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Archived News
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Interpreting the Second Amendment - from Miami Herald
SAS Response
Dear Editor,
I feel I must respond to Mr. Leonard Russell’s letter, Interpreting the Second Amendment, published August 16, 2001, in your paper.
He claims the Second Amendment is addressing the right of the electors to keep and bear arms. It seems to me, if the Second Amendment authors had meant only for electors to have arms, they would of have said that. The main focus of what is deemed our Bill of Rights are the rights of the people as a whole, not of a select few.
The founders felt it was necessary to preserve the rights of the people to keep and bear arms, as the people were considered the militia, necessary for protecting our states and country, not just keeping the federal government in line. In many state constitutions the people are still considered the militia. This from our own Florida Statutes: 250.02 The militia shall consist of all able-bodied citizens of this state, and all other able-bodied persons who shall have declared their intention to become citizens.
He claims the Second Amendment is silent on today’s gun issues. What part of SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED does he not understand? They didn’t care why you wanted to own arms, merely that your right to do so be preserved.
He claims the right should only be held by police departments. This is exactly what our founders didn’t want. The last thing we need in this country, is to turn it into a police state. The police are under no obligation to protect an individual, nor are they able to do so. Their main responsibility is to maintain civil order. The only exception to this are those in the Secret Service who are trained to give their own life to protect the President of the United States and others they are assigned to protect.
Most officers I know have encouraged me to obtain a firearm and training for self defense needs. They have often expressed to me their own frustration over crimes that could have been prevented had the victim been properly trained in the use of a firearm and had one accessible. I find it appalling that Mr. Russell feels the police officers should risk their lives to save the lives of others rather than each individual taking responsibility for their own personal safety and that of their family. Law Enforcement Officers aren’t bullet proof. Nor are they super human. Mr. Russell needs to remember there is a human being behind that badge. They are everyday people with extensive training. Much of that same training is available to the public.
Our need for self defense is an individual choice. One that should be made by personally investigating every avenue available. We’ve lost enough rights in this country. Self defense is a basic human right. Thank goodness Attorney General Ashcroft understands this.
Sincerely,
Lynda Green
State Coordinator, Florida
Second Amendment Sisters, Inc.
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Reno Suggests Licensing Gun Owners To Curb Crime - from Tampa Bay Online
SAS Response
Dear Mr. Wasson,
I read your article, "Reno Suggests Licensing Gun Owners To Curb Crime", with interest and disgust. Mrs. Reno is somewhat misguided in her statements. Licensing gun owners will not curb crime, but merely provides a registration for the state to use against law abiding people. She’s already stated that very intention with her statement, "My approach to guns is anybody who possesses a weapon ought to demonstrate they know how to safely and lawfully use them, and if they don't do so, take them back." Her implying that this is not registration because they aren’t registering each individual gun, is nothing more than splitting hairs.
In order to obtain a concealed weapons permit in the State of FL, you must first take a handgun safety class, where you are taught safety and the law. Hunter education is provided in almost every community, many times free. Most law abiding gun owners are very safety conscious. Don’t take my word for it. Go to the range and watch. There is no reason to impose this kind of bureaucratic burden on the state or it’s residents. It will do nothing to curb crime. Instead it will make criminals of gun owners, because most of us will not submit to any kind of registration.
Meanwhile, the criminals out there will not obey this law, either. There is a three day waiting period before you can purchase a handgun in this state and you must submit to a background check. Do you think the criminals are doing this? Of course not. We must have training, be fingerprinted, send in a picture, submit to a background check , and pay a fee to carry a concealed weapon in Florida. Do you think the criminals are doing this? No.
So I must ask Mrs. Reno, how in the world is further expense and red tape going to help curb crime? I can only see it as infringement on my rights. Perhaps a more realistic approach, would be for public service announcements encouraging firearms owners to obtain training in firearms safety. This might not curb crime but it would be a step in the right direction in promoting safe use and storage of firearms. And who knows? Maybe if the criminals realize that the gun owners in Florida are armed and trained, they just might rethink their lifestyle. After all, when the state approved concealed weapons permits, our crime rate dropped dramatically.
I encourage every firearm owner I know to take a safety class. Then take more. The Second Amendment Sisters actively supports firearm safety, holding safety shoots in their area for women.
Personally, I am tired of the many, being punished for the actions of a few. Mrs. Reno’s position isn’t about curbing crime at all but rather, a statement that she doesn’t trust the people of Florida. Not a very good position for someone who is contemplating running for Governor.
Sincerely,
Lynda Green
State Coordinator, Florida
Second Amendment Sisters, Inc.
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Confiscation of Registered Guns Begins in Illinois
Women are often frustrated when trying to find a way to carry concealed weapons. How have you solved the problem? Share your ideas and we'll compile an information page. Send your solutions to
fl_co_coord@2asisters.org.
Mother's March Against Gun Control
FL-SAS held a Mother's Day Rally in Tallahassee, FL on the steps
of the capital, May 13, 2001, from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm, EST.
FL-SAS held a Mother's Day Rally in Hollywood FL at Johnson
Street and Broadwalk on May 13, 2001 at 10:00 am, EST.
Please email
fl_co_coord@2asisters.org
for information on future plans.
Click HERE for pictures
of the Mother's Day Rally.
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Summer and Kids: Safety Tips
School's out (or soon will be) and the kid's will likely be
spending more time than usual in less supervised activities,
you may drop them off at the mall, the movies, or the skating
rink. They may be spending some time baby-sitting or staying
home alone. Or they may just be spending more time playing
outdoors with friends. All those situations have the potential
for 'stranger danger'. Even if you think the kids know all the
rules, take a few minutes to go over them again. When their
safety (and your peace of mind) is at risk, you can never be
too careful.
Some reminders:
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Keep doors and windows locked even if they will only be home
for a few minutes.
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Never open or unlock the door without first knowing who's on
the other side.
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Never allow anyone (except for individuals you specify) into
the house. We often say 'don't let strangers in', but kids
may not consider someone they've seen around the neighborhood
a stranger.
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If they come home and find a window or door broken or forced
open, don't go in. Go to a neighbor or other safe place to
call the police.
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Never get within reach of someone in a stopped car. Kids will
generally talk to someone who stops to ask directions, but
they should never go close enough to be grabbed.
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Never accept a ride from someone they don't know well, again,
the man down the street may not really be a stranger, but he
might not be someone you would trust.
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If something or someone seems odd or suspicious, follow your
instincts, get away, seek safety in a populated, well lit area.
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Make sure the kids always have money for a pay phone (or have
a cell phone they carry with them) so they have the means to
call you, the police, or other help.
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These are just a few basic safety rules that kids need to know,
depending on where you live, there may be other issues that
deserve serious discussion.
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Please have those discussions - your kids really will thank you
someday!
Contributed by the Administrators from Our Country Haven
and OCH Self Reliance
Thanks Ladies!
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