Take a deep breath and read on. I am trying to keep our focus on Virginia, but events dictate otherwise right now:
I have just confirmed with Senator Warner's office in DC that he is putting in a bill with DIANNE FEINSTEIN and CHUCK SCHUMER to extend the Assault Weapons Ban, as is, for another 10 YEARS!!!
I am so mad, I am having a hard time writing this!
The aide that I talked to didn't know the difference between a flash-suppressor and a silencer, asked why I needed a bayonet lug (this is America - I don't need one, but I want one), and basically said that Warner was just doing something that the Administration wanted!
I told him there WOULD be a price to pay at the polls in November for anyone who supports the AWB in any shape or form. He asked, "What would you do, put a Democrat in as President?"
I said, "If I, and the rest of America, wanted a ban on assault weapons, we would have voted for gun-haters. Instead most of them got kicked out. If Warner gives me such a ban, then he is no better than any other gun-hater and I will just stay home election day and watch TV and let the chips land where they may. If the election is as tight as they say it is going to be, and President Bush signs this atrocity, then Bush will find that gun owners who got him elected the last time will turn their backs and walk away."
__ WHAT TO DO
Ladies and gentlemen we are at a cross-roads and we must act now or forever hold our peace (actually the government is busy trying to take away our "pieces"). Senator Allen has said that he would only back an AWB if it was exactly like the one we have now. Guess what Senator Warner just gave him? So now we have BOTH Virginia senators in a position to sell us all out. This is Virginia, not New York! We can sit still and take it OR we can flood, and I mean flood, their lines with phone calls and back those calls up with emails. Don't count on the emails alone, they need to get overwhelmed with phone calls!
My freedom is worth a couple of long distance calls and I am sure you feel the same - so let's make those calls NOW! Things are moving fast and there is no time to waste.
Phone numbers:
Senator John Warner, 202-224-2023, web form: http://warner.senate.gov/contact/contactme.htm
Senator George Allen, 202-224-4024, web form: http://allen.senate.gov/index.cfm?c=email&which=Standard
Suggested email / talking points
Do NOT support a renewal of the Assault Weapons Ban (AWB)!
Bill Clinton lamented that anger over the original ban 10 years ago cost the Democrats control of both the House and Senate. Don't be so sure that it can't be reversed. President Bush barely won the last election - and it was gun owners that got him elected. If the AWB passes, I can, and will, turn my back on ANYONE who supported that ban. I will stay home on election day and let the chips fall where they may. If I want gun control, I can get it from the Democrats, who at least will tell me the truth about their intentions and not stab me in the back. I do not want to hear about how you support our precious freedoms as you are busy destroying them.
However, it's not too late to change your mind and become statesman and not just another politician tearing up the Constitution.
I will be following what happens with the AWB very closely.
Do the right thing for the law-abiding citizens of this great country and let the AWB sunset in September!
Sincerely, [your name] [your address]