Author: OFF

As you know from yesterday’s alert, the NRA has cut a deal to exempt themselves from proposed  legislation that is intended to greatly curtail the free speech and activism rights of other organizations.

Today the NRA issued a statement saying the bill  “would have undermined or obliterated virtually all of the NRA’s right to free political speech and, therefore, jeopardized the Second Amendment rights of every law-abiding American.”

OFF has heard from some who claim the bill is not a problem because it does not mention guns. Others have claimed that groups like Gun Owners of America have sensationalized the bill “to raise money.”  Well apparently the NRA had the same impression of the bill that GOA had. But NRA has cut  a deal that protects them from a bill they claim creates “onerous restrictions on free speech.”

In their statement they note: “The most potent defense of the Second Amendment requires the most adamant exercise of the First Amendment.”

Now that they have been exempted they plan no opposition to the legislation.

You can read the NRA’s statement here

NOTE THE NRA HAS MOVED THIS LINK SEVERAL TIMES. IF IT IS NOT WORKING SEARCH THE NRA’S WEBSITE OR CONTACT OFF FOR A PDF COPY.

Will OFF be silenced?

Dear Friend of Liberty,
A recent alert by Gun Owners of America has had some people wondering if GOA was overreacting. It would seem not.

HR 5175 was the subject of this alert by GOA;

This alert is now somewhat dated because it mentions the damage that might be caused to groups like GOA and the NRA. But now it seems the NRA has made a deal to protect itself while throwing organizations like OFF under the bus.

See here and here.

We urge you to take a moment and use GOA’s web site to contact your representatives and let them know that you oppose any efforts to silence your organization.
Thank you.
_________________________________________________

As you know, on March 8th, David Pyles’ home in Medford was surrounded by “swat” teams from multiple jurisdictions.  We reported on this raid here.

David’s “crime” was the perfectly lawful purchase of several guns. Since then we have had the opportunity to meet with David several times, and OFF members have been very generous in their support of David as he attempts to address the injustices to which he has been subjected.

You can read a letter we received from David here. As a result of his dismissal from his job, and the state’s position that he cannot receive unemployment insurance, coupled with the obvious difficulty David will have securing other employment, his financial situation has become quite precarious. If you can afford any donation to help David through this difficult time, I can assure you he will be very grateful.  If you choose to send a donation to David directly, you can do so at

David Pyles
c/o the “David Pyles Legal Defense Fund”
P.O. Box 728
Medford, OR 97501

You can also make a tax deductible donation to the Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation. 100% of all donations for David will be transferred directly to him.

If you donate by check please make a note that your donation is for David. If you prefer to donate through our secure website please be sure to pick “Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation” as the “Donation Type” and make a note that your ution is for David. Thanks you for your continued generosity.

June 10, 2010

Mr. Kevin Starrett
Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation
P.O. Box 556
Canby, OR 97013

RE: David Pyles’ thank you for OFEF’s & OFF’s “No Compromise” support, as related to the Medford SWAT (ODOT et al) unprecedented operations of March 4th to 8th, 2010

Dear Kevin:
I am writing, following the phone call and brief status update I provided earlier this week, to thank you for the continued support of the Oregon Firearms Education Foundation and the Oregon Firearms Federation! I cannot express my sincere gratitude and appreciation enough, to again thank the OFEF, the OFF, yourself especially, as well as all the OFF members and other individuals who have reached out to me in support to educate, inform and empower me to fight the alleged and obvious injustices I experienced first-hand on March 8th, 2010. Based on my experience, understanding and belief, ” ’No Compromise’ is not an option, but rather a responsibility, to ensure our inalienable Constitutional and First, Second, Fourth, Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights!”

I am also writing to provide the OFF and OFEF a more complete status update on my situation. As you will recall, I was placed on paid administrative leave on March 4, 2010, by my (now former) employer, the Oregon Dept. of Transportation (ODOT). This followed my consistent allegations via union grievances procedures, of the employer’s workplace harassment, discrimination and/or retaliation since approximately June 2009. Subsequently, during the early morning hours of March 8, 2010, I suffered the terrifying experience of the Medford SWAT “peace officer mental hold” incident and forced psychiatric exam at the Rogue Valley Medical Center. I understand this “psychological -oops!-eration” by these agencies was the direct result of alleged obvious, undue, unconscionable, unconstitutional and illegal influence and communications’ collusion of my former employer, the ODOT and its representatives, in coordination with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Oregon State Police (OSP), Medford Police Dept. (MPD) and other law enforcement agencies and their public official representatives. The alleged inappropriate and illegal communications resulted in compromised data integrity and confidentiality of the OSP firearms purchase background checks. I remained on paid administrative leave with ODOT, duty stationed at my home, until May 14, 2010.

I was wrongfully terminated, without just cause, by the ODOT on May 14, 2010. I was dismissed with over six-year’s exemplary public service and documented performance record. I was fired with only four-days prior verbal notice, and a letter of written “cause” for termination received only two days prior to May 14th.

Since being unjustly dismissed by ODOT, I have applied for state unemployment insurance benefits, only to be unexpectedly denied UI benefits last week by the Oregon Employment Department. It appears denial was determined “just because” ODOT says so, regardless of what violations I or my union have grieved and continue to grieve. Needless to say, I feel as if much of Oregon state government is out to literally destroy and further harm me by any means it is capable (e.g., now economic harm). I am presently seeking employment; however, as you can imagine in this economy and in this region, following the highly public, embarrassing, humiliating and defamatory events of March 8th and subsequent media coverage, I have certain obvious limitations and options for viable employment at this time.

However rest assured, I am doing very well in the big picture! I remain in very good spirits, am optimistic, and maintain a positive, healthy perspective on these most unpleasant and unfortunate matters. God has truly blessed me during this time. So many co-workers, friends, family, new acquaintances, organizations and persons I’ve never met have been so kind and generous to express their understanding, empathy and support to me since March 8th. Many have also provided small gifts of monetary resources, in addition to the kind resources the OFEF has provided. How can I express my thanks for such generosity? These gracious utions to date have assisted me to retain an attorney and legal counsel, Mr. Jeffery H. Boiler, of Springfield, Oregon, which otherwise, would have been very limited given my present (and near future) economic resources to apply toward fighting my case aggressively. I cannot express my appreciation enough, in any sufficiently appropriate manner at this time, which genuinely expresses my gratitude toward such an outpouring of support and resources. I am deeply touched and moved. “Thank you!”

Furthermore, the Association of Engineering Employees (AEE, my union) and Mr. Boiler are working in my interests, toward an aligned strategy which seeks appropriate justice and fair treatment of my case. Effectively, AEE is leading continued union contract grievance matters (Step 3 Dept. of Administrative Service grievances, and Step 4 Arbitration, as necessary) following my termination. Mr. Boiler is working to address and protect all legal rights and remedies available, which are employment law, civil rights, and/or constitutional law matters, external to the union’s labor contract with the State. As OFF, OFEF and its members can appreciate, the State of Oregon (and the other agencies involved) knows it has every advantage of government to avoid, delay, impede and confuse my ability to legally fight for justice.

Therefore, as I plan for a long, drawn out legal battle in the coming weeks and months, in principle seeking fairness and justice to vindicate my professional career and personal reputation, I know I am likely to face many more obstacles and hardships. Because of an anticipated minimum 60 to 90 day timeframe to address my appeal of the State’s UI benefits denial, I am facing near-future economic hardship simply to be able to survive and maintain a reasonable quality of life in my current home. I seek not to be homeless in the coming months, should I not soon find gainful employment, however this may be a looming reality. Yet, I am resolved to endure whatever is necessary, to ultimately win victory in this unnecessary employment issues “war” initiated by ODOT, which became something much more threatening to each and every Oregonian (U.S citizen?) on March 8, 2010. The injustices I’ve experienced cannot be tolerated or allowed to stand!

In closing, as we briefly discussed, I am unexpectedly planning for the means and resources necessary to continue to raise monies to fight my case via personal legal representation. To such ends, I would welcome any further brainstorming, ideas or options we might be able to apply, toward the personal sale, auction or other legal personal property transfer of my firearm(s), which will assist financially to fight my legal case. First up for sale or auction, I offer the American made I.O. Inc., AK-47C “Liberty” model ( see: http://www.ioinc.us/ ), which apparently overly- “gruntled” some public officials at ODOT, JSCO, OSP and the MPD on March 8, 2010. Starting bid, $599.00!

I would appreciate any assistance, alert announcement or facilitation that OFF and/or OFEF may be able to provide to enable publicity of this sale to raise public attention and legal defense funds for my case, as I move forward in this principled Constitutional and employment rights battle. “Viva le resistance for life, ‘Liberty’ and the pursuit of happiness!”

I welcome our future correspondence and communications regarding these matters. The State of Oregon and all Oregonians are in good hands with your organizations’ leadership and advocacy. Thank you again, for OFF’s & OFEF’s no compromise support.

Kind regards,
David J. Pyles
PO BOX 728
Medford, OR 97501

GET A UTAH CHL AND HELP A PRO-GUN CANDIDATE.

A MESSAGE FROM OFFPAC.

If you have been waiting to get an Oregon or Utah concealed handgun license, you can now take both classes and have a part of your class fee donated to the race for an extremely pro-gun candidate for county commissioner in Yamhill County. (Residents of any county are welcome of course.)  The candidate is Mary Starrett, sister of OFF director Kevin Starrett. She beat the liberal incumbent in the May election by 9 votes, but because of the tiny margin will be forced into a run off in November. Her opponent is a well funded establishment big government supporter. But you can help Mary, and yourself, by taking this excellent class. We have reproduced the announcement Mary’s campaign sent to us. By the way, $50.00 of the total will qualify for a tax credit on your Oregon tax returns for 2010. that’s a pretty good deal.

Obtain Your Certifications to Apply for Your Utah & Oregon Concealed Handgun Permits While Supporting a Pro-Gun Candidate!
When: July 21st, 6:00 pm (doors open @ 4 pm for fingerprinting)
Where: 116 – S. Elliot Rd, Newberg, 97132 (Off 99 W) Use mapquest.com for directions.
Take Your Utah (permit valid in 28 States) and Oregon Concealed Handgun Class at the same time AND Support Mary Starrett’s runoff campaign for Yamhill County Commissioner.
This is the class that will teach you everything you should know about the Utah Concealed Firearms Permit. The obtained certification will allow you to apply for a Utah CFP (good in 28 states) but also for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License. Fee is $100/per student for both certifications plus we will provide you with passport photos and the required fingerprinting that you need to send to Utah for your permit (all included in the $100 class fee).  To apply for your Oregon CHL, you’ll need to contact your county sheriff and apply in person in their office.

Classroom will be open from 4PM and we will be taking fingerprints and photos at that time. It is okay if you can’t make it in that early, but class will start promptly at 6pm and go to about 10:30pm. Join Mary Starrett and  Executive Director of Oregon Firearms Federation, Kevin Starrett, for a special address at 5:45 pm.
Your registration is only valid after we received your payment and you must pre-register online at www.mktactical.com (Click on ‘Classes’, then ‘Calendar’, then click on the July 21st event) or go to:  http://www.mktactical.com/calendar.cfm

IMPORTANT: Please make sure to fill all fields and enter your full middle name.
Questions? Please call (503-577-6824) or email Michael Knoetig at  Michael@MKTactical.com

Please send your check or money order for $100.00 made payable to:
Friends of Mary Starrett 35775 Smith Road Newberg, OR 97132
Or pay by credit card online at:
http://www.starrettforcommissioner.com/Donate-Now.aspx

***Special note: Approximately 100 or so flyers were distributed with the initial date of June 30th. Due to scheduling conflicts, that date needed to change to July 21st. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Thank you for your support and we are looking forward to meeting you in class.

***Special thanks to Michael Knoetig and MK Tactical for taking their time to teach this class and thanks to the many volunteers who helped make this possible.

A Fairview City Councilor and OFF supporter is under  attack for, of all things, exercising his rights.

Ken Quinby , a long time supporter of the Oregon Firearms Federation, has a concealed handgun license. That makes some of his fellow councilors “nervous.”

Barbara Jones, another council member said  “I understand the Second Amendment allows you to bear arms; however my ‘pursuit of happiness’ and ability to live my life safely seems to be taking a back seat to those who run around with concealed weapons,”

” Run around with concealed weapons?”  What planet is she living on? Apparently the same one Council member Larry Cooper is. “I agree and have felt that way for a long time,” he said in an e-mail.  Now some council members want to do yet another end run around Oregon law and try to ban lawful carry in the City Hall for council members!

If they are successful, this will be one more nail in the coffin of our disintegrating “preemption law.”

Please contact the City Council and remind them that any effort to further erode the Second Amendment in Fairview will NOT be accepted.The email contact for Fairview City Council is council@ci.fairview.or.us

State Police Seek Huge Fee Increases  Exercise Your Rights.

Today, the Oregon State Police held their first “fee review” meeting to discuss their proposals for fee increases for background checks.

As you would expect, gun owners are being asked to subsidize most of the OSP’s budget with fee changes of twice to almost three times current charges.

The OSP has suggested that gun purchase background check fees go from $10.00 to $28.00, almost tripling the cost of a mandated background check for a gun purchase.

The fees for fingerprints for a concealed handgun license will be doubled from $15.00 to $30.00

Most states charge nothing for a background check for a firearms purchase. Furthermore, those states that use NICS as their “point of contact” do not record any information on the make, model, caliber or serial number of the gun. Oregon does record this information, charges a fee, and has used their database against gun owners when no crime was committed and no criminal investigation was on-going.

Some have suggested that they do not want the Feds doing the background checks in Oregon because they don’t trust them. But the fact is, the Feds are already involved in our background checks because the State Police check with NICS as part of their investigation. So why are we paying twice (once through the fee and once through our taxes) for a “service” we should not be compelled to submit to and certainly should not have to pay for?

The State Police told us that gun background checks make up about 23% of the checks they do. But at the new suggested fee, they would be collecting almost $9 million dollars from gun owners in every biennium just in background checks for gun purchases. This does NOT include the fees they would collect from people applying for CHL’s at the new doubled rate which would be about $819,420.00 in 2011.

The State Police have stated that their required budget for the 2011-2013 biennium is about $17 million. So gun owners will be asked to pay more than half of the budget for less the one quarter of the checks. This is clearly outrageous.

Gun owners are not getting a “service” from the State Police. They are compelled to pay these taxes to exercise a “right.”

We strongly recommend that you attend one of the fee review meetings, if you can, to express your opposition to fee increases.

You can see the proposed fee increases here.

You can see a schedule of “fee review” meetings here.

You can get more details about the OSP background checks here.

If you cannot be at one of these meetings, please contact the OSP ID unit to express your opposition to these giant tax increases.

You may e-mail:

David Yandell david.c.yandell@state.or.us

or

Patricia Whitfield patricia.whitfield@state.or.us

WYDEN JOINS ANTI-GUN FANATIC MICHAEL BLOOMBERG

New York’s “Mayor for Life” Michael Bloomberg, is on a personal crusade against gun ownership. But not just in the paradise he runs. He wants to attack gun ownership nationwide.

In his “Blueprint for Federal Action,” Bloomberg’s screed against gun rights, he expresses his support  for Senate Bill 843, a bill to end private sales at gun shows nationwide.

But Bloomberg has no problem with guns for himself.  In a New York Times article we learn;

“The mayor also takes along a police detail when he travels, flying two officers on his private plane and paying as much as $400 a night to put them up at a hotel near his house; the city pays their wages while they are there, as it does whether Mr. Bloomberg is New York or not. (sic) Guns are largely forbidden in Bermuda — even most police officers do not use them — but the mayor’s guards have special permission to carry weapons.”

This level of hypocrisy will surprise no one. But Oregon Senators should not be part of this outrageous elitism.

Senator Ron Wyden is a cosponsor of this bill .

With a coming election, we think it’s important that gun owners in Oregon know where one of their Senators stands. Solidly with a millionaire eastern liberal whose hypocrisy is incalculable.

Take a look at our 2010 Candidate Ratings.

“FEE REVIEWS”

Notice of “Fee Review.”

Oregon Firearms has received a letter from the Oregon State Police alerting us to regional meetings that will be held to discuss fees charged by the OSP ID unit.

As you know, in many states, background checks for firearms’ purchases are done by the Federal government. There is no fee for this check. However, in Oregon, the State Police do background checks for gun buys and charge $10.00

The State Police are now “reviewing” those fees. There is no reason to believe they are coming down.

Unlike many checks performed by the OSP ID unit, the checks done on gun buyers are not a “service” that is voluntary. Lawful gun buyers have no choice about subjecting themselves to this check along with the fee, and the data kept by the state police has been misused. In fact, recently the Attorney General has informed the OSP ID unit that, as a result of the David Pyles incident in Medford, they may no longer disclose info they collected during gun purchases.

We recommend that you attend one of the regional meetings.

OFF opposes any increase in fees. If the OSP cannot afford to conduct these checks we believe they should be handled by the Feds, as they are elsewhere, for no charge.
For more info on the meetings please use this link.

Imagine your telephone ringing in the middle of the night.  The caller informs you that he is a police officer. He wants to “get you the help and appropriate resources you need.” But wait, you have not asked for any help, don’t need any help, and certainly don’t want this “help” in the middle of the night.

But this offer of “help” and “appropriate resources” is an offer you can’t refuse. You see, your home is surrounded by SWAT teams from multiple jurisdictions. There are men in helmets with machine guns everywhere. Snipers are aiming at your home. You are told to come outside. You are promised you won’t be arrested, handcuffed or removed from your property. You are told your possessions will not be confiscated. The friendly paramilitary troops outside your house just want to chat with you.

Any rational person would recognize the danger in refusing the orders of dozens of heavily armed cops.

You leave your home and immediately you are handcuffed at gunpoint and taken to a mental hospital for a “psychological evaluation.” The police enter your home without a warrant, without permission, without probable cause and confiscate your firearms.

You have NOT been “arrested” so you have no right to an attorney. You have no right to remain silent. You are subjected to a “hold.”  You can be held for up to 180 days. You can be medicated against your will. Your crime?  The lawful and state-approved purchase of firearms.

None of this is fiction or speculation. It happened to an Oregonian on March 8th. This is the new face of “gun control” in the age of Obama. Buy a gun, go to a mental hospital.

David Pyles of Medford Oregon purchased several firearms between March 5th and 7th. In Oregon, a firearms purchase made through a dealer requires the approval of the Oregon State Police. David received approvals for all purchases, but it was these legal purchases that the police used to justify the raid on David’s home and the state-sponsored kidnapping that followed.

Shortly before David made these purchases, he had been put on “administrative leave” from his job at the Oregon Department of Transportation. He was involved in a dispute with a superior which he was attempting to resolve though normal channels and union procedures when he was told he would have to work from home.

His gun purchases were long planned and the result of some extra cash he had on hand because of a tax refund. David already owned other firearms. But the State Police, after approving his purchases, contacted local law enforcement in what, at this time, appears to be a blatant violation of the law. And because his employer accused him of being “disgruntled,” his perfectly legal gun buys became the excuse for an unlawful and unwarranted attack on his freedom and property.

A few hours after being dragged to an involuntary “psychological evaluation” David was released following clinical psychiatric evaluation which determined he was sane, of no threat to anyone, and of no threat of harm to himself. But the police kept his guns. At first, he was told he would have to wait 2 to 4 weeks to get his confiscated property back, but widespread attention and outrage by media and bloggers forced the police to return his guns.

His employer meanwhile posted notices warning other workers to run away if they saw David and call police. They also said David had made no threats to anyone.

David broke no law. He committed no crime and threatened no one. Yet, with no warrant and no probable cause, David was dragged off into the night by heavily armed troops with no legal authority to do so and he was given none of the protections a common thief would get from the legal system.

We cannot say how his life will be affected by this incident, especially now that, thanks to the NRA and the Brady Campaign joining forces, “mental health” records are being sent by the states to the Obama administration. We do know that this is a very dangerous situation and one the police have refused to explain or justify.

You can read an excellent and in depth review or what happened to David here and here. You can listen to an audio version here.  You can download an in-depth analysis of the dangers of these kinds of raids here.

The Oregon Firearms Federation has been in contact with David since soon after the incident. He as recently expressed an interest in getting some assistance in his legal battle to hold the various actors in this chilling fiasco accountable.

This is a case with nationwide implications. All gun owners, in fact all Americans should be horrified and fearful of the”Minority Report” implications of taking someone by force in the absence of any crime or even an indication that a crime was planned.

What the gun grabbers have failed to achieve legislatively, they are trying to do the old-fashioned  Soviet way. Just claim you’re mentally ill and “not cooperating.” Adding insult to injury, The Medford Mail Tribune, best known for its efforts to acquire the names and personal information of area gun owners, has published an editorial praising the actions of the police.

If you would like to assist David in his battle against this outrageous deprivation of his rights, the Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation has set up a fund for him. You may make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation or if you prefer, you can make a donation directly to David.
David Pyles
c/o the “David Pyles Legal Defense Fund”
P.O. Box 2765, Portland, OR 97208

If you choose to donate through OFEF you can donate by check to :
Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation
PO Box 556
Canby OR 97013

Be sure to note that your donation is for David.

If you would prefer to make a secure donation online, you can safely do so at this link. Under “Donation Type” be sure to pick Oregon Firearms Educational Foundation and make a note that your gift is for David’s defense. Clearly this kind of abuse must be stopped. We are all at risk. Thanks for your support.

SB 1064 Turned Into Pro-gun Bill And Passed.
You People Are Amazing.

SB 1064, which began life as a poorly drafted bill, misunderstood by
everyone, was amended in committee today and passed through both
chambers without a single “no” vote anywhere.

This is a truly astonishing testimony to your hard work. At the
beginning of the session no one could have predicted a victory of
this magnitude. Your tireless efforts turned a very bad bill into a
very good bill. Anti-gun legislators in both Houses voted in favor of
gun rights because of the unending heat you put on them.

Senator Ginny Burdick rose on the Senate floor to complain that she
was forced to vote on the same side as the gun lobby.

All in all, an amazing victory. Already the media is misreporting
the facts of the law and the vote.

But never mind. You did it. You won.

We’ll have more details later, but for now, know that the work you
did had a profound effect.
Thank you.

HOLD EVERYTHING!!

If you’ve ever doubted that your hard work mattered, the events of today should set your mind at ease.

SB 1064, a bad and unnecessary bill was in the express lane to passage. The Senate rammed it through with no debate and no public notice on an almost party line vote last night. But now it looks like your tireless efforts are paying off.

We are NOT out of the woods yet, but tomorrow the House Rules Committee will be hearing amendments to this awful bill that could change everything and actually make the bill deserve gun owner’s support.

Tomorrow the House Rules Committee will be considering the “Dash-1” amendments and if they are adopted, all of the offensive language of the bill will be gone.

We still have a way to go, but we have been clearly informed that the volume of mail you have generated is turning the tide. So never give up, never.

If you read this alert before 2:10 PM on Wednesday Feb. 24th, please send a simple message to the members of the House Rules Committee. “The Oregon Firearms Federation and I support the Dash-1″ amendments to SB 1064.”

We are not quite at the finish line, but things changed considerably today.

Contact info for the Rules Committee follows:

Arnie Roblan, Chair
503-986-1409
rep.arnieroblan@state.or.us

Vicki Berger, Vice-Chair
503-986-1420
rep.vickiberger@state.or.us

David Edwards
503-986-1430
rep.davidedwards@state.or.us

Bill Garrard
503-986-1456
rep.billgarrard@state.or.us

Chris Garrett
503-986-1438
rep.chrisgarrett@state.or.us

Sara Gelser
503-986-1416
rep.saragelser@state.or.us

Bruce L Hanna
503-986-1407
rep.brucehanna@state.or.us

Bob Jenson
503-986-1458
rep.bobjenson@state.or.us

Mary Nolan
503-986-1436
rep.marynolan@state.or.us

Tobias Read
503-986-1427
rep.tobiasread@state.or.us

You can also use this link to reach your own House Rep with the same message.

Senate Bill 1064 will most likely be on the Senate Floor tomorrow.

The few pro-gun Democrats are taking tremendous pressure to support it.

SB 1064 reverses the gains we made in fixing an error in Oregon law.
The new, corrected law has been in effect for less than two months,
and already the anti-gun majority is working overtime to overturn it.

Of course, no one has articulated a single problem with the current
law. The scare tactics of the Department of Justice have been working
though and the hysteria that felons will walk out of prison and be
handed guns has been taking its toll.

All the current law does is allow a person with felony convictions to
REQUEST approval of firearms rights restoration.
Under SB 1064, a person who gave a gun to a family member in another state and was then convicted of a FELONY for that transfer, can NEVER request
firearms rights restoration.

SB 1064 is a dreadful step backwards. We must do everything we can to
stop it. If it passes on the Senate floor tomorrow, it will go
quickly to a House Committee, either Rules or Ways and Means. That
means we need to contact both Senate AND House members as soon as
possible.

Things are happening so fast now, it’s very possible that whatever   House Committee the bill is assigned to will hear it tomorrow, should
it pass on the floor.

Please, as quickly as possible, Contact your Senator and House Rep
with the simple message, NO ON SB 1064.

Thank you for your continued activism on such short notice,
Use this link to contact your reps.

ADDED LATE:

OFF ALERT 02.22.10 (A)
SB 1064 PASSES IN EVENING SESSION
The Oregon Senate suspended its own rules and voted on SB 1064
tonight shortly after 7PM.
There was NO discussion on the bill, and NO notice to the public. As
of the time this alert is being written, the legislative website
still shows no notice that the bill was to be heard.
The vote was almost party line. One Democrat was excused, (Bill
Morrisette) and one Democrat voted for gun rights and sanity. (Betsy
Johnson)
Otherwise it was right down party lines.
All Republicans voted for a rational law and all Democrats except
Betsy Johnson voted to return Oregon law to a totally unintelligible
mess.
The bill now goes to the House where it will end up in either Rules
or Ways and Means. Don’t give up.
The majority of Democrats went with the political winds instead of
common sense. But while things are moving at lightning speed, it’s
not over.
If you have not contacted your House rep, do so now. Message… “NO
ON 1064.”

SB 1064 RAMMED THROUGH.

SB 1064, the bill we warned you about in our earlier alert today, was rammed through the Senate Rules Committee today.  Many of you who received our last alert may have written to the committee AFTER the bill was heard. Notice given that the bill was going to be heard? 1 Hour.

Clearly scheduling bills to be heard in Committee with one hour’s notice is not conducive to constituent input. And that’s, no doubt, the plan.

The hearing was held at 2pm today and passed out of Committee on a party line vote. Republicans Atkinson and Ferrioli voted “no” with Ferrioli giving notice that he may substitute a “minority report.”  All three Democrats voted “yes.”

OFF was the only organization testifying in opposition, although we were able to deliver testimony on behalf of the NRA’s Oregon lobbyist who was unable to attend but also opposed the bill. In favor? Floyd Prozanski and “Oregon Gun Owners.”

Long time members may recall that “Oregon Gun Owners” was the group that drafted legislation to outlaw private transfers of firearms at gun shows and in some cases your own home.  When OFF defeated that bill in 1999, “Oregon Gun Owners” attempted to put a measure on the ballot to outlaw private firearms transfers at gun shows. That failed as well, but a competing measure sponsored by Ginny Burdick passed. “Oregon Gun Owners” once attempted to hijack OFF’s domain names until threatened with legal action.

We can only speculate as to why OGO has come out of the woodwork to promote another anti-gun bill.  They played NO part in the bill they are seeking to overturn and had no position on the basic issue of whether Oregon gun laws should make any sense.

What they HAVE done is give cover to the anti-gun politicians who can now say that a “gun group” supports overturning the progress we made with your help last year.

At this pace it is impossible to say when this bill will be on the floor. But it is possible that it may be there as early as tomorrow.

Please use this link to find your Senator. There is no time for any message except “NO ON SB 1064”