Colorado Democrats in Denver are imposing some of the harshest gun laws in the country, and there is a reaction by local businesses, notably four shows that air on The Outdoor Channel and Magpul. The bills on Democrat Governor John Hickenloopers desk were drafted by Democrats and fully supported by Democrats. All opposition to the bills by Republicans and the public, including Sheriffs, has been largely ignored.
Michael Bane, independent Executive Producer and host of four shows that air on The Outdoor Channel is pulling his production from Colorado because he feels the Colorado Senate is betraying 2nd Amendment rights.
Bane wrote a letter to Republican Senator Steve King (7th House District) after meeting with him regarding the anti-gun bills. In that letter, he outlined the decision he and his three producers made to move all production out of Colorado. In the letter, he says, “We have already cancelled a scheduled filming session for late this month. Obviously, part of this is due to our own commitment to the right to keep and bear arms, but it also reflects 3 lawyers' opinions that these laws are so poorly drafted and so designed to trap otherwise legal citizens into a crime (one of our attorneys referred to them as "flypaper laws") that it is simply too dangerous for us to film here.
The productions by Michael Bane are relatively small in the world of television, however, the relocation of their production will cost Colorado a little less than a million dollars in 2013. They have been promoting Colorado and tourism for approximately 10 years, but that too will stop.
Magpul Industries Inc., a design and manufacturing company of firearms accessories, is preparing to leave Colorado immediately after Governor John Hickenlooper signs the anti-gun laws, currently scheduled for Wednesday, March 20. If they are signed, Magpul says they can have production of one of their products, “PMAGs,” made outside of the state within 30 days, according to the Denver Post (March 19). After nearly 15 years in the state, they will take approximately 600 jobs out of Colorado. Think this is just hurting hunters and shooting enthusiasts? No, they manufacture for police and military.
According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, hunting had an almost $800 million impact on Colorado in 2012, driving as many as 8,330 jobs. That includes hunting, fishing and just visits to Colorado. Colorado’s Division of Wildlife started running ads on Feb. 14 (during the gun legislation discussions) to bring more out-of-state hunters to the state. Will they want to come if they know they can be criminally responsible if someone picks up one of their firearms without a “legal transfer” and a background check?
What else will be impacted by these gun bills? Potentially hunting organization and hunting clubs who will pull out, as well as other companies who do not want to tangle with poorly written laws.
The Outdoor Channel’s independent producer Michael Bane ends his letter to Senator King saying, “Colorado is going to pay a huge price for laws that will do nothing.” (The views of Michael Bane are his own and not reflective of the opinions of Outdoor Channel.)
If you disagree with the direction Colorado is moving on its gun control measures, contact Governor John Hickenlooper and let him know. The website doesn’t make it easy to send an e-mail, so pick up the phone and call: (303) 866-2471.
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