Give Thom A Call This Morning

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has been equivocating on red flag laws in his letters to constituents (like me!). Tillis is also a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee which is holding hearings on red flag laws. Now is the time to send Thom a message regarding red flag law. Grass Roots North Carolina is asking for people to give his office a call this morning to let him know this ain't OK.

Tillis, by the way, is up for reelection in 2020 so he is in that part of his term where he needs to play politician 100% of the time. We need to use that to our advantage.

From the GRNC alert:

STOP 'RED FLAG' LAWS: CALL THOM TILLIS

On Friday night, GRNC alerted supporters to the fact that US Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) looks to be capitulating to his anti-gun colleagues in Washington. Tillis has telegraphed his support for "Extreme Risk Protection Orders" (or "Red Flag" laws) by supporting S. 7. This bill would allow the word of an accuser, voicing “concerns,” to strip a citizen of several of the Constitutional protections guaranteed by the Bill of Rights—without due process. Yet, in Senator Tillis’ recent correspondence with concerned constituents, he did not address any of the glaring and very serious problems with S. 7. Telling the "whole" truth is to tell the truth. Omitting critical details on such an important matter is, well... something else. This does not inspire voter confidence in Tillis' resolve to support the Bill of Rights. Unfortunately, it looks like the Judiciary Committee, of which Tillis is a member, will conduct a hearing on S. 7 on March 26. Human rights are non-negotiable, and therefore, Tillis must not vote for this bill---but he seems poised to. As part of Friday's alert, we asked gun owners and other supporters of the Bill of Rights to phone Thom Tillis' DC office on Monday morning (3/18/2019), and this alert is a friendly reminder to do just that. Below, in the Immediate Action section, find details on how to reach Tillis and demand that he stand for the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments, not against them.  To read more about "Red Flag" laws, and Thom Tillis' willingness, to cozy up to them as a member of the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee, click to read Friday's alert, and/or click to read a previous alert on the topic. Support "Rights Watch International" Learn more about Rights Watch International You shop. Amazon Gives. (What is Amazon Smile?)

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

PHONE SENATOR THOM TILLIS: On Monday morning (3/18/2019), please phone Thom Tillis’s DC office at this number: (202) 224-6342. If you can’t call in the morning, please call as soon as you can after that. Deliver the following message to Tillis’ staff or his voice-mail.   Hello, I am calling about the senator’s recent correspondence on the topic of Senate Bill 7, “Extreme Risk Protection Orders,” sometimes called, “red flag” laws. In this correspondence, he conspicuously failed to address the severe Constitutional problems with red flag laws; the establishment of ex parte hearings is just one of many examples. In fact, these laws threaten Second, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Amendment protections—at least. I am quite troubled by Senator Tillis’ effort to dance around the major problems with red flag laws and I expect him to be more candid, indeed more honest, with me in the future. As a North Carolina voter and a gun owner, I also expect the senator to live up to his oath of office, to the Republican Party’s platform, to the pro-Second Amendment statement on his own website, and to do everything in his power to defeat this revolting, un-American bill, and any other bill like it. Thank you.

GRNC Alert On US Senate Gun Control Hearings

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) who suddenly grew a spine during the Kavanaugh hearings may be backsliding a bit. As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee he plans to hold hearings on gun control including on red flag laws. The Brady Campaign is crowing about it in an email and set up a special alert so as to pack the hearing room.

Grass Roots North Carolina took notice of the hearing a bit earlier and sent out their own alert. This is one that readers from anywhere can use to contact Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee. If you are from a state where one of your senators is a member of the committee, make sure to use their email contact form. Just modify the one GRNC composed to be sent to Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC).

From GRNC:

THE GOP THREATENS A GUN CONFISCATION SCHEME

Is the old Lindsay back? According to US Senator Lindsay Graham (R-SC), so-called “red flag” laws are an area where Republicans may just reach across the aisle… As you review the details below, please keep a few things in mind: "Red Flag Law” and “Extreme Risk Protection Order” are simply euphemisms for the unlawful suspension of a person’s constitutional rights, absent any due process, based solely on hearsay from an accuser who has neither witnessed a crime, nor been victimized by one.  The US House is currently held by Nancy Pelosi’s extremely anti-gun party. This means the Senate may be the only reliable road block to extremist gun control bills. Yet, we now see influential Republican senators suggesting they just might send a “red flag” bill to Speaker Pelosi for her party’s rubber stamp. If it can pass the Senate, it’ll breeze through the House, and then it’s on to the President, who unfortunately, seems open to unconstitutional ‘red flag’ laws, and who gets along great with Lindsay Graham. This is Serious Wednesday, speaking on CNN as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Graham confirmed that the powerful committee will hold a hearing on gun control. The hearing is expected to cover “extreme risk protection” orders (“red flag” laws). Gun control is a topic usually shunned by members of the Republican held senate, and rightfully so. This is why their sudden interest in a gun control hearing is an ominous sign.  Click here to read the CNN story, a story that quotes Senator Graham (emphasis ours): “I think there's a lot of common ground [with Democrats] on enrolling people in the background system who are a danger to themselves or others.” It’s probably safe to assume that you don’t want to be “enrolled” in anything concocted by Lindsay Graham and approved by Nancy Pelosi, especially when it comes to infringements on your Constitutionally guaranteed rights. The CNN Story goes on: Graham, a supporter and strong ally of President Trump also says he has spoken with the President about it. (See the last bullet point, above). Say NO to Ending American Due Process It is critical that each of us contact the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Particularly North Carolina’s own, Senator Thom Tillis. Below, see how you can reach each member, starting with Senator Tillis, and let them know that you expect them to stand for due process, for gun rights, and against “red flag” laws.  Support "Rights Watch International" Learn more about Rights Watch International You shop. Amazon Gives. (What is Amazon Smile?)

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!

SEND AN EMAIL MESSAGE TO US SENATOR THOM TILLIS (R-NC): Tillis is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Use the link provided below, under 'Contact Info,' to visit his Senate contact form. Use the copy/paste message provided below, under ‘Deliver This Message.’    PHONE ALL SENATE JUDICIARY REPUBLICANS: Use the phone numbers provided below. Tell them you are calling about the Judiciary Committee's upcoming gun control hearing (March 26), and make the following points: “Red flag” or “extreme risk protection” laws are a blatant violation of the due-process rights guaranteed to each citizen by the Constitution, not to mention a violation of Second Amendment rights themselves.” The Senator surely knows that the term “red flag law” is simply a euphemism for the unlawful suspension of Constitutional rights, and the suspension of these rights is based on hearsay from someone who was neither a witness to, nor a victim of, a crime. Supporting this type of legislation would be a violation of the senator's oath of office and would be a severe breach of the trust the senator has earned from the voters.  No American lawmaker could support this sort of law and still claim to be a supporter and protector of the Bill of Rights. Therefore, I demand that the senator lend precisely zero support to any gun control legislation, particularly “red flag” bills. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO GRNC: Help us fight gun control while we promote Second Amendment principles. Please CLICK HERE to contribute. Bear in mind that GRNC is an all-volunteer organization, so you can be sure your donations are put to the best possible use. Any amount helps, and any amount is appreciated. Republicans on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee:  Committee Member Contact Info Sen. Thom Tillis (NC) (Please phone & email Sen. Tillis. Copy/paste text below.) (202) 224-6342 web contact form (email):  www.tillis.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me Sen. Lindsay Graham (SC) (Chairman) (202) 224-5972 n. Chuck Grassley (IA) (202) 224-3744 Sen. John Cornyn (TX) (202) 224-2934 Sen. Mike Lee (UT) (202) 224-5444 Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) (202) 224-5922 Sen. Ben Sasse (NE) (202) 224-4224 Sen. Joshua Hawley (MO) (202) 224-6154 Sen. Joni Ernst (IA) (202) 224-3254 Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) (202) 224-6142 Sen. John Kennedy (LA) (202) 224-4623 Sen. Marsha Blackburn (TN) (202) 224-3344

DELIVER THIS MESSAGE

Suggested Subject: "NO to Unconstitutional ‘Red Flag’ Laws!"   Dear Senator Tillis: It has come my attention that the Senate Judiciary Committee intends to hold a gun control hearing on or around March 26. I also understand that the committee chairman has expressed a willingness to work with Democrats on gun control, specifically so-called “red flag” laws. “Red flag” or “extreme risk protection” laws are a blatant violation of the due-process rights guaranteed to each citizen by the Constitution, not to mention a violation of Second Amendment rights themselves. Because of this, supporting this type of legislation would be a violation of your oath of office and would be a severe breach of the trust you’ve earned from the voters you serve.  You know as well as I that “red flag law” is simply a euphemism for the unlawful suspension of (several) Constitutional rights. The suspension of these rights is based on hearsay from someone who was neither a witness to, nor a victim of, a crime. No American lawmaker could support this sort of law and still claim to be a supporter and protector of the Bill of Rights. Therefore, I demand that you lend precisely zero support to any gun control legislation, particularly “red flag” bills. Rather, I expect you to speak against “red flag” laws, exposing them for what they are. I will be monitoring your actions on this matter through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina. Respectfully,

GRNC Urges NC Gun Owners To Contact Burr, Tillis, and McConnell

I spent part of Saturday morning working the Grass Roots North Carolina booth at the Asheville Gun and Knife Show. Paul Valone, President of GRNC, was also helping out at the booth and we had a chance to chat. He told me we needed to put pressure on Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) over Sen. Dianne Feinstein's moves to outlaw bump fire stocks. Paul said it was only a first step for Feinstein and having read her bill I agree. The bill itself contains what I consider a Trojan Horse as it would outlaw anything that accelerated a semi-automatic rifle.

The alert that Paul alluded to in our conversation was released late this afternoon. It asks gun rights supporters to call and email Senators Burr and Tillis as well as Majority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding Feinstein's ban bill.

The alert is below:

Do you want Washington deciding what should or shouldn't be your next gun accessory?

While our nation continues to mourn the senseless tragedy in Las Vegas, lawmakers in Washington are rushing to fix (i.e. exploit) an issue they barely understand. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) is reportedly proposing legislation that will eliminate all after-market devices which increase the firing rate of legal guns. Of course, this would ban the now infamous "bump stocks". But, it would also make illegal many other accessories, such as systems that enthusiasts use to make semi-automatic versions of belt-fed machine guns. Even more troubling, this proposal would NOT grandfather any of these devices. This would potentially have the chilling effect of making tens of thousands of otherwise law-abiding citizens, criminals overnight -- just for owning the "wrong" accessory. If this dangerous proposal were to become law, nobody knows how far the government would go to make sure millions of gun owners have only the “politically correct” accessories. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has even said that she "certainly hopes" this is will be a slippery slope to more gun control. This is so much more than a Second Amendment issue -- this is an attack on our right to own private property, a freedom enshrined in the Fifth Amendment.

IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED!
Call AND email North Carolina Senators Tillis and Burr, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's office: Let them know that as a well-informed voting citizen you refuse to stand idly by while Congress debates how to strip millions of law-abiding Americans of their private property rights. Contact the NRA: Call them (at 800-672-3888) and email them and tell them to grow a spine. Make it clear you will not hesitate to resign your membership unless they ramp up the fight to protect our fundamental freedoms. Donate to GRNC: As an all-volunteer grassroots organization, we work hard to protect our American liberties. It takes a lot of resources to fight this rising tide of hysteria and disinformation, and every little bit helps to keep the torch of liberty burning. Please click here or go to https://www.grnc.org/join-grnc/contribute. CONTACT INFO Senator Richard Burr: email link, 202-224-3154 Senator Thom Tillis: email link, 202-224-6342 Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: 202-224-2541
DELIVER THIS MESSAGE
Suggested Subject: "Oppose the Feinstein Gun Ban"   Dear Senator: I understand that California Senator Dianne Feinstein is currently proposing legislation that would ban all devices that increase the firing rate of legally owned firearms. This would have the chilling effect of turning tens of thousands of otherwise law-abiding citizens into criminals. It would also strip them of their private property rights, a right enshrined in the Fifth Amendment. Have the courage to stand up to Senator Feinstein and anyone else in Congress who believes it is their place to decide for millions of Americans the “correct” type of accessories they can own. Please advise me of your position on this proposal. I will be monitoring your actions via Grass Roots North Carolina legislative alerts. Respectfully,