Mass AG drops the bomb

[weatherby]

Remember where we live.

I know exactly where we live....at the start of the freedom trail and where the shot heard round the world came from.

[GaryS]

I think that there is a significant amount of bipartisan anger from the General Court towards Healey. Every Senator and state Rep is up for reelection and they don't want to create any waves. Especially in a Presidential election year.

Our job as gun owners and believers in the rule of law is to keep protesting, keep pressure on our legislators, and keep supporting GOAL, Comm2A, the SAF, and the NRA.

Originally Posted by weatherby

A quick legislative slapdown and return to existing law is not in the cards.

I'd call this a definite slap down for her.
we'll have to see what comes from it.

FINALGunDirectiveLetterToAG.pdf - Google Drive

[weatherby]

More slap down.....

Senator Don Humason files bill stripping Attorney General Maura Healey's authority on firearms sales in Massachusetts

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

That is good, maybe we can get rid of the secret list of banned guns, the one that she refuses to put in writing that includes Glocks

[Muss Muggins]

I can tell you that those of us in flyover country are watching this unfold with great interest . . .

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

To you in flyover land, we have Licenses to Carry, which unless you are connected don't let you carry, without an LTC or FID you cannot even have empty brass or fired brass - against the law. we have gun registration - ofr years they called it sale registration but we knew and now they admit that they know what we have because it was gun registration. We have a list of approved guns that you can see what you can buy then there is the AG secret list they they won't let you know what is legal or illegal. Your LTC is dependent on your Chief of Police and they can add extra requirements that are not in the law, in my town you have to write two letters of recommendation and a letter saying why you want a license and if you want to carry you have to have a "documented treat to your life" and even then you may not get it. And now we are all felons so the final catch all on the LTC's is suitability, if the Chief thinks you are not suitable you get not LTC

[Muss Muggins]

We have none of that, but we understand how quickly the tide can turn . . .

Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright SASS

To you in flyover land, we have Licenses to Carry, which unless you are connected don't let you carry, without an LTC or FID you cannot even have empty brass or fired brass - against the law. we have gun registration - ofr years they called it sale registration but we knew and now they admit that they know what we have because it was gun registration. We have a list of approved guns that you can see what you can buy then there is the AG secret list they they won't let you know what is legal or illegal. Your LTC is dependent on your Chief of Police and they can add extra requirements that are not in the law, in my town you have to write two letters of recommendation and a letter saying why you want a license and if you want to carry you have to have a "documented treat to your life" and even then you may not get it. And now we are all felons so the final catch all on the LTC's is suitability, if the Chief thinks you are not suitable you get not LTC

[les.b]

Ben, I'm reminding you guys that my "like" is just an acknowledgment that I understand what you guys are going through up there, and commiserate with you. Keep up the fight. I see from the letter from I assume your minority senators and representatives, that they at least are aware of the situation, and even though they are in a minority, they can keep this situation out for everyone to see. Which is a good thing, because this is a sample of what certain persons would like to see happen all over the country on a federal level. This is what certain folks call "Common Sense Gun Safety Laws".... So Muss and all the rest of us are watching. And if this had to happen, she may have made a tactical error dragging this monster out just months before an election.

Best Regards, and Wishes, Les

[mauser9]

Bad enough for Ma. residents but what could come on the Federal level sure scares me.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I have on good authority that although the AG said she is not going after the "felons" who have "pre-ban,Pre-ban" guns, that local police are starting to stop people leaving shooting ranges looking for "illegal guns" the big question is are all semi's banned or just AR and AK type.

I am not taking any semi-autos to the range until this works out. BUT what is to stop the cops from getting the gun registrations for their town and going to your house with a warrant.

[Squarebutt]

In 2014 we were threatened with some heavy gun bans and other restrictions like they jammed through in NY and CT. We managed to extend the debate for several months and show up at several public hearings to give our side. The Gun Owners Action League (Gun Owners' Action League of Massachusetts) kept up a very effective social media campaign, but one of the most effective tactics was the barrage of phone calls going in to every legislator's office every day until the final bill passed, a lot less severe than the original. Many of us are taking to the phones again, and we're calling all the legislators, not just our locals. Perhaps some of our compadres around the free states would like to join us in contacting the offices of our MA legislators to politely express their thoughts.

[pharmer]

Here in Florida we are one donkey governor short of catastrophe regarding gun rights. Miami, Tampa, Jax and Orlando have 75% of registered voters in the state. We are all in the fight. Joe

[GaryS]

Calls, emails, letters, and more than one rally outside the State House or on Boston Common.

One bit of advice for my fellow Bay State residents. If you aren't already registered to vote, do so. The first thing the staff of any politician looks at is to see if you're registered. If you aren't, your letter or email gets dumped. They respond to voters, and not non voters.

I expect to spend some time outside the State House this summer and fall.

"Remember in November".

Originally Posted by Squarebutt

In 2014 we were threatened with some heavy gun bans and other restrictions like they jammed through in NY and CT. We managed to extend the debate for several months and show up at several public hearings to give our side. The Gun Owners Action League (Gun Owners' Action League of Massachusetts) kept up a very effective social media campaign, but one of the most effective tactics was the barrage of phone calls going in to every legislator's office every day until the final bill passed, a lot less severe than the original. Many of us are taking to the phones again, and we're calling all the legislators, not just our locals. Perhaps some of our compadres around the free states would like to join us in contacting the offices of our MA legislators to politely express their thoughts.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I expect to spend some time outside the State House this summer and fall.

You and me both. Buy your sunscreen now before the big shortage!

[weatherby]

On our side she has pod the legislature with her stunt.
She will be reigned in.
Most think it will take a while...me I think it will be very fast.

I'm in 100 ℅ until the end either way and know Im in good company

[GaryS]

I bought a tube of "pre ban" sunblock on the way in yesterday.
At least it's not January, as it was the last time.

Originally Posted by TTSH

You and me both. Buy your sunscreen now before the big shortage!

[GaryS]

I'm with you on sticking to the end.

It would be ideal if the legislature did something quickly, but I'm planning for the worst.

Originally Posted by weatherby

On our side she has pod the legislature with her stunt.
She will be reigned in.
Most think it will take a while...me I think it will be very fast.

I'm in 100 ℅ until the end either way and know Im in good company

[weatherby]

If we have another Rally
Mark my words it "will" be epic

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by weatherby

On our side she has po'd the legislature with her stunt. She will be reigned in. Most think it will take a while... me I think it will be very fast. I'm in 100% until the end either way and know I'm in good company

Originally Posted by GaryS

I'm with you on sticking to the end. It would be ideal if the legislature did something quickly, but I'm planning for the worst.

Originally Posted by weatherby

If we have another rally, mark my words it "will" be epic

I'm with GaryS on this. I'm hoping for the best but planning for the worst. And there had better be more rallies. A lot more rallies and, hopefully, some even more "creative" undertakings. Whatever it takes, we need to beat this outrageous example of tyranny or find another interest as this one will have been outlawed.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

First, the "worst" outcome I have heard bandied about, I think if just talk. There were 10,000 AR's sold last year and in 22 years there have to be at least 100,000 AR owners in Mass, the "worst" case scenario I have hear bandied about is that at the end of the year the state will say that everyone who has ever owned an AR is a felon and therefore will pull their LTC's and they will have to give up ALL their guns (especially evil S&W's) this was from a guy who usually has a lot of inside info. I personally don't believe it but am getting my wife to get an LTC so I can transfer all my guns to her so at least I could take my time selling them.

What I see happening is one of three things,

First and hoping for the best, the Legislature will toss out her interpretation and go back to the status quo, I don't see that happening

Second, They will let the ban stands but the change her "not for now" on prosecution to July 20th is the new date for "post pre-ban post ban" guns and we they are legal to own but not transfer, may include registration but we already have that.

Third, what I see as likely is that the AG will announce a 30 day turnin period followed by confiscation

[Arc Angel]

For as long as I've been alive, firearm legislation in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has always been extreme, insane, and wildly, 'up the wazoo'!

Unfortunately, in recent years, New York State has decided to start playing, 'catch up'. Today, all secular government is trending towards unethical totalitarianism. Whether or not humanity will survive this all-too-human gubernatorial perversion I can only guess? I AM certain, however, that a great many people will not.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

a big part of the problem is that it is "one upmanship" between states, each one trying to outdo the other one

[les.b]

On the other hand Ben, and I'm not sure how this will play into the mix, states like mine are doing "oneupmanship" in the other direction, seemingly trying to outdo each other in pro-gun laws. The biggest problem in my eyes is not state level, but what will happen at the federal level. Federal district courts will eventually handle appeals from gun owners and groups, and ultimately the Supreme Court. We must ensure that no more anti gun types are appointed to these lifetime tenures.

Best Regards, Les

[weatherby]

First and hoping for the best, the Legislature will toss out her interpretation and go back to the status quo, I don't see that happening

Second, They will let the ban stands but the change her "not for now" on prosecution to July 20th is the new date for "post pre-ban post ban" guns and we they are legal to own but not transfer, may include registration but we already have that.

Third, what I see as likely is that the AG will announce a 30 day turnin period followed by confiscation

Ben I think your second was offered to us already ....we declined.
Correct me if I'm wrong on that.
The Third is not happening especially with the way she went about this.
I think a lot is going to happen here before July 31 st

[GaryS]

I don't know if it will be that fast, but it might. Somehow, I don't see the legislature adjourning with this issue out there. They know that we aren't going away and they know that we vote.

Time will tell.

Originally Posted by weatherby

Ben I think your second was offered to us already ....we declined.
Correct me if I'm wrong on that.
The Third is not happening especially with the way she went about this.
I think a lot is going to happen here before July 31 st

[Roadtrip]

Probably have a compliance rate similar to another NE banana republic state . . . Conn. .... which is about 4%.

[weatherby]

I wonder where and from whom she got the idea for this ????

Are we the Guinea pigs ?

Healey heading to Washington, Israel to talk guns, security | WPRI 12 Eyewitness News

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

barf .

[moralem]

You are going to need more than 5000 voters to sway the opposition. Good luck.

[Squarebutt]

IMO the best outcome would be for the legislators to show her who writes the laws in this state, and repeal the AWB - all of it. It was a meaningless feel-good extension of the Federal ban that expired in 2004 after having outlawed bayonet lugs, collapsible stocks and standard-capacity mags for 10 years with no effect on the crime rate nationally.

[cmj8591]

So what if they pass a law and no one obeys? Who will they send to collect all of these guns?

I, for one, am not going to turn in anything.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Roadtrip

Probably have a compliance rate similar to another NE banana republic state . . . Conn. .... which is about 4%.

Originally Posted by cmj8591

So what if they pass a law and no one obeys? Who will they send to collect all of these guns?

I, for one, am not going to turn in anything.

Nor will I... but I will strongly consider moving all of my now-suddenly-illegal guns to a relative's place in a free state for temporary safe keeping while this all gets sorted out. Of course the big question is: Which ones are now deemed illegal and which ones aren't? Some are fairly obvious given her rants & raves and "guidance"... some not so much.

[vt_shooter]

We’re losing this battle. The other side is very patient and strategic in how they’re going about it. Through their manipulation of the mainstream media, and adding increasingly restrictive firearms laws to the books, the opposing side is causing the percentage of the population that own firearms to drop, and once they get the percentage of gun owners low enough, and thus eliminate meaningful resistance to further restrictions, they’ll be able to really ratchet up the restriction and eventually do away with the 2A. After that, we can only guess what further controls over the population they’ll seek. No doubt the flow of information on the Internet will be high on their list. The days of freedom as we know it are numbered. My doom & gloom for the day, sorry about this!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by vt_shooter

My doom & gloom for the day, sorry about this!

Yep, it's awfully depressing right now. Haven't slept since last week. Being a felon for the first time in my life feels really funny. Prior to today, I hadn't even gotten a parking ticket. That's how squeaky clean I am. Now, I've become an instant overnight felon under the MA AG's newly "reimagined" version of our longstanding MA AWB law. Totally insane that something like this could take place in America, but it's true.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

Boiling the frog...

[dswancutt]

Originally Posted by cmj8591

So what if they pass a law and no one obeys? Who will they send to collect all of these guns?

I, for one, am not going to turn in anything.

I image what they will do is pick a handful of non complying people out and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, maximum sentences, etc and make examples of them, scaring others into compliance. The media will happily go along and portray these peoples as the biggest, most dangerous threat out there.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by dswancutt

I image what they will do is pick a handful of non complying people out and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, maximum sentences, etc and make examples of them, scaring others into compliance. The media will happily go along and portray these peoples as the biggest, most dangerous threat out there.

You know their strategy well.

Still, I suspect it will work a little differently here because the actual MA AWB law, as of today, does not support her "reimagined" version of the law. I suppose she can wait for our anti-2A legislature to play catch-up and pass her new version of the law, but unless or until that happens, she will rely mainly on threats and intimidation... of dealers and vendors mainly. That is where she has been most effective so far. Her power, her unlimited budget and her willingness & ability to intimidate scares the Hell out of anyone, local or foreign, with a business related to guns or gun parts.

[pharmer]

Originally Posted by dswancutt

I image what they will do is pick a handful of non complying people out and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law, maximum sentences, etc and make examples of them, scaring others into compliance. The media will happily go along and portray these peoples as the biggest, most dangerous threat out there.

All "they" need do is pass their regulations. Any time some poor soul gets "official contact" for unrelated matters, they will be crushed by disproportional official response. Folks get the message fast. Joe

[GaryS]

The doom and gloom is overwrought. We faced and beat a far more serious threat in 2013/14.

A short while ago the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety released statements criticizing the AGs regulations as unclear and contradictory.

There is one bill in the legislature to overrule her decree.

What we need to do now is keep the pressure up on our state senators and representatives.

We're not losing, we're winning. Which is what is making them so desperate.

[GaryS]

GOAL is now calling on members to go to the State House on Saturday to lobby their reps and senators to pass a bill to rein in this over reach by the AG.

Be there, or be square.

[ParadiseRoad]

...memorial on main st. in Morrison Colorado...the way things are going here...it may not be there much longer...I'm surprised no wackos have run it over yet...

[weatherby]

The word is going out
You can count on me and many others.

If "they" thought there hundreds last time.
Let them know what thousands are by their faulty math

[Smith61]

Originally Posted by GaryS

The doom and gloom is overwrought. We faced and beat a far more serious threat in 2013/14.

A short while ago the Governor and the Secretary of Public Safety released statements asking for clarification of her ruling

There is one bill in the legislature to restrict her powers related to gun legislation which will NOT likely pass.

What we need to do now is keep the pressure up on our state senators and representatives.

We've lost an opening round, but we're fighting HARD. Which is what is making them so desperate.

Fixed it for you Brother

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

We're not losing, we're winning.

I truly wish I could share your optimism. My gut still tells me different. Until our governor actually grasps the extent of what the rogue AG lady has done, our goose is cooked.

Originally Posted by GaryS

GOAL is now calling on members to go to the State House on Saturday to lobby their reps and senators to pass a bill to rein in this over reach by the AG.

Be there, or be square.

Everyone is calling for rallies and demonstrations now. I'm only going to the official GOAL-sponsored ones... not because I love GOAL so much (I don't!), but because GOAL draws in the crowds and makes the news (and we need crowds and news coverage). If this is GOAL-sponsored, I'm there.

[weatherby]

If this is GOAL-sponsored, I'm there.

See you Saturday

[GaryS]

Saturday's activities are GOAL organized.

his is from Jim Wallace - Executive Director of GOAL

GOAL is sending out email blasts as we speak. It will not be up on the website until tomorrow morning as Mike S is on a plane back here from out west.

This coming weekend, the legislature will be holding more weekend sessions that will spell the end of the formal legislative session on July 31st. It will essentially be the last opportunity for the legislature to enact emergency legislation to reign in the rogue actions of the Massachusetts Attorney General.

GOAL is asking gun owners and citizens to join us at the state house again this Saturday, July 30, 2016 from Noon to 2:00 pm. There will not be an outside rally. This time we are asking people to spend their time in direct communications with legislators inside the State House.

It is vitally important that we all continue to make our voices heard!

We know we are asking a lot for people to give up another Saturday, but we cannot let this horrific attack on civil rights and due process stand. This is also a chance for those who could not attend last weekends rally to participate.

If they can do this to us, they can do this to you!

When talking with legislators consider discussing some of these talking points:

• The AG’s actions were a publicity stunt that has devastating implications for lawful citizens.
• This has nothing to do with gun safety.
• We understand that many officials are seeking “clarity”, but the AG’s office has not offered any clarity on its fraudulent handgun regulations for 20 years!
• Since the 1994 federal ban and the subsequent 1998 state ban, no government official (federal or state) has ever defined the law this way.
• This is a brand NEW interpretation of the law that has potentially made hundreds of thousands of lawful citizens “felons in waiting”.
• Lawful gun owners are going to spend the rest of their lives with a potential 10 year prison sentence hanging over them because of a political stunt.
• The AG supposedly promised not to enforce the new interpretations on transfers prior to July 20, 2016, but no one else has made that promise. In an interview when asked if she had cited anyone, her answer was “not yet”.
• She unilaterally changed the rules and interpretations of long standing law overnight without seeking legislative support or consultation, without consulting the state agencies that have statutory authority over the laws. She did it in secret with no public input.
• All transfers of guns in the Commonwealth, whether through a retailer or a private transfer, must be approved and documented by the state.
• The legislature has the authority to reign in rogue government agencies and can do so in a given day.

Citizens may want to contact their local state representative and senator prior to this weekend to set up an appointment on Saturday. Make sure to get their room numbers before Saturday at: Find a Legislator

People you should plan to meet and talk with:

• Governor Charlie Baker – Room 360
• Senate President Stanley Rosenberg – Room 332
• House Speaker Robert DeLeo – Room 356
• Your Local State Senator –
• Your Local State Representative -

Special Notes:

• The only State House entrance open this weekend will be on Ashburton Place
• The general public will not have access to the building prior to 11:00 am
• Prepare to go through security
• You can not carry a firearm, knife or even pepper spray in the buildin;
• They typically do not allow signs or banners in the building

FYI to our members – we are currently planning other events and will alert you when we have details.

Originally Posted by weatherby

If this is GOAL-sponsored, I'm there.

See you Saturday

[GaryS]

I'm also only going to GOAL sponsored activities. There is some stuff that might go on that will not help, and will likely hurt. I refuse to be sucked into stupid actions.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Everyone is calling for rallies and demonstrations now. I'm only going to the official GOAL-sponsored ones... not because I love GOAL so much (I don't!), but because GOAL draws in the crowds and makes the news (and we need crowds and news coverage). If this is GOAL-sponsored, I'm there.

[les.b]

God Bless you folks in your fight against tyranny. You are right there where many of the seminal actions laid the foundation for the birth of our nation, and the fight to preserve Liberty is not just an academic exercise, but requires constant vigilance and determined activism. The enemies of freedom have been empowered by various elements in society, and I am proud of your stance against these unilateral actions by this clearly rouge AG.

Best Regards, and may God Bless your work, Les

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I'm also only going to GOAL sponsored activities. There is some stuff that might go on that will not help, and will likely hurt. I refuse to be sucked into stupid actions.

Agree. I'm sure I don't have to remind you of the last time when certain mysterious and unknown elements tried to jump in and poison our efforts. It's something to watch out for. The opposition can be very sneaky at times.

So no big outside demonstration... just talk. That disappoints me. But I'll be there anyway.

[GaryS]

There will be plenty of time for outside demonstrations if the legislature doesn't do anything this week.

If nothing else, I plan to drop off letters at my state rep and senator's office. I don't know how much of their staff will be in and they themselves will likely be in their respective chambers.

I've participated in "legislative days" before and the politicians take notice when constituents actually come into the State House and talk to them.

At the risk of repeating myself, make sure you are registered. That's the first thing they look at when a person contacts them. If you aren't registered, they don't care what you have to say.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Agree. I'm sure I don't have to remind you of the last time when certain mysterious and unknown elements tried to jump in and poison our efforts. It's something to watch out for. The opposition can be very sneaky at times.

So no big outside demonstration... just talk. That disappoints me. But I'll be there anyway.