Editorial: Dems don't get it

David A. Lombardo

So Harry Reed, a card carrying Democrat and Senate majority leader, hangs his spurs in a state where tried-and-true Nevadans would lynch any senator that tried to implement an assault weapons ban. When my friends in China wish you bad luck they say: "May you lead an interesting life." It would appear Senator Reed is leading an interesting life.

True enough, he's as old as the Las Vegas valley and probably won't stick around in Washington much longer but those that suggest he won't care about appeasing his constituents because he's a short timer misunderstand the Gentleman from Nevada. If you saw The Godfather Part II, the character of the Senator from Nevada was allegedly modeled after Reed. True or not, one thing is crystal clear; when he pulls the plug from the Senate he has plans to plug it back in when he gets home.

There is a delicious touch of irony that Nevada's state motto, "All for our Country," is precisely what Reed practiced in the Senate. Reed saw to it that he got everything from anyone who had even loose pocket change and put it into programs that would make indentured Democratic servants out of voters under the guise that it was for the good of the country. It won't be long before Reed dons his spurs once again and you can bet he's going to be rewarded for his years of public service with some cushy, high income, do-nothing job. The point being it's not likely he's going to want to incur the wrath of his homies.

Unlike Feinstein, Reed ain't all hat and no cattle; he's a whole lot savvier than conservatives give him credit. With Feinstein looking like she had just become homeless, Reed announced the assault weapons ban got banned from the bill saying it can be proposed as an amendment. "The bill needs 60 votes and I only have 40," he said. What people didn't realize was the 40 votes he was referring to were the only ones he'd ever get in his home state if he let an assault weapons ban become law. For all practical purposes the assault weapons ban is snack food for Nevada scorpions; hopefully Senator Feinstein will still be attached to it.

But here's the point. During the wake everyone held for the dearly departed assault weapons ban, Feinstein said, "America has to stand up. I can't fight the NRA. The NRA spends unlimited sums, backed by the gun manufactures, who are craven in my view. And I don't know what else to do other than the best we can in drafting a bill, in asking for support and in enabling something to pass in the Senate."

I have a few thoughts for the Gentle Lady from the land of the fruits and nuts. Buy a dictionary and look up the word "craven." The last thing I'd characterize gun manufacturers who stand up to the Congress and thumb their noses, is "lacking in courage" or "contemptibly fainthearted." The second thing I'd suggest is you give up whatever drugs you're taking, clear your head and realize the NRA and the gun manufacturers have so much power because they're backed by about 100 million Americans. It isn't the NRA you have to fear; it's the voters who enable the NRA that you have to fear.

April vote planned on firearms legislation

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced late Thursday that in April the Senate would consider a bill on straw purchases, school safety and expanded background checks. Sen. Charles Schumer's (D-N.Y.) proposal would criminalize the private transfer of firearms between law-abiding Americans. On Monday, the Senate announced that Sen. Dianne Feinstein's (D-Calif.) gun and magazine ban legislation (S. 150), which proposes to ban nearly every semi-automatic shotgun and detachable-magazine semi-automatic rifle, several other categories of firearms, and any ammunition magazine holding 11 or more rounds, will not be included in the Senate's gun control bill at the outset, out of concern that it would decrease the chance of Schumer's legislation being approved. Feinstein said that she was "disappointed" but she won't "lay down and play dead." On Wednesday, Vice-President Joe Biden told NPR News "I think the president and I are going to continue to push, and we haven't given up on it." White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough confirmed Biden's point, telling CNN "We're going to find the votes." [Source: National Shooting Sports Foundation]

Safari Club sets May 9^th

as Congressional Lobby Day

The largest annual event in Washington, D.C. that focuses solely on hunting & conservation is happening May 9, 2013. Safari Club International will organize over 200 visits to the Congressional Offices of House and Senate Leadership, so that you, as a hunter can speak with your elected officials about hunters' rights! Critically important legislation is now being debated in the Halls of Congress. Sportsmen and women need to protect their second amendment right to own firearms, ensure that access to public lands is there for future generations of hunters, and guarantee that government regulations do not kick the families of hunters off their land. Help Safari Club advocate for all hunting on May 9th. Now, more than ever, it is important that hunters speak with the strongest voice. By registering before April 5th, you will be eligible for a drawing to WIN a Kimber Pistol CDP II, .45 ACP. Join Safari Club International on May 9th when we will go to Capitol Hill to lobby on behalf of the 13 million Americans who hunt. 

SAF defends women's right to self-defense

before United Nations

The Second Amendment Foundation defended the right of women to defend themselves with firearms during testimony at the United Nations regarding the proposed Arms Trade Treaty. Speaking for SAF was Julianne Versnel, who was also representing the American Conservative Union. She told the world body that "the right to life must be given real meaning" and that "A right to life must include the fundamental right to defend that life. The right of self-defense is particularly important to women," Versnel stated. "As women, we have a right to protect our bodies and to protect ourselves against assault and rape. No one questions that violence against women is endemic." There are genuine concerns that any international gun control treaty would ultimately strip individual firearms rights from people all over the world. "Most of the delegates here know that in the U.S. there is extensive firearms ownership," Versnel testified. "What they do not know is that almost half of the handguns in the US are owned by women. They are used daily for self-defense. I fully endorse, as should every person in this room, the idea that women must have the means to defend themselves. Nothing that is in an Arms Trade Treaty should affect a woman's right to defend herself." [Source: Second Amendment Foundation]