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As the euphoria of the 2016 presidential elections is wearing off, another feeling is starting to creep in on gun owners throughout our state. That feeling is one of great concern for the few gun rights we currently enjoy. As Governor Christie's term is coming to an end, gun owners have to start accepting that in the near future, the few gun rights we currently enjoy are going to come under almost certain attack from politicians in the state. Don't get me wrong, while Governor Christie has done nothing to improve gun rights in the state, at the very least he prevented more bad legislation from taking effect. As the thought of a Liberal Democratic Governor is an utmost certainty, Democrats are going to have free reign over screwing over further restricting gun rights and enacting harsh legislations that will hamper the 2nd Amendment. But wait... there is a chance, there are two Republicans running in this race, you say. Let's be realistic. First, over the last 100 years, only once has the incumbent party kept the Governor's office for a third term, after a Governor termed out. That occurred in 1962 when Democrat Richard Hughes won office after two terms of fellow Democrat Robert Meyner. Secondly, does anyone in their right minds think that a Republican can win after the "BridgeGate" Scandal and Governor Christie's close association to President Trump? In either case, neither of the Republican candidates have the financial or the political capital to compete with Phil Murphy. (who is having ex VP Joe Biden fly in for a campaign visit) Short of a miracle, NJ residents better get used to the idea of Governor Phil Murphy. So What Does A Governor Murphy Mean For Gun Owners? The idea of a Governor Murphy should frighten any gun owner in the state, wishing and willing to give anything to have a "moderate" Sweeney over Liberal Murphy. To get an idea of the gun agenda, we take a look at what Phil Murphy has on his website, Murphy4NJ.com, The website further goes to point out the legislation that would prevent persons on the various government watch lists from being able to purchase a firearm. While this is the most "sensible" legislation, it failed for one key reason, there was ZERO due process for person's on those watch lists. People on the no fly lists, such as Senator Ted Kennedy, Congressman John Lewis, and CNN reporter Drew Griffin would not be allowed to purchase firearms. Beyond that, it would mean Phil Murphy would sign legislation that would confiscate guns from people accused of non-violent domestic issues and limits on the firearms that you may own, including lower magazine limits To take the ridiculous to the next level, Phil Murphy proposes the following, Required Gun Safety Training As they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions. These good intentions seem "sensible" to the common resident of New Jersey, but they are surely hell for any gun owner. Look, I am ALL FOR gun owners having safety training and technological improvements that would be helpful for those looking for it, HOWEVER, since when can the government restrict a God given right? Are people required to take a public speaking class before talking to anyone? Perhaps they should be, but just like free speech, and UNLIKE driving, the right to keep and bear arms.... is a right, and not a privilege. Are gun owners who do not take the "mandated gun safety training" to be considered "un-trustworthy"? If so, prior to the 1938 Regulations Against Jews' Possession of Weapons in Nazi Germany, Jews were disarmed by the police on the basis that "the Jewish population 'cannot be regarded as trustworthy'" On that basis, who is to control the educational requirements? Who sets the agenda? Do we have the same educational requirements before we go buy a bottle of Vodka or a kitchen knife? Are gun owners who do not complete this education requirement going to be stripped of their guns and GUN RIGHTS? More importantly, who is going to pay for this training? As much as I am all for gun owners taking gun training classes, I do not see anywhere in the Constitution or the Bill of Rights anything related to being "educated" before practicing a right. Smart Guns The problem here is what is not told. The NJ Smart Gun laws would REQUIRE every gun sold in NJ to be a "smart gun" once one is commercially available. Yep.... so unless they repeal the existing law, this should be a non starter for ANYONE. Beyond that, do we require every grocery stores to carry certain items? Why should gun store owners and operators be TOLD what they HAVE TO offer. Gun Sales Tax How do you make sure you keep poor people poor? You keep on taxing them. One thing that I have learned over the last 9 years with NJ Gun Forums is that gun owners in this state comes from all demographic groups. For every affluent gun owner, there are 20 people who love shooting but have to scrape up every cent they can save in order to fund their new gun purchase. Any firearms sales tax is only going to hurt gun buyers, and more importantly will hurt the vendors in the state. The ONLY people who will be winning are the gun dealers in PA and Delware who will be more than happy to sell their guns to NJ gun buyers. Required NICS and Gun Registration Hold on there... didn't the municipality and the state police just do the extensive background check when they issued that FID and those brand spanking new pistol permits? I think it is a good idea to do a NICS check anyway, but it is yet annother financial burden and expense. There is a $15 nics charge in NJ, because NJ gets its grubby paws on it, rather than the federal NICS system used in most of Free America. Are NICS checks going to be free for everyone in NJ? Gun Registration? The state police and the municipality already have those records every time a pistol permit gets sent in. But in any case... you know who also had mandatory gun registrations? Hitler, Stalin and Mao all enacted gun registration and subsequent gun confiscation before they murdered millions of political dissidents. (all under good intentions of course). Ban on 50 Caliber Rifles Seriously? Again? Can any politician give a realistic reason to ban all 50 caliber rifles? When was the last time that a criminal committed a crime in NJ with a 50 caliber... flintlock, 50 Beowolf, 500 Nitro Express or muzzle loader.... those are after all more likely to be in someone's gun collection than a $5k or more expensive Barrett 50 BMG. Heck, why not go after 600/700 Nitro Express, 500 S&W, 50 Action Express too. The biggest risk to airplanes (the commonly cited 2010 case) is not a guy with a 50 caliber rifle, but rather the broken infrastructure all around. Bottom Line "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." - John Acton A democrat in the governor's office and a democrat controlled legislature is grim news for New Jersey and anyone concerned with gun rights. What's different this time is that it is a top item for Democrats eager to do anything to act out against President Trump. There are many gun rights advocates in the state who will say we have to rise up and fight. Unfortunately I don't think it will make any difference this time for the simple facts that the powers that be both do not understand gun issues, nor CARE about your rights. For those that can leave, it may be opportune to do as @Pizza Bob says in every post "adios." For everyone else left behind, hang on, it's going to be a bumpy ride. -Maks For further reading and discussion on this topic I recommend, While we typically do not have political topics out in general discussion, @67gtonut has set up a special section dedicated to the 2017 NJ Gubernatorial Race, We look forward to seeing you there. https://www.njgunforums.com/forum/index.php?/forum/189-new-jersey-gubernatorial-election-2017/

Given the very challenging times we are experiencing especially here in NJ, I am taking the liberty of reposting something here that I had posted in the 1st Amendment section three years ago. The broader membership, including the many new forum members that have joined since that time, might benefit from reading it. It as relevant today, if not even more, than it was then. In the many recent threads on the new laws just passed, there is lots of discussion about what the government can or cannot due, might or might not due, or could do if they had the will, etc. I feel it is important to be reminded of history and what ACTUALLY HAPPENED as a point of fact. As has often been said, if we ignore history we are destined to repeat it. My post was as follows: Recently finished reading “Gun Control in the Third Reich-Disarming the Jews and Enemies of the State” by Stephen P. Halbrook. I strongly urge anyone who values our freedoms to read it. Despite the title, it actually covers the period from the birth of the Weimar Republic in 1918 thru the Nazi regime in 1938 and the “Night of Broken Glass”. For me, what is most striking about this book are the parallels between what took place then, and the gun rights challenges we face in the present times. To name a few examples taken directly from various sections of the book: • Vague firearms laws that were harshly enforced • Decree(s) requiring the surrender of all firearms and ammunition else punishment of X years in prison • During the timeline covered by the book; possession of a firearm or ammunition was also punishable by being arrested, shot on the spot, or being sent to concentration camps. • Entire populations being designated as “undesirable” or “unreliable” and banned from possession of firearms. This included not only the Jews but also anyone labeled, for example, as a gypsy or a communist. • Forced Registration. Before Hitler came to power, the government assured that these records would be protected and remain private. Guess what. Subsequently the Nazi’s later took control of these records and used them to further confiscate and persecute gun owners. • Mass confiscations • Needing to convince the local authorities of your need for a firearm and obtain their approval (sound familiar?) • Manufacture and importation of arms severely limited. • Preventing sporting clubs from providing instruction or training to their members. Later, such clubs and associations were banned and/or taken over by the government. • Massive police raids, house to house searches, and confiscation of “military” weapons from civilians. • Need for a license to acquire a firearm or ammunition whether the transaction is commercial or private. • Trade in firearms prohibited at annual fairs, shooting competitions,and other events. • Government officials and police exempted from most of these onerous laws. And so on. As has often been said; “History Repeats Itself”. This is more than reason enough for us to remain ever vigilant to protect our 2nd Amendment Rights.

I have linked to an excellent article that outlines the "gun control debate". It should provide lots of good information that can be used when discussing gun control. Understanding the gun debate, part 1 By Massad Ayoob http://www.backwoodshome.com/understanding-the-gun-debate-part-1/

http://newjersey.news12.com/news/orlando-shooting-sparks-new-debate-on-gun-control-and-ownership-1.11916595 Just voted no for more restrictions.

Puerto Ricans can now carry firearms without a permit and the firearms registry has been eliminated. And there are no more licensing requirements to purchase. From what the article says, it looks just regular Federal Law takes precedence. This has all the makings of a landmark victory. I posted this here because it is current gun law and perhaps it might have bearing (or influence) on New Jersey in some way in the future. The politicians in NJ can't keep all these outdated and draconian gun laws in place and keep denying the right to carry without it legally coming back and biting them in the ass sometime in the future (in my opinion). Congratulations to our friends in Puerto Rico. http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/saf-lauds-puerto-rico-court-victory-for-gun-rights-300102214.html "A surprising victory for gun rights in Puerto Rico has eliminated the firearms registry and licensing requirements to purchase and carry in the Commonwealth, the Second Amendment Foundation has confirmed. As of now, according to Sandra Barreras with Ladies of the Second Amendment (LSA), the group that brought the lawsuit, "there is no regulation to purchase or carry (and) all purchases will be handled in accordance with federal firearms regulations." LSA is affiliated with SAF through the International Association for the Protection of Civilian Arms Rights (IAPCAR)."

Rhode Island: Draconian Gun Control Legislation Proposed http://libertycrier.com/lawmakers-rhode-island-unleash-long-list-anti-gun-bills/?utm_source=The+Liberty+Crier&utm_campaign=0a80e78178-The_Liberty_Crier_Daily_News_3_3_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_600843dec4-0a80e78178-285044409 A number of bills includes ending shall issue carry, assault weapons ban patterned after NY state's SAFE ACT, magazine limits and would affect .22 caliber rifles, 10% tax on ammunition with money possibly going to the Brady Bunch (no this isn't April 1st). " These bills are nearly identical bills to those that stalled in the state Legislature last year, however, anti-gun lawmakers relentlessly continue to focus on law-abiding citizens rather than target criminals. As a result, cities like Providence continue to suffer under the scourge of crime. No committee hearings have been scheduled, but these bills have been assigned to the Judiciary Committees in their respective chambers.........." .

I have posted an editorial about the very recent shooting that took place in CA, a little while ago. Why anyone thinks strict gun control, like they have in California, will make them safer from this kind of thing, is beyond me. You can read my editorial and find the link to the developing story here.

I know that all you New Jerseyians have your own problems with the many proposed State gun control bills but do not forget that our old friend Joe Biden is still pushing for gun control on a National level. He just sent out a letter trying to drum up support. Read more here.

Supporters, opponents of gun control rally in Montco The gun control controversy came to the streets of the Montgomery County seat Thursday. About 30 supporters of gun control rallied on the steps of the county courthouse in Norristown on national “Day to Demand Action” against gun violence that was organized in the county by Lower Merion United and Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Across the street and separated by sheriff deputies and Norristown police, another group of about 15-plus loudly made their displeasure known for any attempt to put additional controls on gun purchases and ownership. http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/loca...e697829ce.html

Hello Everyone, I just ran across this website while trying to find out what happened today regarding the assult weapons ban hearing. They cover a lot about the US Gun Control issue. I am unsure if they viewpoint is good or bad yet I just thought that the amount of coverage was interesting. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gun-control Timeline of the Hearing Today http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/feb/27/assault-weapon-ban-senate-hearings-live

As the topic says, gauging interest on arranging a bus to Trenton from the S.Jersey area. Likely point for pickup would be somewhere along the northern end of the AC Expressway for convenience from Salem, Gloucester, Atlantic, Camden, and southern Burlington Counties. As it stands, I have committals from some non-forum members from the southern end here and we can get a bus down here IF there's enough interest to get it filled!

THESE will be in the Assembly on next Wednesday: Assembly Law and Public Safety Wednesday, February 13, 2013 - 10:00 AM Meeting - Committee Room 11, 4th Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, New Jersey Also to be considered: A-3583 (Wilson) (pending intro and referral) - Creates taskforce to explore areas to improve school safety. ACR-180 (Greenwald) (pending intro and referral) - Urges President and Congress of United States to enact legislation enforcing stricter firearms control measures. A588 Ammunition, penetrate body armor-proh. A1116 Handgun sales-estab. 180 day prohibition A1329 Ammunition magazines-reduce to 10 rounds A1387 Weapon free zones-estab. sch., pub. fac. A1613 Ed. Security Task Force-estab. A3510 Firearms permits and id cards-concerns A3645 Ammunition sale-face to face transaction A3646 Ammunition-estab. regulatory sys. A3659 Weapons, cert.-destructive definition A3666 Ammunition sale-proh. mail order A3668 Assault firearm manuf-St investment proh A3687 Firearm id card-disqual. Terrorist List A3717 NICS-submit cert. mental health records A3748 Gun sales, priv.-background check req. A3750 Ammunition sales-estab reglatory prog. A3754 Mental health prof warning-seize firearm A3772 Firearm purch. id card-picture req. A3788 Firearms records-abolish right of access A3796 Firearms, unlawfully possessed-disposure A3797 Firearms-concerns seized and recovered AR143 Gun buyback prog.-express support AR144 Mental Health Parity-concerns exemp. http://www.njleg.sta...rAgendaView.asp Folks we need NUMBERS of Pro-2A/No New NJ Gun Control supportors out on Wednesday!!! HELP US FIGHT! The short notice is ON PURPOSE to reduce resistance. We need as many or more in number than the ANTIS that WILL BE THERE to provide testimory for these Bills. Follow the link on these and read them! You WILL be as troubled as I am!!!

PLEASE COME OUT AND BE HEARD! Tuesday, February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Rutgers University-Camden Rutgers Camden Campus Center Multi-Purpose Room 326 Penn Street, Camden, NJ 08102 Parking available in Lots 13 & 14 (parking is free until lots are full) Read more at Ammoland.com: http://www.ammoland.com/2013/02/nj-governor-christie-announces-public-meetings-for-the-nj-safe-task-force/#ixzz2JzqfiiuQ Myself and several other forum members will be in attendance. Firearms enthusiasts are needed in numbers at these public meetings to show that we will fight for our gun rights in New Jersey! Please come out so we can at least match numbers with the antis in attendance! The Campus Center is only one block from the City Hall Station making for easy access by train too. For those who cannot attend any of the public meetings, please email your thoughts on gun control to [email protected].

As some of you know, the SAFE Task Force will begin public meetings next week. For those who cannot be there and speak, please share your thoughts about gun control by sending emails to: [email protected] It would be great to jam up their inbox with "More gun control will not reduce violence. Please review the accepted research and statistics on this matter." kind of short, sweet, to the point emails.

I attended the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee session for NJ Bill S2430 this morning in the State House Annex. For those of you who are not aware of the content of this Bill, it can be found here: http://www.njleg.sta...500/2430_I1.HTM This Bill is submitted under a notion of focusing on mental health in an attempt to veil this: “Although New Jersey has strict gun control laws, these laws are easily circumvented because of the lack of similar federal laws. In order to provide more safety for New Jersey residents, the federal government must reinstate its ban on assault weapons which expired on September 13, 1994 and must expand background check requirements for gun purchases to include all sales and transfers” BLANKET ACCEPTANCE of anything the Federal government enacts for gun control! Now, the Committee postponed a vote on the Bill today and only took testimony, both for and against the Bill. I believe this was, in part, due to flooding the legislature with calls and faxes last week! Based on my observations during testimony, I can tell you body language and comments and questioning from the Committee members shows there is already a bias towards gun control (no surprise). It was also clear that the Committee is uneducated about firearms. Further, the supporters for the Bill were present in mass numbers – about every civic coalition, organization, and group you can think of; a couple of mayors (Roselle and Plainfield), a city councilman…. Senator Lesniak stacked the room well. Sure, some of the Bill supporters went on record saying it’s not about the guns, but their whispers before the testimony began were very different I will say in absolution. The problem with this Bill is the way it is dangerously, and probably very purposefully written, to have broad-sweeping gun control, yet is being “marketed” as a Bill that creates the Governor’s Study Commission on Violence for which mental health is a key driver. Fact of the matter, the way this Bill is written is that there will be no study of real facts, figures, expert testimony, or any form of hard, tangible evidence regarding the effects of gun control on violence. There would be no point for the Study Commission to address that aspect because passing of this Bill would be blanket adoption of whatever the Federal government enacts against gun rights! This is not what New Jersey firearms enthusiasts want, and this is not the message Governor Christie delivered in his speech on January 17th. This is a CONTRIVED BASTARDIZATION trying to be ramrodded through the legislature!!! Because this was not voted today, there is time for each and every one of you to make your position known to the legislature! Please contact EVERYONE I list below and tell them 1) you oppose the gun control element of Bill S2430; 2) that you wish for them to vote against this Bill as it is currently written; and, 3) you want, as constituents of this State, any Study Commission on Violence to include due representation from New Jersey firearms enthusiasts. Please email, write, fax, and call the following legislature members: The entire Law and Public Safety Committee (these are those who will vote the Bill!): Senator Donald Norcross: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=324 Senator Linda R. Greenstein: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=329 Senator Christopher Bateman: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=304 Senator James W. Holzapfel: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=334 Senator Nicholas J. Sacco: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=140 The Bill Sponsors: Senator Raymond J. Lesniak: http://www.njleg.sta.../BIO.asp?Leg=61 Senator Shirley K. Turner: http://www.njleg.sta.../BIO.asp?Leg=47 Senator Jim Whelan: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=301 Senator Sandra B. Cunningham: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=290 Senator Joseph F. Vitale: http://www.njleg.sta...BIO.asp?Leg=175 Now let’s get down to some brass tacks here everyone… There were about a dozen of us present in opposition of the Bill. A dozen. We were outnumbered about 2.5:1 in testimony. I absolutely salute and applaud Frank Jack Fiamingo and the NJ2AS for being there, for speaking, for representing the interests of New Jersey firearms enthusiasts, for fighting the cause… But I’m going to be straight here, as any real Jersey boy is, IT IS NOT ENOUGH! Why? Because not only must you battle the issue, you must battle the stigma placed upon groups like the NJ2AS. It, frankly, dilutes their effectiveness because of this State's historic position on firearms. Do you want to know who the Committee listened to from those that opposed the Bill on the basis of gun control? THE AVERAGE JOE! It was testimony given by CITIZENS that the Committee took most interest in. Paying sufficient attention to what was being said to then ask follow up questions! Don’t let me simply synopsize this, listen to the entire proceedings yourself here: http://www.njleg.sta...030AM-M0-1.wma! Of course you must wait into about two-thirds in before opposing testimony. A warning to Veterans, you may be offended by Senator’s Lesniak’s position citing his service in the US Army. Others, you will likely be as offended as I was that the Senator could be there long enough to make sure to hear all his supporters, but then left before those of us against the gun control element finished testimony. Nevertheless, the salient point is that CITIZENS got their attention. We need more New Jersey CITIZENS who are also members of the firearms enthusiast community of this State to attend these sessions and give testimony – i.e., share your thoughts and feelings, deliver the counter message! A dozen is not enough when they come by the bus load from the opposite side. Many of you will proclaim it’s not possible because of work, but I work too and took vacation time in order to attend and I’m certainly not local to Trenton... This is an important issue to me. Is it not to you, my fellow New Jersey firearms enthusiasts??? Please contact the above list of legislature members every day until the Bill is voted on, and if you can, please come help resist the passing of the 23 gun control Bills in-person at the legislative sessions!

Hey guys, So I have to write a positional paper for a college class and I decided I want to write a pro-gun paper. Just wondering what sites, organizations, stats, etc. might be useful. Thanks a bunch, Kev