New Orleans Begins Confiscating Firearms as Water Recedes - Page 2

Zenon · September 9, 2005, 09:11 AM

Funny how the NRA website is totally silent on this albeit one link to the NY Times article.

OBIWAN · September 9, 2005, 09:15 AM

It is pretty simple...but not pretty

If you are wealthy enough to afford private security (like Blackwater)

You can be protected (they get to keep their weapons)

If not...the authorities will confiscate your weapons and you are "on your own"

BryanP · September 9, 2005, 09:25 AM

It is getting discussed elsewhere. The blogger working out of the web hosting site in New Orleans mentioned it in today's post, including linking to coverage on ABC.

http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/

XavierBreath · September 9, 2005, 10:08 AM

I will add this tidbit...........

In my city, approximately 300 miles north of New Orleans, we are sheltering a huge number of evacuees in private homes, state parks and public shelters. I would hate to estimate, but I would not hesitate to say at least 40,000 people.

I make a "pawnshop run" for guns about twice a week, visiting various pawnshops looking for deals. Two weeks ago most pawnshops had at least 15 handguns in the case and 30 shotguns on the rack. This week, you cannot find a shotgun or handgun for sale anywhere. Not one. Not even a ratty old Mossberg 500.

The question is, where did they go? Did the evacuees buy them up? That's what most are saying.

I've been thinking about putting a few out there on consignment.

Miss Demeanors · September 9, 2005, 10:14 AM

Quote:

1. I think it was an older woman who was showing a pistol, or pulling one from a drawer--anyway she was thrown to the floor by police or military.

I saw that! It was on O'Reily last night. It was a tiny little older lady, just not wanting to leave her home. It seems the tape was edited because one minute she was showing her revolver, the next you see the big guy TACKLING her to the floor! Then it cuts out and she is being 'escorted' out of her home. I understand that people need to leave certain areas but this is way out of hand, IMO.

Per the ABC report....... I don't even know what to say. I feel like I'm watching something that is going on in another country.

mvpel · September 9, 2005, 10:52 AM

Quote:

I saw that! It was on O'Reily last night. It was a tiny little older lady, just not wanting to leave her home. It seems the tape was edited because one minute she was showing her revolver, the next you see the big guy TACKLING her to the floor!

This is just an extreme example of the kind of attitude held by many police officers, including the group of five of them who accosted, disarmed, and detained me while legally carrying openly and minding my own business.

It's a pervasive training shortcoming all across the country, this idea they're left with that anyone with a gun other than a fellow police officer is automatically "the enemy."

And it's that idea that will doom our gun rights in this country, more than anything else.

Oldphart · September 9, 2005, 10:58 AM

Everyone is familiar with the way gorillas beat their chests in an attempt to intimidate each other. Juveniles do it when interacting with other juveniles, but when an old silverback shows up, they go back to picking fleas and eating leaves.

When the Weavers were under siege at Ruby Ridge the internet was still in its infancy but there were still rumbles of protest from right-wing groups and individuals… but little more.

When the Branch Davidians were under siege at Waco the rumblings began again… and died.

When the Forest Service flexed its muscles at Jarbridge Creek, the rumbling became louder and eventually showed itself as the engines of cars and trucks showing up from all over the country… and the Forest Service backed down.

Again, when the government decided a trash fish was more valuable than farms around Klamath Falls people showed up and faced down the faceless bureaus.

Each time the internet was abuzz with recrimination, threats and bumper-sticker slogans. But only in the last two instances were those slogans given the muscle to make the government blink.

Like the rest of you, I didn’t go to Ruby Ridge or Waco because … Well, just because. I didn’t go to Jarbridge because there were already plenty of people there. At least, that’s what I told myself. But when they turned off the water in Klamath Falls I put an SKS and three bandoliers of ammo in the car and drove down there. To my eternal joy, the rifle wasn’t needed nor was it even taken out of the car, but at least I was ready to back up my words if I had to.

Now this forum and several others are carrying stories about how the City of New Orleans is violating the rights of citizens by forcibly disarming them… and the chest-beating has begun. “From my cold, dead hands” isn’t a threat any more, your hands are already dead… too much keyboard time, I guess. Or maybe rigor mortis has spread from the butts that you have firmly planted in front of the TV. Whatever. You guys are all talk and no action. Thank God the men of Lexington and Concord weren’t like you. Go back to your fleas and leaves.

SnakeEye · September 9, 2005, 12:10 PM

i just watched the live news confrence by the head of homeland security at noon EST, theres been a media blackout put in place in the city of new orleans,no cameras will be allowed in the city indefinetely for reasons of "respecting the dead", they claim..seems a little late for that..
this is a sad day, this is yet another long stride twords the death of the American way of life .

**Rich Lucibella** · September 9, 2005, 12:27 PM

One person's tale of what's in store for the people that will be "rescued":

Quote:

"You can't bring any clothes in. FEMA has stated they will accept no more clothes. They've had 30 people sorting clothes for days. They don't want anymore." My mind couldn't help but go back over the news articles that have accused FEMA of refusing water in to Jefferson Parrish, or turning fuel away.
.
.
.
He then points to the vegetables and fruit. "You'll have to take that back as well. It looks like you've got about 10 apples there. I'm about to bring in 40 men. What would we do then?"

My mother, in her sweet, soft voice says, "Quarter them?"

"No ma'am. FEMA said no...

It could cause a riot. You don't understand the type of people that are about to come here...."

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/fema.html

blackmind · September 9, 2005, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Man. Well folks, welcome to the federal governments wet dream.

Well, yeah, but don't go thinking that it wasn't also the local government's wet dream as well. It's not as though the idea of their local populace being armed makes them goop themselves as well. They goop when they get to take guns away, just like the Feds.

I am thinking, that if it comes down to actual battle between those-they-would-disarm and the National Guard, if they have to kill NG members, the thing to do would be to put a sign on the dead guy(s) saying, "DON'T TRY TO TAKE OUR GUNS, WHICH WE NEED FOR PROTECTION, AND WE WON'T HAVE TO KILL YOU. HOW DARE YOU?!"

That would HAVE to get coverage on the news, and everyone would then understand the intensity that is felt about having arms with which to defend ourselves.

The big news lately is, "George W. Bush wants black people dead," right? Well, maybe gun owners should start crying, "The National Guard wants gun owners dead!" And people should recount stories of how they did successfully defend themselves using their privately owned firearms during the chaos.

-blackmind

23Skidoo · September 9, 2005, 12:44 PM

I have emailed the NRA asking them what they plan to do in the face of this obviously illegal move to disarm citizens. The LA Constitution guarantees the right to keep arms. I do not think a state of emergency overrides the LA constitution.
BTW, are citizens going to be able to recover their guns when this is over?

als54 · September 9, 2005, 12:51 PM

I just watched the video and couldn't believe shat I was seeing. What country are we in? I served in the USAF for 20 years and this IS NOT what I fought to defend. The use of American Military against its citizens is unconstitutional. It has been proven in court after court that it is NOT the responsiblity of the police to defend you that is your responsibility! I'll bet our fore fathers are rolling over in their graves. We have to get past the blame game and fix the problems. I think that the whole situation has been mishandle at every governmental level possible. Now the interesting part, I want to see how many special interest groups step up to the plate. What I want to see the ACLU stand up on this one...YA RIGHT!

BerettaCougar · September 9, 2005, 01:58 PM

WOW!!! This is amazing, I am writting a letter to those offices you put here XB.

I am also calling my states reps (for what its worth)

This is NOT by any means a good idea!!

Can't people sue for this type of violation of rights?

I thought this type of control was not possible?????
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

SnakeEye · September 9, 2005, 02:09 PM

who and where to write on a national level?
i dont consider myself to be a politically active individual but this is tantamount to watching the flag get burned and i have to do something.

stevelyn · September 9, 2005, 02:15 PM

Most of us figured there would be at least a few police/military that will enforce mass weapons confiscations when ordered to do so. Seeing it while it happens removes any doubt. I'm curious to find out how many of those are ignoring orders to enforce the confiscations.
The real threat has been the roving gangs. Not the homeowners defending what's left of their property.

SnakeEye · September 9, 2005, 02:24 PM

illinois state rifle association has something on this now on their website.
http://www.isra.org/

Edward429451 · September 9, 2005, 02:34 PM

So after seeing the military walk up on private citizens doors with m4's ready...other citizens have to ask themselves what would you do?

You've only got two choices as I see it.

Comply, be disarmed, and left to fend for yourself. (which in my mind would hurt the country more by carving in stone the fact that they can do it, we will comply, and give them free reign to do it again even faster.)

Or resist, shoot through the door. (You would probably certainly die, but at least have stood up for something and possibly pave the way for getting the country back to where it should be.)

Some choice huh?

Armed Mexican soldiers are allegedly in Texas. IF thats true then one would have to ask why. IF its true, my first thought would be that they'll wind up in NO to assist in the 'clean up' of stubborn citizens, err I mean terrorists & looters, and give the gubmint plausable deniability to abuses by being able to blame the abuses off on the 'isolated incicdents' of Mexican peacekeepers.

Any Texan TFL'ers see any Mexican troop activity firsthand?

molonlabe · September 9, 2005, 02:35 PM

I would suspect that if one lost all, what would one have to lose. But those that do resist I would suspect that they would be lost in the statistics. Casualty of the storm…. End of story, to be forgotten in the sands of time. I also understand people with cameras are being removed from the city. Criminals like Governments sometimes like to do their mischief in the dark. So now that the rapist and looters are gone I guess its time for the Government rapist and looters to take over. I’m not sure what I would do in their case. First I think I would have left before the storm and the situation degraded to what it is now, but I consider the Governments actions unlawful and probably I would resist to my dying breath and my demise and the demise of others.

XavierBreath · September 9, 2005, 02:43 PM

Quote:

You've only got two choices as I see it.

Think practical.....subversive......like a guerilla..........
"Yesuh Ophiser, I got this here Savage .22 rifle an' ain't nobody gonna take it......

........except maybe you..........."

"Y'all come back when you can now, hear?"

Now go back to your 12 gauge.

Removal of the cameras is a very ominous sign.......... is there a source for that?

Edward429451 · September 9, 2005, 02:52 PM

Thats a nice thought and may even work for people who aren't deep into guns, with mass gun trinkets, reloading equipment, and the like. After you surrender the Savage, you're disarmed and with at least a half dozen militery types in the house...who can be expected to continue the search, yes?

molonlabe · September 9, 2005, 02:57 PM

http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/sto...8-77e557a2b7f8

http://www.infoshop.org/inews/articl...50908112000349

more?
I believe the official statement is no cameras allowed out of respect for the dead... (or maybe soon to be)

**Rich Lucibella** · September 9, 2005, 03:22 PM

We have got to find a Party of Standing or organization willing to challenge this action by application for Emergency Injunction. I'm in for a sizable contribution.

People are gonna start dying over this....good people on both sides of the "thin blue or camo line"....and all hell is gonna break loose.
Rich

alpineman · September 9, 2005, 03:40 PM

I'm going to trumpet my ignorance now...

What's a "Party of Standing"?

23Skidoo · September 9, 2005, 04:12 PM

Numerous media sources are reporting on an apparent campaign by New Orleans city authorities to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from people in the city. Louisiana statute does grant the government, during a state of emergency, broad powers in regulating and controlling firearms.

However, we have seen not just with Hurricane Katrina, but other similar situations, that when police are unable to control the criminal element, people turn to the one freedom that protects all others-the Second Amendment.

While one can certainly understand the dire predicaments of all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, as we have learned throughout history, campaigns to disarm the lawful do nothing to disarm the criminal. And in truth, these restrictions make citizens less safe. Despite the valiant efforts of many law enforcement officers and rescue workers, too many of those left in the wake of Katrina are ultimately responsible for their own security and safety and that of their families and loved ones; especially when communication is virtually non-existent and police can't be quickly summoned to respond to calls for help. At these times, lawful gun ownership is paramount to personal safety.

Of course, the entire situation in New Orleans is constantly in flux. But rest assured NRA is monitoring this situation very closely and will address any activity by the government that unduly infringes upon the rights of lawful gun owners at the appropriate time. As we learn more, we will report to our members accordingly. In the interim, however, we join with all Americans in offering our thoughts, prayers, and assistance to the victims and survivors of this terrible natural disaster.

Sincerely,

Katrina Ruminski
NRA-ILA

Contact Information
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
First Name:
Last Name:
Address:
City:
State: TN
Zip:
Phone:
Fax:
Membership Number:
Email:

comments:
_________________________________
Gentlmen:
I am both a member of the NRA and a certified instructor. I have supported the NRA for several years already.
I see reported that New Orleans is now confiscating citizens' firearms, in violation of the state constitution as well as the U.S. Constitution.
What will the NRA's response be? If the organization does not speak out now to preserve rights then it will have lost all legitimacy and its very raison d'etre. I cannot conceive of a more dire need for protest at this police action.
Sincerely,
xxxxxx

progunner1957 · September 9, 2005, 04:25 PM

Jews For the Protection of Firearms Ownership, www.jpfo.org has posted the following alert regarding the police state that has been established in the devastated city of New Orleans.

September 9, 2005
IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE TRUTH,
DON'T READ THIS ALERT!

"Police Begin Seizing Guns of Civilians - Local police officers began confiscating weapons from civilians in preparation for a forced evacuation of the last holdouts..."

It sounds like a headline from "Unintended Consequences". But it's happening now -- today -- in New Orleans. Law enforcement officials are confiscating the legally-owned firearms from law-abiding citizens without due process, without warrants, and without cause, leaving their owners utterly defenseleses and at the mercy of looters and thugs.

According to an article in the New York Times (http://tinyurl.com/9ot44), the police superintendent P. Edwin Compass III decreed that no civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to carry firearms of any kind, even if they possess permits to do so. "Only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons," he said.

(Well, not quite. The New Orleans police department will not be confiscating the weapons of private security personnel, guaranteeing that only those wealthy enough to afford a private bodyguard can be assured of protection).

Second Amendment advocates have long warned that such confiscations would undoubtedly occur in the event of major catastrophe. That they were right is not a surprise. Sadly, neither is the fact that few gun owners have resisted the confiscations.

Over the years, Americans have become increasingly ignorant about what rights they really have. Inalienable, individual rights have given way to "junk rights" -- privileges to be granted or withheld at the whim of the government. So if the government demands that they give up their guns, it's only natural that they should comply. The police officers and soldiers who are confiscating the firearms are either equally ignorant about citizens' rights ... or simply don't care about following unConstitutional orders.

We've stated repeatedly that we must restore a Bill of Rights culture in this country. Until the populace knows all of its rights and insist those rights be respected , the "brown-shirting" now in New Orleans will only get worse.

We MUST educate our fellow citizens about the Bill of Rights, or what's happening in New Orleans today probably will happen in your town tomorrow.

Wanna bet the brownshirts aren't lusting to do it?

September 9, 2005, 09:11 AM	#26
Zenon Junior Member Join Date: September 6, 2004 Posts: 2	Funny how the NRA website is totally silent on this albeit one link to the NY Times article. __________________ This is Zenon Last edited by Zenon; September 9, 2005 at 09:16 AM. Reason: fixed typo

September 9, 2005, 09:25 AM	#28
BryanP Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Location: Smyrna, TN Posts: 243	It is getting discussed elsewhere. The blogger working out of the web hosting site in New Orleans mentioned it in today's post, including linking to coverage on ABC. http://www.livejournal.com/users/interdictor/ __________________ "Inaccurately attributed quotes are the bane of the internet" - Abraham Lincoln

September 9, 2005, 10:08 AM	#29
XavierBreath Senior Member Join Date: December 6, 2002 Location: North Louisiana Posts: 2,800	I will add this tidbit........... In my city, approximately 300 miles north of New Orleans, we are sheltering a huge number of evacuees in private homes, state parks and public shelters. I would hate to estimate, but I would not hesitate to say at least 40,000 people. I make a "pawnshop run" for guns about twice a week, visiting various pawnshops looking for deals. Two weeks ago most pawnshops had at least 15 handguns in the case and 30 shotguns on the rack. This week, you cannot find a shotgun or handgun for sale anywhere. Not one. Not even a ratty old Mossberg 500. The question is, where did they go? Did the evacuees buy them up? That's what most are saying. I've been thinking about putting a few out there on consignment. __________________ Xavier's Blog

September 9, 2005, 12:51 PM	#37
als54 Senior Member Join Date: January 18, 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 215	I just watched the video and couldn't believe shat I was seeing. What country are we in? I served in the USAF for 20 years and this IS NOT what I fought to defend. The use of American Military against its citizens is unconstitutional. It has been proven in court after court that it is NOT the responsiblity of the police to defend you that is your responsibility! I'll bet our fore fathers are rolling over in their graves. We have to get past the blame game and fix the problems. I think that the whole situation has been mishandle at every governmental level possible. Now the interesting part, I want to see how many special interest groups step up to the plate. What I want to see the ACLU stand up on this one...YA RIGHT! __________________ Glock 17 Gen 3 Glock 26 Gen 4 S&W 642 Taurus PT145 Millennium PRO

September 9, 2005, 02:15 PM	#40
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	Most of us figured there would be at least a few police/military that will enforce mass weapons confiscations when ordered to do so. Seeing it while it happens removes any doubt. I'm curious to find out how many of those are ignoring orders to enforce the confiscations. The real threat has been the roving gangs. Not the homeowners defending what's left of their property. __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

September 9, 2005, 09:15 AM	#27
OBIWAN Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,340	It is pretty simple...but not pretty If you are wealthy enough to afford private security (like Blackwater) You can be protected (they get to keep their weapons) If not...the authorities will confiscate your weapons and you are "on your own"

September 9, 2005, 10:58 AM	#32
Oldphart Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Posts: 375	Everyone is familiar with the way gorillas beat their chests in an attempt to intimidate each other. Juveniles do it when interacting with other juveniles, but when an old silverback shows up, they go back to picking fleas and eating leaves. When the Weavers were under siege at Ruby Ridge the internet was still in its infancy but there were still rumbles of protest from right-wing groups and individuals… but little more. When the Branch Davidians were under siege at Waco the rumblings began again… and died. When the Forest Service flexed its muscles at Jarbridge Creek, the rumbling became louder and eventually showed itself as the engines of cars and trucks showing up from all over the country… and the Forest Service backed down. Again, when the government decided a trash fish was more valuable than farms around Klamath Falls people showed up and faced down the faceless bureaus. Each time the internet was abuzz with recrimination, threats and bumper-sticker slogans. But only in the last two instances were those slogans given the muscle to make the government blink. Like the rest of you, I didn’t go to Ruby Ridge or Waco because … Well, just because. I didn’t go to Jarbridge because there were already plenty of people there. At least, that’s what I told myself. But when they turned off the water in Klamath Falls I put an SKS and three bandoliers of ammo in the car and drove down there. To my eternal joy, the rifle wasn’t needed nor was it even taken out of the car, but at least I was ready to back up my words if I had to. Now this forum and several others are carrying stories about how the City of New Orleans is violating the rights of citizens by forcibly disarming them… and the chest-beating has begun. “From my cold, dead hands” isn’t a threat any more, your hands are already dead… too much keyboard time, I guess. Or maybe rigor mortis has spread from the butts that you have firmly planted in front of the TV. Whatever. You guys are all talk and no action. Thank God the men of Lexington and Concord weren’t like you. Go back to your fleas and leaves.

September 9, 2005, 12:10 PM	#33
SnakeEye Member Join Date: June 29, 2004 Posts: 37	i just watched the live news confrence by the head of homeland security at noon EST, theres been a media blackout put in place in the city of new orleans,no cameras will be allowed in the city indefinetely for reasons of "respecting the dead", they claim..seems a little late for that.. this is a sad day, this is yet another long stride twords the death of the American way of life .

September 9, 2005, 12:44 PM	#36
23Skidoo Member Join Date: August 9, 2005 Location: Red State Posts: 89	I have emailed the NRA asking them what they plan to do in the face of this obviously illegal move to disarm citizens. The LA Constitution guarantees the right to keep arms. I do not think a state of emergency overrides the LA constitution. BTW, are citizens going to be able to recover their guns when this is over?

September 9, 2005, 01:58 PM	#38
BerettaCougar Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 1,224	WOW!!! This is amazing, I am writting a letter to those offices you put here XB. I am also calling my states reps (for what its worth) This is NOT by any means a good idea!! Can't people sue for this type of violation of rights? I thought this type of control was not possible????? WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?

September 9, 2005, 02:09 PM	#39
SnakeEye Member Join Date: June 29, 2004 Posts: 37	who and where to write on a national level? i dont consider myself to be a politically active individual but this is tantamount to watching the flag get burned and i have to do something.

September 9, 2005, 02:24 PM	#41
SnakeEye Member Join Date: June 29, 2004 Posts: 37	illinois state rifle association has something on this now on their website. http://www.isra.org/

September 9, 2005, 02:34 PM	#42
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	So after seeing the military walk up on private citizens doors with m4's ready...other citizens have to ask themselves what would you do? You've only got two choices as I see it. Comply, be disarmed, and left to fend for yourself. (which in my mind would hurt the country more by carving in stone the fact that they can do it, we will comply, and give them free reign to do it again even faster.) Or resist, shoot through the door. (You would probably certainly die, but at least have stood up for something and possibly pave the way for getting the country back to where it should be.) Some choice huh? Armed Mexican soldiers are allegedly in Texas. IF thats true then one would have to ask why. IF its true, my first thought would be that they'll wind up in NO to assist in the 'clean up' of stubborn citizens, err I mean terrorists & looters, and give the gubmint plausable deniability to abuses by being able to blame the abuses off on the 'isolated incicdents' of Mexican peacekeepers. Any Texan TFL'ers see any Mexican troop activity firsthand?

September 9, 2005, 02:35 PM	#43
molonlabe Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: MD Posts: 296	I would suspect that if one lost all, what would one have to lose. But those that do resist I would suspect that they would be lost in the statistics. Casualty of the storm…. End of story, to be forgotten in the sands of time. I also understand people with cameras are being removed from the city. Criminals like Governments sometimes like to do their mischief in the dark. So now that the rapist and looters are gone I guess its time for the Government rapist and looters to take over. I’m not sure what I would do in their case. First I think I would have left before the storm and the situation degraded to what it is now, but I consider the Governments actions unlawful and probably I would resist to my dying breath and my demise and the demise of others. __________________ The United States Constitution © 1791. All Rights Reserved. I Don't want you in here period...Patricia Konie NOLA 2005

September 9, 2005, 02:52 PM	#45
Edward429451 Junior member Join Date: November 12, 2000 Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Posts: 9,494	Thats a nice thought and may even work for people who aren't deep into guns, with mass gun trinkets, reloading equipment, and the like. After you surrender the Savage, you're disarmed and with at least a half dozen militery types in the house...who can be expected to continue the search, yes?

September 9, 2005, 02:57 PM	#46
molonlabe Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2004 Location: MD Posts: 296	http://www.canada.com/fortstjohn/sto...8-77e557a2b7f8 http://www.infoshop.org/inews/articl...50908112000349 more? I believe the official statement is no cameras allowed out of respect for the dead... (or maybe soon to be) __________________ The United States Constitution © 1791. All Rights Reserved. I Don't want you in here period...Patricia Konie NOLA 2005

September 9, 2005, 03:22 PM	#47
Rich Lucibella Staff Join Date: October 6, 1998 Location: South Florida Posts: 10,229	We have got to find a Party of Standing or organization willing to challenge this action by application for Emergency Injunction. I'm in for a sizable contribution. People are gonna start dying over this....good people on both sides of the "thin blue or camo line"....and all hell is gonna break loose. Rich __________________ S.W.A.T. Magazine Weapons, Training and Tactics for the Real World Join us at TFL or at AR15.com or on Facebook

September 9, 2005, 03:40 PM	#48
alpineman Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 227	I'm going to trumpet my ignorance now... What's a "Party of Standing"? __________________ Alpinespew http://www.alpinespew.blogspot.com/

September 9, 2005, 04:12 PM	#49
23Skidoo Member Join Date: August 9, 2005 Location: Red State Posts: 89	NRA Response Numerous media sources are reporting on an apparent campaign by New Orleans city authorities to confiscate lawfully-owned firearms from people in the city. Louisiana statute does grant the government, during a state of emergency, broad powers in regulating and controlling firearms. However, we have seen not just with Hurricane Katrina, but other similar situations, that when police are unable to control the criminal element, people turn to the one freedom that protects all others-the Second Amendment. While one can certainly understand the dire predicaments of all those affected by Hurricane Katrina, as we have learned throughout history, campaigns to disarm the lawful do nothing to disarm the criminal. And in truth, these restrictions make citizens less safe. Despite the valiant efforts of many law enforcement officers and rescue workers, too many of those left in the wake of Katrina are ultimately responsible for their own security and safety and that of their families and loved ones; especially when communication is virtually non-existent and police can't be quickly summoned to respond to calls for help. At these times, lawful gun ownership is paramount to personal safety. Of course, the entire situation in New Orleans is constantly in flux. But rest assured NRA is monitoring this situation very closely and will address any activity by the government that unduly infringes upon the rights of lawful gun owners at the appropriate time. As we learn more, we will report to our members accordingly. In the interim, however, we join with all Americans in offering our thoughts, prayers, and assistance to the victims and survivors of this terrible natural disaster. Sincerely, Katrina Ruminski NRA-ILA Contact Information -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- First Name: Last Name: Address: City: State: TN Zip: Phone: Fax: Membership Number: Email: comments: _________________________________ Gentlmen: I am both a member of the NRA and a certified instructor. I have supported the NRA for several years already. I see reported that New Orleans is now confiscating citizens' firearms, in violation of the state constitution as well as the U.S. Constitution. What will the NRA's response be? If the organization does not speak out now to preserve rights then it will have lost all legitimacy and its very raison d'etre. I cannot conceive of a more dire need for protest at this police action. Sincerely, xxxxxx

September 9, 2005, 04:25 PM	#50
progunner1957 Junior member Join Date: November 9, 2004 Location: USA - east of the continental divide Posts: 924	JPFO alert regarding gun confiscation in New Orleans Jews For the Protection of Firearms Ownership, www.jpfo.org has posted the following alert regarding the police state that has been established in the devastated city of New Orleans. September 9, 2005 IF YOU DON'T LIKE THE TRUTH, DON'T READ THIS ALERT! "Police Begin Seizing Guns of Civilians - Local police officers began confiscating weapons from civilians in preparation for a forced evacuation of the last holdouts..." It sounds like a headline from "Unintended Consequences". But it's happening now -- today -- in New Orleans. Law enforcement officials are confiscating the legally-owned firearms from law-abiding citizens without due process, without warrants, and without cause, leaving their owners utterly defenseleses and at the mercy of looters and thugs. According to an article in the New York Times (http://tinyurl.com/9ot44), the police superintendent P. Edwin Compass III decreed that no civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to carry firearms of any kind, even if they possess permits to do so. "Only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons," he said. (Well, not quite. The New Orleans police department will not be confiscating the weapons of private security personnel, guaranteeing that only those wealthy enough to afford a private bodyguard can be assured of protection). Second Amendment advocates have long warned that such confiscations would undoubtedly occur in the event of major catastrophe. That they were right is not a surprise. Sadly, neither is the fact that few gun owners have resisted the confiscations. Over the years, Americans have become increasingly ignorant about what rights they really have. Inalienable, individual rights have given way to "junk rights" -- privileges to be granted or withheld at the whim of the government. So if the government demands that they give up their guns, it's only natural that they should comply. The police officers and soldiers who are confiscating the firearms are either equally ignorant about citizens' rights ... or simply don't care about following unConstitutional orders. We've stated repeatedly that we must restore a Bill of Rights culture in this country. Until the populace knows all of its rights and insist those rights be respected , the "brown-shirting" now in New Orleans will only get worse. We MUST educate our fellow citizens about the Bill of Rights, or what's happening in New Orleans today probably will happen in your town tomorrow. Wanna bet the brownshirts aren't lusting to do it?