Worriedman

Just because the forced change to the TN Constitution in 1870 removed the ability of the Citizens to enjoy their "Right" to go armed, does not keep it from being a "Right". "Because" an oppressive Government that fails to honor their oath to uphold the Constitution can keep a People from enjoying the intended Rights, does not make it correct. We take the steps we can to change the metrics, we elect representation that holds the Constitution as more than a door mat, and maybe, just maybe we can gift to our grand children a better Tennessee.

Sounds like this dealer subscribes to the Bob Pope line of reasoning, and would lose any business I would have done with him thereafter.

PapaB, in my conversations with the Legislators last year, they told me they had not heard from anybody, I am trying to change that for the coming session. Of course the Judiciary Committee is of primary importance, (and I believe they are currently against the issue, too much money coming into their campaigns to abandon Fed Ex at this point), but, if enough Representatives hear from constituents, that will change.

Article 1 Section 22 of the Tennessee Constitution: "That perpetuities and monopolies are contrary to the genius of a free State, and shall not be allowed." But the Legislature will pay as much attention to that clause as they do to any other, when money hits them in the back pocket, they will ignore the rules of the road.

Too easy, and, it would be construed that certain "Moderate" Republicans caved to a Conservative principal, can't have that happening, if, as the junta that controls the Tennessee Republican Party perceives, that independant voters will not go for anything that smacks of Conservatism.

Have had a long discussion with Rep. Joshua Evans on Face Book this evening about the Parking Lot Bill. He suggest that the Senate would have to pass the Bill before the House would consider it. From our discourse: " Get it passed in the Senate... see if they are serious about it... then let's sit down and plan a House strategy." This was from a thread I started in the TFA Group Page, he joined in to make some promises, then backed down to requiring the Senate take first action. I am pretty sure I can call his bluff, as I know there is support in the Senate for the Bill. Those of us who are desirous of seeing this Bill get to the Governor's desk need to start calling and writing NOW, we can at this juncture bring this to fruition if we make enough noise.

16" spinner target and stand compatible with .308, should prove a lot of fun for long range play with the AR 10.

It is a lot more sinister than them just not knowing, there is a dedicated intent to not bring up the word "gun" on the floor of the house at whatever cost. If the Bills get to the floor, they will pass, and those in charge know this to be so. Till we can get the duck and deer hunters, IDPA guys, those who shoot sporting clays, skeet and trap, the new HCP holders and those who are buying guns by the thousands for protection to join with us and let the Legislature know that we are tired of being considered criminals by them, nothing is going to happen. Leadership has decided that we do not merit their attention, and that the Constitution is simply their doormat, to be ignored.

To find a 20 Ga. 3" magnum 1100 in a tactical array for my middle daughter. She finally admitted to herself, and me, the need to be prepared to provide protection for herself and my grand daughter.

Wonder if we should not get Pope to champion a surge to make sure all automobiles sold are to legal citizens that have drivers license and insurance? We know that if the State passes a law to that effect, there will be no one driving around that does not carry liability, and, each will have had the proper training to operate a 2000 lb. weapon at 65 mph. While we are at it, let's get them to pass a law that makes it a crime to crawl behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol. If we could just get the State to regulate that, I wonder how many lives could be saved?

Pope being the shrewd businessman that he is, I would seek out what monetary advantage this public stance is going to offer him. Seems adverse to the Constitutional Conservative "small government" mantra he preaches. Makes me wonder what public persona he is attempting to establish, and what reward might be in the offing for his support of this issue? The most likely result of the offering of his opinion, (and that is what this is) is designed to generate argument among the supportive firearms issue fraternity, showing via the Tennessean how those who would honor the Constitution have an insatiable desire to flood the world with gun toting criminals, caring not for the safety of the general population.

Another move South that is happening is the Winchester Center-fire Plant in Oxford MS. My firm is building the facility, and it is a pretty big deal, in short order, all CF Winchester ammo will be produced in that facility. If our illustrious Governor would get his thumbs out and put together the right team (and get the Legislature to amend our corporate tax codes) we could offer significant incentives to firearms manufacturers to lure them south.

Legislative guns task force sets agenda - WSMV Channel 4

Had mine for about a week, everything in my house is razor sharp, and the system is good enough that my 8 year old grand daughter is able to work it. (I believe in teaching the next generation skills, and providing them with the tools necessary, that is why I keep the components to reload for all the firearms system one might need as well as the platforms to use them, along with a generous supply of rim fire ammo.) The advantage is that the skill level needed is negligible, even my wife can touch up her kitchen knives to scary sharp in a few minutes, safely. A minimal amount of metal is removed, and once sharp, with proper records, maintenance requires so little time. I can see a time where the ability to put and keep an edge on cutting tools will be a real necessity, and this system allows that with minimal wear to the blades, and with minimal time expended, with absolutely fabulous results.

In a real collapse, I think electricity and gasoline supply are going to be the first things to go. A source of clean drinking water that is independent of the grid will be oh so important. That is why I have maintained the old windlass driven well on my Grandfather's place (that I now own), along with the wood stove in the house. It will not be comfortable with the kids and grand kids, but I will have water and heat. The chestnut, persimmon, apple and pear trees planted to deer hunt over will stand in good stead, with the native pecans and a garden spot that sits on what was a 20K laying house that can and does grow anything, and the smoke house with the salt box that is still functional (and the knowledge of how to use them properly) will be of a major advantage.

Has anybody sprung for the system? If so, is it all it is hyped up to be?

We were not counting on the Republicans only to carry the banner when those Bills were passed. Last year, having the majority in the House, Senate and the Executive Branch would have seemed to foreshadow a real Conservative avalanche of Legislation. What we got was Big Business holding all the cards, (notice corporations can donate directly to campaigns now, that passed easily last year) and the folks that walked and worked to get the majority in got left in the shadows. Now they think the Conservative minded will HAVE to vote Republican, so they do not have to treat with us, they can simply take us for granted and pay attention to the moderate/liberals. It is all about holding power, not about doing the right thing.

The problem that we have is that "politicians" seek to amass power, true representatives seek to serve their constituents. We have far too many of the former, and sadly, a paucity of the later. And, many of those who would seek to do the right thing are by virtue of a failure of our education system to teach the basic tenants of a Republic form of Government and the actual edicts of the Constitution leave us in a precarious situation. I am appalled at the lack of knowledge of many of our Legislators with respect to our Constitutions, both of the Union and our State versions. I was told at a meeting with a West TN Legislator that what was 'good" for his district supplanted in importance what the Constitution might actually say. In discussions on the Hill this summer, it was explained by several of the highest ranking members of "Leadership" that the push to reach "66" Republican House members is the prime focus of the "Party". What is best for the People is of secondary importance at best. A "Walk Out Proof" majority with an "R" sequestered behind their name is the prime motivation, that some who wear that distinction are as Liberal as some Democrats is moot to the mind of said Leadership. This same group of powerful Legislators intoned that those who advocate for our firearms Rights should pick One issue, and expect no more attention, espousing that the General Public does not have the will to see real Constitutional issues discussed, nor are they important to the general population. "Jobs" would once again be the pivotal issue, (sane individuals recognizing that the simple most important function of Government in that arena is to remove itself from the fray, less regulation and intrusion into the private sector being the best program if our Government truly wants to facilitate growth, not more involvement). Until these Legislators hear on a personal basis that the vast unwashed are desirous of going back to a Constitutional basis for Rights relative to Firearms issues, nothing is going to change in their view, the squeaky wheel getting the grease as normal. We do have a few friends in the mix, Judd Matheny and Andy Holt are as staunch in their support of true Constitutional Rights as any in the General Assembly on the Republican side, Rep. Eddie Bass on the Democrat, taking stances that do not follow the lead of the more Liberal ruling junta. We need to support them monetarily and by contacting them to let them know we appreciate their efforts. The few minutes it takes to write a letter, and the $.44 stamp, especially if the hundreds of thousands of gun owners would get off the couch and enjoin a concerted effort to contact their Senators and Congressmen, would make a huge difference. The more vocal we become, the more effective we will be.

Garufa, I agree that there is plenty of blame to go around re our politicians, but to liken the Republicans to the "right", assuming you mean Conservative, falls short of the mark. As long as we have Leadership which includes McConnell and Alexander at the helm of the afore mentioned party, we have simply "Democrat Lite" as the "opposition", if it could be called that.

I concur wholeheartedly with your assessment. That our basal Founding document (Declaration of Independence) contains the following: it is apparent that those who took up pen to put their thoughts in the challenge to the powers that were considered the Natural Right to provide for the protection of Life as the first and most important of those unalienable Rights. I can not fathom that the order of their listing was random, as this was the most important document of our upstart Nation, and some of the best minds to ever exist coauthored it, backed by this rejoinder "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." Speaking of Jefferson, it is recorded that his perception of the personal ownership and carrying of weapons was viewed by him as something that the individual should decide, not the Government. He portrayed in writings that carrying a "gun" was as normal as taking a walk, as evidenced by his advice to a nephew:

We meet in the Heritage Room, would love to have you come.

The Stated Meeting of the West TN Regional Chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association will be held Thursday, November 10, 2011, at Brooks Shaw and Sons Old Country Store, located in the Casey Jones Village, Jackson, TN. Our featured Speaker will be David Nance, noted local Conservative Activist and Chairman of the Tennessee 8th District Tea Party Coalition. David will be speaking on the Constitutional Sheriff's proposed legislation that is gaining strength in Tennessee. There will be a question and answer session to complete the meeting. We will meet at 5:30 for those who care to share a meal and fellowship, the meeting proper will begin at 7:00. Membership is not a requirement to attend, all are welcome.

Matheny is doing his best to support our issues, and appears to have made some inroads with the Speaker's office. If in fact one is inclined to be in favor of the Task Force's originally specified intent, now is the time to support that approach. Contacting the members of the Task Force, as well as your individual Representative asking them to move forward with a review of the current laws with respect to their Constitutionality would be an excellent idea. Our General Assembly will only react if there is support from the electorate. It is ours to win or lose at this point. We have a chance to affect the legislation of the next session in a positive way, IF we can underpin the Speaker Pro Tempore's efforts on our behalf.

"Duh!" as my grand daughter says.

I think the issue we need to be cognizant of is the fact that Matheny is doing all he can to manage the bad press generated by the Todd issue, and has been somewhat successful in that endeavor, proven by the fact that "Task Force" was not swept away as a result. Leadership has been restrained from casting us aside, and I think that is due primarily to the Speaker Pro Tempore's focus to keep this discussion ongoing. We are all aware of how the press and those who would see us set back in our struggle to regain the Constitutionally guaranteed Right to keep and bear arms here in Tennessee are circled like a group of vultures about the specter of "bubbaism" embodied by the Todd debacle. That the Speaker's office has decided to let Matheny continue on with the Task Force is a sign that we may have an actual opportunity to further our cause even in the face of Todd's actions. If in fact the Task Force continues on to fruition, it would be a glimmer of a Phoenix rising out of the damage done, and could possibly herald a real endeavor of Leadership to have a discussion of the merits of the issues within the structure of the Task Force as originally intended.