Posted on 04/28/2002 2:23:58 PM PDT by Dan from Michigan
Georgia Democrat wows NRA; says own party doesn't understand gun rights
By SCOTT SONNER
The Associated Press
4/28/02 3:15 PM
RENO, Nev. (AP) -- Sen. Zell Miller of Georgia wowed the National Rifle Association as a "Democrat who wants more guns" and chastised his own party for failing to recognize the social and political reach of gun issues.
"There is nowhere I'd rather be tonight than right here with you, on the picket line of freedom's defense," Miller told more than 2,000 NRA members in a speech at Saturday night's banquet.
Only about half the crowd at the NRA's 131st annual meeting at the Reno Hilton hotel-casino stood when Miller was introduced as the first Democrat to give a keynote address to the gun rights group in more than a decade.
But nearly all rose to give a 30-second standing ovation by the time the popular former two-term governor finished his speech touting the NRA's 4.2 million members as the epitomee of "mainstream America."
"Like many of you, I've got more guns than I need, but not as many as I want," Miller said.
"Now that may sound a bit confusing to some -- a Democrat wanting more guns," he said, explaining he's a life member of the NRA with an A-plus voting record "and I'm darned proud of it."
Miller echoed the words of NRA executive vice president Wayne LaPierre, who told more than 4,000 delegates at the annual meeting Saturday afternoon, "You are why Al Gore isn't in the White House."
Miller said Gore won partly because Democratic strategists listened to bad advice from pollsters who claimed voters favor gun control. He said Gore's stands on gun rights cost the former vice president key southern states, including Arkansas, West Virginia and Tennessee.
"I recall the surprise of national Democratic leaders at losing those states in the presidential election," Miller said.
"All their expert pollsters said voters favored some kind of gun control. ... Well, I stand with heartfelt conviction over a political wind gauge any day.
"What many do not understand is that the gun issue is not just about guns. It's about values. It's about setting priorities. It's about personal freedom. It's about trust," he said.
Miller said 73 percent of the Georgians he surveyed in a poll for his 1994 gubernatorial re-election bid agreed with the statement:
"Whenever I hear politicians talking about gun control, it makes me wonder if they understand my values or my way of life."
The last Democrat to give the NRA's keynote address was former Rep. Jack Brooks, D-Texas, in 1991.
Bill Bauer, an NRA board member from Boerne, Texas, said Miller's speech was on the mark.
"A lot of people here (at the convention) don't even shoot guns but are concerned about the principals of the NRA," he said.
David O. Boehm of Rochester, N.Y., a retired appellate judge in the state of New York, said in recent years "it seems most Democrats nationally have opposed instead of supported the right to possess firearms."
But Miller "has grown up with firearms. He understands there's nothing sinister about it," Boehm said. "I thought he beautifully, articulately and eloquently expressed the feelings of so many of us here."
Gun control advocates accused Miller of pandering to the NRA.
"As America struggles to increase national security, Senator Miller and other lawmakers should be acting on measures that will make our communities more secure rather than courting the NRA," said Michael D. Barnes, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.
NRA leadership "does not represent the views of mainstream Americans," he said.
"Rather than working to prevent gun violence, the NRA fights to keep military-style assault weapons -- high-powered weapons with no civilian purpose -- easily available on our streets," Barnes said.
He also noted the recent election of three new U.S. senators -- Bill Nelson of Florida, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Maria Cantwell of Washington -- all Democrats "`who vocally supported sensible gun policy during their campaigns."
Miller told the NRA crowd Saturday night, "Folks, I ain't courted anybody since my wife, Shirley, said `yes' 48 years ago.
"When I look around this room, all I see is mainstream America. I see a room full of patriots who love their country and all it stands for."
"It has come down to us -- guardians of the liberty of the Second Amendment -- to ensure the preservation of our heritage."
"NR Not rated: Refused to answer his or her questionnaire; no track record."
GOA has no political ax to grind, and rates candidates solely on what they say and do - not on how they can benefit the NRA!
Last Friday's AP article said the last Dim to give the keynote address was Rep. Martin Frost, also of Texas.
Which was it, do you suppose?
Martin Frost, BTW, has a 'perfect' anti-gun record.
If nothing else tells you that Zig-Zag Zell is a lyin' sack, this statement should!
Our "sensible gun policy" is summarized in the Second Amendment.
That would be nice but I have never read what the GOA does except constant complaining about what the NRA does or doesn't do. Tell us when or where the GOA convention is and I will eagerly await a report on the good they are doing.
BTW I went to the NRA Convention this weekend. It was great. Now I've got a craving to buy another gun.
Just another lying RAT.
Of course they understand gun rights. That's why they're against 'em.
Just listen to Henry Waxman going on and on about the .50 cal rifle's ability to penetrate armored limousines-one of his favorite subjects.
The Democrats understand gun rights just fine.
Is that why Tom Daschle is the majority leader?
Because of your "vast difference"?
Miller is just another lying RAT. Get over it.
Exactly!
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