NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT

NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS ALERT Vol. 16, No. 45 11/13/09

Urgent Alert: Ask Your U.S. Senators And Representative To Sign Amicus Brief Supporting Second Amendment Rights In The States!

As a critical Second Amendment case goes before the United States Supreme Court, U.S. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) and Jon Tester (D-MT), and Congressmen Mike Ross (D-AR) and Mark Souder (R-IN) are gathering signatures for an amicus curiae ("friend of the court") brief by Members of Congress. And we need your support for this important effort next week.

The case is McDonald v. City of Chicago, and it will answer the question of whether the Second Amendment applies to the states-as the Congress clearly intended in the 1860s, when it adopted the Fourteenth Amendment to protect constitutional rights against abuse by state and local governments. This brief is an opportunity for today's Congress to show just as clearly that it respects the Second Amendment's importance to all Americans-not just residents of the District of Columbia and other federal territories.

Click here to vote in this week's poll.

Your Help Is Needed In Support of BATFE Reform Bills S. 941 And H.R. 2296: As we've been reporting for months, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) have introduced S. 941, the "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Reform and Firearms Modernization Act of 2009" in the U.S. Senate. Representatives Steve King (R-Iowa) and Zack Space (D-Ohio) have introduced a companion bill-H.R. 2296-in the U.S. House. The bills would roll back unnecessary restrictions, correct errors, and codify longstanding congressional policies in the firearms arena. These bipartisan bills are a vital step to modernize and improve BATFE operations.

Another Way To Get Involved: Online Social Networking: Internet social networking has exploded in recent years. Websites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter attract millions of users. These on-line communities foster a connection between their users, and allow distribution of user-generated content (like pictures, profiles, music, video, and text).

Help Defend Your Gun Rights One Click At A Time: We have a revolutionary yet simple tool that will allow you to stay connected to NRA-ILA and raise valuable contributions to defend our Second Amendment rights without spending a dime! It's the NRA-ILA Toolbar, and you can make a difference by downloading and using it.

Grassroots Minute Video: To view the most recent "Grassroots Minute" video, please click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDU5xH1MQKY

STATE ROUNDUP (Please note the only items listed below are those that have had recent action. For other updates on state legislation, please go to the state legislation section at www.NRAILA.org, and check each week's issue of the Grassroots Alert.")

PENNSYLVANIA: "Castle Doctrine" Self-Defense Bill to be Considered Next Week! On Thursday, November 19, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee will consider House Bill 40. HB40, sponsored by State Representative Scott Perry (R-92), would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their homes and any places outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. It is clearly stated that there would be no "duty to retreat" from an attacker, allowing law-abiding citizens to stand their ground to protect themselves and their family. HB40 would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker's family when force is used. If you would like to testify, please contact the House Judiciary Committee at (717) 787-3525. Please contact the members of the House Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB40. Contact information can be found here.

TENNESSEE: Carroll County Tables Anti-Gun Ordinance! The Carroll County Commission was scheduled to hear an ordinance on Monday, November 9 that would have banned the possession of firearms on county properties, even by those possessing Right-to-Carry permits. Because of overwhelming opposition by NRA members and gun owners, the ordinance was tabled. We would like to thank those NRA members and firearm owners who took the time to make their voices heard! Please continue to visit www.nraila.org for up-to-date legislative alerts.

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