WILL YOU LET THEM RENEW THE BAN ON NORMAL-CAPACITY MAGAZINES AND THE RIFLE YOU WANT?
by Brian Puckett

May 21, 2003

RENEWING THE BAN

Remember the unconstitutional 1994 ban on a random list of semi-automatic rifles (mendaciously) called "assault weapons" that Bill Clinton and the Democrats pushed through?

It set a terrible precedent – any gun can be added to that list, including yours. And if a maximum of 10 rounds in a magazine is good, isn’t it better to have a 5-round limit?

This law will automatically expire in September of 2004 – unless the Republicans in Washington, many of whom (including G. W. Bush) we put in office - betray both us and their oaths of office and RENEW the law.

AND THEY’RE THINKING ABOUT DOING IT, RIGHT NOW.

Do you want to help wipe out this law? If so, you’ll have to actually do something. But don't worry, it’s easy.


WHAT TO DO – RIGHT NOW

All politicians say that feedback from voters determines how they vote on laws. I believe them. Why? Because it has nothing to do with your rights, or supporting the Constitution, or doing the right thing, and everything to do with what all politicians (except for Ron Paul of Texas) really care about – getting re-elected.

What kind of feedback? Phone calls and regular mail. They figure if you’ll take a few minutes and spend a couple of bucks for long-distance calls or postage, you’re serious about your message – and you’re a serious voter who’ll turn up at the polls on election day.

They don’t care about your emails, which take a few seconds to send and show no commitment. They dump them. Likewise, it’s easy to turn off the fax machine, or dump a pile of printed faxes into the garbage at the end of the day. Who has time to read them?

BUT – they do have paid staffers to take your phone calls, or listen to recorded calls, or read postcards and short letters and mark down "for" or "against" on a list of upcoming legislation.


IT’S ALL RIGHT HERE, AND IT’S EASY

Pick up the phone and call one, two, three, or all of these numbers, in this order:

Speaker of the House, Republican Dennis Hastert — (202) 225-2976
House Majority Leader, Republican Tom DeLay — 202-225-5951
Senate Majority Leader, Republican Bill Frist — (202) 224-3344
The White House — (202) 456-1111

Or you can try this toll-free number, ask for the appropriate office, and when connected leave your comment: 1-800-839-5276


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CALL?

The phone rings, someone picks it up and says "Representative X’s office."

Tell them you want to leave a comment.

They’ll say "Sure, go ahead," and take it personally, or switch you to the comment line.

Tell them "If the Clinton gun and magazine ban is renewed, I will not (support/vote for Bush, Republican Party, etc)". Keep it short.

The phone handler on the other end will say "Thank you", and you’re done.

I’ve done it many times and will do it many more.


A PHONE CALL IS BEST

Right now we’re not recommending letters or post cards. Why not?

First, the issue is being discussed right now by the Republican leadership. A phone call gets your message in immediately.

Second, due to the anthrax situation, mail to representatives may be delayed for several weeks.