As we discussed last Friday, NRA's Political Victory Fund has posted its grades and endorsements for the 2010 elections. While that column focused on the Nevada U.S. Senate race between Harry Reid and Sharron Angle, a U.S. House race in California gives us the oppportunity to do a comparative assessment for consistency in the way candidates are rated and endorsed.
They have given Dan Lungren a "B+" and, more importantly, their endorsement. Recall that Angle received an "A" and no endorsement, while incumbent Reid got a "B" and almost $5,000 in campaign contributions, along with a glowing media testimonial.
Shall we see if Lungren is a superior defender of the right to keep and bear arms, and deserving of an official "thumbs up" from the powerful "gun lobby" opinion-molders?
He talks like he is on his website. He gives us "shall not be infringed" rhetoric and affirms his belief that the Second Amendment is an individual right. He further reveals he signed on to a supportive amicus brief in the Heller case. I would argue with him on this, though:
I think it is clear that the Founding Fathers intended the Second Amendment to allow citizens to keep and bear arms for personal security and defense, which is why I have supported Second Amendment rights throughout my career as an elected official.
"Allow" implies the right is being granted by government--something the Heller majority specifically denied when it recognized settled law that “[t]his is not a right granted by the Constitution. Neither is it in any manner dependent upon that instrument for its existence."
A more accurate way to state the Founders' position would be the Second Amendment disallows the government from infringing on the right to keep and bear arms. And limiting their intent to "personal security and defense" denies the "necessary to the security of a free State" component, as well as the last-resort insurrectionary Liberty failsafe revealed through their contemporary writings and documented statements.
Still, Lungren has been, if not a strong supporter of guns, at least a tepid one--recently (even Gun Owners of America gives him a "C+"). He voted NRA's way on suing gun manufacturers. He did the same for spent military brass.
What he has not done is distance himself from his shameful gun-grabbing past. From The Los Angeles Times:
Attorney general says he has enforced '89 ban on sales...California Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren says he is fully committed to enforcing the state's assault weapons law.
And he used his office to do just that. From NRAMembersCouncils.com:
In November of 1997 former Attorney General Dan Lungren, in a reversal of the position his office had held since 1991, decided that any SKS type rifle with a detachable magazine was illegal per penal code 12276 (Assault Weapons Control Act). Additionally, the AG decided that registration of such rifles would not be accepted by his office. As a result, thousands of SKS owners were put at risk of arrest.
The result of this action for California gun owners?
If you purchased an SKS Sporter between January 1, 1992, and December 19, 1997, you must do one of the following by January 1, 2000:
- Destroy the rifle
- Surrender the rifle to a law enforcement agency
- Sell the rifle to a licensed California "assault weapon" dealer
- Dispose of the rifle out of state
As if that wasn't enough, Lungren presided over actual gun confiscation. Here's a recap from NRAWinningTeam.com -- make sure you follow all the internal document links like this one to see how he supported waiting periods and the Brady Bill, was endorsed by HCI, supported a fundraiser for Jim Brady, supported magazine bans, supported "gun free school zones," opposed concealed carry...
I can hear the exuses now: That was then. He had no choice but to enforce existing gun laws. He's come around to "our way." His opponent is a gun-grabber too. You're just bashing NRA again. I'm sure if I missed any, they will surface in "Comments," below.
I note Rep. Lungren has not publicly addressed his past transgressions. I note he has not apologized. I note he has not pledged to never abuse his power again. No, instead, he tells us a damned lie--sorry, there's no more accurate way to put that--about having "supported Second Amendment rights throughout [his] career."
If anyone thinks supporting this proven gun-grabber is the best course for the Republic (and the best inducement for the Republicans to stop with the betrayals, although why they would feel compelled to if they're rewarded anyway is a valid argument), I won't waste my time trying to dissuade you. Although I will point out he apparently doesn't feel your support is worth crowing about...
What I will say is, to endorse gun confiscator Dan Lungren and not endorse faithful gun rights supporter Sharron Angle points to a disconnect in the NRA grading system that is not only illogical, one might even consider it fraudulent.
I know I do. And it puts the entire NRA rating system into question as being anything other than opportunistic pandering and deceptions of convenience, with no legitimate connection to "voting freedom first."
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Criminals for gun control
While that label could apply to anyone who advocates for subverting "the supreme Law of the Land," host James B. Towle and I will talk about adjudicated criminals who think disarming you and me is a good idea, today at Noon PST on Trigger Sports LIVE!
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Comments
I'm spreading the malfeasance by the NRA around to as many NRA members as I know. At least two that I know of have decided to support GOA and JPFO instead as a result of our conversations.
Keep it up David, in the knife fight we're engaged in to protect our rights, there is no room for backstabbing quislings like the NRA (F) on our team.
GOA all the way.
I tell everyone to get out of the NRA! They use to be USA'S
Model Gun Club but now its just another Front for the Commie Pinko Gun GRABBERS like OBAMA OSAMA!
Robert N TN
I to as a Life Member in the NRA have been dismally watching and commenting on their two-faced behavior. Particularly with the Disclose Act. I have kept my not so computer/media savvy NRA Brethren informed as well, and have seen a number of them go to the GOA and a number of other up and coming 2A groups that "Say what they mean & Mean what they say..." I have directly notified the NRA as well of my dis-satisfaction, and have YET to receive even an acknowledgment from my Letters or emails... Cowards one and all... We need to clean house at the NRA, vote if you have the ability, and with enough Voting Members on board, perhaps we can get this Grand old Ship back on track...
Worth mentioning is that the Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) has been in the legal gun rights fight longer than NRA's legal section. It was SAF that led the charge in both Heller and MacDonald. NRA foot-dragging went on so long that it almost cost us those victories. Yes on GOA, yes on JPFO, and most certainly, YES on SAF, whose timely filed motions got us favorable decisions prior to the SCOTUS infestation of Kagan and Sotomeyer.
Judenrats.........all of them. I dropped my membership, canceled my magazine subscription, canceled all e-mail contact and wrote a letter to ol Wayne....and as of yet haven't heard a single word back. Signed up at GOA !! You can't call yourself a FREEMAN and remain part of the NRA.
Why does this behaviour from the National Republican Association surprise you?
I am an Oath Keeper. I think that about sums it up. If you don't like the United States, understand how and why it came into existence, you and and anyone else that doesn't are free to leave. We promise not to miss you and if you wish we will happily kick you in the ass on your way out.
I was raised on a farm in South Dakota & you by God better have guns & dogs. There was little law available! Has it changed much today? Only that the 10 party lines where one would have to ask anyone using to release the line are gone.
The NRA has betrayed their members and the 2nd Amendment for years. Controlled by lawyers, politicized cops and bureau-rats. The best weapon to take back ALL of our gun rights is jury nullification and JURY REVOLUTION. Your greatest power. Learn it. Search for "eradicate gun laws". See the article at Armed Females of America and at Florida Jury Power. Even GOA is not using this solution adequately.
To find the article search for "eradicate gun control laws" .
We must, or at least should, keep in mind that our NRA is a single issue organization. I am a former member, and county official, of the GOP. I now describe myself as an Independent Conservative. As such, I recognize that many dems are more conservative, and more supportive of the Second Amendment, than some Republicans. I've gone to the trouble to discuss this issue with a member of the NRA board. Anyone can do the same. It worries me that Pelosi (I now say "Pelosi" rather than use a cuss word.) may become Speaker again, but I am far more concerned with protecting the Second Amendment.
I am a Benefactor Life member and also belong to some of the other NRA organizations. I believe that the Second Amendment is the foundation of our Bill of Rights and, for that reason, I am willing to compromise on other issues in order to preserve our right to keep and bear arms which, ultimately, is our guarantee against out of control government, if we choose to exercise it. In that regard I suggest that some of you would do well to read about the Battle of Athens. Just Google it.
Bottom line: I'm sticking with the NRA, and increasing my donations. The NRA fights for us daily, and is and has been, more successsful than any other so called gun rights group - particularly the GOA. The only other group, operating nationally, that works to truly defend the Second Amendment, and cooperates with the NRA, is the Second Amendment Foundation.
Please think long and hard before you abandon the NRA. The NRA does much more than any other, to support the right to hunt and fish, train law enforcement, and conducts youth and women training. Go to www.nra.org to learn all that the NRA does for us.
Well, "Anonymous," you obviously haven't heard of the Second Amendment Foundation (www.saf.org) — or are you simply on board with the NRA hierarchy, pretending that SAF doesn't exist? Without SAF, Alan Gottlieb & Alan Gura, Heller v. DC and MacDonald v. Chicago might not have been heard, let alone won. They led the charge, but NRA pretends that they don't exist. SAF predates NRA's legal activities through ILA, and we owe Alan Gottlieb a tremendous debt of gratitude for the ground-breaking work he has done with SAF and the Citizen's Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
I meant for my previous comment that starts with, "We must, or at least should, keep in mind that our NRA is a single issue organization." to include my name, as I don't wish to hide behind "Anonymous".
Compromise is not defending the inherent right to keep and bear arms. Compromise is exactly what has allowed governments to get around the 2nd Amendment on the local level.
And, sadly, the NRA compromises or flat ass does nothing to defend the lack of authority for any government to regulate arms kept and carried by the people.
After all, what is government but the institution established to protect all rights, not to find ways to infringe upon them. But, for the NRA not to stand up boldly and tell the people the truth, that government has no authority to regulate any right is also a scam as its members pay the organization to do what they do not know how to do - just say not only no, but hell no to government and its regulation of rights through coercion, including force (domestic terrorism).
People that support this organization essentially waste their money, just as tax payer money is wasted on government, since government does absolutely nothing to defend our rights or our shores.
Sorry but I differ from probably a lot of pro-gun-rights folks in not being a fan of the repugs, and sneering with repulsed/fascinated distaste at the Tea Party.
If she were my problem, I wouldn't go for Angle either. On some things, a bit of a nutcase radical with her own serious problems regarding her dim view of our iiberties.
Don't single-issue vote!
Don't vote for a puppet of one of the major parties which are different sides of the same machine. At least put some effort into changing the system so other voices (the outliers of both parties) can be heard.
Not necessarily what I mean, but it's important anyway:
A vote for a minor candidate is not a wasted vote, under the right circumstances: If your state's electoral votes are already going to all go for one major candidate or the other, a contrary vote is meaningless.
If a few million people around the nation all waited until things are already certain (care abut your vote beyond single-issue hole-punching) and went for the minor party of your choice, they might get 5% and federal campaign funds. The Greens or Constitutionalists or libertarians get a few hundred dollars, and thy rejoice because they can print flyers this ear. The repugs and dems hold fund-raisers with $10,000 a plate and get big business help as well as federal funds.
This is Robert_ once again the NRA uses standards that defy description and I do not mean that in a nice way when they can support Dan Lungren and deny Angle. Dan has clear ethics issues in my opinion and has for many years. In my opinion he has no problem pandering to whatever side feeds his wallet. Again in my opinion the NRA is supporting candicates who act like they do and for those you declared they will increase their donations to the NRA and re-up their membership you know what they say about a fool and his money don't you? You are part of the problem with this blind alligence to an organization that is more concerned about its survival than the principles it was founded upon and it's members.
Hey, look! Dan Lungren's almost as good as guns as Tom McClintock!
Sure.
Harry Reid and Dan Lundgren got the same "B" rating from NRA? I was in California when my friend's son got his SKS confiscated by Dan's bait & switch trick. Harry has been carrying gun-grabber water for years. NRA is becoming a standing joke.
I lived in Cali while Lundgren was AG and witnessed his gun confiscations while they happened, Lundgren CHOSE to confiscate, he was not forced to do so.
Once a gun confiscator, always a gun confiscator. Like those guilty of other heinous crimes, you don't get a "do over", you're marked for life.
Chris Cox is a dangerous fool.
I never liked Cox. But I hear Wayne LaPierre does.
I'm sure glad I didn't waist my money on a renewal, many years ago.
I remember DAN, and I now have something to remember regarding the NRA. They're not just stupid anymore!
Congressman Dan Lungren also has:
(1) Voted for the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that prevents attempts to bankrupt the American gun industry through bogus lawsuits
(2) Cosponsored and voted for the Second Amendment Enforcement Act and District of Columbia Personal Protection Act that would repeal the D.C. gun ban/registration statute and restore the right of self-defense to law-abiding residents of our nation’s capital
(3) Signed the pro-gun congressional “friend of the court” brief in the 2008 Heller case supporting the Second Amendment as an individual right and striking down the gun ban in our nation’s capital
(4) Signed the pro-gun congressional “friend of the court” brief in the McDonald case supporting the position that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right that protects all Americans
(5) Cosponsored and voted for legislation to force much-needed reform of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
(6) Voted for the Disaster Recovery Personal Protection Act that prohibits gun confiscation during states of emergency as happened after Hurricane Katrina
(7) Voted for the Protecting Gun Owners in Bankruptcy Act, which would ensure that a person who filed for bankruptcy would not lose their firearms, thereby maintaining the fundamental right to self-defense
(8) Cosponsored the Veterans’ Heritage Firearms Act that would provide an amnesty period during which veterans and their family members could register firearms acquired overseas between 1934 and 1968, without fear of prosecution
(9) Voted for allowing carry license or permit holders to carry and transport firearms for self-defense in national parks and wildlife refuges
(10) Voted to protect hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational shooting on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management
You can choose the width of your ties or the cut of your suit or the length of your skirt based on the winds or fashion, but we are not talking about fashion here. We are talking about our creator endowed right to keep and bear arms that is protected by the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. You may recall having heard of it. I suspect Congressman Dan Lundgren may have heard of it as well. You simply cannot have been against it before you were for it.
One of my distant Irish cousins once asked his dinner partner if she would sleep with him for one million pounds sterling. She responded that she would certainly consider it. He then asked if she would do so for five pounds. She asked what kind of woman he thought she was. He then said "Madam, we’ve already established that. Now we are haggling about the price." His point was that either you are for sale or you are not. Either you fight for your convictions or you don't. We have already seen Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand flip from A rated staunch 2A defender to Schumer's pro gun control lapdog in a matter of months. How deep could her commitment to 2A have been? How deep is former AG and gun confiscator Dan Lundgren's conviction, and are you willing to bet your 2A rights on him?
I am not!
DDS NRA Life Member
At minimum we can conclude that Lundgren doesn't believe that the Second Amendment applies to "assault weapons" and that he believes the term applies to semi-automatic carbines like the SKS.
OK, let's first look at "Truth":
Yes or no: Did Lungren claim: "I have supported Second Amendment rights throughout my career as an elected official"?
Yes or no? Don't you dare dodge.
He lied. Admit it.
Do you "truly" believe "Freedom" can be attained by giving power to a proven lying gun-grabber?
Yes or no?
Answer the questions.
Lundgren is a statist shill, an accomplished liar by omission, and the NRA are idiots for supporting him.
He has a record of abuse of power and violation of the people's Constitutional rights.
Lundgren can be trusted less now, than when he confiscated guns. The NRA is beyond useless. Fool me once..............
When President Richard Nixon ordered Attorney Elliot Richardson to fire Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, AG Richardson was faced with the choice of breaking his oath of office or resigning. He resigned. Nixon then ordered Richardson's deputy William Ruckelshaus to fire Cox and he resigned as well.
If then California AG, now Congressman, Lundgren was truly a 2A supporter he would have resigned rather than confiscate the first SKS under Roberti-Roos, California's "assault weapons" ban. He didn't. End of story. Next candidate please.
DDS -- NRA Life Member
Come on guys! Dan Lungren's only half a grade below Tom Coburn, San Brownback, Jim DeMint & Tom McClintock! Lungren must be really good on gun rights! He's even half a grade higher than Harry Reid! You can trust Lungren! He'll never turn on you when you need him! Everyone volunteer all your time and donate all your money to Lungren & the NRA! Forget about the other candidates and groups!
I'm a life member of the NRA and very disappointed in the weakness t hat the power-players in this organization are showing us. We must be very careful in the selection of board members. We must demand that 2A is not diluted by political trade-offs. We also must support groups as JPFO and others that pull no punches in 2A rights. I will remain a NRA member for now, but will watch closely to see if they are serious about our freedom and 2A rights.
My concern is the second amendment by fare. However if any of the bill of rights gets changed then it is truly all down hill from that point. I am an NRA member and certified trainer also a JPFO member. NRA has made some big mistakes in my book....
The NRA leaders must hurry to give powerful demonstrations of truely defending the 2nd. Amend-
ment and not pretending to do so only. It's leaders must stop deceitful games to appease the political gun grabbers. I am disappointed over the lack of true gun protection efforts by the NRA. It is time they join the Jews for the Preservation of Firearms and demon-
strate an honest commitment for the right of the people to bear arms. Eliminate the BATFE once & for all.
Enforcing ANY gun law is a waste of time and money. It does nothing to address actual crimes.
BATFE has an annual budget of one billion. That is far too expensive and should be reduced to about $750,000 just for starters. Agents can be transfered to ICE to help protect our borders.
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