Brady Campaign

Uncategorized

Fisking Helmke

January 10, 2011 by

The Brady Campaign released another missive from Paul Helmke yesterday reacting to the shootings in Tucson:

Enough is Enough! Tucson Shooter, Arizona New Faces of Weak Gun Laws

Jan 9, 2011

Statement from Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence:

“The 22 year-old shooter in Tucson was not allowed to enlist in the military, was asked to leave school, and was considered “very disturbed” (according to former classmates), but that’s not enough to keep someone from legally buying as many guns as they want in America.

Jared Lee Loughner passed the NICS check conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The National Instant Criminal Background Check System was mandated by the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act of 1993 and launched by the FBI on November 30, 1998.

Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, a Democrat, has blamed inflammatory rhetoric on the part of Tea Parties and conservative politicians for the tragedy. However, according to sources within his own Sheriff’s Department, they knew of Loughner and his threats as well as his mental illness. One of the reasons they were reluctant to do anything was because his mother was a Pima County employee.

Many people seem to find this surprising, but it’s true, and we ought to be angry about it.

The troubles of the Tucson shooter are more proof that we make it too easy for dangerous and irresponsible people to get guns in this country. We have too few laws to protect our families and communities from this kind of bloodshed, and the laws we do have are riddled with too many loopholes.

Arizona, as it turns out, has almost no gun laws, and scored just two points out of 100 last year on the Brady State Scorecard.

Since then, things have gotten worse. Arizona is one of only three states that allow residents to carry loaded, hidden guns without background checks. Arizona recently weakened its laws to allow guns in bars.

The State of Arizona believes in individual responsibility as well as constitutional rights. If the Loughner family had sought mental health care for their son, he might have shown up in mental health records and been denied under NICS. Mr. Helmke wants to blame everyone but the criminal’s family for not doing something to prevent this tragedy.

Joseph Zamudio, one of the bystanders that detained Loughner and who has been hailed a hero, was carrying concealed and went to provide help when he heard the shots because he was armed.

In addition, if Congress had not allowed the “Assault Weapons Ban” to expire in 2004, the shooter would only have been able to get off 10 rounds without reloading. Instead, he was able to fire at least 20 rounds from his 30-round clip.

Standard and large capacity magazines were available during the ten years the “Assault Weapons Ban” (sic) was the law. While no new magazines could be produced except for law enforcement or military uses, existing magazines were grandfathered and readily available. This would include 30-round knock-offs of the Glock 18 magazine. Even without a 30-round magazine, reloads can be done quickly and efficiently if practiced.

Sensible gun laws can save lives. Congress should move now to enact tougher restrictions on guns, ammunition, and who can legally possess them, and President Obama should help lead the way.”

Why does anyone still believe a “new” law would have prevented this tragedy? Madmen will do as madmen do and people are still going to get killed.

Uncategorized

Vultures

January 10, 2011 by 2 Comments

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) was shot this morning (approx. 10am PST) at an event in Tucson, AZ. The latest news reports have her in critical condition following neurosurgery with doctors optimistic about her recovery.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge John Roll and five other were killed. In addition, 18 others including the Congresswoman were wounded. The suspected gunman, Jared Lee Loughner, is in custody. As others have noted, he sounds like a garden variety nutcase.

The Brady Campaign wasted no time in getting out a press release talking about gun violence and doing something about “the conditions that make it too easy” for things like this to happen.

Tragic, Horrifying Shooting of Congresswoman and Other Americans at Grocery Store in Tucson

Jan 8, 2011

Statement from Brady Campaign President Paul Helmke:

“Our hearts and prayers go out to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her family, and to all of the other victims who were shot and killed at a Tucson grocery store today. Members of our staff have met the Congresswoman and we are deeply saddened and horrified by this tragedy. We find it unacceptable that when Americans and our elected leaders are assembling in public places, their lives are at risk from gun violence.

We also are deeply concerned about the heated political rhetoric that escalates debates and controversies, and sometimes makes it seem as if violence is an acceptable response to honest disagreements.

We, as Americans, can and should do more to restore civility to our political discourse and we can and should do more to address the conditions that make it too easy for dangerous and irresponsible people to disrupt and destroy the lives of innocent Americans, and political leaders who are simply trying to serve their communities and our country.”

This is a time when all should be praying for the recovery of all the wounded and for repose of the souls of those killed. To use such a tragedy to push a party line or make an ideological point is beyond the pale. There is a name for those who would do it.

Vultures.

UPDATE: As Sebastian points out, Helmke is also dancing in the blood of the victims over at HuffPo. Helmke is even more explicit in that post.

UPDATE II: Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY4), never one to miss an opportunity, is reported by Politico ready to introduce new gun control legislation.

One of the fiercest gun-control advocates in Congress, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-N.Y.), pounced on the shooting massacre in Tucson Sunday, promising to introduce legislation as soon as Monday.

The irony is that Gabby Giffords would probably vote against this bill.

Sebastian has more on this as well as attempts by Philadelphia Congressman Bob Brady to clamp down on free speech.

Uncategorized

Wanted – Field Organizer For Arizona

January 8, 2011 by 5 Comments

The Brady Campaign placed the following help wanted ad on idealist.org.:

Field Organizer – Arizona

Posted on: January 6, 2011

Posted by: Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Job Announcement
Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence

Field Organizer
Based in Tucson, AZ

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence seeks a dynamic field organizer to help build the gun violence prevention movement in key areas of Arizona to build momentum to pass stronger gun laws at the federal level.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Ø Educating key groups and constituencies on gun violence issues using available health and law enforcement data, through meetings, written materials, websites, Facebook and other relevant sources,
Ø Utilize existing national programs, resolutions, timely state legislative issues or gun issues in the news to help recruit new advocates and groups to our issue,
Ø Build and/or utilize local grassroots organizing and communication structures in key legislative districts in Arizona to facilitate the activation of constituents on the gun violence prevention issue supporting federal legislation,
Ø Conduct outreach to key constituencies including Hispanic, college and university students, law enforcement, faith, and victims of gun violence through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, attending community and university/college meetings,
Ø Coordinate activities and share information with other gun violence prevention organizations/structures in the state.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
· Demonstrated fluency in Spanish
· Professional or volunteer experience in the field of organizing (electoral, union, community, canvassing, etc.)
· Excellent organizational skills
· Excellent interpersonal skills, both one-on-one and in groups
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Good computer skills
· Self-motivated and able to function independently as well as in a team
· Availability for possible weekday evenings and weekends
· Have access to a car, have a valid drivers’ license, and willing to travel in designated project areas
· Physically able to do outreach and carry meeting supplies
· Demonstrated cultural competence
· Commitment to sensible gun laws
· Able and willing to work from home

Brady Campaign is an equal opportunity employer.

I guess the Brady Campaign would disagree with my characterization of constitutional carry as being “sensible”. Too bad.

However, this ad does give a good idea of areas that the Brady Campaign plans to target in an effort to curtail gun rights – college students, Latinos, liberal church groups, and law enforcement.

Uncategorized

Tools

January 3, 2011 by

From the Urban Dictionary comes this definition of a tool:

One who lacks the mental capacity to know he is being used. A fool. A cretin. Characterized by low intelligence and/or self-esteem.

(For example:) That tool doesn’t even know she’s just using him.

On Monday, December 27th, the Brady Campaign finally was able to file their amicus brief in D’Cruz et al v. BATFE et al. As some may remember their earlier attempt at filing an amicus brief had to be withdrawn as no Motion to Dismiss had been filed.

The Brady Campaign brief had the usual suspects – Mothers Against Teen Violence and the Texas chapter of the Brady Campaign – as interested parties. In addition, they were joined by the University of Texas Student Government, the University of Texas Graduate Student Assembly, and the Students for Gun-Free Schools in Texas. I imagine that the Brady Campaign feels they have scored a major PR coup by getting those three student groups to join their amicus brief. I wonder if those groups even realize that they have just been used.

The person behind both the Student Government and the Graduate Student Assembly signing on to the Brady brief is John O. Woods. Mr. Woods is a graduate student in cell and molecular biology at the University of Texas and a graduate of Virginia Tech.  As a story in the Dallas Morning News notes, his girlfriend was one of the students murdered at Virginia Tech back in 2007.

He seems to have made it his mission to keep college campuses in Texas as so-called gun-free zones. His blog discusses his feeling on gun control, politics, and other items. Having scanned a few of his entries, I think it is safe to say anything James D’Cruz may have said on his Facebook page pales by comparison to the ramblings of Mr. Woods.

Mr. Woods is a Director of the Students for Gun-Free Schools in Texas. He is also a representative in the University of Texas Graduate Student Assembly. Both the Student Government and the Graduate Student Assembly recently adopted resolutions urging a ban on handguns on campus that were authored by him. The minutes from the Student Government meeting are here. The Student Government adopted another resolution to that called for “closing the loopholes” in the “Brady Background Check System.”

The Brady Campaign and Mr. Woods both have an agenda which includes the disarmament of young adults among other things. One must wonder if the Student Government and the Graduate Student Assembly representatives realize that by signing on to this brief they are saying to a substantial part of the student body you aren’t worthy of the full rights of adult citizens. Probably not because they are tools.

Uncategorized

Not Anti-Gun?

December 28, 2010 by

Of course Colin Goddard, the assistant director of legislative affairs for the Brady Campaign, is not anti-gun. He is anti-firearm (or rifle). As R. Lee Ermey graphically illustrated in Full Metal Jacket there is a difference. I’m sure that is what Robin meant.

Newsbusters has more on the whole interview between Robin Roberts and Colin Goddard on Good Morning America.

UPDATE:  David Codrea examines this interview in his National Gun Rights Examiner column.

Oh, no, Goddard assures her. He’s been hunting. He’s been to the range.

Hell, if shooting is the criteria, gun rights advocates could have no bigger supporter than Lon Horiuchi.

That should be the money quote of the year!

H/T Cam Edwards
 

Uncategorized

Bradys All For ATF Reporting Requirement

December 20, 2010 by 3 Comments

The Brady Campaign is very much in favor the ATF’s proposed “temporary” requirement that sales of more than one semi-automatic rifle with certain characteristics in a five day period be reported to ATF. I know that surprises no one. Here is their (as usual) misleading press release on the proposal:

Brady Campaign Applauds ATF Plan to Collect Reports of Bulk Weapons Sales
“A step toward battling Mexican gun violence”

Dec 17, 2010

Washington, D.C. – The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence today applauded the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for its plan to issue an emergency rules change to require that federally-licensed gun dealers near the Mexico border report multiple sales of assault weapons.

Under the proposal published in the Federal Register today, certain gun dealers would be required by a “demand letter” issued by the ATF to alert the agency when they sell two or more semi-automatic rifles greater than .22 caliber with detachable magazines to the same person within five consecutive business days

“It makes sense that law enforcement should be alerted if someone is buying 5, 10, or 100 assault weapons, when it’s likely that those guns could be headed to drug cartels in Mexico,” said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign. “It will give ATF the same amount of information about people who buy military-style assault weapons in bulk that they already have had for more than 40 years about people who buy handguns in bulk. It’s the kind of crime-fighting information that our law enforcement officials ought to have if we want to reduce the number of assault weapons being trafficked illegally to Mexico, as well as to American cities.”

While the National Rifle Association and other gun lobby groups have already expressed strong opposition to this attempt to stop illegal gun trafficking and curb gun violence in Mexico, the Brady Campaign noted that the Obama Administration has clear legal authority to require the bulk sales reports. “Demand letters” were used during the Clinton administration to force dealers with high crime gun traces to submit additional information to the ATF and the courts have upheld their use. For example, in 2001, the 4th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to this authority by former NRA Board member and gun shop owner Sandy Abrams, whose license was eventually revoked for massive violations of federal gun laws.

The Brady Campaign also urged the Obama Administration to develop a comprehensive approach to gun violence by advancing policies to require background checks on all gun sales at gun shows, limit the bulk sales of guns and restrict access to military-style weapons. “Steps like these will improve our border security and our ‘hometown security’ in neighborhoods and communities of the United States,” added Helmke.

Uncategorized

Brady Campaign Seeks To File Amicus Brief In Bateman Case

December 18, 2010 by 2 Comments

From the Brady Campaign:

Brady Center Urges Court to Dismiss Lawsuit Seeking Right to Carry Guns During Riots and States of Emergency

Dec 16, 2010

Washington, D.C. — The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence today filed a brief in federal court in North Carolina urging the court to dismiss a lawsuit seeking a right to take up arms in streets and other public spaces during riots or other emergencies. The lawsuit challenges a longstanding North Carolina law that allows gun carrying on a person’s property but temporarily bars public gun carrying in the vicinity of a riot and during states of emergency.

“The Second Amendment does not grant a right of vigilantes to take up arms on our streets during a riot or state of emergency,” said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. “Police and emergency responders seeking to quell a riot or deliver aid during an emergency should not be forced to contend with legally-authorized armed individuals and groups roaming alleys and public streets.”

The Brady Center’s brief argues that there is no right of armed vigilantes to take to the streets during riots or congregate in the vicinity of emergency responders trying to secure a downtown during riots, looting, or terrorist attacks. The prospect of police and emergency responders being powerless to stop bands of armed citizens from taking to the streets during emergencies, looting, or rioting poses a serious threat to the government’s ability to maintain public order and deliver emergency services. If the lawsuit were successful, law enforcement would be unable to detect whether roaming armed individuals or gangs were would-be looters, terrorists, or vigilantes, thus jeopardizing their safety and their ability to respond to states of emergency.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently held that the Second Amendment grants a right to possess a gun in the home for self-defense, but emphasized that this right “is not unlimited” and is subject to “reasonable firearms regulations.” The Supreme Court has held that bans on carrying concealed weapons do not violate the Second Amendment and courts have given the government broad authority to restore order during riots and emergencies.

The lawsuit, Bateman v. Purdue, was filed by the Second Amendment Foundation in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Brady Center’s brief was joined by North Carolina Million Mom March Chapters of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Religious Coalition For a Nonviolent Durham. The brief was filed by attorneys with the Brady Center and the firm Hogan Lovells US LLP, along with Drew Erteschik of the Raleigh, N.C. firm Poyner Spruill LLP.

To paraphrase Lynyrd Skynyrd –

Well, I heard Ms. Brady sing about her
Well, I heard ole Sarah put her down
Well, I hope Sarah Brady will remember
A Carolina man don’t need her around anyhow

UPDATE: David Codrea has some good commentary on this nonsensical press release from the Brady Bunch in his National Gun Rights Examiner column.

Uncategorized

Worst Retirement States

December 11, 2010 by

The top 10 worst states are, in alphabetical order, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Ohio, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

If one looks at these same states in terms of the Brady Campaign ratings, seven out of the top 10 worst retirement states are also in the top 10 in the Brady scores. To score high in the Brady rankings, you have to have high levels of gun control.

I’m not going to saying correlation is causation but it is a very interesting correlation. That is, the least free states are also, for the most part, the worst states in which to retire.  Makes sense to me.

Uncategorized

Brady Campaign Racist?

November 27, 2010 by

From the Austin American-Statesman on the D’Cruz cases:

“This is an unprecedented attempt to arm teenagers … even though most states currently restrict them from carrying a concealed weapon,” said Daniel Vice , senior attorney for the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence . “Teen gang members could buy guns if this law is changed.”

James D’Cruz is Latino.

James D’Cruz is 18 years old.

By the logic of the Brady Center, the combination of the two makes James D’Cruz a potential “teen gang member”. Nice racial stereotype, isn’t it.

I guess this is no surprise given their recent attack on Mr. D’Cruz where they took Facebook postings out of context to conclude he is fascinated with “with gangsters and outlaws, often quoting them, and include violent, threatening messages.”

By this logic, one would say the Yale Law Class of 1973 was filled with a bunch of hack politicians that slept with staff, attacks 18 year olds, and only got a job due to family connections. It makes as much sense.