Meetings with Legislature

[MarkCO]

On Friday February 8, a small group of us went to the State Capitol for scheduled meetings with several legislators on both sides of the aisle. We had a few cancelled, but we also have more scheduled including one with the Governor and testimony. A few people asked me to post my comments and such, and for the most part, I will do so.

Who went. We were all competitive shooters which was one of the ways we got the meetings in the first place. In general, we had an attorney, a nationally recognized gun celebrity, top level shooters, match directors, trainers, hunters, subject matter experts and all gun enthusiists, and yes we had a woman as well.

I will go into a little more detail, but here is the BIGGIE: Identify your elected officials who are anti-gun and or who appear prone to vote anti-gun and write letters without ceasing. E-mails are one thing, but we were told in no uncertain terms, that hardcopy letters are better. Faxes and actual mailed letters and LOTS of them. We were also told that every Republican is voting against these bills if they come up for vote. So a nice Thank-you letter to them is worthwhile, but the threatening letters to either side are not a good idea.

Here is another tidibit...this is about ONE issue! The 2nd Amendment "shall not be infringed". I understand the desire by some to tie liberalism, public education, homosexual marriage, abortion etc. into this debate, but realize that this is about ONE issue only, so don't water down the message with piling on at this point. Not that there are not many other pressing issues, but we as gun enthusists don't all agree on those other issues, we do agree on the 2nd Amendment.

Our first meeting was with Representative Rhonda Fields (District 42). She has authored a bill, not yet submitted, and supports all the other gun controls bills. We had a cordial discussion. Her son was murdered as a result of a "hit" and she emotionally blames the "assault weapon" for his death. She admitted to us that she is emotional, and scarred by her circumstances. She said several times that she is "not there yet" in response to questions dealing with the facts related to crime and weapons laws. She is attempting to lead and legislate based purely on emotion, not on facts.

We were asked several times how magazine limits would affect us. While some had different answers, measuring response, this is where I settled. "As an accomplished competitor and trainer, a magazine limit is not a huge issue to me as I can do a mag change in a second, but for my wife, it IS a big deal. I want her to practice hitting the target, not working on mag changes. Limiting capacity of the AR-15 marginalizes the best tool for her to defend herself and my family if I am not there. Of all the weapons we own, an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine is the best defensive tool I can put into a smaller statured persons hands. They have the most confidence and accuracy with that weapon system."

There are some blue-dog deomocrats, but not all of the rural democrats are showing their hands at this point. It appears that the Democratic party has put pressure on them that they will primary them and back a more liberal candidate if they do not support the bills. These deomcrats need support and encouragement to vote against these bills and a showing of support from their constituents that they will support them in the primaries if that threat becomes reality.

Of the bills introduced and yet to be introduced, There are three that appear to have the best chance of passing, Universal background checks, increased training for CCW and the 10 round mag capacity limit. What became clear is that 1 or 2 will most likely pass. They "feel" they have to do something and Hickenlooper appears to desire the national spotlight as well as a national office in the future. That may be the saving grace related to the 10 round magazine limit.

The Senate president is an ex-police cheif of Fountain. I beleive that articulate responses from fellow LEOs may have some direct benefit.

The support of us being there and thanking them led one senator to tear up and give us all hugs as we left. There are some awesome elected officials fighting hard for us down under the gold dome, but they also need support and we appear to have given them a needed boost on Friday.

We spoke with some other groups, including RMGO while we were there. One thing is apparent, some "gun ethusists" are doing more damage than good and those in the fight have to spend time undoing messes created by those who should probably just write a short direct letter every day and nothing else. Even gun-grabber deomcrats are people and personal attacks go nowhere. Their arguments are weak strawman arguments easily refuted, so keep up the letters.

Here is a talking point list vetted through national discourse and provided by Michael Bane:



The AR-15 dominates competition, especially in Colorado, which is one of the top states in the country for all shooting competitions. That includes 3-Gun competition (the fastest growing shooting sport in America) and traditional target shoots like the Camp Perry National Matches, which started in 1903.
The AR-15 is a superb self-defense weapon, in fact, my personal choice for home defense. After careful analysis of penetration, the chance the round might exit a house, etc., much of which we’ve shown on the shows, we concluded the AR platform in 5.56, the standard caliber, was a far better choice for home defense than a shotgun with buckshot or even a handgun.
The AR-15 platform is superb as a hunting firearm, both for pest/varmints, a major Colorado hunting activity, and, in heavier calibers, for big game such as mule dear and elk. Because the caliber can be easily changed without the necessity of a gunsmith, it is the most versatile rifle made. A hunter can have “uppers” in different calibers suited to the game he or she wants to hunt. The rifles are impervious to weather, light, extremely accurate and easily fitted with scopes or other specialty sights.
The AR-15 platform is the overwhelming choice for plinkers, casual shooters...literally hundreds of thousands in Colorado! The AR15 is the quintessential “Colorado truck gun,” just like the Winchester ’94 lever action was my father’s (and his father’s) truck gun in rural Tennessee when I was growing up. It is the gun that rides in the work truck because it is nearly indestructible and serves the farmer and rancher as well as the casual shooter.


The AR platform is ergonomic and adjustable by the owner rather than sending it out to an expensive gunsmith. One gun can fit a small framed woman or the Incredible Hulk. The gun is designed to be easy to shoot...in fact, as an instructor, I now use AR platform guns to introduce newbies to shooting.

Suffice to say AR platform rifles may look like military rifles, but they are no different from rifles that have been available to American citizens since the dawn of the 20th Century. Because a civilian firearm looks like a military weapon doesn't mean that it is the equivalent of that military weapon. It turns out that everyone wearing Peyton Manning jerseys do not in fact play for the Broncos.

On magazine restrictions:
On the issue of “high capacity” magazines, ultimately ALL firearms are designed to be reloaded quickly and efficiently under fire, because all firearms are, at their roots, “military-derived." It takes me about a second and a half to reload a semiauto pistol or rifle; about the same time to reload an ancient double-barreled shotgun. And learning to reload a firearm isn’t NEARLY as complicated as learning to drive, and I have it on good authority that many people of all ages, races, gender and socioeconomic strata actually drive every day!

There are maybe 150 million or more magazines with a capacity greater than 10 rounds in the United States. Most semiauto pistols and rifles are supplied as standard with magazine capacities greater than the arbitrary number of "10." Approximately 2.5 million AR-15 magazines are presently back-ordered...many of those to MagPul, a company based in Erie, CO, and founded by elite Special Forces soldiers. Magazines are simple tech...a metal (or plastic) box with a spring in it. They don’t carry serial numbers, nor can their date of manufacture be accurately determined.

When we talk about banning objects that are right now legal, in widespread, common distribution, and popular with a majority of citizens of the state, with all rhetoric stripped aside, we are talking about door-to-door confiscation. That is the hard, cold bottom line. I think we all understand that this is a nightmare scenario. That is not what I want for Colorado, and I hope that is not what you want for Colorado — or the rest of the United States.

[bogie]

This is an excellent writeup. Thank you for serving your state.

[MAP]

Thanks for the update. Where can I get a list of Dems that are on the fence? I love to write letters.

Mike

[Gman]

Thanks for the news and what y'all are doing to protect our freedom!

Sent from my tactical android.

[MarkCO]

Where can I get a list of Dems that are on the fence?

That will be forthcoming once we get the research done.

[blacklabel]

Thanks for an awesome run down. Time to bust out the printer and get some letters mailed out.

[Jmetz]

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/audience-clapping-smiley-emoticon.gif

[TheBelly]

Thanks to technology, I can send a fax every ten seconds to anyone. This can continue pretty much indefinitely, using automated processes, if I really want it to.

[muddywings]

Thanks Mark for your involvment

I'm looking for fax/mailing info for all the CO reps.
All I found was this so far:
http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2013A/csl.nsf/Directory?openFrameset
and this:
CAPITOL MAILING ADDRESS
Colorado State Capitol
200 East Colfax
Denver CO 80203

Do you recommend just addressing the physical letters the address above with each reps name?
Did anybody find a quick reference for individual mailing address or fax numbers?

As our Senators and Reps and Gov, found this that has fax numbers:

Colorado
Gov. John Hickenlooper (http://www.colorado.gov/apps/oit/governor/citizen/assistanceUtility/welcome.jsf) (D)
Phone: 303-866-2471 Fax: 303-866-2003
State LegislatureLinks (http://www.leg.state.co.us/)
Sen. Mark Udall (http://markudall.senate.gov/?p=contact) (D) Fax:202-224-6471
Sen. Michael Bennet (http://bennet.senate.gov/contact/) (D) Fax: 202-224-1933
Rep. Diana DeGette (http://www.house.gov/formdegette/dcs_zip_auth_v2.shtml) (D-1) Fax:202-225-5657
Rep. Jared Polis (https://polis.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm) (D-2) Fax:202-226-7840
Rep. Scott Tipton (https://tipton.house.gov/contact-me/email-me)(R-3) Fax: 202-226-9669
Rep. Cory Gardner (https://gardner.house.gov/contact-me) (R-4) Fax: 202-225-5870
Rep. Doug Lamborn (https://lamborn.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=138) (R-5) Fax: 202-225-1942
Rep. MikeCoffman (http://forms.house.gov/coffman/webforms/issue_subscribe.htm) (R-6)Fax: 202-226-4623
Rep. Ed Perlmutter (https://forms.house.gov/perlmutter/webforms/contact.shtml) (D-7) Fax: 202-225-5278

http://www.conservativeusa.org/links/complete-email-fax-list/?/mega-cong.htm#Colorado

[Sharpienads]

Thanks for the write up. While I agree with everything you said, I despise having to justify why I need "high capacity" magazines, an AR-15, should be able to do with my personal property as I see fit, etc. Not only is it my God given right to defend myself, my family, and others around me if the situation arises, but it is also my obligation to do so. Trying to take away or limit what tools I can use to ensure the safety of myself and my family is immoral. That's the bottom line. Every other reason, while legitimate, pales in comparison.

Unfortunately, not everybody agrees, and so I will take your advice and write letters.

[buffalobo]

Thanks for your efforts Mark, will heed the advice and get started writing letters.

Everyone remember the legislative session is short, do not procrastinate.

Sent from my DROID Pro using Tapatalk 2

[lowbeyond]

Our first meeting was with Representative Rhonda Fields (District 42). She has authored a bill, not yet submitted, and supports all the other gun controls bills. We had a cordial discussion. Her son was murdered as a result of a "hit" and she emotionally blames the "assault weapon" for his death. She admitted to us that she is emotional, and scarred by her circumstances. She said several times that she is "not there yet" in response to questions dealing with the facts related to crime and weapons laws. She is attempting to lead and legislate based purely on emotion, not on facts.

So she is just a dumb cunt. Yep I said it.

[vossman]

Thanks MarkCO. Appreciate you standing up for us and keeping us smart on what's going on.

[marksjeep]

Thanks for all that info and for orchestrating these meetings. All of the contacts listed in the thread are Federal Legislators. Contact info for our state legislators can be had here by punching in your zip:

http://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/write-your-reps.aspx

These bills are slated for commitee hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday this upcoming week, so written letters may not get there. Fax/email's outbound.

Mark

[Tinelement]

Nicely done Mark.

Thank you.

[sniper7]

very awesome. I'll be sending more letters and emails.

[Southbridge]

Our first meeting was with Representative Rhonda Fields (District 42). She has authored a bill, not yet submitted, and supports all the other gun controls bills. We had a cordial discussion. Her son was murdered as a result of a "hit" and she emotionally blames the "assault weapon" for his death. She admitted to us that she is emotional, and scarred by her circumstances. She said several times that she is "not there yet" in response to questions dealing with the facts related to crime and weapons laws. She is attempting to lead and legislate based purely on emotion, not on facts.

So she is just a dumb cunt. Yep I said it.

I don't think she should be a legislator, but have a little more empathy for a parent who had to bury her own child.

[sroz]

Very well thought out and well written. Thank you, MarkCO! I'm glad you're on our side.

[TFOGGER]

A legislator should act as a representative of their constituent's best interests, rather than from emotional bias. Ms. Fields is carrying too much baggage with her to the Capitol.

I'm going to work on compiling contact information for our representatives and will post that as soon as I can, phones, emails, fax, and snail mail.

Edit: A wealth of information can be found here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2013A/csl.nsf/Directory?openFrameset

depending on how you sort, you can find senators or representatives by district...

[dwalker460]

Our first meeting was with Representative Rhonda Fields (District 42). She has authored a bill, not yet submitted, and supports all the other gun controls bills. We had a cordial discussion. Her son was murdered as a result of a "hit" and she emotionally blames the "assault weapon" for his death. She admitted to us that she is emotional, and scarred by her circumstances. She said several times that she is "not there yet" in response to questions dealing with the facts related to crime and weapons laws. She is attempting to lead and legislate based purely on emotion, not on facts.

Recall? If you cant get the job done, get out.

[MarkCO]

I do not live in Aurora which I think is Fields district. If you feel a recall is a viable course, then I would suggest you schedule a meeting with her to hear from her on these bills and then meet with the GOP leadership and carry on with those efforts. If she represented my district, I would investigate that path.

[lowbeyond]

I don't think she should be a legislator, but have a little more empathy for a parent who had to bury her own child.

sorry no. sucks that her child got killed but that is not a valid excuse to make us criminals just becasue she has the boo-hoos

fuck her.

[MarkCO]

This bill will likely die, but it gives our side another chance to testify. Read it, then tell your legislators you support it.

http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2013a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/165251F74BE0DD8587257AF30072BAFD?open&file=140_01.pdf

[Great-Kazoo]

A legislator should act as a representative of their constituent's best interests, rather than from emotional bias. Ms. Fields is carrying too much baggage with her to the Capitol.

I'm going to work on compiling contact information for our representatives and will post that as soon as I can, phones, emails, fax, and snail mail.

Edit: A wealth of information can be found here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2013A/csl.nsf/Directory?openFrameset

depending on how you sort, you can find senators or representatives by district...

Every one who is proposing or supporting any Gun , magazine, ammo bans and or restrictions are doing it emotionally. It's a contagious disease that has festered for too long and now rules instead of LOGIC & REASON.

[pickenup]

We spoke with some other groups, including RMGO while we were there. One thing is apparent, some "gun ethusists" are doing more damage than good and those in the fight have to spend time undoing messes created by those who should probably just write a short direct letter every day and nothing else. Even gun-grabber deomcrats are people and personal attacks go nowhere.

Care to elaborate on who these "gun enthusiasts" are, that are doing damage?
Groups -- individuals -- individuals representing groups -- ?

[MarkCO]

Care to elaborate on who these "gun enthusiasts" are, that are doing damage?
Groups -- individuals -- individuals representing groups -- ?

Read post #12 and #22. When you attack, especially with vulgarity, the person, they shut off. When you attack the fundamentals on which they base their arguments, it gains a lot more traction. I read a few letters sent to one of my legislators, and frankly, I was embarassed by the childish and ignorant attack on a person who is ON OUR SIDE. We have had at least 2 female "Pro Shooters" spout absolute ignorance on national TV in the past two weeks as well. Screaming threats and wearing military camo turns off what little ear they may have. Furthermore, coming from a white male, it solidifies their resolve as to their rationale that the entire gun culture is just barely beyond apedom.

The dems largely see the gun rights crowd as beer guzzling redneck NASCAR dads clinging to their guns. The people who fit that demographic, in the eyes of the dems, are the oppressors of the oppressed, weak and poor and they see their job as government to protect them from that demographic. Thus the argument that the small stautured (women) should not be denied the best tool, an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine, to defend themsleves from men intent on doing them harm tickles their world view as the protector of the oppressed poor and weak from the criminal man.

You can be NO compromise and get your point across without resorting to bar room bravado and tactics, some just don't get that.

[MarkCO]

I just received this e-mail from a wise old gun enthusist who is also very invovled in the legislative process...

At this time, Rep. Pete Lee (Manitou) and Mike Mclachlan (Durango) are key votes on House Judiciary. They can vote with the GOP to table the two worst bills.

Guess who you shold be faxing on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday!

[DHCO]

An easy way to say why you don't support mag caps is to point to NY, NJ, MA, or CA where ten rounds are no longer acceptable and they are proposing more severe limits. First it is prime evidence that mag caps have no impact on crime and that when this truth is revealed, our legislature will not repeal the law but just tighten the noose.

[loveski]

Thanks for all that info and for orchestrating these meetings. All of the contacts listed in the thread are Federal Legislators. Contact info for our state legislators can be had here by punching in your zip:

http://www.nraila.org/get-involved-locally/grassroots/write-your-reps.aspx

These bills are slated for commitee hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday this upcoming week, so written letters may not get there. Fax/email's outbound.

Mark
That's a great link.. I'm sending letters up the wazoo to all state officials. Everyone should do the same

[Byte Stryke]

Read post #12 and #22. When you attack, especially with vulgarity, the person, they shut off. When you attack the fundamentals on which they base their arguments, it gains a lot more traction. I read a few letters sent to one of my legislators, and frankly, I was embarassed by the childish and ignorant attack on a person who is ON OUR SIDE. We have had at least 2 female "Pro Shooters" spout absolute ignorance on national TV in the past two weeks as well. Screaming threats and wearing military camo turns off what little ear they may have. Furthermore, coming from a white male, it solidifies their resolve as to their rationale that the entire gun culture is just barely beyond apedom.

The dems largely see the gun rights crowd as beer guzzling redneck NASCAR dads clinging to their guns. The people who fit that demographic, in the eyes of the dems, are the oppressors of the oppressed, weak and poor and they see their job as government to protect them from that demographic. Thus the argument that the small stautured (women) should not be denied the best tool, an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine, to defend themsleves from men intent on doing them harm tickles their world view as the protector of the oppressed poor and weak from the criminal man.

You can be NO compromise and get your point across without resorting to bar room bravado and tactics, some just don't get that.

as a current resident of ATL... we at GCO and GGO are working to resolve at least one of those.
her sponsors are now "reconsidering their position" follow an outpouring of negative response.

[TFOGGER]

In this vein, the easiest place to kill these awful proposals is in committee, before they gain any momentum. If they never get a reading on the floor, they can't be passed. So it makes sense to engage the appropriate committee chairs and members.

[bogie]

The dems largely see the gun rights crowd as beer guzzling redneck NASCAR dads clinging to their guns. The people who fit that demographic, in the eyes of the dems, are the oppressors of the oppressed, weak and poor and they see their job as government to protect them from that demographic. Thus the argument that the small stautured (women) should not be denied the best tool, an AR-15 with a 30 round magazine, to defend themsleves from men intent on doing them harm tickles their world view as the protector of the oppressed poor and weak from the criminal man.

Once again, we can thank our illustrious MSM for this false portrayal. Sadly, this is how much of the world views the "ugly Americans".

[muddywings]

Figured this could use a bump.

Got the below from my email this weekend. I'm sure it's a form letter. Sounds like she is on the fence. Please let her know your opinion.




Thank you for contacting my office to provide your input on the gun safety proposals before the General Assembly this year. Your input is helpful to me before casting my vote on important and controversial issues like gun safety. In the firearms debate that lies in front of us, there are dozens of conflicting factors and opinions.


I support the Second Amendment and believe we must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens. As a legislator and a resident of Aurora, I also believe that violence has become an epidemic, gun violence in particular. Victims of gun violence also have a constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We all believe that we must keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.


I believe there is a way to honor the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and do a better job of keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals. In seeking to reduce the gun violence that has troubled our nation and our own community in recent months, I also firmly believe that we must explore all of the issues that contribute to such violent incidents. This includes examining our state’s broken mental healthcare system, ensuring that law enforcement has the tools necessary to protect our communities, and reflecting on the values of our society’s culture.


Thanks again for contacting me and sharing your input. Please do not hesitate to do so in the future if I can be of service to you in any way.


Sincerely,


Morgan Carroll
Senate District 29
Colorado Senate Majority Leader

morgan@senmorgancarroll.com

[loveski]

Figured this could use a bump.

Got the below from my email this weekend. I'm sure it's a form letter. Sounds like she is on the fence. Please let her know your opinion.




Thank you for contacting my office to provide your input on the gun safety proposals before the General Assembly this year. Your input is helpful to me before casting my vote on important and controversial issues like gun safety. In the firearms debate that lies in front of us, there are dozens of conflicting factors and opinions.


I support the Second Amendment and believe we must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens. As a legislator and a resident of Aurora, I also believe that violence has become an epidemic, gun violence in particular. Victims of gun violence also have a constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We all believe that we must keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.


I believe there is a way to honor the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and do a better job of keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals. In seeking to reduce the gun violence that has troubled our nation and our own community in recent months, I also firmly believe that we must explore all of the issues that contribute to such violent incidents. This includes examining our state’s broken mental healthcare system, ensuring that law enforcement has the tools necessary to protect our communities, and reflecting on the values of our society’s culture.


Thanks again for contacting me and sharing your input. Please do not hesitate to do so in the future if I can be of service to you in any way.


Sincerely,


Morgan Carroll
Senate District 29
Colorado Senate Majority Leader

morgan@senmorgancarroll.com

I just emailed her... I wonder what the ratio is of Pro vs. Anti gun emails.. That's what they're looking at.

[Rucker61]

Every one who is proposing or supporting any Gun , magazine, ammo bans and or restrictions are doing it emotionally.

That right there says it all.

[Great-Kazoo]

A deserved AM Bump

[DavieD55]

Figured this could use a bump.

Got the below from my email this weekend. I'm sure it's a form letter. Sounds like she is on the fence. Please let her know your opinion.




Thank you for contacting my office to provide your input on the gun safety proposals before the General Assembly this year. Your input is helpful to me before casting my vote on important and controversial issues like gun safety. In the firearms debate that lies in front of us, there are dozens of conflicting factors and opinions.


I support the Second Amendment and believe we must respect the rights of law-abiding citizens. As a legislator and a resident of Aurora, I also believe that violence has become an epidemic, gun violence in particular. Victims of gun violence also have a constitutional right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We all believe that we must keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals.


I believe there is a way to honor the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and do a better job of keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals. In seeking to reduce the gun violence that has troubled our nation and our own community in recent months, I also firmly believe that we must explore all of the issues that contribute to such violent incidents. This includes examining our state’s broken mental healthcare system, ensuring that law enforcement has the tools necessary to protect our communities, and reflecting on the values of our society’s culture.


Thanks again for contacting me and sharing your input. Please do not hesitate to do so in the future if I can be of service to you in any way.


Sincerely,


Morgan Carroll
Senate District 29
Colorado Senate Majority Leader

morgan@senmorgancarroll.com
Dont be fooled she is a gun control proponet.

[muddywings]

Dont be fooled she is a gun control proponet.

I was kinda figuring...wolf in sheep's clothing....or something like that.

[MarkCO]

I was kinda figuring...wolf in sheep's clothing....or something like that.

That is why we need sheep dogs!

[The Rat]

This site will send up to 5 free faxes per day, for those of you with no fax machine. https://faxzero.com/

[Ronin13]

Every one who is proposing or supporting any Gun , magazine, ammo bans and or restrictions are doing it emotionally. It's a contagious disease that has festered for too long and now rules instead of LOGIC & REASON.
Yep- if you allow emotion to dictate your decisions and actions you shouldn't be in any leadership or elected official position.

as a current resident of ATL... we at GCO and GGO are working to resolve at least one of those.
her sponsors are now "reconsidering their position" follow an outpouring of negative response.
Who are these folks being referred to? *YAWN, STRETCH* I must have been asleep and missed what happened...

[Birddog1911]

Gonna have a hell of a fight against John Morse. I had the opportunity to talk to him when he was the Chief of Police in Fountain. He was against citizens owning guns 12 years ago, and I'm sure he hasn't changed.

[Aloha_Shooter]

Read post #12 and #22. When you attack, especially with vulgarity, the person, they shut off. When you attack the fundamentals on which they base their arguments, it gains a lot more traction. I read a few letters sent to one of my legislators, and frankly, I was embarassed by the childish and ignorant attack on a person who is ON OUR SIDE. We have had at least 2 female "Pro Shooters" spout absolute ignorance on national TV in the past two weeks as well. Screaming threats and wearing military camo turns off what little ear they may have. Furthermore, coming from a white male, it solidifies their resolve as to their rationale that the entire gun culture is just barely beyond apedom.

...

You can be NO compromise and get your point across without resorting to bar room bravado and tactics, some just don't get that.

+1. People supposedly on our side have done as much damage as the gun controllers simply by enhancing stereotypes and dividing or diluting the coalition of folks who would have helped stop this nonsense.

Thanks for the rundown and advocacy.

[muddywings]

To bump this to the top again and surprise surprise:


Thank you for contacting me about HB 13-1124, HB 13-1126, HB-1128, and HB 13-1129. I am sponsoring HB 13-1229 as well as co-sponsoring HB 13-1228 and HB 13-1226. I appreciate your input and will keep your views in mind as I deliberate on the other bills.

Rep McCann

Beth McCann <beth@bethmccann.org>

[sniper7]

send them letters letting them know if they support this decision you will fund the opposition, volunteer against them and do everything to make sure they don't have a job.

[mahabali]

I just sent more emails. Here is a good template for the mag ban:

Honorable Members of the Colorado House Judiciary Committee,
I am an unaffiliated registered voter and it has come to my attention that
you will have the opportunity to stop the progress of House Bill 13-1224 in
the next few days. I'm writing to urge you to do so. No part of House Bill
13-1224 is beneficial to the public safety nor is it beneficial to anyone other
than a criminal by handicapping law abiding citizens involved in self
defense.

Warm regards,

Or this one


I am writing you today to request that you vote against HB1224 - "Prohibiting Large Capacity Ammunition Magazines."

HB1224 will not only strip the rights of law-abiding citizens of Colorado, it will lose the state valuable tax revenues and cause 900 jobs to either leave Colorado or shut their doors.

Magpul, a Colorado based company, posted this on Facebook yesterday:
"Due to the highly restrictive language in HB 1224, if passed, and we remained here, this measure would require us to cease PMAG production on July 1, 2013.

In short, Magpul would be unable to remain in business as a CO company, and the over 200 jobs for direct employees and nearly 700 jobs at our subcontractors and suppliers would pick up and leave CO. Due to the structure of our operations, this would be entirely possible, hopefully without significant disruption to production."

900 more people on unemployment because of legislation that will do nothing for the state. Not a record I would want to have as a legislator.

Thanks for your time,



Here is a list of the Judiciary Committee members email addresses:

Carole Murray <murrayhouse45@gmail.com>, Dan Pabon <dan.pabon.house@state.co.us>, Brian Delgrosso <brian@bri
andelgrosso.com>, Joe Salazar <joseph.salazar.house@state.co.us>, Perry Buck <perrybuck49@gmail.com>, Jerry
Sonnenberg <jerry@repsonnenberg.com>, Lois Court <lois.court.house@state.co.us>, Mike McLachlan
<mike.mclachlan.house@state.co.us>, Pete Lee <pete.lee.house@state.co.us>, Polly Lawrence
<polly.lawrence.house@state.co.us>, Thomas Exum <thomas.exum.house@state.co.us>, Daniel Kagan
<repkagan@gmail.com>, Mark Waller <mark.waller.house@state.co.us>, Jared Wright
<jared.wright.house@state.co.us>, Su Ryden <su.ryden.house@state.co.us>, Bob Gardner
<bob.gardner.house@state.co.us>, John Buckner <john.buckner.house@state.co.us>, Brittany Pettersen
<brittany.pettersen.house@state.co.us>, Crisanta Duran <crisanta.duran.house@state.co.us>

[james_bond_007]

Our first meeting was with Representative Rhonda Fields (District 42). She has authored a bill, not yet submitted, and supports all the other gun controls bills. We had a cordial discussion. Her son was murdered as a result of a "hit" and she emotionally blames the "assault weapon" for his death. She admitted to us that she is emotional, and scarred by her circumstances. She said several times that she is "not there yet" in response to questions dealing with the facts related to crime and weapons laws. She is attempting to lead and legislate based purely on emotion, not on facts.

So she is just a dumb cunt. Yep I said it.

I respect your right to your opinion, but I disagree.

Representative Rhonda Fields is a not only an elected official but a person, wife, and mother.
I think she is responding the way Many mothers would respond to her circumstances...
To me, it took a lot of courage for her to admit to this group and her peers that at present, she is not thinking logically and rationally, due to her personal tragedy.
In fact, I'm surprised she even took the time to discuss this at all.
Since she DID take the time to meet with the OP et al., my guess is that she wanted to talk to THEM and tell them HER side of things, rather that listen to the OP's side.
If I read into her statements, a bit, she is looking for revenge on Something (Who-ever and What-ever) contributed to the loss of her son.
Perhaps supporting these anti-2nd Amendment bills are her way of obtaining that revenge and for her to reach some sort of "closure" to her personal tragedy.

[lowbeyond]

Read post #12 and #22. When you attack, especially with vulgarity, the person, they shut off. When you attack the fundamentals on which they base their arguments, it gains a lot more traction.
You've already said she basically takes the position of i don't care what the arguments are. She doesn't know, nor is she interested in arguments against her proposals. You really think that someone like that can be convinced otherwise ? I don't. YMMV I dont fault you for trying, but really with someone like her, feinsten, McCarthy etc you are titling at windmills. They simply do not care

[Ronin13]

I respect your right to your opinion, but I disagree.
I agree with you 100%, however...
Representative Rhonda Fields is a not only an elected official but a person, wife, and mother.So? Aren't most elected officials a person, wife/husband and mother/father/son/daughter?
I think she is responding the way Many mothers would respond to her circumstances... You're assuming grieving parents all lose the ability to think rationally.
To me, it took a lot of courage for her to admit to this group and her peers that at present, she is not thinking logically and rationally, due to her personal tragedy. Personal tragedy aside, if she can't think logically or rationally she shouldn't be in her present position. PERIOD.
In fact, I'm surprised she even took the time to discuss this at all.
Since she DID take the time to meet with the OP et al., my guess is that she wanted to talk to THEM and tell them HER side of things, rather that listen to the OP's side.
If I read into her statements, a bit, she is looking for revenge on Something (Who-ever and What-ever) contributed to the loss of her son.
Perhaps supporting these anti-2nd Amendment bills are her way of obtaining that revenge and for her to reach some sort of "closure" to her personal tragedy. Then she should be fired and potentially thrown in jail for using her position of power to exact revenge or for personal gain. End of story- I do not sympathize with her at all- we've all lost loved ones, my uncle died of AIDs, that doesn't mean I should go out and become a legislator and ban sexual relations.

[lowbeyond]

I respect your right to your opinion, but I disagree.

Representative Rhonda Fields is a not only an elected official but a person, wife, and mother.
So what. Many people who wish to do evil are someone's parents wife/husband whatever.

I think she is responding the way Many mothers would respond to her circumstances...
To me, it took a lot of courage for her to admit to this group and her peers that at present, she is not thinking logically and rationally, due to her personal tragedy.
In fact, I'm surprised she even took the time to discuss this at all.
You must have a different definition of courage then i do. Her version seems to be. I know nothing, i am sad. So i am going to make you all criminals becasue i can. Courage? hardly.


Since she DID take the time to meet with the OP et al., my guess is that she wanted to talk to THEM and tell them HER side of things, rather that listen to the OP's side.
If I read into her statements, a bit, she is looking for revenge on Something (Who-ever and What-ever) contributed to the loss of her son.
Perhaps supporting these anti-2nd Amendment bills are her way of obtaining that revenge and for her to reach some sort of "closure" to her personal tragedy.
Well that i can agree with. She doesn;t care, just going through the motions so she can say, i met with the other side, blah blah blah.

As for revenge? Maybe. But think about what you just wrote. She is taking revenge on you for something you didn't, nor i gather, would ever do.

How "courageous"

[MarkCO]

PLEASE, right now, use your energy and passion to send those faxes instead of arguing with each other!!!

[Aloha_Shooter]

PLEASE, right now, use your energy and passion to send those faxes instead of arguing with each other!!!

but please don't call anyone names when you send those faxes, emails or letters -- especially not patently offensive names.

[whitbaby]

[/QUOTE]

Here is a list of the Judiciary Committee members email addresses:

Carole Murray <murrayhouse45@gmail.com>, Dan Pabon <dan.pabon.house@state.co.us>, Brian Delgrosso <brian@bri
andelgrosso.com>, Joe Salazar <joseph.salazar.house@state.co.us>, Perry Buck <perrybuck49@gmail.com>, Jerry
Sonnenberg <jerry@repsonnenberg.com>, Lois Court <lois.court.house@state.co.us>, Mike McLachlan
<mike.mclachlan.house@state.co.us>, Pete Lee <pete.lee.house@state.co.us>, Polly Lawrence
<polly.lawrence.house@state.co.us>, Thomas Exum <thomas.exum.house@state.co.us>, Daniel Kagan
<repkagan@gmail.com>, Mark Waller <mark.waller.house@state.co.us>, Jared Wright
<jared.wright.house@state.co.us>, Su Ryden <su.ryden.house@state.co.us>, Bob Gardner
<bob.gardner.house@state.co.us>, John Buckner <john.buckner.house@state.co.us>, Brittany Pettersen
<brittany.pettersen.house@state.co.us>, Crisanta Duran <crisanta.duran.house@state.co.us>[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the addy's.
I just sent them all OPPOSITION notes for HB1224, 1226, 1228, and 1229

[lilpromisedland]

Thank you Mark for your posts. Here's a bit of info from www.graac.webs.com (http://graac.webs.com/)

"We need everyone to contact Representative Pete Lee, Colorado Spring by phone and email, today-NOW, even if they aren't in your district. We need him on our side. Tell him, respectfully of course, that you would like him to support your rights as a gun owner. Don't wait or it might be too late! http://peteleecolorado.com/
pete.lee.house@state.co.us
District Office Phone: 719-632-1165
Cell phone number: 719-460-2834
Call to leave a message on both numbers AND send an email! He needs to know we are out here.

One More. We need you to contact Mike Mclachlan and request him to support your 2nd amendment rights also. These two are critical, we need their support. Take ten minutes and write and call these two, this is important. Send this out to everyone today!
http://www.mclachlanforcolorado.com/ (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mclachlanforcolorado.com% 2F&h=9AQFghOgw&s=1)
Phone: 970.317.1982
mike@mclachlanforcolorado.com

[MuzzleFlash]

Let's not forget that a high capacity magazine would be very useful for warding off home invasions which, by the way, are on the rise in Colorado.

Also, ask the legislators to consider the counsel of the Colorado Sheriffs which have gone on record stating that these bans would be useless.

Tell them to focus on mental health issues instead. That's their "do something" outlet.

[brutal]

Committee posted fiscal notes on HB-1224 today: http://www.leg.state.co.us/clics/clics2013a/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/7E6713B015E62E6F87257B0100813CB5?Open&file=HB1224_00.pdf

I found this statement to be interesting. I wonder what the local govs would have to say about it:

"The bill also impacts local governments (police departments, sheriff offices, and district attorneys) by requiring them to investigate and prosecute offenses under the bill. These costs are anticipated to be minimal."

[MarkCO]

Thank you Mark for your posts. Here's a bit of info from www.graac.webs.com (http://graac.webs.com/)

"We need everyone to contact Representative Pete Lee, Colorado Spring by phone and email, today-NOW, even if they aren't in your district. We need him on our side. Tell him, respectfully of course, that you would like him to support your rights as a gun owner. Don't wait or it might be too late! http://peteleecolorado.com/
pete.lee.house@state.co.us
District Office Phone: 719-632-1165
Cell phone number: 719-460-2834
Call to leave a message on both numbers AND send an email! He needs to know we are out here.

One More. We need you to contact Mike Mclachlan and request him to support your 2nd amendment rights also. These two are critical, we need their support. Take ten minutes and write and call these two, this is important. Send this out to everyone today!
http://www.mclachlanforcolorado.com/ (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mclachlanforcolorado.com% 2F&h=9AQFghOgw&s=1)
Phone: 970.317.1982
mike@mclachlanforcolorado.com

Thanks, that was in post #27...
At this time, Rep. Pete Lee (Manitou) and Mike Mclachlan (Durango) are key votes on House Judiciary. They can vote with the GOP to table the two worst bills.