Posted on 08/05/2005 9:34:05 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
St. Louis replaces Columbus for NRA convention
After pulling out of Columbus, the National Rifle Association said Thursday it will hold its 2007 annual convention in St. Louis.
The NRA said in May it would hold the 2007 convention in Columbus, but rescinded that decision July 18. The NRA cited Columbus' ban on certain kinds of assault weapons for its decision.
The NRA is philosophically opposed the ban -- and said the ban would prevent some of the vendors at its convention from selling their wares.
Columbus City Council enacted the ban July 11. Representatives from the city said they informed the NRA the ban was likely. Some, like Councilman Mike Mentel, accused the NRA of agreeing to hold the convention in Columbus just so it could cancel it if the weapons ban passed.
"To the citizens of St. Louis, a word from your friends in Columbus: Don't cash the NRA check yet," Mentel said in a statement.
The convention was expected to draw around 60,000 people, who might have spent between $15 million and $20 million in the local economy, according to Experience Columbus, the local convention and visitors bureau. Experience Columbus said in July it is already looking to book other conventions for the space.
The NRA's 2007 meeting will take place from April 13 -17 in St. Louis and include five acres of guns, hunting equipment and outdoor gear.
Don't worry, St. Louis: as long as you don't pass any stupid-a$$ gun control laws, you can cash the proverbial check.
Uh, Mentel, I doubt St. Louis is planning to pass a law restricting what the NRA can do at their convention. Perhaps the NRA did select the Columbus bid in an attempt to show you the error of your ways. Yet you passed the ordinance anyway and are now confused as to why the NRA said "seeee ya."
The Mayor of St.Louis is somewhat sane ( for a liberal Dem ). The city Alderman( and Alderwomen ) are a different story though. But I don`t think they will do anything stupid to mess this up. The city is strapped for cash and this event could do some good.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.