Mass AG drops the bomb

[GaryS]

This just in from the Boston Herald.

The House’s public safety chair said Attorney General Maura Healey is misusing and “overstepping her authority” with her recent ban on so-called copycat assault weapons, adding his voice to those critical of the controversial order.

This is significant because Naughton is a Democrat and has not been a particularly strong 2A supporter.

Even more reason to go to the State House on Saturday and apply pressure to legislators.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

This just in from the Boston Herald.

This is significant because Naughton is a Democrat and has not been a particularly strong 2A supporter.

Even more reason to go to the State House on Saturday and apply pressure to legislators.

Is that from a reputable source? If so, that is huge!

Maybe I should temporarily halt my worst case "doomsday scenario" preparations for a day or two. What do you think?

[les.b]

Originally Posted by GaryS

This just in from the Boston Herald.



This is significant because Naughton is a Democrat and has not been a particularly strong 2A supporter.

Even more reason to go to the State House on Saturday and apply pressure to legislators.

One of the lessons that we have learned down here, is to praise those on our side just as heartily as you lobby those on the other side. They might have had to stick their necks out for us, so when they do the right thing, be sure to let them know how much it is appreciated. I'm sure that you guys know stuff like this, probably better than I do, just my two cents.

Best Regards, Les

[GaryS]

I suppose that depends on whether or not you include the Boston Herald as a reputable source.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Is that from a reputable source? If so, that is huge!

Maybe I should temporarily halt my worst case "doomsday scenario" preparations for a day or two. What do you think?

[GaryS]

He's not my state rep, but he goes on the list of people getting letters. Senate President, Speaker of the House, my senator and rep, and Naughton. Two bills have been filed in the House and one in the Senate.

The bills in the House go to Naughton, so he gets a letter thanking him for his letter to the AG and asking him to support the bill.

As I said earlier, this is not my first legislative rodeo. I might even send letters to everyone on that committee if I have the time.

Originally Posted by les.b

One of the lessons that we have learned down here, is to praise those on our side just as heartily as you lobby those on the other side. They might have had to stick their necks out for us, so when they do the right thing, be sure to let them know how much it is appreciated. I'm sure that you guys know stuff like this, probably better than I do, just my two cents.

Best Regards, Les

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I suppose that depends on whether or not you include the Boston Herald as a reputable source.

Good enough for me. The fact is that the pol in question is very much an "anti" (my opinion based on having attending his various town meetings during the last fiasco)... so the fact that an "anti" who has the speaker's ear on "gun control" is objecting to the rogue AG's overreach is huge.

There may be some glimmer of hope after all.

[GaryS]

Politics my friend, politics. Healey isn't up for re election, but Naughton and everyone in the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth is. Last thing they want is a lot of angry voters in a year when there is a Presidential candidate that is courting angry voters.

NOTE: To be clear, I am talking about the reasons that the legislature might be quick to act on this bill. I am not endorsing any candidate for office.

Originally Posted by TTSH

Good enough for me. The fact is that the pol in question is very much an "anti" (my opinion based on having attending his various town meetings during the last fiasco)... so the fact that an "anti" who has the speaker's ear on "gun control" is objecting to the rogue AG's overreach is huge.

There may be some glimmer of hope after all.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Healey isn't up for re election, but Naughton and everyone in the Great and General Court of the Commonwealth is. Last thing they want is a lot of angry voters in a year when there is a Presidential candidate that is courting angry voters.

I think you just figured out the mystery.

You always were smarter (and faster) than me!

[GaryS]

I didn't hear it, but read on another forum that Jim Wallace told Howie Carr (radio show) that GOAL will be filing legislation tomorrow to address the situation.

I can't verify that and don't know the details,but it's interesting.

[TTSH]

The crazy AG lady is fighting back: AG defends legal authority to ban ‘copycat’ weapons | Boston Herald

The interesting thing here is that she claims to have cleared her outrageous power grab with the very people who are now starting to criticize the move (thanks to our pressure!). Somehow, I think that what she "cleared" is not the same as how it came out in the end... although our governor is so utter clueless with respect to guns in general and the MA AWB law in particular that anything is possible.

Interestingly, she weakens her case with this latest rant as she tries to explain and justify her actions. Let's just hope the right people pick up on that and act accordingly to restore our rights.

I'm still far from ready to start thinking optimistically about this whole mess. In fact, I'm still going forward full speed ahead with my preparations for the worse case scenario. The woman has backed herself into a corner and is ready and willing to fight... and to fight as long and as dirty as it takes to get her way.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I am prevented from saying what I think of her on this family friendly forum

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright SASS

I am prevented from saying what I think of her on this family friendly forum

It's probably just as well Ben. We all feel that way... total frustration and anger. But there is nothing to be gained by having this thread locked... or getting yourself banned. We need the word to get out. This may be moonbat Massachusetts... but the rest of the country is perilously close to the same fate. Most just don't realize it yet.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I was talking to a buddy in Florida about this, he hadn't heard anything about it. I basically told him that if you look at Massachusetts you see the U.S.A. if the wrong party wins because this fight here is really about the Supreme Court. If we lose the SJC we lose everything.

[mauser9]

Originally Posted by TTSH

It's probably just as well Ben. We all feel that way... total frustration and anger. But there is nothing to be gained by having this thread locked... or getting yourself banned. We need the word to get out. This may be moonbat Massachusetts... but the rest of the country is perilously close to the same fate. Most just don't realize it yet.

Heartily agree TTSH. Next year could be dangerous for ALL STATES!!! You know who I will be sending a healthy donation to!

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

Jim Wallace on NRA NEWS just said that Healey has sent demand letters to gun manufacturers demanding their customer lists and lists of any person who sent a gun to them to be worked on!

This is big.

[BigBill]

The threat of the copycat ban sold 2,000 more firearms in one day. The more they push the more guns get sold. My point is a few states are starting to follow the leaders.

[les.b]

Guys,

As you know, I have been following this thread since the day it was first posted. I am in complete sympathy with your plight up there in Massachusetts, and have also been following the news organizations coverage of the situation.

Without in anyway wishing to derail your thread, I would like to make you aware (some of you may already be aware, and if so, I apologize) of a situation that was just brought to my attention. It is on the national front, and involves the State Department. I am going to start a thread dedicated to this, if one is not already out there that I have not found yet. Let me quote from an email that I received from Keith Morgan, president of one of The West Virginia firearms rights organizations:

Here is the quote:

"I apologize in advance for a rare deviation from our "WV only" policy, as we feel it is imperative that we highlight a national issue. We must pass some critical information to WV gun owners, gunsmiths, and manufacturers.

President Obama has over-reached in a way that can, and if left to stand, will have a severe chilling effect on the exercise of our Second Amendment rights. And at present, based on our interpretation of a Department of State guidance letter http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001JA6bx...eCNFMkc_I-SA==, many of us may be considered felons as this is typed.

Thus we must make you aware of this condition.

ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) strictly regulates the export of technology that can be used for military purposes. It is broad ranging and covers many things from encryption technology, through weapons systems and training of foreign nationals. The penalty for violating ITAR regulations is severe. It includes a one million dollar fine, and 20 years in prison.

Our interpretation of the guidance letter dated 7/22 (you can click above to read the actual document) is that anyone who drills and taps a scope mount, polishes a trigger, or modifies a firearm in any way that requires tools and improves the firearm's function or accuracy, could be prosecuted as a violation of ITAR.

Further, the definition of "automated" reloading is sufficiently vague that we believe individuals may be prosecuted for the use of a progressive reloader.

Also, it is critical to note that intent to export is not a factor in ITAR. Whether you intend to export an item out of the country or not, is completely irrelevant.

Put short, this guidance letter is an abomination and a massive executive over-reach.

The WVCDL is in touch with our national delegation, and we are doing what we can to help deal with this problem. At present, we have no action items for our membership. But please stay tuned, as that is subject to change. Regardless, the main purpose of this message is a notification of this change to gun owners, and especially gunsmiths within our membership and in West Virginia at large."

Again I apologize if you folks are already aware of this new directive from the federal government. But I wonder if there can be any connection? Both this directive and your AG's actions are overreach of the most blatant kind, and both will have a chilling effect on the free exercise of our constitutional rights, and both come at a critical time in the election cycle, at a time when we may or may not be vulnerable.

If you feel that this post is inappropriate for any reason, please let me know and I will remove it or delete the contents.

Edit: I have started a thread on this subject here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/2nd-ame...#post139185082 I have no wish to hijack the current thread, just wished to alert you folks to the situation.

Best Regards, Les

[GaryS]

I think your post deserves it's own thread. Probably more people will read it.

[les.b]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I think your post deserves it's own thread. Probably more people will read it.

Gary:

Thank you. Here is the link to a post that I just started on the subject:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/2nd-ame...#post139185082

I am going to edit the post above also to include the link. I just wanted to be sure that you folks on this thread knew about it. I can't help but feel that we are being assailed on all fronts, and that we need to keep our eyes open to all of the threats we face. Of course, after following this thread, I know that I'm "preaching to the choir", as my dad used to say.

Best regards, Les

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

I have been told by Jim Wallace of GOAL that AG Healey has sent demand letters to all the manufacturers demanding lists of everyone they sold guns to as well as lists of anyone sending in work to them.
My feeling is that she is going to go after S&W for selling illegal assault weapons.

Will Smith cave and give her the rope to hang them?

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright SASS

My feeling is that she is going to go after S&W for selling illegal assault weapons.

Will Smith cave and give her the rope to hang them?

If that's true then I say good!!!

S&W has just as many lawyers and just as much money to spend as she does. Unlike the neighborhood FFL who can't take any chances lest he or she go bankrupt, S&W has the clout and can take the heat. This is not the same S&W that caved to the Clinton Administration ya know.

My guess is that this is all a big fat bluff. It has to be because the real MA AWB law is not on her side.

Everything so far has been a bluff... a wild & crazy anti-gun public relations event. This is no different.

Doesn't mean that she isn't dangerous. I think she is very dangerous. But mostly she is a danger to our 350+ dealers. She can still put a large percentage of them out of business.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

a dealer friend of mine who was around in the 90's said when they changed the rules it put 50% of the dealers out of business, him included.

That may well be the ultimate plan, if there are no dealers you cannot buy a handgun or have one shipped here. Rifles you could get in NH

[BigBill]

What ever Mass does Ny & Ct and other states may follow.

This fighting for our rights is getting old. It's a never ending battle for the principals our nation was built on.

If the shtf in this country I say arm the politicians and send them in first.

[BigBill]

Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright SASS

a dealer friend of mine who was around in the 90's said when they changed the rules it put 50% of the dealers out of business, him included.

That may well be the ultimate plan, if there are no dealers you cannot buy a handgun or have one shipped here. Rifles you could get in NH

They also put more ffl dealers who sold from there homes too. Most of them are gone.

[mauser9]

Just back from Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro. They pulled all semi-auto rifles including Ruger 10-22s from the shelf.

[Arc Angel]

Originally Posted by mauser9

Just back from Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro. They pulled all semi-auto rifles including Ruger 10-22s from the shelf.

EFF'N, unbelievable! Once again Massachusetts has gone too far.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

Four Seasons and several other shops are selling anything that doesn't look like a banned gun.
A friend gun dealer of mine talked to the AG's office and they said that the only guns covered by the ban are those that look like AR's and AK's, but are neutered, i.e. still scary guns. So he is selling the 10/22's again He wasn't sure about the S&W M&P 15-22 whether it is legal or not.

Still I don't see where the law says "looks like" or "looks similar" it talks about similar operating system which is all Semi's

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by mauser9

Just back from Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro. They pulled all semi-auto rifles including Ruger 10-22s from the shelf.

Same with our "Mini-Cabela's" in Berlin, MA. They pulled everything semi-auto. Won't even sell a Ruger 10/22. They treated me like the criminal that I apparently am when I even asked.

Stopped at two other gun shops. 10/22's at least still on display. Nothing else semi-auto. I assume that meant they would sell them but the shop owners were awfully busy selling handguns (before they are banned I guess?) and I didn't stick around to ask.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by Ben Cartwright SASS

Four Seasons and several other shops are selling anything that doesn't look like a banned gun.
A friend gun dealer of mine talked to the AG's office and they said that the only guns covered by the ban are those that look like AR's and AK's, but are neutered, i.e. still scary guns. So he is selling the 10/22's again He wasn't sure about the S&W M&P 15-22 whether it is legal or not.

Still I don't see where the law says "looks like" or "looks similar" it talks about similar operating system which is all Semi's

That's a brand new explanation. Hadn't heard that one before.

BTW, I contacted some of my best local dealers to see if any one of them would transfer in a MA-complaint non-AR, non-AK semi-auto (such as a Mini-14 or SU-16b) from out of state at this point in time. Anything even remotely potentially legal at this point is already long sold out.

None of them would touch the transfer with a 10-foot pole.

[mauser9]

Originally Posted by TTSH

That's a brand new explanation. Hadn't heard that one before.

BTW, I contacted some of my best local dealers to see if any one of them would transfer in a MA-complaint non-AR, non-AK semi-auto (such as a Mini-14 or SU-16b) from out of state at this point in time. Anything even remotely potentially legal at this point is already long sold out.

None of them would touch the transfer with a 10-foot pole.

Thought it was just against ARs or look-alikes myself but guess many dealers are afraid to sell any semi for fear of being burned by a too vague wording in this nonsense. People are buying but hope we can keep em legally. Ruger 10-22s are American as Apple Pie. Been afraid of this for a LONG time. Figures!! Look where we live.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by mauser9

Thought it was just against ARs or look-alikes myself but guess many dealers are afraid to sell any semi for fear of being burned by a too vague wording in this nonsense. People are buying but hope we can keep em legally. Ruger 10-22s are American as Apple Pie. Been afraid of this for a LONG time. Figures!! Look where we live.

Someone in one of the shops today remarked: "As goes the 10/22, so goes the business"... meaning that if they can't even sell something as basic, traditional, nonthreatening and popular as the 10/22, the business of selling guns in Massachusetts is dead, Dead, DEAD.

I overheard the owner of one shop saying that modern sporting rifles and accessories are fully one third of his business... and that he can't possibly survive on the remaining two thirds.

Another dealer estimated that the number of dealers in MA would drop by at least 50% if this lunacy stands. He went into a long explanation of why that's so right down to the nitty-gritty details of wholesale buying, expenses and competition. The big boys will still survive... but it doesn't look too good for the rest of the dealers.

[mauser9]

Just remembered the sales associate at Bass said they pulled magazines that could not fit in a bolt or lever rifle! Ain't ashamed to admit I'm concerned about next year!!

[GaryS]

A bill was filed earlier today by Sen. Tarr. The Clerk has not assigned a bill number to it, but that could happen tomorrow morning.

Here is the GOAL summary,

An Act to Protect Due Process and Strengthen Public Safety

Section 1: Removes the authority of Attorney General to issue rules and regulations of firearms sales in
Massachusetts under 93A the consumer protection statute.

Section 2: Provides that no person who had a proper license prior to July 21 and purchased, sold,
transferred and the transaction was properly carried out under the Massachusetts Instant Record Check
System may be found guilty of unlawful sale, transfer or possession of an assault weapon or weapon.

Section 3: Adds a new subsection to the firearms statute regarding administrative changes to lists to
prohibited weapons and defines material change and administrative actions:

• Prohibits any material change to the definition of assault weapon or weapon by administrative action;

• Material change is defined as any change, alteration or modification to the list of approved
firearms in the Commonwealth that either adds or subtracts weapons

• Any material change must go through the legislative process

• Administrative action is defined as any action other than statutory change by the legislative
process

Section 4: Amends the penalty for failure to report a gun transfer under the Commonwealth’s transfer
reporting system by:

• First Offense: Fine of $1,000 to $2,000 or imprisonment of no more than 6 months

• Currently a first offense carries a fine of $500 to $1000 with no imprisonment

Section 5: Adds 5 to 10 years to the sentence of a person convicted for use of firearms while committing a felony if the person did not have a license or the firearm was purchased and a gun transfer was not
recorded.

• The current law for use of a firearm during the commission of a felony is the not less than 20 years in prison plus the penalty for the offense committed; 25 years plus the penalty for offense if the firearm is a large capacity semiautomatic or machine gun.

Section 6: Effective date of the act is July 21, 2016

This is the bill that GOAL supports.

Here is a link to the actual text,

http://goal.org/Documents/healey-201...ue-Process.pdf

There is likely to be a vote on a bill this weekend. Which bill and whether any will pass and be signed into law is anyone's guess.

Personally, I think one of these bills will pass. Neither the House, the Senate, nor the Governor want a hot potato issue co carry over into the fall.

The Governor has changed his stance on this a couple of times and I have little doubt he'll sign whatever the legislature sends to him.

One nice feature of Tarr's bill is that it will be retroactive to July 21.

HD4949 doesn't contain that type of language, but an emergency preamble can always be added.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by mauser9

Just remembered the sales associate at Bass said they pulled magazines that could not fit in a bolt or lever rifle! Ain't ashamed to admit I'm concerned about next year!!

It really has gone totally insane here, hasn't it?

On the plus side (if there is one?), Bass Pro and Cabela's probably have the most to lose and the least to gain (financially speaking) by not playing it 1,000% safe with our nutty AG lady. They really are two relative newcomer companies (within MA) that are petrified silly about doing firearm sales in Massachusetts. Those guns and parts are a very small part of their outdoor sporting lifestyle business... so like one person stated it: Why would they risk a giant multi-million dollar business being shut down even for one day over a few semi-auto rifles that they don't particularly care about anyway?

Now, if it was fishing rods, that would be a different story!

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

Personally, I think one of these bills will pass. Neither the House, the Senate, nor the Governor want a hot potato issue co carry over into the fall.

The Governor has changed his stance on this a couple of times and I have little doubt he'll sign whatever the legislature sends to him.

GaryS - Why the need for all the ridiculously increased penalties? Nobody goes to prison for any of this stuff anyway... and they certainly don't go for decades. More like weeks or months... maybe.

What is the point for making very harsh sentences even harsher? I must be missing something.

[GaryS]

It's a throw in, just as moving FIDs from shall issue to may issue. It allows the politicians to say that they are doing something about the rampant problem of unregistered firearms.

That will be a throw in charge, just like Bartley-Fox. It will be plea bargained away during the pre trial phase.

It's legislative sleight of hand.

HD 4949 and Tarr's bill deserve our support. I expect that what actually comes out of the joint committee on public safety with an "ought to" pass report will be somewhat different.

That's how the legislative process works. In 2014 we got a bill that was much better than the original, although not ideal. It passed and the legislators thought that they were done with gun issues.

Originally Posted by TTSH

GaryS - Why the need for all the ridiculously increased penalties? Nobody goes to prison for any of this stuff anyway... and they certainly don't go for decades. More like weeks or months... maybe.

What is the point for making very harsh sentences even harsher? I must be missing something.

[GaryS]

There are those that think that Hd.4949 and/or Tarr's bill will do away with the AG's authority to make "consumer safety" rules with regard to firearms. I'm not so sure, but it would be a nice touch.

As I said, the legislators and the Governor are not pleased with the AG's actions. Her timing was horrible.

I would also like to commend the participants in this thread for keeping political/election comments out of it. The admin and mods have been very forebearing in allowing a thread that sits right on the ragged edge of what's acceptable.

I think that by sometime Sunday, we'll have a resolution to this. One that we will be satisfied, if not happy with.

Originally Posted by TTSH

It really has gone totally insane here, hasn't it?

On the plus side (if there is one?), Bass Pro and Cabela's probably have the most to lose and the least to gain (financially speaking) by not playing it 1,000% safe with our nutty AG lady. They really are two relative newcomer companies (within MA) that are petrified silly about doing firearm sales in Massachusetts. Those guns and parts are a very small part of their outdoor sporting lifestyle business... so like one person stated it: Why would they risk a giant multi-million dollar business being shut down even for one day over a few semi-auto rifles that they don't particularly care about anyway?

Now, if it was fishing rods, that would be a different story!

[les.b]

Well, fellows, all I can say is good luck. Gary's signature, "Can open, worms everywhere", is particularly appropriate there in Massachusetts right now!!

As Otto Von Bismark is credited with saying:

"Je weniger die Leute darüber wissen, wie Würste und Gesetze gemacht werden, desto besser schlafen sie nachts."

Or in English: "The less the people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they sleep in the night".

There are indications that someone may have come up with this at an earlier time, but the sentiment is as accurate today, ans back in Bismark's day!!! Maybe more so.

Best Regards, Les

[GaryS]

Old sayings are often old sayings because they are true. The other one is "Politics make strange bed fellows." Which seems to be applicable in this case as well.

Originally Posted by les.b

Well, fellows, all I can say is good luck. Gary's signature, "Can open, worms everywhere", is particularly appropriate there in Massachusetts right now!!

As Otto Von Bismark is credited with saying:

"Je weniger die Leute darüber wissen, wie Würste und Gesetze gemacht werden, desto besser schlafen sie nachts."

Or in English: "The less the people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they sleep in the night".

There are indications that someone may have come up with this at an earlier time, but the sentiment is as accurate today, ans back in Bismark's day!!! Maybe more so.

Best Regards, Les

[weatherby]

Section 1: Removes the authority of Attorney General to issue rules and regulations of firearms sales in
Massachusetts under 93A the consumer protection statute.

Gary it gets her out and a lot of the silliness we've dealt with for years

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

It's a throw in, just as moving FIDs from shall issue to may issue. It allows the politicians to say that they are doing something about the rampant problem of unregistered firearms.

That will be a throw in charge, just like Bartley-Fox. It will be plea bargained away during the pre trial phase.

It's legislative sleight of hand.

HD 4949 and Tarr's bill deserve our support. I expect that what actually comes out of the joint committee on public safety with an "ought to" pass report will be somewhat different.

That's how the legislative process works. In 2014 we got a bill that was much better than the original, although not ideal. It passed and the legislators thought that they were done with gun issues.

I hate that kind of bargaining. Let's make it life in prison for not properly recording a transfer. And a $500,000 fine too just to make sure your kids don't get your estate when you die in prison for not properly doing your moonbat paperwork.

Not my kind of strategy at all. I think I'll just voice my general displeasure loudly and clearly and leave it up to the pols I speak with today to reverse this AG's insanity any way they see fit. I am fortunate that both my current state rep and my future state rep (in my new retirement property town) are against the AG's actions. Too bad for me that my state senator is an anti who never saw a gun she didn't want to register & confiscate... so she is not going to support anything fixing the AG's unilateral power grab.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by weatherby

Section 1: Removes the authority of Attorney General to issue rules and regulations of firearms sales in
Massachusetts under 93A the consumer protection statute.

Gary it gets her out and a lot of the silliness we've dealt with for years

It would be wonderful. Unfortunately, the value of my high-premium Glocks would go right into the *******. Serves me right for buying Glock plastic at such stupid high Massachusetts prices.

[petepeterson]

I've followed this thread with great interest. It's been informative, and a great snapshot of what I believe most states will face in the coming years. Thanks for all your hard work up there. This is the first thread I've followed in the 2A section. I believe I'll have to stop by more often. While I typically try to keep guns and politics separate (the misery and joy cancel one another out), that's quickly becoming an un-affordable luxury.

You can always reach out to me, and I can assemble a team to pull you "over the wall" into PA if it gets much worse!You'll have to make your way through NY on your own, though.

[GaryS]

I'm at the State House. I dropped off letters, talked to a few people, and am now in the House Gallery. GOAL was lobbying hard, but it's unclear if anything will actually happen. My suspicion that the members of the legislature were, annoyed at the AG for the timing of her overreach was concirmed by a reliable source. Now we just have to wait.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Hey Gary, how many of your fellow gun-owning Massachusettiasn stood with you today?

[GaryS]

Update: Apparently I was wrong as the Speaker has ruled out legislative action and says that it's like that the courts will have to decide the issue.

Originally Posted by ChattanoogaPhil

Hey Gary, how many of your fellow gun-owning Massachusettiasn stood with you today?

I would say a good number. It's hard to say exactly because this was not like last week where we stood in front of the State House.

Today's mission was to infiltrate the State House, lobby individual legislators, and sit in the House Gallery while the bill was debated. So, we were disbursed.

I was in line waiting to go through security and that took about 10 minutes. A constant stream of people ahead of me and behind me. Many wore 2A related apparel, so they were easy to pick out. Some were dressed casually, so it was hard to tell what they were doing. Others were in shirts, ties, and jackets. They were mostly lobbyists and other interested parties.

I stopped at the Senate Presidents office to sign a list of visitors. There were about a dozen people when I walked in, all pro 2A. Same at the Speaker's office. There were people milling around in the corridors, there were people visiting other legislator's offices.

When I stopped in the office of the chairman of the House Committee on Public Safety, his aide read my letter, made a comment that it was good that I had included Sen. Tarr's bill, and told me they were working on legislation.

I stopped and talked to a person very familiar with the legislature and he confirmed by suspicion that the legislators of both parties were very unhappy with the timing of the Attorney General's action.

My personal feeling is that something will be passed and sent to the Governor for singning.

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I'm at the State House. I dropped off letters, talked to a few people, and am now in the House Gallery. GOAL was lobbying hard, but it's unclear if anything will actually happen. My suspicion that the members of the legislature were, annoyed at the AG for the timing of her overreach was confirmed by a reliable source. Now we just have to wait.

She timed it perfectly. Right between two national party conventions and within days of the end of the legislative session (with too little time left for anyone to mount a successful defense). Now, we turn to the courts for relief.

[Ben Cartwright SASS]

So in the meantime we are all un-indited felons...

She said we all bought illegal assault weapons but she is not going after us "for now" but she reserves the right to change her mind later

[TTSH]

Originally Posted by GaryS

I would say a good number. It's hard to say exactly because this was not like last week where we stood in front of the State House.

Today's mission was to infiltrate the State House, lobby individual legislators, and sit in the House Gallery while the bill was debated. So, we were disbursed.

I was in line waiting to go through security and that took about 10 minutes. A constant stream of people ahead of me and behind me. Many wore 2A related apparel, so they were easy to pick out. Some were dressed casually, so it was hard to tell what they were doing. Others were in shirts, ties, and jackets. They were mostly lobbyists and other interested parties.

I stopped at the Senate Presidents office to sign a list of visitors. There were about a dozen people when I walked in, all pro 2A. Same at the Speaker's office. There were people milling around in the corridors, there were people visiting other legislator's offices.

This "event" did not have any visual impact... something I mentioned earlier. It will not be on the news. I was very disappointed in that regard. I didn't get to see either my state senator or state rep, but I did get into both of their offices and left messages and had talks with their legislative aides. I came away very pleased with my rep who turned out to be much more pro-gun than I knew about... but not so pleased with my senator who is a moonbat gun-grabber.

It would be impossible to say how many attended as we all disappeared into dozens upon dozens of separate offices and rooms in multiple wings on 5 separate floors. There was no event coordination that I could find or see. Could have been just 100-200 of us there... could have been 10 or more times that. No way to count people you can't see.

I did get a sticker to identify myself as a gun guy and that helped somewhat. Had some good conversations and a few laughs and commiseration with other "instant felons" but still... not the big effect I prefer of a visible rally. I got more personal replies from the pols with my calls and emails. I'll be interested to hear what GOAL has to say about this approach.

Originally Posted by GaryS

Update: Apparently I was wrong as the Speaker has ruled out legislative action and says that it's likely that the courts will have to decide the issue.

Yep. I figured that out today as one of the aides to my state rep explained the process ahead for either of the bills. The odds of us getting anything passed before tomorrow midnight were effectively zero.

[les.b]

Yep. I figured that out today as one of the aides to my state rep explained the process ahead for either of the bills. The odds of us getting anything passed before tomorrow midnight were effectively zero

She (The AG) is a politician too, which may explain the timing of her decree, leaving no time for effective legislative reaction, and counting on the opposition cooling off and giving up before the next legislative session.

Would that be too devious for your AG?

Best Regards, Les