EBR's Rule!

Evil Black Rifles once again dominated the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show in Orlando, FL.  I was not planning to attend, but Chris talked me into it when we found a $28 a night hotel and discount air fares and I'm glad I made the trip.  It seems like everyone and his brother is making an AR-pattern rifle these days in everything from .17 caliber up to .50 BMG and 40mm grenade launchers.  There was even a fancy cross-bow that uses an AR lower.  Most of the manufacturers and distributors I spoke with say that they are 3 to 12 weeks behind in production and working overtime to get caught up. 

There were some interesting new products and I met with some folks who are really doing some innovative things.  More importantly, I met with a lot of folks who are very supportive of the work we are doing and are interested in working with us to help us do more and grow stronger.  

The Firearms Coalition fills a unique niche in the gun rights movement and we're glad that more and more folks like you are joining and supporting us in our efforts.  One thing you can do to really help is to be sure and tell your friends about us and encourage them to join.  Along with the scary news that we expect from the Obama administration and the new Congress, there is some exciting news around the corner so stay tuned.

Jeff

Holder Skating Toward Confirmation

   Barack Obama's choice for Attorney General appears to be skating toward easy confirmation in the Senate.  During confirmation hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee Holder declared his support for the Second Amendment as defined by the Supreme Court in the Heller decision and then went on to say that closing the "gun show loophole" and banning "cop killer bullets"should be the primary focus and that banning "assault weapons" permanently is something which should be done and that doing so is not in conflict with the Heller decision.

  The NRA sent a letter to committee members earlier this week telling them that they weren't happy with the Holder nomination and that they hoped the senators would keep NRA's position in mind when they cast their votes.  Previously NRA had let Senate leadership know that they were not going to weigh votes for holder in determining grades for politicians.

  Republican Senator Mel Martinez of Florida has joined Orrin Hatch (R-UT) in supporting of Holder.  This is surprising considering the low esteem Holder enjoys in the powerful Cuban community in Florida due to his involvement in the forced deportation of six-year old Elian Gonzalez.  The declarations of support from Republicans signals that even procedural moves like a filibuster would be quickly defeated and a confirmation vote taken.

   Until the vote is taken in the full Senate though, the nomination remains in play.  Readers are urged to continue contacting their senators to express opposition to Holder's confirmation.

   For contact information for your senator, click here or follow the link below:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

   Keep the pressure on!

   Utah Republican Orin Hatch, the former Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee betrayed gunowners and his own party today by declaring to The Hill newspaper that he is going to support confirmation of Eric Holder for Attorney General.  Other Republicans on the committee have expressed concern over some of Holder's actions and positions and have promised serious questions in the hearings scheduled for Thursday and Friday.  By declaring support before any questions are asked or answered, Hatch proves that he is more concerned about politics than facts.  Previously, committee chairman Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont, had "promised" that Holder would be confirmed.  Such a promise is pure partisan politics on Leahy's part and should be roundly criticized as such by the media.  I'm not holding my breath.

   I intend to be on the phone first thing in the morning to Hatch's office denouncing his betrayal and calling for him to retract his statement.  I encourage others to do likewise.  The position of Attorney General is simply too important to allow it to be filled without question by a proven Democrat lackey.