you think?
It is long overdue for the court to take up this case, and closely examine New York's draconian gun control laws. New York requires a permit to possess a handgun, ammo sales are restricted, semi-auto rifles are restricted, there is no castle doctrine, open carry is prohibited, concealed carry licenses are "may issue," and there is no recognition for out-of-state licenses.
The specific question before the court is whether New York's law violates the 2nd Amendment by requiring applicants for unrestricted concealed carry licenses to demonstrate a special need for self-defense. So, the ruling may be simply that the state has to move to a "shall issue" system and do away with the special need requirement.
Whatever form the ruling takes, two things are almost certain. One, additional rulings will be needed to flesh out concealed firearm carry rights. And two, New York won't give up a century of gun control so easily. The real effect of a good ruling will be to set a new standard on carry laws for all 50 states in the same way Heller and McDonald did for the individual right to possess a firearm.
Castle Doctrine Strengthening and Expansion Coming to Pennsylvania
Senator Pat Stefano has Castle Doctrine strengthening legislation, SB 943, that would broaden the scope of protections to all of your private property. This has been a long overdue change that needed to be brought before the legislature. If you would like to see the memo that is connected to this legislation click here Senate Cosponsorship Memo!
New American Article on Senator Stefano’s Efforts: https://thenewamerican.com/pennsylvania-state-senator-pushes-for-expansion-of-states-castle-doctrine/
This legislation has a companion house bill that is focusing on the requirements under Stand Your Ground and was introduced by Representative Erik Davanzo, HB 921. The cosponsorship memo for this legislation can be seen here, House Cosponsorship Memo!
Senator Stefano and Rep. Davanzo are to be commended for standing up for the safety and self-defense rights of all law-abiding Pennsylvanians and rejecting the biased and arbitrary attitudes of CeaseFire PA and other anti-gun groups who continue to cry the sky is falling when considering the efficacy of important legislation like this!
New Jersey Truck Driver Beats Powerful New Jersey State Senator With $153
Who says you can’t fight City Hall? The fact of the matter is that Edward Durr, a truck driver, managed through force of will and determination to unseat one of the most powerful Democrats in the New Jersey Senate. On top of that he only spent $153!
This has set a new standard for the enabling of the voice of the people to take back a seat in government from the rich and powerful!
Never let the importance of hard work and perseverance deter you or anyone else from getting involved!
See the video of the man who did it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbEg49WSEBs
What is going through the head of Sen. Lindsey Graham?
There’s an old saying that “talk is cheap” and it appears to apply here because while Sen. Lindsey Graham goes on talk shows frequently to talk about his conservative bona fides his actions in supporting Joe Biden’s judicial PICs makes one wonder where his allegiance really lies!
Since he obviously swore an Oath to Support and Defend the Constitution upon his election, it makes one wonder just exactly how he believes he is serving that oath if he supports judicial PICs who have as a personal position as to believe that the Bill of Rights is nothing more than toilet paper on the altar of political correctness.
If this is some sort of strategy on his part it certainly escapes a common sense viewpoint. The animus evidenced by some of Biden’s picks for the court makes one wonder exactly where our country is headed! Biden does not need any help to usher in socialism and disrespect for Constitutional freedoms!
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/lindsey-graham-biden-judicial-nominees
Interesting Videos:
The Worst Gun Fails – Darwin Awards
Sig Sauer P365 VS M&P Shield Plus
FIREARM SAFETY RECALLS:
- Colt MSR’s – https://www.gunsamerica.com/digest/important-safety-recall-for-certain-modern-sporting-rifles/
- Smith & Wesson M&P12 Shotguns- https://www.smith-wesson.com/recall-notice-mp-12-shotguns/
FOAC Upcoming Events:
2021 & 2022 – FOAC Concealed Carry Events
12/07/2021 – Concealed Carry Seminar – Rep. Eric Nelson
Location – Word of Life Church, 4497 State Route 136 Greensburg, PA 15601
FOAC has a table – Staff Needed
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
2/26/2022 – Concealed Carry Seminar – Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Assoc.
Location – ADSA Clubhouse, 2900 Ridge Road Extension, Baden PA, 15005
FOAC has a table – Staff Needed
Time: 10 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
4/07/2022 – Concealed Carry Seminar – Rep. Jason Silvis
Location – Huber Hall, 300 Alexandria Street, Latrobe, PA 15650
FOAC has a table – Staff Needed
Time: 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
4/28/2022 – Concealed Carry Seminar – Rep. Jason Silvis
Location – West Leechburg VFD Recreation Hall, 1116 Gosser Street, West Leechburg, PA 15656
FOAC has a table – Staff Needed
Time: 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Recent Op-Eds of Interest:
Kim Stolfer: Time to restore gun freedoms
https://triblive.com/opinion/kim-stolfer-time-to-restore-gun-freedoms/
Overall Status of 2nd Amendment Legislation Filed to Date in PA and the US:
2021-2022 Session PA State Bills (updated)
- Pro-Gun Bills: 27
- Anti-Gun Bills: 75
- Unrated (Watching): 13
- Legislative (gun related) Memos: 122
2021-2022 Session Federal Bills (updated)
- Pro-Gun Bills: 43
- Anti-Gun Bills: 104
- Unrated (Watching): 37
1st Point to Ponder: Why People WILLINGLY Give Up Their Freedoms W/ Prof. Mattias Desmet | Aubrey Marcus Podcast
What are the conditions in any society that will cause a people to willingly sacrifice their freedoms? Mattias Desmet has studied and lectured extensively on this phenomenon. He is a professor of clinical psychology at Ghent University has and holds a masters degree in statistics. After noticing some anomalies in the statistical analyses conducted during the pandemic, he became concerned by the consensus narrative. He joined me today to discuss his expertise in a phenomenon called ‘mass formation’, a type of collective hypnosis essential for the rise of totalitarian regimes. He provides the step-by-step formula for this collective psychosis to take hold and how this relates to our current situation. He cautions against the dangers of our current societal landscape and offers solutions both individually and collectively to prevent the willing sacrifice of our freedoms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqPJiM5Ir3A&t=255s
2nd Point to Ponder: Podcast: Investigative Reporter Tim Mak Explains How the NRA Ended Up at the Edge of Disaster
By Stephen Gutowski
On this episode, investigative reporter Tim Mak joins me to talk about his new book Misfire: Inside the Downfall of the NRA.
I first met Tim at the 2019 NRA annual meeting where he was one of the only other reporters in the room when dissident members tried to oust CEO Wayne LaPierre over allegations of corruption. He has been at the forefront of covering the NRA for the last several years and produced some of the most impactful stories about the gun-rights group. That includes breaking the news that a Russian spy had infiltrated the group as part of an influence campaign run by a top Kremlin official.
His new book is the first I've seen to thoroughly chronicle how it is the NRA has ended up at disaster's doorstep and who the key players along the way were. He takes one of the first real looks at the people behind the powerhouse from Wayne LaPierre to his wife Susan to former president Oliver North. He explains not just what decisions they made but how their characters led them to make those decisions.
His book matches much of what I've heard for years from inside the organization as well as the testimony given in court I've witnessed over the past several years. It is a detailed and well-sourced book that also brings a host of new information to the fold. From now on, when somebody asks me what happened to the NRA, I'll tell them to read this book.
Plus, Jake Fogleman and I discuss Republicans flipping Virginia red and SCOTUS hearing oral arguments in its big gun-carry case.
You can also watch the video podcast on our YouTube channel.
CPRC Update from Dr. John Lott:
It has been twenty-three years since my book “More Guns, Less Crime,” published by the University of Chicago Press. The US Supreme Court hearing the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association is the culmination of that work. My book focused on the case before the court: what happened as states moved from May-Issue laws (where people have to provide a “good reason” before obtaining a concealed handgun permit) or bans on concealed carry to Shall-Issue laws. Much of New York's case was that they needed people to require a "good reason" for public safety.
After listening to the oral arguments, I think the decision could be much more sweeping than just whether people need to provide a “good reason” for a permit. They may decide the rules that courts have to follow in evaluating Second Amendment issues. The day of the hearing, I had an op-ed on the case at Newsweek, and I did over a dozen media appearances. Two of the initial interviews were with Jim Bohannon’s national radio show and Vince Coglianese’s show on Washington, DC’s WMAL.
Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) and I wrote an op-ed for the House Judiciary Committee on Red Flag Laws. Congressman Greg Steube (R-FL) referenced my research with Carl Moody on Red Flag Laws during that hearing. Massie used another op-ed that I had written to respond to Rep Steve Cohen’s (D-TN) claim during the hearing that people never use guns defensively.
Television and movie bias against guns continues unabated. Now we even have Black Widows of the Avengers telling people that she doesn’t really like guns, seriously? Her character is well-known for always using two handguns at once, but it seems important to Disney to tell young fans that she doesn’t like guns. There are also multiple CBS television police shows with criminals constantly using machine guns. Unfortunately, NBC is no different.
For information on activities at the Crime Prevention Research Center, here is a link to our “info deck.” Please view in full-screen mode and scroll using the arrow buttons at the bottom of the screen.
But we need help getting this message out. If you have any friends who you think might find our emails of interest, please encourage them to sign up by sending them the link here.
Thank you very much for all your support. We have some tough battles ahead, and I just want you to know how much your support has been greatly appreciated.
Op-eds
- At Newsweek: The Supreme Court Has An Opportunity to Defend the Second Amendment
- At Townhall: Democrats Keep Pushing to Eliminate American’s Due Process Rights, Extreme Risk Protection Orders
- At the Federalist: If Voter ID Laws Are ‘Undemocratic,’ Then So Is Europe
- At Real Clear Politics: Baldwin Shooting Elicits a Familiar — and Flawed — Response Baldwin Calls for Gun Policy Changes, But He Ignored Existing Rules
- At Townhall: The First Rule of Gun Safety is That You Don’t Point a Gun Directly at Someone Unless You Intend to Shoot Them
Media and Other Coverage of Our Work
- Rep Thomas Massie (R-KY) confronts Rep Steve Cohen’s (D-TN) claim there are no Defensive Gun Uses by Using CPRC’s research
- Congressman Greg Steube cites CPRC research in a House judiciary committee hearing on Red Flag Laws
- Our research on concealed carry on college campuses was referenced by the Montana Attorney General in a lawsuit brought by the state University system against campus carry law
Television/Podcasts
Radio interviews/Podcasts
- Worth listening to, on Washington, DC’s Big Talk Radio Station: The Supreme Court takes up an Important Second Amendment Case
- On the Jim Bohannon National Radio Show: The Supreme Court takes up an Important Second Amendment Case
- On the Jim Bohannon National Radio Show: Talking about the outcome of Tuesday’s Elections
- On the Lars Larson Show: Discussing the large increase this year in the number of concealed handgun permits
- On the Propaganda Report Podcast: A broad, wide-ranging discussion about gun control
- Opposing Views: Gun Control with Dan Gross & Dr. John R. Lott
- On Armed American Radio: CPRC’s newest Annual Report on Concealed Handgun Permits
- On Michigan Talk Network: The Lies About The Fed’s Default Risk
Television Show Bias
- Even the Avengers getting into the whole “I don’t like guns” thing, Black Widow says: “Guns aren’t really my style”
- More CBS Televisions shows acting like criminals are constantly using machine guns
- NBC’s continued obsession with criminals using machine guns, Chicago PD Season 9
Recent C-SPAN Appearances over the last couple of months
Washington Journal John Lott on Gun Violence in the U.S.
Other News
Grain complex worker stops active shooter using shotgun
Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 28 Cases During June 2021
Defensive Gun Uses By People Legally Carrying Guns: 23 Cases During May 2021
John R. Lott, Jr.
President
Crime Prevention Research Center
http://crimeresearch.org
johnrlott@crimeresearch.org
Firearms Training Guidance: Close Quarters Shotgun Technique
Shotguns can be excellent tools for home defense, but their long overall length presents some challenges for maneuvering in tight spaces. Today we're looking at a technique called "short stocking" that was developed to meet those challenges. Short stocking has long been used by law enforcement and other entry teams but it's equally relevant for the armed citizen at home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCqJIW4_K7s
Media Corruption and Lies: Say WHAT? CNN Thanks the Media for Being the REAL Heroes on Veteran’s Day??????
Armed Citizen Report: Kyle Rittenhouse Trial-Witness and Prosecutor Behavior Paralyzes Prosecution
As you know, Kyle Rittenhouse has been charged with murder and is being prosecuted for shooting 3 rioter/looters (NOT victims) two of whom died from injuries sustained. This is the Kenosha Wisconsin riot situation.
Well, in the trial, the surviving assailant just admitted that Rittenhouse ONLY shot him after ‘he’ pointed a gun at Rittenhouse.
The prosecution in this case has received admonishment from the judge more times than we can count, justifiably so in our opinion.
See some of these extraordinary courtroom videos:
- https://twitter.com/i/status/1457774701673996298
- https://twitter.com/i/status/1458487784147144716
- https://twitter.com/i/status/1458488247127060482
If you carry a firearm for self-defense, you should prepare yourself for these kinds of prosecutorial antics that could end up getting you thrown in prison for decades if you cannot mount a credible and effective defense!
It is clear from this case is completely fed up with the prosecutor playing legal games and ignoring established case law and precedent!
Spotlight: Tony Roman and the Stand for Freedom
One man’s fight against an over-bearing government administration and its’ un-American policies. This is a truly inspiring stand by an average American businessman who is unwilling to yield his Freedom’s!
https://films.aflds.org/films/tonyroman
Self-Defense with a Twist:
Former Marine refuses to submit to armed criminals in a convenience store robbery by ripping the handgun out of the hands of the robber.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/marine-veteran-thwarts-armed-robbery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhKdpKrF3xM
Stupid Politician’s Quote to Remember:
Joe Biden’s newsletters are no longer available online. BUT the files remain on Hunter Biden’s hard drive. According to The Hill, as noted in the newsletter, Biden declared during a “discussion” with Amy Gutmann, president of the University of Pennsylvania, “I think the Second Amendment is being badly interpreted. It’s not consistent with what our Founders intended.”
This from the man who repeatedly insisted there were certain types of gun prohibitions in effect at the time the Second Amendment was written. It was a claim even the Washington Post Fact Checker refuted, giving Biden Four Pinocchios in the process, essentially calling the former vice president a liar.
Hunter Biden’s hard drive contains at least 164 of these Biden Bulletins, through March 14, 2019.
Founding Father’s Statement on Freedom:
At the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 18, 1787, a Mrs. Powel anxiously awaited the results, and as Benjamin Franklin emerged from the long task now finished, asked him directly: "Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic if you can keep it" responded Ben Franklin. This exchange was recorded by Constitution signer James McHenry in a diary entry that was later reproduced in the 1906 American Historical Review. Benjamin Franklin, 1787
Forgotten American Heroes: Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers - Medal of Honor
From the 1950’s to the 1980’s, a lot changed in America and abroad, and Army Maj. Gen. Charles Calvin Rogers served through all of it. As a Black man, he worked for gender and race equality while in the service. But he’s perhaps most well-known for his leadership during an intense battle in Vietnam, which earned him the Medal of Honor.
Rogers was born on Sept. 6, 1929, and grew up with his brother and three sisters outside of the coal-mining town of Claremont, West Virginia. Rogers’ dad was a coal miner and World War I veteran, which could be what nurtured his desire to serve.
Closing Thoughts:
Democrats have just been reprimanded by voters, with the upset victory of Republican candidate and political novice Glenn Youngkin in the governor’s race in Virginia, an almost upset victory in New Jersey by Republican gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli, who came within 2% of the vote of winning, and revolts in school board elections nationwide, pushing back against critical race theory and COVID-19 government edicts and demands.
It’s not rocket science, nor a surprise, that Biden and his party have lost touch with the voters who elected them. Large percentages of these Democrats did not vote for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and the “squad.” Democrat strategist Mark Penn has an article in The New York Times urging Biden to reject these progressives and reconnect with the moderates in his party. This is what Bill Clinton did, he reminds readers, to save his presidency in the mid-1990s.
But there are problems with this timely and wise advice. One, voters themselves are abandoning the middle of politics and becoming more polarized. And, two, the reality of the media influence on our culture and politics in America is that things seem to keep, inexorably, moving left. The only difference between when Republicans are in control and when Democrats are in control is how fast it happens, as Fox commentator Dan Bongino has so poignantly noted.
Today, according to Gallup polls, the percentage of Democrats identifying as liberal has doubled to 51%; the percentage identifying as conservative is half what it was in 1994—12%—and the percentage of moderates has dropped from 48% to 35%.
At the same time, Republicans have become more conservative than they were in 1994. In 1994, 58% of Republicans identified as conservative. Today, it’s 75%.
Statesmanship and compromise are only realistic when most voters—of both parties—are generally on the same page regarding our core values. But what happens when the common ground of core values is lost?
IF we are to avoid the budding Tyranny we see around us then the challenge today is not to find a middle that doesn’t exist. The challenge today is for Americans to choose who they are and what kind of country they want - free or not.
Stay Free!
Kim Stolfer, President
**As a reminder, all FOAC members and, indeed, every gun owner can participate in the November 14, 2021 FOAC Monthly meeting from any PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android phone by clicking on the link below:
Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android by Clicking the Link Below:
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Meeting ID: 958 6960 1854
Passcode: Sent Upon Your RSVP Request to info@foac-illea.org
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Remember: FOAC is fiercely independent. We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive any money from, any national organizations. No sugar daddies. No New York billionaires. Memberships and individual donations are our only source of income.
Without ‘your’ help, and that of your friends, as a member – we will NOT be able to defend the 2nd Amendment. The more members we have committed to making a difference, the greater FOAC’s impact in the legislature. By working together and making our voices heard, not only can we show the billionaires and their lapdogs that they don’t stand a chance in Pennsylvania, we can push through legislation that further restores and protects our rights.
