Post by: spur_ride on December 09, 2008, 04:15:46 PM
Insider Report from Newsmax.com
1. Potential Obama Appointees Questioned on Guns
The National Rifle Association has denounced the Barack Obama transition teams questionnaire asking potential appointees about their own gun ownership.
The 63-question personnel form includes this query: Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage.
Paul Light, professor of public service at New York University, told Politico.com that there was no such question for potential appointees when George W. Bush took office in 2000.
It kind of sticks out there like a sore thumb, he said.
Light hypothesized that the Obama camp might want to avoid the spectacle of a Cabinet-level or other high-ranking appointee who is found to have an unregistered handgun.
But the NRA, which spent millions in an attempt to defeat Obama, is crying foul over the question.
Barack Obama and his administration are showing their true colors and true philosophy with regard to the Second Amendment, said Chris Cox, the NRAs top political official.
It shows what weve been saying all along this guy doesnt view the Second Amendment as a fundamental constitutional right.
Republican Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina also denounced the question.
Its very odd and very concerning to put out a question like that, he said.
DeMints campaign organization sent an e-mail to supporters vowing to endorse legislation that bars federal hiring discrimination on the basis of gun ownership.
The question put to potential appointees is just the latest Obama move to irk opponents of gun control, NewsBusters contributing editor Tom Blumer pointed out.
Among other things, Obama has voted to allow lawsuits designed to bankrupt firearms firms, voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting, endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership, voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense, and supported a proposal to ban gun stores within five miles of a school or park.
Post by: cabin308 on December 10, 2008, 09:53:05 AM
Post by: sisu on December 11, 2008, 10:04:42 PM
http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/Speeches.aspx?ID=47
Monday, October 01, 2007
GOV. RICHARDSON: Thank you for allowing me to take this time to address the NRA "Celebration of American Values." Responsible gun ownership, the right of law abiding citizens to own guns, is, indeed, a historically-cherished American value and tradition. As a Western governor, I understand and support the Second Amendment. I am grateful to have received the formal endorsement of the NRA as a Congressman, and again as governor in 2006.
This position doesn't always make me the most popular guy in the room with certain audiences. But the reality is that New Mexico has an age-old history of hunting, sportsmanship, and other lawful shooting activities. It also has a proud history of defending the nation and its Constitution, both in times of conflict and peace. I have a long record, both as a Congressman and governor, as a defender of the rights of citizens to own guns. You may have heard that I not only supported New Mexico's "Concealed Carry" law, I have a permit myself.
As you know, I'm running for president. The 2008 election will be one of the most important elections we've ever had. Our country is adrift, divided and partisan, and we've lost our standing in the world. The next president must be able to bring people together to heal our deep divisions, and restore America to its place as a true global leader and beacon of hope for the world. We need change, and we need someone with the experience to get it done. I believe I am that person.
You have a lot at stake in this election as well. In recent years, our civil and personal rights have come under attack. As president, I will lead an all-out effort to restore and protect our rights, including the Second Amendment. I am a Democrat who will work hard for you, for the rights of all citizens, and to once again make America the land of individual opportunity and collective greatness.
Just as I do not hide from my audience my support for responsible gun ownership, I will not down-play my belief that we can, and must work together to keep guns out of the hands of criminals and the mentally ill. We must work diligently to enforce existing laws and improve communications among law enforcement agencies. If we do, we will crack down on the real criminals. Then there will be less pressure on the rights of law abiding citizens like you and me who wish to own guns for protection, hunting or other recreation.
I'd like to thank your president, Wayne LaPierre, and the NRA for helping our Department of Public Safety provide high-quality fire arms for safety training programs for New Mexicans. I applaud your support of law enforcement across this country. As a governor, a Westerner, a supporter of our individual freedoms, and a Democrat, I urge all NRA members to stay involved in the election of candidates of both political parties. In America, we have a long and honorable tradition of solving our problems in a bipartisan manner. Your voice needs to be heard. When I'm president, it will be.
Today, I'm proud to join you in celebrating freedom, and I thank you for your support
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on December 11, 2008, 10:23:03 PM