PA Bill Number: HB2663
Title: Providing for older adults protective services; and making a repeal.
Description: Providing for older adults protective services; and making a repeal. ...
Last Action: Referred to AGING AND OLDER ADULT SERVICES
Last Action Date: Nov 19, 2024
FOAC's Weekly Message For Saturday December 11th 2021 :: 12/11/2021
Folks,
The honor has fallen upon me to write this week’s newsletter. I am very blessed to be able to take on more responsibilities within FOAC while under the tutelage of FOAC President Kim Stolfer.
I can say that we all owe him a great deal of gratitude and thanks for his service to all of us. He truly lives and breathes the pursuit of Liberty for all Pennsylvanians and Americans.
I am sure this newsletter will be a bit different than the ones Kim writes. I hope that it is informative and helps to motivate you to do YOUR part in the fight for Liberty.
We can only do “all that we can do”. This statement is often a dismissive phrase, but it can also be an honest one too.
If all you can do is pick up the phone and call a legislator and voice your opinion, then that is all that you can do; but it helps the cause. If all you can do is help a pro-Liberty candidate with a campaign; then that is all that you can do; but it helps the cause. If all you can do is support FOAC financially by purchasing a membership and a gun bash ticket; then that is all that you can do; but it helps the cause. If all you can do is stop into an elected official’s office and let them know that you are a gun owner, a FOAC member, and that you vote; then that is all that you can do; but it helps the cause.
Mountains are moved a shovel full at a time or with dynamite. We are not yet at the point where the dynamite is required, hopefully we will never get to that point. Every little thing we do, for the cause of Liberty, each shovel full, adds up to a mountain’s worth of work if we ALL roll up our sleeves.
FOAC is an ALL VOLUNTEER organization. Get involved! The little incremental things add up to a lot of big things. IMAGINE, 20 some years ago Kim and others here in Pennsylvania and across the Nation were fighting for “Shall Issue” Concealed Carry. Now in 2021 nearly 20 some States have Constitutional or Permit-less Carry. Liberty is largely winning in the Courts, and MILLIONS upon MILLIONS of our fellow Americans are exercising their Constitutional Right to protect themselves and those that they love.
As we crest 2021 and dive into 2022 there will be more victories at the polls, in the courts, in the legislature, maybe a short-term loss on occasion, but as long as we CONTINUE to educate and empower our fellow Americans to exercise their INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS we will ultimately win. This can ONLY happen if WE continue to work together, fight relentlessly against the tyrants, and bringing more friends the fight for Liberty!
The Veto
Since our last newsletter, as predicted, Governor Tom Wolf has indeed vetoed SB565 Constitutional Carry. He continues to champion the false narrative that empowering law-abiding Pennsylvania’s to freely exercise their rights without government approval makes the Commonwealth “less safe”.
Gov. Wolf said in a statement. “I’m committed to putting an end to gun violence, but it’s something we need to be committed to together. Unfortunately, many of our elected officials are working against this goal to reduce gun violence by writing bills that make us all less safe. I urge my Republican colleagues to get on board with real solutions to the real problems plaguing Pennsylvania.”
Perhaps, Governor Wolf should heed his own advice and look at WHO is really committing violent crimes, and WHO is helping to facilitate this.
Law abiding citizens and gun owners are not the source of this “epidemic”. Using his own logic, to flatten the curve, elected officials should quarantine criminals in jail by enforcing the existing laws, instead finding creative ways to let criminals back onto the street where they can infect the population with violent acts.
I respect that holding elected officials accountable for upholding the law is a foreign concept to the Governor and MANY Pennsylvania Democrats (and some Republicans for that matter), but at some point it must be recognized that if a violent criminal is not held accountable and let back into society, that violent criminal is much more likely to continue doing violent things.
As I mentioned in our Press Release of December 5th, he (Tom Wolf) does not acknowledge, while under his watch, his Attorney General, Democratic controlled local governments, and county district attorneys across the Commonwealth have failed to uphold the law. These “government officials” have a habit of releasing criminals into the public, “dealing” away weapons charges, restricting and defunding police, and failing to impose mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders. Tom Wolf would rather hold law-abiding citizens to the standard of “the criminal” instead of holding “the criminal” to the standard of the law.
Gov. Wolf’s veto is not a surprise. We now know WHO is for the unrestricted exercise of our Constitutional Rights, and WHO is not. Do you want to know which Democrats AND Republicans believe that you should get government approval to defend yourself and those that you love by carrying a tool of self defense concealed? See the House and Senate Roll Calls for the final vote of SB565.
**House Vote on Final Passage: (11/16/2021)
**Senate Vote on Final Passage: (11/9/2021)
Feel free to contact the Governor and all of the elected officials that voted against Constitutional Carry and express your disappointment and resolve that THEIR vote on SB565 will NOT be forgotten when YOU vote at the polls.
Governor Tom Wolf:
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284
508 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120
Website Contact Form: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/
Website: https://www.governor.pa.gov/
https://www.facebook.com/governorwolf
If you need to look up your representative’s contact info visit the FOAC website.
Lights Camera Action and an Alleged Self Firing Single Action Revolver
On October 21st, 2021, Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed and Director Joel Souza was injured on the set of the movie production, “Rust” in New Mexico. When this first hit the news many in the “firearms community” were quick to blame Actor Alec Baldwin. Afterall he was holding the gun and pointing it in the direction of the Cinematographer and Director when the Actor allegedly discharged the gun (a single action revolver).
I personally have a fair bit of “Movie Experience”. I have spent 100’s of days (and nights) on film sets in “Hollywood” working in the sound department, and as a producer on a few short subject films and low budget projects. I am very familiar with the safety protocols and processes on a film set. MANY of the movies that I worked on were action films and most had “gun play” in the script. As soon as I heard about the “shooting”, as many in the firearms community were quick to judge Baldwin, I made a point to let people know how film sets work. On its surface, and knowing how film sets should work, it was my feeling that it MAY not have been Baldwin’s direct fault. Taking this stance was unpopular and I will admit it hurt my soul a little that I would take a stance that would defend an ardent “anti-gun” public figure like Alec Baldwin.
In my Facebook post of October 22nd (the day after the incident) I wrote:
although many will blame Baldwin for this, the responsibility is primarily on the Armorer, UNLESS Baldwin did something grossly irresponsible and reckless, like put actual live ammo into the gun. I don't much care for Mr. Baldwin's politics often times, but I highly doubt he is the kind of person that would actually do that.
Prop guns are often blank adapted and no live ammo is permitted on set. PERIOD. Armorers also 'block out' (rehearse) the action with the film crew so that safety is maintained while still capturing the awesome image that the director wants while the actors do their thing. Angles are checked, minimum distances are calculated for powder discharge and flame.
Most movie blanks are often metallic cartridges that have either paper or in some cases thin cardboard wads to keep the powder compresses OR the cartridge is over sized in length and crimped at the end where a projectile would be if it were conventional ammo. There is still gas and fire escaping the muzzle.
In the case of the Brandon Lee incident years ago, it is my understanding that there was a bore obstruction in the gun, perhaps a squib (this is a lodged bullet in the bore... 'Squib' to film folks is a blood pack that pops to make it look as if someone was shot). Whether the armorer didn't properly inspect the firearm, or perhaps the crew was too close to the gun when it discharged, or perhaps there was some other material in the cartridge or bore that propelled, I don't know.
However you slice it, a safety protocol was likely missed, ignored, or dismissed for this to happen.
Film sets get hectic. Hours of waiting around while each department prepares for the 'take', then 15-20 minutes of high stress while 'shooting' the actual scene. Especially when you are shooting with natural light. Gotta get the 'shot' while the sun is right, or before it goes down. If a safety protocol was shortcut because they were racing the sunset or something like that, then the 1st Assistant Director has some responsibility as well. The 1st AD is like the manager on a film set. The keep (or try to keep) the shoot schedule on schedule. It is ultimately their call to say 'Picture is up' meaning 'we're are ready to begin the take now.'
Education is the answer to ALL problems. If more of the folks on that set knew basic firearm safety, PERHAPS more may have noticed a problem before it became one.
Being educated on firearms is not just for gun owners, and this is one of the reasons I am against MANDATORY firearms training.... traditionally, mandatory training is ONLY for the gun owner/purchaser/carrier not for the average citizen or the citizenry at large. With that said, I WOULD back mandatory training at the grade school level.
The 2A is for everyone, whether you exercise it or not, seek out education and the world will be a better place for it.
When challenged by one of my colleagues, another professional trainer, I responded:
my writing this 'assessment' was 2-fold.
One to promote PROPER firearm safety education to my 'Entertainment Industry Friends' but to also educate my 'Firearm Safety Educator Friends' on how movie sets work.
The actor is handed a 'prop' because that is how it is TREATED... as a prop. The crew 'assumes' that the 'prop' is safe. The job of the armorer, who is a member of the prop department, is to make the gun 'safe'. The armorer is the person who makes sure it is 'safe' to shoot and point at other actors and cameras because that is what actors do with guns in movies.
Actors are meat puppets that do what the director tells them to do.
NOW IF he (Baldwin) were educated he certainly COULD have double checked the Armorers work. INDEED this is a thing in OUR world, and something we teach constantly, but in the movie world is often is not a thing that is done because most actors and film crew don't know one side of a firearm from the other... to an actor.... the Armorer says the gun is good to go, the actor points it where the director tells them and then they press trigger when the script says 'Bill fires the gun'.
As I stated... Education IS the answer. This was a failure on MANY levels and a many safety protocols were likely shortcut or ignored in order for this to have happened.
If more of our fellow Americans, including those in the film industry, were better educated, then this incident would have been less likely to happen.
We have learned of additional details and heard additional allegations since I made the post on October 22nd, however, recently, in an interview on ABC, Baldwin claimed that “he” was not at fault because “he” did not pull the trigger. As unlikely as it is may be that a single action revolver would magically discharge at the exact point and time the actor pointed it at the Cinematographer and Director, only time will tell what actually happened on that movie set in New Mexico as more evidence and statements are collected.
If Baldwin, as the Producer, cut corners to save time and money, he is to blame. If he ignored the protocols, he is to blame. If he ignored the appropriate crew members whose job it WAS to ensure safety, because he was “The Boss” then he is certainly to blame, whether he actually pulled the trigger or not.
No matter what evidence is ultimately brought to light there are a few things we can take away from this incident so far.
- Learning gun safety should be for every American, whether you own a gun or not. Safety, whatever form (gun safety, personal safety, fire safety, etc.) it is ultimately an individual responsibility. If you depend on others for your “safety” you may ultimately be disappointed.
- Guns are not really an “epidemic”. The media and anti-gun Politicians knows this, otherwise they would be as up in arms with Alec Baldwin as they were with Kyle Rittenhouse… after all they both had guns in their hands.
- Alec Baldwin deserves an Oscar for his performance in his ABC interview. (to be correct, as it was on TV he would get an Emmy not an Oscar)
The Hypocrisy of the Anti-Liberty / Anti-Gun Establishment
We see how stories are cherry picked to promote a narrative. When those stories are not beneficial to the agenda, those stories take a back seat. Fellow Pennsylvanian pro-Liberty activist, Maj Toure calls the media, The Most Effective Devil In America.
If their “outrage” had integrity, why are we not hearing more about the mass murder in Wisconsin? Six people were murdered and dozens were injured. These were peaceful Christmas parade goers. Is it because this situation is a blatant example of elected officials dropping the ball by letting a violent criminal go back into society? Perhaps the silence is because this tragedy does not promote their anti-gun narrative.
I was sitting in a hotel room watching the news when the reports first came in from Waukesha. As I bounced around the major networks I was amazing how the “on camera talent” were pushing the idea of “shots fired”. I recall when a witness was interviewed via phone the “on camera talent” said, “Did you hear gun shots?” The man on the phone said he heard a loud bang, and the “on camera talent” said, “How many shots did you hear, 1, 10, more?” The witness said that he may have heard one gun shot. Which ended up being a shot fired by Law Enforcement AT the speeding vehicle. The news folks were REALLY salivating at the possibility of reporting “Shots Fired”.
Even with the recent horrible act of evil at the school in Michigan, we see notably less coverage than prior mass murder events as it is obvious that MANY people dropped the ball with paying attention to what appear to be obvious warning signs of a very disturbed individual. Whether the parents or the school are criminally liable is to be determined, but ethically and morally there likely is a great deal of failure on all of their parts.
The bottom line is when people do evil things and innocent people are injured or die, we should ALL be outraged. Law-abiding Americans should be empowered to defend themselves without government interference. Government should hold criminals accountable and government should be held accountable if they fail to enforcing the law. If a school disarms its teachers, school staff, and administrators “for their safety” but the school does not provide for their safety by enforcing procedures, having armed security, and deterrents in place, or by outright ignoring glaring warning signs, then that school should be held accountable.
As we continue enjoying this Holiday season, let us be ever thankful for the blessings we have, and pray for those whose lives have been changed by these and other tragedies.
FOAC End-of-the-Year Joint Banquet and Meeting Event:
The December End-of-the-Year FOAC Banquet/Membership Meeting (Dec. 12th) will be in-person (again at Al’s Café) ‘and’ online for all FOAC members, Subscribers, Contacts and all 2A Supporters. Click this link for more information on this issue! The banquet is being held at Al’s Café - https://www.alscafepgh.com/ - a Bethel Park iconic restaurant (62 Years). We hope you can join us.
Online Meeting Connection Details (also available at the end of the newsletter) are as follows:
Join the FOAC Meeting by Clicking this Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4122571099
**Please Note: To join this FOAC meeting you must RSVP by sending an e-mail info@foacpac.org and the Meeting Password will then be e-mailed to you by one of the officers. (Time: 10:00 a.m.)
Recent Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor of Interest:
Kim Stolfer, FOAC President:
https://triblive.com/opinion/kim-stolfer-time-to-restore-gun-freedoms/
Klint Macro, FOAC 2nd VP:
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/11/you-are-your-familys-first-responder-opinion.html
Stephen LaSpina, FOAC Board Member:
https://www.lockhaven.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2021/12/constitutional-carry/
Efficacy of Gun Control: Spotlight –
USA -(AmmoLand.com)- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed the three-judge panel decision in Duncan v. Becerra, the ban on magazines that hold over 10 rounds. The opinion was released on November 30, 2021.
Interesting Videos:
WATCH: 5th Annual National Train A Teacher Day, June 18th, 2022 Announcement
Stay tuned…. FOAC Spring Gun Bash Tickets are COMING SOON!!!
2021 & 2022 – FOAC Concealed Carry Events
2/26/2022 – Concealed Carry Seminar – Ambridge District Sportsmen’s Assoc.
Location – ADSA Clubhouse, 2900 Ridge Road Extension, Baden PA, 15005
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
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
Time: 6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Overall Status of 2nd Amendment Legislation Filed to Date in PA and the US:
2021-2022 Session PA State Bills
- Pro-Gun Bills: 27
- Anti-Gun Bills: 75
- Unrated (Watching): 14
- Legislative (gun related) Memos: 122
2021-2022 Session Federal Bills
- Pro-Gun Bills: 43
- Anti-Gun Bills: 105
- Unrated (Watching): 38
The Biden Administrations “Make The Taliban Great Again” Policy Reinforced
Full List of American War Weapons Lost In Afghanistan :: 12/05/2021
USA – -(AmmoLand.com)- No one has done more to strengthen the ability of the Taliban in their mission to perpetrate evil on the World than Joe Biden. While desperately trying to destroy the 2nd Amendment, Democrats are simultaneously handing over $83 billion worth of training and equipment to the enemy in a botched retreat from Afghanistan.
1st Point to Ponder: Our history is one of freedom, personal defense, and individual achievement
The “Pilgrims” traveled to escape persecution, to live their lives the way that they saw fit. In doing so, they encroached on other people's turf, even though that was not their design. They chose a form of Government that was derived from 'the people' and chose to do away with communal pursuits and each family had their own property to work and food to grow. They valued their powder and ball as much as their stores of seed and building tools. They worked hard to try and understand the 'locals' and build alliances with them, sometimes they clashed, other times they enjoyed peace and brotherhood.
The book 'Of Plymouth Plantation 1620-1647' by William Bradford is a fascinating (although sometimes hard to read... folks don't speak like that much these days) first-hand account of what happened 4 centuries ago.
We as Americans, whether our ancestry traces its entry into the Country via Plymouth, Jamestown, Ellis Island, El Paso-Juarez Entry Point, or wherever, we should respect and value these guiding American principles:
1. Live freely and raise your family how you choose.
2. Worship God, or not, the way you choose.
3. Work as hard as you want to achieve success... and freely reap the benefit of that work.
4. Have a form of government that derives its authority from 'the people'.
5. Have the means and ability to protect self and family.
6. Respect others wants, needs, and endeavors, and stay out of their way of obtaining them.
In 1863, Abraham Lincoln felt that making Thanksgiving a National Holiday might be a way to help bring Americans together during a time when States and sometimes families were at war with each other. Thanksgiving is a unifying Holiday not a dividing one.
2nd Point to Ponder: Activism Effectiveness:
How to present a good public image and deal with the media. All TOO often the media paints gun owners in the most unflattering light meant to disparage us in any way possible. It is up to each of us to ensure we do not contribute to the stereotype perpetuated by a biased and prejudiced media. We have assembled some basic thoughts and guidelines that we recommend you take a few minutes to review this material to brush up on the necessary techniques for effective communication to the public.
Today in American History
December 12th 1787, Pennsylvania became the 2nd State to ratify the US Constitution.
Spotlight:
'What, Sir, is the use of a militia? It is to prevent the establishment of a standing army, the bane of liberty . . . Whenever Governments mean to invade the rights and liberties of the people, they always attempt to destroy the militia, in order to raise an army upon their ruins.' - Rep. Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts, Annals of Congress 750, August 17, 1789
*****
FOAC Note: IF you want to fight for the 2nd Amendment ‘and’ defeat the anti-gunners, it is imperative that you have the facts at your side to unravel their lies. THIS BOOK does that and can make you a winner in any debate and is ‘highly recommended’!
You can purchase this book here!
Closing Thoughts: Why the “Anti’s” love open carry
Gov. Wolf said that the (Constitutional Carry) “legislation that would have made it easier for concealed weapons to be carried throughout Pennsylvania by unvetted gun-holders.”
What exactly is an unvetted gun-holder? This is a new term to me.
All pistol purchases in the Commonwealth of PA must go through an FFL and PA Instant Check System. So, if firearms are legally purchased, the purchaser is not “unvetted”… they are quite “vetted”. We can discuss the actually Constitutionality (or lack thereof) of background checks and the ineffectiveness of the PIC System at another time, but, no matter how you look at it, this statement is a untrue and designed to insight fear.
CeaseFirePA said, “The General Assembly tried to make this and future holiday shopping seasons more dangerous by allowing anyone to carry a concealed firearm, no permit needed.” Fear-Fear-Fear! Currently ANYONE can carry a firearm without a permit; if they choose to break the law. Again, law-abiding Pennsylvanians don’t break the law. It is interesting that Adam Garber didn’t mention how the Holidays are more dangerous because elected officials let criminals out on their own recognizance where they can easily drive a vehicle into a crowd of people at a Christmas parade.
Moms Demand Action said, “Gun violence is a public health crisis in Pennsylvania, but when common sense gun safety measures were on the table, state lawmakers forced through a dangerous permitless concealed carry bill instead.” Actual gun safety education is nowhere to be found on the Mom’s website. IF it is there, it is buried. So, to them, safety is unattainable. Their message is danger-danger-danger, fear-fear-fear. Health crisis? You are much more likely to die of Covid in an old folks home than you are from violence at the hand of a law abiding Pennsylvania. Because law abiding Pennsylvanians do not commit acts of violence.
The reason I believe that this bill REALLY scared the anti’s is that it would mean everyone could carry concealed if they chose to. Covering your firearm with your shirt takes away the anti’s ability to demonize you and weaponize your Constitutional Right. It removes their ability to use YOU to intimidate and induce fear in your uneducated fellow Pennsylvanians. They are teaching folks to fear the gun. When they can no longer see the gun, it removes their ability promote irrational fear-based thought. The “gun control” folks not only want to control you by restricting and eliminating your Constitutional freedoms but they also want to control everyone else by keeping them uneducated and fearful. If this last year has taught us anything is that a fearful and confused or uneducated population is much easier to control.
If you don’t have your PA License to Carry and Firearm…. Go get it and carry your firearm concealed. With your help we can continue the fight and someday get Constitutional Carry signed into law. But in the meantime, if we get our plastic card that allows us to cover our firearm with our shirt, we take away their narrative and can work to educate our confused and uneducated fellow Pennsylvanians.
The answers to all problems can be found in education and the free exercise of ALL of our Constitutional Rights!
Stay Armed and Be Well Regulated!
Klint Macro, FOAC 2nd VP
P.S. We need YOUR help. FOAC-ILLEA doesn’t have socialist benefactors such as a Michael Bloomberg and George Soros pouring in hundreds of millions of dollars. We rely on spirited, Freedom Loving Pennsylvanians like ‘you’! Your contribution of $500, $100, $50, or whatever your means allows, will let us make a permanent difference in the gun control debate.
**MEETING NOTICE -- As a reminder, all FOAC members and, indeed, every gun owner can participate in the December 12, 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:
https://zoom.us/j/95912432743?pwd=djJxeXFTdjNLdzJGcnA0a2lQTHFDdz09
Meeting ID: 959 1243 2743
Passcode: Sent Upon Your RSVP Request to info@foac-illea.org
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,95912432743#,,,,*430219# US (New York)
+13017158592,,95912432743#,,,,*430219# US (Washington DC)Meeting ID: 958 6960 1854
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.
Here are this Week's Top News Stories From Firearms Owners Against Crime
Georgia Self Defense: Cops: Uber driver's fatal shooting near Union City nightclub appears to be self-defense :: 12/03/2021
No charges have been filed after an Uber driver was fatally shot by a security guard in late November after dropping off a woman at a Union City business, police said.
Police Chief Group Pushing Bloomberg’s Anti-Gun Propaganda ::
12/06/2021
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) claims to be the world’s largest and most influential professional association for senior police executives, and like many of its members and major donors, it is devoutly anti-gun.
Virginia: AG-Elect Miyares to Focus on Criminals, Not Gun-Owners ::
12/06/2021
With Virginia seeing rising crime rates and residents feeling like their outgoing leaders weren’t working to protect them, incoming NRA Endorsed Attorney General Jason Miyares has committed to putting an end to Virginia’s rising crime rates, stating:
https://foac-pac.org/Virginia:-Ag-elect-Miyares-To-Focus-On-Criminals-Not-Gun-owners/News-Item/13079
Texas Self Defense: Wounded Suspect Takes Shotgun from Homeowner During Struggle After Being Shot ::
12/03/2021
Texas is the only state that allows the use of deadly force to protect property but that doesn’t mean that it’s ever a good idea to do so.
To turn off the weekly news report log into your member control panel at foac-pac.org, click on the 'edit membership preferences' link and check no next to weekly news email and save the changes.
