Grass Roots North Carolina

Uncategorized

GRNC On Tomorrow’s Election

November 6, 2018 by

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If you have not partaken in the early voting period and are still wondering who is or isn’t the pro-gun candidate in North Carolina, Grass Roots North Carolina and GRNC-PVF have a convenient way to check both their ratings and their recommendations. They also have recommendations on the six Constitutional amendments to the North Carolina Constitution as well as recommendations on the statewide judicial races. The recommendations are from GRNC-Political Victory Fund while the evaluations are from GRNC itself.

This last one is critical. Anita Earls is running as a Democrat against Justice Barbara Jackson (R-NC). She is a far-left SJW who would tip the NC Supreme Court even more to the Left and presumably anti-gun. She was the executive director of the Southern Coalition for Social Justice which should say it all. She is very well funded compared to her competitors. Moreover, don’t be fooled by the R after Chris Anglin’s name. He is a Democrat who only switched to siphon away votes from Justice Jackson.

I anticipate that the Republicans could very well lose their super-majority in the General Assembly meaning that they can’t easily override vetoes by anti-gun Gov. Roy Cooper (D-NC). Given the number of anti-gun candidates running as Democrats, the era of pro-gun Democrats in North Carolina seems over and any new gun rights legislation will have a hard time passing and getting signed by the governor.

From GRNC:

VOTE TUESDAY

CANDIDATE EVALUATIONS
&
RECOMMENDATIONS
TOMORROW IS ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. Polls are open from 6:30 a.m. until 7:30
p.m. If you’ve
waited for Election Day to vote, you can review GRNC Candidate Evaluations and your GRNC-PVF Candidate Recommendations at any time. 
Evaluations vs. Recommendations

Candidate Evaluations differ from Recommendations. While  GRNC–PVF recommendations are analytical and therefore subject to interpretation, the evaluations are intended to
provide an objective measure of where candidates stand on Second Amendment issues. For a full explanation of GRNC’s objective star
evaluations, go to: https://www.grnc.org/remember-in-november/grnc-candidate-evaluations-2018
Candidate recommendations,
which are more limited than blanket “endorsements,” are not made in all
races, only in races where a clear pro-gun candidate stands out or where
strategic voting is necessary to keep anti-gun candidates out of
office. 

CANDIDATE EVALUATIONS
You can CLICK HERE to see GRNC Candidate
Evaluations. These are just one more tool voters can use to understand where any given candidate stands on gun rights, and
a copy of these evaluations can come in quite handy in the voting booth.  Print the PDF that is sorted by name and take it with you to vote. Just check this alphabetical list
against the candidates on your ballot, and you’re in business. You may have
also received the Candidate Evaluations in the mail, in GRNC’s “Remember in November” Voter
Guide.
YOUR CANDIDATE
RECOMMENDATIONS

CLICK
HERE to review all of GRNC-PVF’s Candidate Recommendations.
After clicking over to the page, scroll down to find your
recommendations for the US House, important judicial races, the NC
Senate and the NC House. If a district is not listed, GRNC-PVF was
unable to
recommend a candidate in that race. If you don’t know which districts
are yours, see below.

WHAT DISTRICTS AM I IN?

CLICK HERE
to look yourself
up at the State Board of Elections. Among other things, this voter
lookup tool will display the district information pertinent to you.

Still having trouble finding your districts? CLICK HERE to see the GRNC Candidate
Evaluations (open the PDF
sorted by name). Print this, take it with you to vote, and you can check the sheet against the candidates on your ballot.

Election Day is Tuesday, November
6th


This is your last chance to
vote. To find your Election Day voting location, CLICK HERE to look yourself up. Among
other things, this State Board of Elections voter lookup tool will display your Election Day voting location (it will probably
not be the same location as your early voting location(s)). On Election Day, polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to
7:30 p.m.

PLEASE VOTE
Uncategorized

Use Special Session Of NC Senate To Do Something On Gun Rights!

August 26, 2018 by

The North Carolina Senate is being forced back for a special session to deal with the wording of some the proposed constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot in November. One of the amendments to be voted on deals with making hunting and fishing constitutional rights under the NC Constitution. That’s nice but the reality is that Republicans in the State Senate think such an amendment will placate gun owners despite their sitting on a bill authorizing permitless concealed carry.

The Republican majority still think backing hunting is supporting the Second Amendment and gun rights. That might have been fine when all you had was Gun Culture v. 1.0 but we have moved to Gun Culture v. 2.0 and beyond.

Grass Roots North Carolina recognizes this and they also recognize that this special session is an opportunity for the Republicans to actually do something with regard to gun rights.

GOP SENATORS CAN
STILL EARN YOUR
VOTE
Thus far, the NC Senate has made 2018 a dud for gun-rights
voters, but there is an opportunity for redemption, and just in time for
the
election…

For better or worse, a judge
has
effectively forced the NC Senate to convene a special session in order
to fine-tune the language in some of this November’s proposed
amendments.  This is great news for both gun owners and GOP senators.

Republicans Have Miscalculated

During this year’s regular session, NC Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, Rules Chairman Bill Rabon, and other Senate
Republicans have completely ignored gun owners. Had they simply passed HB-746
(permitless concealed
carry), they would have lived up to their recurring campaign rhetoric,
as well as their party’s platform. Instead, they chose to punt, perhaps
to avoid an issue they perceived to be controversial. Unfortunately,
that’s not courageous and that’s certainly not leadership.
Disregarding pro-gun voters, who are basically the Republican
base, is ill advised preceding a mid-term election where majorities are
up
for grabs, and Republicans need every vote they can scrounge. With that
in mind, perhaps it’s fair to say that Senate leaders have
miscalculated.

The Good News for Senate Republicans

By a serendipitous twist, NC senators now have a chance to redeem
themselves in the eyes of their base, and just in the nick of time.
With a special session convening this coming week, there is
no reason GOP leaders can’t give HB-746 a hearing, and make sure it
comes
to the floor for an up or down vote. This simple action would please the grass roots voter, while ensuring more freedom and a greater
level of safety for all North Carolina citizens.

Good News for Gun Voters

The good news for gun owners is that the NC Senate may
actually use this opportunity to show you, the gun-rights voter, that
they
haven’t forgotten you. They may actually do the right thing, even if
it’s only to court your vote in November. No matter the reason, the
right thing is still the right thing, and perhaps we should expect
Republican senators see it our way this coming week.

Please
Encourage Senate Leaders
Of course, our public servants will
need some encouragement if they are to get this done. Below, see how you can easily contact Senate leadership and urge them to grab this
opportunity and use it to impress their voting base, while making North Carolina both safer and freer. 


IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

  • PHONE SENATE LEADERS AND YOUR REPUBLICAN
    SENATOR    : Find phone numbers below. Deliver the following phone message (if there is no answer, please leave a message or
    call back):

    • Hello,
    I am a pro-gun voter, and I am calling to express disappointment
    in this year’s short session, but also enthusiasm over the opportunity
    we have in this week’s special session. By using this session to
    pass HB-746, the permitless concealed carry bill,  Senate Republicans
    have a chance to redeem themselves in the eyes of their voting base, and
    just in the nick of time. This mid-term election will surely be
    precarious for Republicans, and with their recent snub of gun voters, I
    am not
    terribly excited about pulling the lever for them. I insist that HB-746
    be given a hearing and be brought to the floor for a vote. Make this
    happen or
    risk an unmotivated voting base in November. Thank you.

  • EMAIL ALL REPUBLICAN
    SENATORS    :
    Below, find copy/paste email
    list(s), along with a copy/paste email message you can use, which is provided under ‘Deliver This Message.’
CONTACT
INFO

Senate Leader Phil Berger:
(919) 733-5708

Senator Rules Chair Bill Rabon: (919) 733-5963

Find your GOP senator’s phone number (click on the ‘Senate’ tab, search by county, district,
or your voter registration): https://www2.ncleg.net/RnR/Representation

NC Senate
Republicans copy/paste email *list(s):

John.Alexander@ncleg.net;
Deanna.Ballard@ncleg.net; Chad.Barefoot@ncleg.net;
Dan.Barrett@ncleg.net;
Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net; Phil.Berger@ncleg.net; Dan.Bishop@ncleg.net;
Danny.Britt@ncleg.net; Harry.Brown@ncleg.net; Bill.Cook@ncleg.net;
Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net;

Jim.Davis@ncleg.net; Cathy.Dunn@ncleg.net; Chuck.Edwards@ncleg.net;
Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net; Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net; Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net;
Rick.Horner@ncleg.net; Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net; Joyce.Krawiec@ncleg.net;
Michael.Lee@ncleg.net; Tom.McInnis@ncleg.net;
Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net;

Paul.Newton@ncleg.net;
Louis.Pate@ncleg.net; Ron.Rabin@ncleg.net; Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net;
Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net; Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net;
Vickie.Sawyer@ncleg.net ;
Jeff.Tarte@ncleg.net; Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net; Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net;
Trudy.Wade@ncleg.net; Andy.Wells@ncleg.net

*Spam filters or email program limitations may cause the need to send more than one email, to cover the entire
list of representatives. If so, the list above is split into three pieces, for your convenience.

DELIVER THIS
MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: “Motivate Your Base: Pass HB-746
Now”  
Dear
Senator:

After a
terribly
disappointing short session, I am writing to express both enthusiasm and
hopefulness over an opportunity for Senate Republicans to redeem their
snub
of gun-rights voters. This coming week’s special session presents a
golden opportunity for Senate Republicans to live up to their pro-gun
campaign language, and to satisfy the pro-Second Amendment principles
documented in the Republican Party platform.

Basically, pro-gun voters are the base of the Republican
Party. That is why it was so surprising to see Senate leadership ignore
this critical voting bloc leading up to a mid-term election, one that is
sure
to be precarious for Republicans. Both polling and history tell us that
Republicans will need all the votes they can scrounge in 2018. With
majorities
on the line, new attention to HB-746 (permitless concealed carry) is the
sure path to motivating the base, and I demand that you pursue this
during
the coming week.

Until
now, Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, Rules Chairman Bill
Rabon, and other Republican leaders in the Senate, have let me down.
Frankly, I am
not excited about voting for increasingly unreliable and complacent
Republican candidates, and it’s fair to assume that many other voters
are
similarly hesitant. A substantive and long-overdue show of support for
gun rights, by passing HB-746 during this special session, would go a
long way
to shrink the chasm GOP senators have opened between themselves and
their voting base. More importantly, passing HB-746 would make North
Carolina both
safer and freer for all of its law-abiding citizens.

I insist that you do the right thing during
this special session. Do what it takes to give HB-746 a hearing and see
that
it is brought to the floor for an up or down vote. I will be monitoring
your actions on this matter through alerts from Grass Roots North
Carolina.

Respectfully, 
Uncategorized

Wednesday Is The Last Day To Comment On ATF’s Proposed Retroactive Ban On Bump Stocks

June 27, 2018 by

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 28th at 11:59pm EDT, is the close of the comment period on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives proposed ban on bump fire stocks. According to the legal sophistry of the DOJ lawyers, the BATFE erred when it said bump fire stocks did not violate the National Firearms Act. Thus, if the rule is adopted, bump fire stocks will be treated as machine guns and since they were produced after the Hughes Amendment was enacted they will be destroyed without compensation.

Bump fire stocks are a novelty to me. However, more important is how this ruling could be used to expand restrictions on all semi-automatic firearms, trigger upgrades, and the list goes on. To paraphrase Pastor Martin Niemoller’s quote about the Nazis, “first they came for the bump fire stocks and I did not speak out because I didn’t own a bump fire stock…”

The corporate gun ban lobby has been active in the last few days trying to solicit their members to submit comments. I’m sure they’ll get a lot that will ignore the law and play on emotion. While I’ll have another post up in the morning about the Firearms Policy Coalition’s 900+ page submission, for the time being here is a reminder from Grass Roots North Carolina.

STOP THE ‘BUMP-STOCK’ GUN BAN
The Dangerous Precedent of the ‘Bump-Stock’  ban.


The law that a ‘machine gun’ is defined by one trigger
pull firing multiple rounds was written by congress and signed off on
by the executive branch.  But with ‘Writing It Out’ the executive branch all by its
lonesome is going to magically redefine multiple trigger pulls as one so that they can call a bump-stock equipped semi-auto firearm a
‘machine gun’.  

Specifically, these devices convert an otherwise semiautomatic firearm into
a machinegun by functioning as a self-acting or self-regulating mechanism that harnesses the recoil energy of the semiautomatic firearm
in a manner that allows the trigger to reset and continue firing without additional physical manipulation of the trigger by the
shooter.

The trigger still has to be pulled for every shot, but with the word
play magic, those additional trigger pulls are going to be ‘written out’ so with supposedly one trigger pull, you have a
‘Machine gun’!

It’s a semi-automatic
miracle!      


If the
required trigger pull for every shot has been ‘written out’ devices such as Bump-stocks, belt loops, rubber
bands or fingers will have to be banned since these can also turn that which is ‘semi-automatic’ into something that is
‘automatic’. 
But they can’t very well ban pants, rubber bands or fingers, so
they will have to ban semi-automatic firearms instead.
   
But wait!  There’s more!
   
With
this magical word play any gun that can
fire again with just a trigger pull could also be banned as a ‘machine
gun’, meaning revolvers or shotguns could also be eliminated.


See how easy it is to ban just about everything by just changing the meaning of a few
words?
Nancy Pelosi [Bless her heart]
openly admitted that she hoped the ‘Bump-Stock’ ban would lead to a slippery slope towards other restrictions on our
freedom.  
The
Left wants
to cynically exploit the recent shootings for political gain, This is
only round one of a coming battle to defend your Constitutional
rights.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
  • The end of the comment period is tomorrow: June 27,
    2018      so you only have a short time to express your opinion on this important and far reaching
    issue.
  • Help GRNC reload for the coming
    battle    :     The
    Left cannot stand it when you exercise your rights and they will stop at nothing to deprive you of them. 
  •  We desperately need money and volunteers for
    the upcoming battle. Please help by donating at:     https://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/contribute

 

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE
This is in opposition to the ‘bump device’ ban, or any such rule.
  
 The Executive branch
of the Federal government cannot simply change the meaning of words to ‘write out’ things that are unpopular at the moment.

It also cannot turn
semi-automatic firearms into ‘machine guns’ with the stroke of a pen.  These firearms require multiple trigger pulls to fire. 
No amount of word magic can change that fact.


Attempting to do so will set a dangerous precedent with potential to put all guns on the
chopping block.  That will most certainly INFRINGE on the 2nd amendment. 


The Federal government has no authority to  change the meaning of words
that impact the law in this matter.
 
Respectfully,
Uncategorized

GRNC Press Conference In Raleigh On Tuesday

June 4, 2018 by

The Demanding Moms can gets lots of turnout to their events because of stay-at-home moms, retirees, and kept women. Well, I don’t know about the kept women part but I think the first two are pretty accurate.

Grass Roots North Carolina is holding a press conference in conjunction with Rep. Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus) on school safety. They need – WE NEED – as many people who can to attend that press conference and especially teachers who want the ability to be armed to protect the school children under their care.

The full release is below:

PRESS CONFERENCE:
SCHOOL
SELF-DEFENSE ACT
Children will only be safe when adults are permitted to protect
them …

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 6/5), the sponsors of the “School Self-Defense Act” (HB 1039)
will be publicly introducing the bill, and
you’re invited. GRNC was involved in creating this bill as well as
directing input to the offices of the Speaker and the House Rules Chair,
and
we’re excited about its introduction. This is GRNC’s answer to all of the counterproductive, and worse, gun-grabbing
“solutions” proposed by the left. More press conference details below.

Parents and especially
teachers,
please attend this press conference


Please RSVP using the
following
email address:
directorofdevelopment@grnc.org



Note: Signs are
not allowed in the Legislative Building.


Calling All Teachers and Parents

It is very important that
you attend this press conference. Seeing you there will help the General Assembly members recognize that the people are serious about this, and
your presence may even help the politicians develop spines. Please see below for details.


PRESS RELEASE:
LEGISLATION & PRESS
CONFERENCE DETAILS

Bill Provides

Active Shooter Protection for Students

Legislators herald introduction of
House Bill 1039: “School Self-Defense Act”

Press conference:

When:  Tuesday, June 5 at 11:00 A.M. EDT

Where: NC General Assembly, Legislative Building Rm. 1328, 16. W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC

Who:    Representatives Larry Pittman, Michael Speciale, John Blust and Mark
Brody

To deter active
shooter scenarios and better protect North Carolina students, North Carolina House Representatives Larry Pittman, Michael Speciale, John Blust
and Mark Brody have introduced HB 1039: “School Self-Defense Act,” which is patterned after the Department of
Homeland Security’s highly successful “Federal Flight Deck Officer” program and would:
  • Create a “Volunteer School Faculty Guardian” program for full or part-time
    school faculty members who have concealed handgun permits and wish to carry firearms to protect students;
  • Create an active shooter training program for School Faculty Guardians; and
  • Allow school systems to “opt out” should they choose to do so.

Teachers to speak
out in favor of HB 1039:

The June 5 press conference will
allow an opportunity for teachers in favor of arming faculty members, whose voices have long been stifled, to be heard.

Said
GRNC president Paul Valone:

“Too
often, politicians have wrongly equated
protecting school children with the loss of individual freedom. GRNC
thanks these courageous legislators for promoting a solution, already
operating
successfully in Ohio and elsewhere, which will deter mass killings,
allow volunteer faculty members to provide a last layer of defense for
school
children, and preserve our Constitutional liberties.”


IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

  • EMAIL THE SPEAKER AND THE RULES COMMITTEE
    CHAIRMAN    . Use the
    copy/paste details provided under ‘Deliver This Message‘ to insist on a hearing for this bill.

  • ATTEND TUESDAY’S PRESS
    CONFERENCE    :
    As soon as you can, please contact GRNC at this email address, directorofdevelopment@grnc.org, and let us know you’re
    coming    .     More details below.

    This
    Tuesday, June 5, at 10:30 AM, meet GRNC representatives here:

    Legislative Building
    Room 1328

    16 W. Jones Street
    Raleigh, NC
    27601

    A couple
    of notes:
    It’s probably best to arrive in Raleigh by 10:00 AM to make sure you find parking. Please “dress for
    the press.” Professional attire preferred. Firearms are not allowed on the grounds of the General Assembly.
     Signs are not allowed in the Legislative Building.

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Send to:  Tim.Moore@ncleg.net; David.Lewis@ncleg.net

Suggested Subject: “The School Self-Defense Act Must Receive a Hearing”  

 
Dear Speaker Moore and Chairman Lewis:

I am writing to insist on a hearing for the “School Self-Defense
Act” (HB 1039).
I
was quite elated when I heard that several courageous legislators have
stepped forward
to develop a practical and effective solution to the school safety
issues we are currently facing. It’s about time we stepped out of the
endless cycle
of rhetoric, and took actual steps to defend our children. This bill, HB
1039, does just that. 


Due to the potentially imminent
nature of this problem, time is short. Please do not position yourself
as the one
standing between school children and their safety. Rather, make sure the
School Self-Defense Act receives a hearing immediately. NC Parents and
Teachers need this, school children need it even more, and that’s why
I’m insisting on it.


I will be monitoring your actions on this issue through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina. 

Respectfully,
Uncategorized

HB 1039 – North Carolina’s School Self-Defense Act Introduced

June 3, 2018 by 1 Comment

House Bill 1039 – School Self-Defense Act – has been introduced into the North Carolina House of Representatives. The bill will have a formal unveiling at a press conference to be held this coming Tuesday at 10:30am in the Legislative Building. The authors of this bill include many pro-gun legislators. Moreover, they sought the input of Grass Roots North Carolina in their drafting of the bill.

From the GRNC Alert:

PRESS CONFERENCE:
SCHOOL
SELF-DEFENSE ACT
Children will only be safe when adults are permitted to protect
them …

This Tuesday, the sponsors of the “School Self-Defense Act” (HB 1039)
will be publicly introducing the bill, and
you’re invited. GRNC was involved in creating this bill as well as
directing input to the offices of the Speaker and the House Rules Chair,
and
we’re excited about its introduction. This is GRNC’s answer to all of the counterproductive, and worse, gun-grabbing
“solutions” proposed by the left.

We all have a
stake (an understatement) in protecting school children, so GRNC and the
sponsors
of this bill would like for those closest to the issue, parents and
particularly teachers to attend this unveiling. Parents and
especially teachers, please attend this press conference.

HB 1039

This bill, sponsored by Representatives Mark Brody, John Blust, George Cleveland, Larry Pittman and Michael Speciale,
would allow certain members of
school faculty or staff to carry a handgun on school grounds to respond
quickly to acts of violence and imminent threats of violence.

Finally, a few
courageous legislators are stepping outside of the circular rhetoric and are proposing a practical and effective solution that
will actually protect the children.

Calling All Teachers and Parents

It is very important that you attend this press conference. Seeing you there will help the General Assembly members recognize
that the people are serious about this, and your presence may even help the politicians develop spines. Please see below for
details.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

  • EMAIL THE SPEAKER AND THE RULES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. Use the copy/paste details provided under ‘Deliver This
    Message    ‘ to insist on a hearing for this bill.

  • ATTEND TUESDAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE: As soon as you can, please contact GRNC at this email address,
    directorofdevelopment@grnc.org, and let us know you’re
    coming    .     More details below.

    This
    Tuesday, June 5, at 10:30 AM, meet GRNC representatives here:

    Legislative Building
    Printed Bills Office
    16 W. Jones Street

    Raleigh, NC 27601

    A couple
    of notes:
    It’s probably best to arrive in Raleigh by 10:00 AM to make sure you find parking. Please “dress for
    the press.” Professional attire preferred. Firearms are not allowed on the grounds of the General Assembly.
DELIVER THIS
MESSAGE
Send to: 
Tim.Moore@ncleg.net; David.Lewis@ncleg.net

Suggested Subject: “The
School Self-Defense Act Must Receive a Hearing”  

 
Dear Speaker Moore and Chairman Lewis:

I am writing to insist on a hearing for the “School Self-Defense Act” (HB
1039).
I was quite elated when I heard
that several courageous legislators have stepped forward to develop a
practical and effective solution to the school safety issues we are
currently facing. It’s about time we stepped out of the endless cycle of
rhetoric,
and took actual steps to defend our children. This bill, HB 1039, does
just that. 


Due to the potentially imminent
nature of this problem, time is short. Please do not position yourself
as the one
standing between school children and their safety. Rather, make sure the
School Self-Defense Act receives a hearing immediately. NC Parents and
Teachers need this, school children need it even more, and that’s why
I’m insisting on it.


I will be monitoring your actions on this issue through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina. 

Respectfully,
Uncategorized

Would A Local TV Station Obfuscate GRNC’s Position On 80% Receivers? Duh!

May 25, 2018 by

A volunteer for Grass Roots North Carolina was interviewed by Felicia Bolton of Raleigh’s CBS 17 television station about “ghost guns” for the second part of their two-part story.

If you read what was attributed to Marc Erickson, you’d think GRNC was anti-80% receivers.

Some gun rights advocates like the director of Grass Roots North Carolina Marc Erickson stated these weapons do pose some concerns.

“I represent lawful gun owners. Lawful gun owners don’t have to make their own firearms,” said Marc Erickson.

He also stated that he believes the law should remain the same and the focus should be on prosecuting violent offenders.

“What concerns me is that violent people obtain firearms one way or another and are allowed to pursue their violent actions,” said Erickson.

Of course there is more to the story as the alert from Grass Roots North Carolina below points out. Being quoted out of context or having the meat of your argument edited out is the risk you play when dealing with the media. They want sound bites that make their point. It is why whenever you are being interviewed you should have your own recorder. Even better is to have someone with you taking video of the interview so you won’t be “Couric’ed” as Katie Couric did to the Virginia Citizens Defense League.

From GRNC:

CREATIVE EDITING
OBFUSCATES TRUTH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release date: May 24, 2018

In a heavily edited interview on CBS 17 yesterday, a GRNC volunteer’s remarks were taken out of context to imply that Grass Roots North Carolina opposes the sale of 80% lower receivers. That assertion is false. The position which the reporter avoided relaying was as follows:

“If gun ban advocates are worried about 80% lowers, they should be truly alarmed by the prospect of people using 3-D printers to make guns in their basements, because each underscores the fallacy of gun control; namely, that you can somehow control the behavior of violent individuals by restricting their access to potential implements of mayhem. Prohibition didn’t work for alcohol, it isn’t working for drugs, and it won’t work for guns.”

Uncategorized

Will NC Republicans Let Permitless Carry Die In The State Senate?

May 23, 2018 by

HB 746 passed the North Carolina State House in June of 2017. Entitled the Omnibus Gun Bill, the key feature of HB 746 was permitless concealed carry. As I’ve mentioned before, the North Carolina Supreme Court ruled back in 1922 that it was the right of North Carolinians to carry a firearm openly. Since the passage of HB 746 in the House there has been no action on the bill in the State Senate. It seems the Senate Republicans under the control of Majority Leader Phil Berger want the bill to die from inaction. They did nothing regarding the bill in 2017 and now it seems nothing more will happen regarding the bill in the 2018 short session.

It should be noted that it wasn’t too long ago that both houses of the General Assembly were solidly Democratic. Thanks to the efforts of conservatives and especially gun owners, Republicans hold a super majority in both houses. Grass Roots North Carolina issued an alert this evening asking people to remind Majority Leader Phil Berger and the rest of the Senate Republicans just who brought them to the dance.

From GRNC:

GRNC Alert: Republicans Plan 2018 Snub of Gun Voters

CAMPAIGNING REPUBLICANS 
SNUB SECOND AMENDMENT 
Senate Republicans may be planning to sell out gun owners… again! 

Strong signals received from Senate leaders suggest that Republicans plan to wrap up 2018 without any action on pro-gun bill, HB 746! Yes, you read that right. After allowing the Permitless Concealed Carry bill (HB 746) to languish in committee for the duration of the 2017 session, Senate Republicans are now aiming to do precisely the same thing in 2018.Once again, it seems Republican Politicians have forgotten who brung ‘em to the dance.

 
They’re taking you and
your vote for granted!

2018 Campaign Promises Will Ring Hollow
As you know, 2018 is an election year. This means all the “pro-gun” Senators who are apparently planning to snub gun owners, will once again be out on the campaign trail, and as always, they’ll be leaning on the Second Amendment. Clearly, politicians have no sense of irony.
 
Should senators fail to pass HB 746 soon,
do not fall for their 2018 pro-gun campaign promises

Without obvious and immediate action where it is entirely possible and long overdue, any pro-gun campaign rhetoric can be chalked up to crafty but hollow misdirection. As candidates wistfully recall memories involving their daddy’s shotgun, they’ll be quietly hoping like heck that you didn’t read this alert and learn what they really think about protecting and expanding your right to keep and bear arms. Let’s just say, if actions speak louder than words, your gun rights are not their priority.

Don’t Let Senate Republicans Play You 
Republicans, seemingly bent on inaction, may think they have you fooled, but they don’t, and the smartest thing gun owners can do now is let them know. Below, see how you can contact Senate Republicans. Explain to them that you are aware of their plan to do nothing, and that “nothing” is not a reason for you to go out and vote for them. Insist they pass HB 746 this session, and soon.


IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
  • EMAIL SENATE REPUBLICANS: Use the copy/paste email address lists provided below, and the copy/paste text provided under ‘Deliver This Message.’
  • PHONE SENATE LEADERS PHIL BERGER & HARRY BROWN. PHONE YOUR REPUBLICAN SENATOR, TOO. Find phone number information below and tell the Senators this simple thing: 
Hello, I am an active voter, and I vote on gun rights. I am calling to insist that the Senate pass HB 746 this session, or I will be sitting home in November. Thank you. 


CONTACT INFO
  • Sen. Pres. Pro Tem Phil Berger:    (919) 733-5708
  • Sen. Maj. Leader Harry Brown:    (919) 715-3034
  • If applicable, please phone your own Republican senator as well. Click here to find your state senator.
NC Senate Republicans copy/paste email *list(s):

John.Alexander@ncleg.net; Deanna.Ballard@ncleg.net; Chad.Barefoot@ncleg.net; Dan.Barrett@ncleg.net; Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net; Phil.Berger@ncleg.net; Dan.Bishop@ncleg.net; Danny.Britt@ncleg.net; Harry.Brown@ncleg.net; Bill.Cook@ncleg.net; David.Curtis@ncleg.net;

Warren.Daniel@ncleg.net; Jim.Davis@ncleg.net; Cathy.Dunn@ncleg.net; Chuck.Edwards@ncleg.net; Rick.Gunn@ncleg.net; Kathy.Harrington@ncleg.net; Ralph.Hise@ncleg.net; Rick.Horner@ncleg.net; Brent.Jackson@ncleg.net; Joyce.Krawiec@ncleg.net; Michael.Lee@ncleg.net; Tom.McInnis@ncleg.net;

Wesley.Meredith@ncleg.net; Paul.Newton@ncleg.net; Louis.Pate@ncleg.net; Ron.Rabin@ncleg.net; Bill.Rabon@ncleg.net; Shirley.Randleman@ncleg.net; Norman.Sanderson@ncleg.net; Jeff.Tarte@ncleg.net; Jerry.Tillman@ncleg.net; Tommy.Tucker@ncleg.net; Trudy.Wade@ncleg.net; Andy.Wells@ncleg.net  


*Spam filters or email program limitations may cause the need to send more than one email, to cover the entire list of recipients. If required in your case, the list above is split into three pieces, for your convenience. 



DELIVER THIS MESSAGE
Suggested Subject: “Pass HB 746 Now or Lose My Vote”  
Dear Senator:

I am furious after learning that Senate Republicans, by all accounts, intend to allow another year to slip away while taking precisely zero action on pro-gun bill HB 746. It seems as though Republicans have forgotten who “brung ‘em” to the dance, and this is not an acceptable memory lapse.

While you are out on the 2018 campaign trail, be aware that all pro-Second Amendment rhetoric will ring hollow in the wake of the Senate’s inaction, particularly if that trend continues during the 2018 session. There are no carefully parsed words, no glossy campaign mailers, no slick radio ads that will outweigh action in the Senate where real action is entirely possible. Inaction on the other hand speaks volumes.

Pass HB 746 this session. If you don’t, you will lose my vote. And if you have any doubts about the significance of the gun vote, consider Congressman Pittenger’s narrow 2018 Primary loss, after GRNC recommended his opponent due to Mr. Pittenger’s recent anti-gun votes in the U.S. House.

The gun vote makes a difference, and gun owners pay attention to GRNC’s recommendations. Pass HB 746, or face a loss in November. I will be closely monitoring your actions on this issue through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina.

Respectfully, 
Uncategorized

Early Voting Starts April 19th For NC Primary

April 19, 2018 by

Tomorrow is the first day of early voting for the May Primary in North Carolina. The number of locations in a county will vary by both date and county. For example, in Buncombe County (Asheville area), there will be only one site available for early voting until Saturday, April 28th, when it expands to six locations. You can go to the NC State Board of Elections to find the locations for one-stop early voting in your county.

In anticipation of the opening of the early voting period, Grass Roots North Carolina has released their Remember in November candidate evaluations. They have both a sort by district and a sort by name file. Personally, I find the sort by district to be more helpful. The candidate evaluations are only for the state legislature and for Congress.

As GRNC notes, these are evaluations and not endorsements.

GRNC’s “Remember in November” project estimates candidates’ views on “assault weapons,” concealed handguns, gun storage laws, gun rationing, other gun control and the Second Amendment. THE EVALUATIONS HEREIN ARE NOT ENDORSEMENTS. We issued surveys first to a control group of gun owners and then to candidates. Next, we measured how closely each candidate’s views and voting record (if available) agree with the control group. Pay more attention to voting records than survey results unless, of course, you believe politicians never lie.

Also as a reminder, just because a candidate has “R” after his or her name, it doesn’t mean he or she supports gun rights. I have seen a snippet of a debate between Michelle C. Lexo and Tom McInnis regarding firearm issues. They are running for the Republican nomination in the NC Senate 25th District (Anson, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland Counties). Ms. Lexo says we need to look at “high capacity magazines” because she isn’t sure “they are needed”. “Other than that”, she says she supports the Second Amendment. Her opponent, Sen. Tom McInnis, replied “when guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns”.  I’ll let you decide who you’d rather have defending your firearm rights.

Uncategorized

GRNC On Weekend Rallies

April 13, 2018 by 1 Comment

Grass Roots North Carolina sent out a press release this afternoon regarding the weekend gun rights rallies. They make the point that they are not affiliated with the event nor are sponsoring it. Their goal is not to discourage attendance but to make sure people are aware of the relevant state law in North Carolina about carrying on the grounds of the State Capitol.

GRNC not affiliated
with Saturday’s rally.  Warns supporters against
bringing guns to the State Capital Grounds
To gun rights
supporters: 


You may have heard about the nationwide
pro-gun
rally planned for this weekend. GRNC is not affiliated with this event,
but we have learned that some organizers in various states have
encouraged
attendees to bring firearms to their particular rally location.
While it’s true that they are only encouraging this in states where it is legal to do so, there should be some
concern that people unaware of their state and local laws could inadvertently ensnare themselves in serious legal trouble.

Although
GRNC is not affiliated with this event, we want to serve our supporters who may plan to attend with a helpful warning: it is absolutely illegal to
carry a gun on the State Capital grounds in North Carolina, unloaded or otherwise.

Carrying a gun at a protest in that
part of the city will most likely land you in
serious legal trouble, and may very well compromise your personal
safety. It would also be counterproductive to the gun rights movement.
GRNC does not
condone breaking any gun laws. 
Should you choose to attend this (non-GRNC) rally:
DO NOT BRING A FIREARM 

Uncategorized

Just In Case You Haven’t Seen This

April 6, 2018 by

Mayor Nancy Vaughn of Greensboro, NC announced after the Parkland murders that she would seek to end the Greensboro Gun and Knife Show held semi-annually at the Greensboro Coliseum. The Greensboro City Council was in agreement. The only problem is that they didn’t have the authority to do that.

So they invited citizens to make their voices heard – assuming it would be anti-gun – during the public comment period on the April 3rd meeting. I think they heard more than they expected but not exactly what they wanted. You can see the full hour plus long video of the meeting here.

Andy Stevens of Grass Roots North Carolina spoke. Just as importantly so did Mark Robinson. What the latter had to say has gone viral. You can see both of their comments below.

Mr. Robinson’s comments begin at about the 4:40 mark. His comments have been aired on Fox News, Facebook, and the list goes on. The number of views from various sources now totals in the millions.

Share this video with your friends. Everyone needs to see it.

UPDATE: A.P. Dillon at LadyLiberty1885 blog has more on the Greensboro City Council meeting including video of a couple of the March for Our Lives kids. Dillon notes that they repeated many false claims.