Advanced Notice - HB 1293 Firearm Registration

[Brick]

That friend of liberty and defender of Constitutional Rights, Angel Cruz, is offering another one.

Full text not available at this time.
see:

http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/...type=B&bn=1293

Regular Session 2009-2010
House Bill 1293


Short Title: An Act relating to firearm registration; providing for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; and imposing penalties.
Prime Sponsor: Representative CRUZ
Last Action:
Printer's No.

[Brick]

The text is now available and once more Representative Cruz has foresworn himself. Be sure to read this especially those attending the Rally tomorrow!

See my comments in red below! By the way refer to PA Constitution Article 1 Section 21 and Article 1 Section 25.

PRINTER'S NO. 1530
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009

INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, YOUNGBLOOD, PAYTON AND M. O'BRIEN, APRIL 20, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, APRIL 20, 2009
AN ACT

1 Relating to firearm registration; providing for duties of the
2 Pennsylvania State Police; and imposing penalties.
3 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
4 hereby enacts as follows:
5 Section 1. Short title.
6 This act shall be known and may be cited as the Firearm
7 Registration Act.
8 Section 2. Definitions.
9 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
10 have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
11 context clearly indicates otherwise:
12 "Antique firearm." Includes:
13 (1) Any firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock,
14 flintlock, percussion cap or similar type of ignition system,
15 manufactured in or before 1898.
16 (2) Any replica of any firearm described in paragraph
17 (1) if the replica:
18 (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire
1 or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or
2 (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire
3 ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United
4 States and that is not readily available in the ordinary
5 channels of commercial trade.
6 (3) Any firearm, other than a machine gun, which,
7 although designed as a weapon, the Pennsylvania State Police
8 finds by reason of the date of its manufacture, value, design
9 and other characteristics is primarily a collector's item and
10 is not likely to be used as a weapon.
11 "Firearm." A weapon which will or is designed or restored to
12 expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of any
13 explosive, the frame or receiver of any such device or any
14 firearm muffler or silencer. The term shall not include:
15 (1) Antique firearms.
16 (2) Any device used exclusively for line throwing,
17 signaling or safety and required or recommended by the United
18 States Coast Guard or Interstate Commerce Commission.
19 (3) Any device used exclusively for firing explosives,
20 rivets, stud cartridges or any similar industrial ammunition
21 incapable of use as a weapon.
22 Section 3. Registration.
23 (a) General rule.--All firearms in this Commonwealth shall
24 be registered in accordance with this section. It shall be the
25 duty of a person owning or possessing any firearm to cause the
26 firearm to be registered. No person within this Commonwealth may
27 possess, harbor, have under the person's control, transfer,
28 offer for sale, sell, give, deliver or accept any firearm unless
29 the person is the holder of a valid registration certificate for
30 the firearm. No person within this Commonwealth may possess,
- 2 -
1 harbor, have under the person's control, transfer, offer for
2 sale, sell, deliver or accept any firearm which is
3 unregisterable under this act.
4 (b) Nonapplicability.--This section shall not apply to:
5 (1) Firearms owned or under the direct control or
6 custody of any Federal, State or local governmental authority (State and local police departments should be required to register thier weapons also)
7 maintained in the course of its official duties.
8 (2) Duty-related firearms owned and possessed by law
9 enforcement officers who are not residents of this
10 Commonwealth.
11 (3) Duty-related firearms owned and possessed by
12 corrections officers who are not residents of this
13 Commonwealth.
14 (4) Firearms owned, manufactured or processed by
15 licensed manufacturers of firearms, bulk transporters or
16 licensed sellers of firearms at wholesale or retail, provided
17 that such persons have all licenses required by law.
18 (5) Any nonresident of this Commonwealth participating
19 in any lawful recreational firearm-related activity in this
20 Commonwealth, or on the way to or from the firearm-related
21 activity in another jurisdiction, provided that the
22 possession or control of the firearm is lawful in the
23 jurisdiction in which the individual resides and that the
24 weapon is either:
25 (i) Broken down in a nonfunctioning state.
26 (ii) Unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm-
27 carrying box, shipping box or other container.
28 (6) Private security personnel who possess or control
29 any firearm or ammunition within this Commonwealth. Firearms
30 under this paragraph shall be owned and maintained by the
- 3 -
1 security firm employing the security personnel and shall be
2 registered by the security firm in accordance with this
3 section.
4 Section 4. Insurance. (I think this is misspelled and should read Issuance)
5 (a) General rule.--No registration certificate shall be
6 issued to any person unless the person:
7 (1) Has not been convicted of a crime of violence.
8 (2) Has not been convicted within the five years prior
9 to the application of any violation of any law relating to
10 the use, possession or sale of any narcotic or dangerous
11 drug.
12 (3) Is not otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm
13 under any Federal or State law.
(If (3) applies, (1) & (2) are superfluous since GCA '68 forbids firearms possesion by any person convicted of a crime punishable by 1 year or more in jail)
14 (b) Application.--Every person who is required to register a
15 firearm under this act shall obtain an application for
16 registration of the firearm from the Pennsylvania State Police.
17 The application shall be in writing and sworn under oath and
18 shall require the following information:
19 (1) The name, home and business address, telephone
20 number, date of birth and Social Security number of the
21 applicant.
22 (2) The age, sex and citizenship of the applicant.
23 (3) The name of the manufacturer, the caliber or gauge,
24 the model, type and serial number of each firearm to be
25 registered.
26 (4) Two photographs taken within 30 days immediately
27 prior to the date of filing the application equivalent to
28 passport size showing the full face, head and shoulders of
29 the applicant in a clear and distinguishing manner.
30 (5) Additional information as the Pennsylvania State
(The author has forgotten that according USSC case Haynes Vs. U.S. it is a violation of 5th amendment rights to require a criminal to register firearms illegally possessed, this make s the proposed law unenforcable.)
- 4 -
1 Police may deem necessary to process the application.
2 (c) Fingerprinting.--The applicant or registrant shall
3 submit to fingerprinting by the Pennsylvania State Police in
4 accordance with procedures and regulations prescribed by the
5 Pennsylvania State Police.
6 (d) Records.--The Pennsylvania State Police shall cause to
7 be kept an accurate record of each application received and
8 acted upon together with all other information and data
9 pertaining to the application on all applications for owner's
10 registration certificates issued or denied under this act.
11 Applications for owner's registration certificates shall be
12 numbered in consecutive numbers as filed, and each certificate
13 issued shall be identified with the duplicate number of the
14 application upon which it was issued and shall expire
15 automatically one year from the date of issuance.
16 (e) Background check.--The Pennsylvania State Police shall
17 conduct a criminal background check on the applicant to ensure
18 compliance with this section. No application may be approved
19 until and unless a criminal background check is completed.
(So if you've purchased you firearm legally you already gone through a PICS check now you must do it again to register the gun and yet again when you renew the registration in a year)
20 (f) Procedure.--Within 30 days of receipt of an application,
21 the Pennsylvania State Police, after consideration of the
22 application for an owner's registration certificate and all
23 information obtained relative to the application, shall either
24 approve or deny the application and notify the applicant in
25 writing of the determination.
(This "registration" is not a license, how can there be a denial of registration except in the case of an applicant being ineligible to possess a firearm? e.g. convicted criminal, domestic abuser adjudicated mental incompetent or military dishonorable discharge)
26 (g) Approval.--In the event the application is approved, the
27 Pennsylvania State Police shall issue to the applicant an
28 owner's registration certificate which shall contain the
29 applicant's name, residence, date of birth, photograph and other
30 personal information as may be required by the Pennsylvania

- 5 -
1 State Police. The owner's registration certificate shall not be
2 transferable and shall be carried simultaneously with the
3 firearm and shall be exhibited to any police officer upon demand
4 for inspection. (Have we suspend RAS?) Registration shall not make lawful the carrying
5 or possessing of a firearm if prohibited by law.
6 (h) Denial.--In the event the application is denied, the
7 Pennsylvania State Police shall inform the applicant in writing
8 of the denial. Any applicant who believes that the applicant's
9 application is wrongfully denied may, within ten days after
10 receiving notice of the denial, file a written appeal of the
11 denial in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to administrative
12 law and procedure). Within three days after notification of a
13 decision unfavorable to the applicant and all time for appeal
14 having expired, the applicant shall surrender to the
15 Pennsylvania State Police the firearm for which the applicant
16 was denied registration.
17 (i) Renewal.--Each registrant must renew registration
18 annually. Applications for renewal shall be made by a registrant
19 60 days prior to the expiration of the current registration (what happens if the application is made early or a less tahn 60 days?)
20 certificate.
21 Section 5. Additional duties of registrant.
22 Each person holding a registration certificate shall:
23 (1) Notify the Pennsylvania State Police of:
24 (i) The loss, theft or destruction of the
25 registration certificate or of a registered firearm
26 within 48 hours of the discovery of the loss, theft or
27 destruction.
28 (ii) A change in any of the information appearing on
29 the registration certificate within 48 hours.
30 (iii) The sale, transfer or other disposition of the
- 6 -

1 firearm not less than 48 hours prior to delivery.
2 (2) Return to the Pennsylvania State Police the
3 registrant's copy of the registration certificate for any
4 firearm which is lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise
5 disposed of within 48 hours.
6 (3) Keep any firearm in the registrant's possession
7 unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock, gun
8 safe or similar device unless the firearm is in the
9 registrant's immediate possession and control while at the
10 registrant's place of residence or business or while being (Immediate possession and control? So now a farmer's backdoor gun or householder's nightstand gun is illegal?)
11 used for lawful recreational purposes within this
12 Commonwealth. (there are other legal uses for guns beside recreation)This paragraph shall not apply to law
13 enforcement personnel or security personnel while in the
14 course of their employment.
15 Section 6. Penalty.
16 A person who violates this act commits a summary offense.
17 Section 7. Regulations.
18 The Pennsylvania State Police shall promulgate rules and
19 regulations for the implementation of this act. (No wonder the PSP can't keep up with thier patrol duties, when crap[ like this is pushed of on them)
20 Section 8. Acquisition or possession prohibited by law.
21 Nothing in this act shall make lawful the acquisition or
22 possession of firearms or firearm accessories which is otherwise
23 prohibited by law.
24 Section 9. Effective date.
25 This act shall take effect in 180 days.

- 7 -

[headcase]

The text is now available and once more Representative Cruz has foresworn himself. Be sure to read this especially those attending the Rally tomorrow!

See my comments in red below! By the way refer to PA Constitution Article 1 Section 21 and Article 1 Section 25.

PRINTER'S NO. 1530
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009

INTRODUCED BY CRUZ, YOUNGBLOOD, PAYTON AND M. O'BRIEN, APRIL 20, 2009

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, APRIL 20, 2009
AN ACT

1 Relating to firearm registration; providing for duties of the
2 Pennsylvania State Police; and imposing penalties.
3 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
4 hereby enacts as follows:
5 Section 1. Short title.
6 This act shall be known and may be cited as the Firearm
7 Registration Act.
8 Section 2. Definitions.
9 The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
10 have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
11 context clearly indicates otherwise:
12 "Antique firearm." Includes:
13 (1) Any firearm, including any firearm with a matchlock,
14 flintlock, percussion cap or similar type of ignition system,
15 manufactured in or before 1898.
16 (2) Any replica of any firearm described in paragraph
17 (1) if the replica:
18 (i) is not designed or redesigned for using rimfire
1 or conventional centerfire fixed ammunition; or
2 (ii) uses rimfire or conventional centerfire
3 ammunition that is no longer manufactured in the United
4 States and that is not readily available in the ordinary
5 channels of commercial trade.
6 (3) Any firearm, other than a machine gun, which,
7 although designed as a weapon, the Pennsylvania State Police
8 finds by reason of the date of its manufacture, value, design
9 and other characteristics is primarily a collector's item and
10 is not likely to be used as a weapon.
11 "Firearm." A weapon which will or is designed or restored to
12 expel a projectile or projectiles by the action of any
13 explosive, the frame or receiver of any such device or any
14 firearm muffler or silencer. The term shall not include:
15 (1) Antique firearms.
16 (2) Any device used exclusively for line throwing,
17 signaling or safety and required or recommended by the United
18 States Coast Guard or Interstate Commerce Commission.
19 (3) Any device used exclusively for firing explosives,
20 rivets, stud cartridges or any similar industrial ammunition
21 incapable of use as a weapon.
22 Section 3. Registration.
23 (a) General rule.--All firearms in this Commonwealth shall
24 be registered in accordance with this section. It shall be the
25 duty of a person owning or possessing any firearm to cause the
26 firearm to be registered. No person within this Commonwealth may
27 possess, harbor, have under the person's control, transfer,
28 offer for sale, sell, give, deliver or accept any firearm unless
29 the person is the holder of a valid registration certificate for
30 the firearm. No person within this Commonwealth may possess,
- 2 -
1 harbor, have under the person's control, transfer, offer for
2 sale, sell, deliver or accept any firearm which is
3 unregisterable under this act.
4 (b) Nonapplicability.--This section shall not apply to:
5 (1) Firearms owned or under the direct control or
6 custody of any Federal, State or local governmental authority (State and local police departments should be required to register thier weapons also)
7 maintained in the course of its official duties.
8 (2) Duty-related firearms owned and possessed by law
9 enforcement officers who are not residents of this
10 Commonwealth.
11 (3) Duty-related firearms owned and possessed by
12 corrections officers who are not residents of this
13 Commonwealth.
14 (4) Firearms owned, manufactured or processed by
15 licensed manufacturers of firearms, bulk transporters or
16 licensed sellers of firearms at wholesale or retail, provided
17 that such persons have all licenses required by law.
18 (5) Any nonresident of this Commonwealth participating
19 in any lawful recreational firearm-related activity in this
20 Commonwealth, or on the way to or from the firearm-related
21 activity in another jurisdiction, provided that the
22 possession or control of the firearm is lawful in the
23 jurisdiction in which the individual resides and that the
24 weapon is either:
25 (i) Broken down in a nonfunctioning state.
26 (ii) Unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm-
27 carrying box, shipping box or other container.
28 (6) Private security personnel who possess or control
29 any firearm or ammunition within this Commonwealth. Firearms
30 under this paragraph shall be owned and maintained by the
- 3 -
1 security firm employing the security personnel and shall be
2 registered by the security firm in accordance with this
3 section.
4 Section 4. Insurance. (I think this is misspelled and should read Issuance)
5 (a) General rule.--No registration certificate shall be
6 issued to any person unless the person:
7 (1) Has not been convicted of a crime of violence.
8 (2) Has not been convicted within the five years prior
9 to the application of any violation of any law relating to
10 the use, possession or sale of any narcotic or dangerous
11 drug.
12 (3) Is not otherwise ineligible to possess a firearm
13 under any Federal or State law.
(If (3) applies, (1) & (2) are superfluous since GCA '68 forbids firearms possesion by any person convicted of a crime punishable by 1 year or more in jail)
14 (b) Application.--Every person who is required to register a
15 firearm under this act shall obtain an application for
16 registration of the firearm from the Pennsylvania State Police.
17 The application shall be in writing and sworn under oath and
18 shall require the following information:
19 (1) The name, home and business address, telephone
20 number, date of birth and Social Security number of the
21 applicant.
22 (2) The age, sex and citizenship of the applicant.
23 (3) The name of the manufacturer, the caliber or gauge,
24 the model, type and serial number of each firearm to be
25 registered.
26 (4) Two photographs taken within 30 days immediately
27 prior to the date of filing the application equivalent to
28 passport size showing the full face, head and shoulders of
29 the applicant in a clear and distinguishing manner.
30 (5) Additional information as the Pennsylvania State
(The author has forgotten that according USSC case Haynes Vs. U.S. it is a violation of 5th amendment rights to require a criminal to register firearms illegally possessed, this make s the proposed law unenforcable.)
- 4 -
1 Police may deem necessary to process the application.
2 (c) Fingerprinting.--The applicant or registrant shall
3 submit to fingerprinting by the Pennsylvania State Police in
4 accordance with procedures and regulations prescribed by the
5 Pennsylvania State Police.
6 (d) Records.--The Pennsylvania State Police shall cause to
7 be kept an accurate record of each application received and
8 acted upon together with all other information and data
9 pertaining to the application on all applications for owner's
10 registration certificates issued or denied under this act.
11 Applications for owner's registration certificates shall be
12 numbered in consecutive numbers as filed, and each certificate
13 issued shall be identified with the duplicate number of the
14 application upon which it was issued and shall expire
15 automatically one year from the date of issuance.
16 (e) Background check.--The Pennsylvania State Police shall
17 conduct a criminal background check on the applicant to ensure
18 compliance with this section. No application may be approved
19 until and unless a criminal background check is completed.
(So if you've purchased you firearm legally you already gone through a PICS check now you must do it again to register the gun and yet again when you renew the registration in a year)
20 (f) Procedure.--Within 30 days of receipt of an application,
21 the Pennsylvania State Police, after consideration of the
22 application for an owner's registration certificate and all
23 information obtained relative to the application, shall either
24 approve or deny the application and notify the applicant in
25 writing of the determination.
(This "registration" is not a license, how can there be a denial of registration except in the case of an applicant being ineligible to possess a firearm? e.g. convicted criminal, domestic abuser adjudicated mental incompetent or military dishonorable discharge)
26 (g) Approval.--In the event the application is approved, the
27 Pennsylvania State Police shall issue to the applicant an
28 owner's registration certificate which shall contain the
29 applicant's name, residence, date of birth, photograph and other
30 personal information as may be required by the Pennsylvania

- 5 -
1 State Police. The owner's registration certificate shall not be
2 transferable and shall be carried simultaneously with the
3 firearm and shall be exhibited to any police officer upon demand
4 for inspection. (Have we suspend RAS?) Registration shall not make lawful the carrying
5 or possessing of a firearm if prohibited by law.
6 (h) Denial.--In the event the application is denied, the
7 Pennsylvania State Police shall inform the applicant in writing
8 of the denial. Any applicant who believes that the applicant's
9 application is wrongfully denied may, within ten days after
10 receiving notice of the denial, file a written appeal of the
11 denial in accordance with 2 Pa.C.S. (relating to administrative
12 law and procedure). Within three days after notification of a
13 decision unfavorable to the applicant and all time for appeal
14 having expired, the applicant shall surrender to the
15 Pennsylvania State Police the firearm for which the applicant
16 was denied registration.
17 (i) Renewal.--Each registrant must renew registration
18 annually. Applications for renewal shall be made by a registrant
19 60 days prior to the expiration of the current registration (what happens if the application is made early or a less tahn 60 days?)
20 certificate.
21 Section 5. Additional duties of registrant.
22 Each person holding a registration certificate shall:
23 (1) Notify the Pennsylvania State Police of:
24 (i) The loss, theft or destruction of the
25 registration certificate or of a registered firearm
26 within 48 hours of the discovery of the loss, theft or
27 destruction.
28 (ii) A change in any of the information appearing on
29 the registration certificate within 48 hours.
30 (iii) The sale, transfer or other disposition of the
- 6 -

1 firearm not less than 48 hours prior to delivery.
2 (2) Return to the Pennsylvania State Police the
3 registrant's copy of the registration certificate for any
4 firearm which is lost, stolen, destroyed or otherwise
5 disposed of within 48 hours.
6 (3) Keep any firearm in the registrant's possession
7 unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock, gun
8 safe or similar device unless the firearm is in the
9 registrant's immediate possession and control while at the
10 registrant's place of residence or business or while being (Immediate possession and control? So now a farmer's backdoor gun or householder's nightstand gun is illegal?)
11 used for lawful recreational purposes within this
12 Commonwealth. (there are other legal uses for guns beside recreation)This paragraph shall not apply to law
13 enforcement personnel or security personnel while in the
14 course of their employment.
15 Section 6. Penalty.
16 A person who violates this act commits a summary offense.
17 Section 7. Regulations.
18 The Pennsylvania State Police shall promulgate rules and
19 regulations for the implementation of this act. (No wonder the PSP can't keep up with thier patrol duties, when crap[ like this is pushed of on them)
20 Section 8. Acquisition or possession prohibited by law.
21 Nothing in this act shall make lawful the acquisition or
22 possession of firearms or firearm accessories which is otherwise
23 prohibited by law.
24 Section 9. Effective date.
25 This act shall take effect in 180 days.

- 7 -

This is why I can't possibly go visiting Representatives offices to discuss firearms rights. There is not a chance in hell that I could restrain myself from lambasting these treasonous, oath breaking, self-serving, pieces of shit. Cruz, Youngblood, and the rest of the 7 or 8 of this little gun control clique, should be stripped on the rotunda steps, whipped for five steady minutes, and then impaled on stakes surrounding the fountain, so the crows may feed on their otherwise useless flesh. I can see them all sitting around, in $1000 suits, drinking single malt scotch, smoking Cuban cigars, laughing their balls off at how they are meeting their quota of worthless bullshit and collecting their checks. I pray to God I am around to see the day when these traitorous public officials are called to account by the public the supposedly serve.

Thank the good Lord that there are those among us that have the ability to politic, because I surely don't.

Sorry for the rant, it just boils my blood to see the fruit produced by these officials who are allowed to just roam around, ignoring their oaths with impunity.....

[Pa. Patriot]

Cruz does this every year. And it's laughed out every year.
However, our balance of power is shifting.

Tomorrow
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-114/5...one-rally.html
would be a good time to address this issue with Cruz and other reps... of course Cruz will be suspiciously absent tomorrow if I had to bet on it.

[1911partsplus.com]

http://www.nationalreview.com/kopel/kopel052203.asp

[1911partsplus.com]

The Marriage & Family Institute
Covenant Counseling Services
The Rev Christopher Hershman MA STM DMin
Licensed Psychologist, LMFT, LPC, CAS, CGP, CFLE
PO Box 3303, Allentown, PA 18106-0303
610-366-7880 (Fax) 610-366-1960
www.covenant-counseling.com
christopher@covenant-counseling.com

Hon. Angel Cruz
528 E Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202180
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2180
(717) 787-1407
Fax: (717) 780-4769

April 21, 2009

Dear Mr. Cruz,

I have read that you have openly admitted that you have never actually read the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I have also read that you have introduced legislation aimed at depriving all Pennsylvanians of the very rights which are guaranteed by both the Constitutions of the Commonwealth and of the United States of America (THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA, HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009).

In sharp contrast to your resolution, Article 1, Sections 21 and 25 of the Pennsylvania Constitution reads as follows:

Right to Bear Arms
Section 21.
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

Reservation of Powers in People
Section 25.
To guard against the transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, we declare that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government and shall forever remain inviolate.

In addition, the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America clearly states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” While some individuals make the nonsensical argument that the 2nd Amendment only means that the “National Guard” has a right to be armed, the legally binding interpretation of the 2nd Amendment was determined by the Supreme Court of the United States in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008). Since the founding fathers understood the “militia” as consisting of all able bodied men, and since it has been demonstrated that in every case the United States Constitution addresses INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (versus those of groups like a state sanctioned National Guard Unit), it was determined that the 2nd Amendment clearly protects firearms ownership as an individual right. The majority opinion stated that: “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”

Your bill would make an irrevocable, God-given right into a privilege which could be revoked at will and require annual fees, special permission by the State Police in order to own a firearm, licenses and create a registration database, etc. These tactics are all very similar to those used by Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and other totalitarian governments to disarm the public so that these repressive governments could terrorize and enslave the people, and by taking complete control over the nation eliminate LIBERTY altogether. Your bill would attempt to take away the rights of Americans to “keep and bear arms” and would call into “question” private firearms ownership. Instead of preventing crimes or apprehending criminals, your bill would do nothing more than deprive law abiding citizens of their God-given right to protect themselves and leave firearms only in the hands of criminals. Your bill would enable criminals to commit more crimes, while at the same time turning honest, law abiding citizens into “criminals” I am certain that your bill would find much support among the segment of society which identifies itself with crime and criminal acts.

The United States was conceived and created as a FREE NATION based on the exercise of LIBERTY by the people. The people of the United States are ultimately not called to serve the whims and wishes of the current trends in government. Instead, the government is entrusted with serving the people. On April 4, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln said, "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it." President Thomas Jefferson wrote, "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government" (Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334). In a letter written to (later President) James Madison on January 30, 1787, Jefferson wrote, "I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." President George Washington said, "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good"

Obviously our Founding Fathers were rightly very concerned about repressive governments and clearly believed that all Americans had an obligation to keep and bear arms for the protection of LIBERTY. Benjamin Franklin wrote that, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Franklin also wrote, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." (Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759). In the Federalist Papers (184-188) Alexander Hamilton wrote, “The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."

The bill that you have submitted before the State Legislature is an offense to every American who values Liberty and the ideals which made our nation the great nation which it is today. In 1840, constitutional scholar Joseph Story wrote, "One of the ordinary modes, by which tyrants accomplish their purposes without resistance, is, by disarming the people, and making it an offense to keep arms." While I do not believe that your bill has any possibility of actually becoming law, if it did become law it would likely be impossible to enforce. Can you really imagine patriotic Americans submitting applications and fees to register their firearms?

• Have you considered exactly what kind of American citizen would be readily willing to surrender all their liberties to what would then amount to being a repressive government which ignores it own founding and constitutional principles?

• What true American could forget the sacrifices made by other Americans in the American Revolution, the Civil War and in every other conflict in which our nation has ever been engaged?

• Could African Americans forget the sacrifices made by individuals like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and submit themselves again to a yoke of slavery?

• The enforcement of such legislation would conflict with American law: “No one is bound to obey an unconstitutional law and no courts are bound to enforce it. (16 Am. Jur. Sec. 177 late 2d, Sec 256).

• Can you truly envision that Pennsylvania State and local police (many of whom are military veterans who fought to protect our American way of life and were ready to sacrifice their lives in order to preserve our American LIBERTY) would be willing to violate the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

• Can you, in even your wildest fantasies imagine Pennsylvania State Troopers and other Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officers, acting sort of like the Nazi Gestapo or Waffen SS, arresting their mothers and fathers, grandfathers and grandmothers, brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, pastors and doctors, barbers and hair stylists, grocers and pharmacists, and every other kind of patriotic American citizen in order to enforce an unjust law?

• Have you considered that the legislation you propose would most likely result in numerous riots and civil unrest, revolution, civil war and the death, injury and incarceration of numerous, peaceful; honest, law-abiding American citizens?

• As a Pennsylvania legislator, would you be able to support the governor in calling out the Pennsylvania National Guard to open fire and kill thousands of Pennsylvanians who refused to comply with an unconstitutional and unjust law which would only serve to increase crime and deprive American citizens of their constitutional rights?

• Could you imagine Pennsylvania National Guardsmen opening fire with their M-16 “Assault Rifles” on their families, neighbors, friends and coworkers?

• Can you imagine any possible result of the passage of your legislation except the increase of violence and complete and utter chaos with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

• With applications for Pennsylvania Licenses to carry Firearms, as well as gun and ammunition sales rising dramatically over the past few months, can you possibly imagine that any legislator who would actually vote for your bill would have any chance whatsoever of getting reelected?

I know that you are likely a very busy man, Mr. Cruz, but for these very reasons I highly recommend that you finally get around to reading the Pennsylvania Constitution sometime soon. I believe that this would be a worthy use of your time and energy, particularly because you promised to protect the Pennsylvania Constitution when you were sworn into office. Since you are an American political leader it might also be a good idea for you to also become somewhat familiar with the Constitution of the United States of America.

You can find both of these on the internet. However, if you are not familiar with how to operate a computer I would be happy to take the time and effort to send you copies of both Constitutions so that you might have the opportunities to read them. If you have a learning disability or other difficulty with reading or understanding the concepts contained within these documents I also would be willing to take time from my busy schedule to read them to you and discuss their meaning. I make these offers because I am a caring and sensitive man and a patriotic American citizen.

In the meantime, I highly recommend that you withdraw HOUSE BILL No. 1293, Session of 2009 because this bill obviously conflicts with both the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions and I am most certain that you would not likely wish to appear to be an ignorant fool in front of your either constituents, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or of the United States of America.

By the way, I am an ordained protestant minister and also hold several licenses issues by Professional Licensure Boards of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Professional Counseling. I also have attained a number of professional certifications and have earned several undergraduate degrees, as well as three masters’ degrees and a doctoral degree.

I see that you are a high school graduate. I personally have great respect for individuals at any level of education. However, I also realize that due to the vast disparity in our levels of education it is likely that you may simply not be aware of some of the points which I have made in this letter. I hope that you understand that this letter is intended to initiate helpful and productive dialogue within a climate of mutual respect, as well as to protect the constitutional rights and freedoms now enjoyed and cherished by Pennsylvanians as well as all citizens of the United States.

My professional work is that of a full-time psychologist and part-time pastor. In these capacities I spend my life helping people with their problems and to live better lives. I am also a firearms owner and legally carry a concealed firearm every day for self protection. Among the many firearms I own are one of those so-called “Assault Rifles” which seem to get certain folks agitated these days. I use my AR-15 for target practice, but would also use it for self-defense if some criminal tried to break into my house to harm my family. I would love to use my AR-15 for hunting too, just like so many people do in other states. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania does not allow semi-automatic rifles or pistols to be used for hunting. If you would like to propose some firearms legislation which would really do a lot of good for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania I would certainly appreciate if you would introduce a bill permitting Pennsylvanians to use “Assault Rifles” and semi-automatic pistols for hunting.

Thank you for your kind attention to this letter. It was my intention to respectfully express my grave concerns about your proposed legislation. I hope that you understand the sincerity and respect which are the foundation upon which I decided to write you.

In addition, I am also faxing copies of it to the co-sponsors of HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009, as well to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and my own State Senator and State representative, as well as to the Pennsylvania Firearms Owner’s Association, and the national Rifle Association.

Respectfully yours,

The Rev. Christopher Noel Hershman, MA, STM, DMin
Licensed Psychologist, LMFT, LPC, CAS, CGP, CFLE, AAPC Fellow
The Marriage & Family Institute/Covenant Counseling Services
PO Box 3303, Allentown, PA 18106-0303
Phone 610-366-7880 Fax 610-366-1960 Cell 484-695-5638
email christopher@covenant-counseling.com
website www.covenant-counseling.com

CC:
Hon. Rosita C. Youngblood
300 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202198
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2198
(717) 787-7727
Fax: (717) 772-1313

Hon. Tony J. Payton Jr.
308 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202179
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2179
(717) 787-1354
Fax: (717) 780-4789

Hon. Dennis M. O'Brien
312 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202169
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2169
(717) 787-5689
Fax: (717) 787-1339

Hon. Douglas G. Reichley
5 East Wing
PO Box 202134
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2134
(717) 787-1000
Fax: (717) 705-7012

State Senator Rob Wonderling
172 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3024
Phone (717) 787-3110
FAX (717) 787-8004

Governor Edward G. Rendell
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284

Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
P.O. Box 40864
Philadelphia, PA 19107
http://www.pafoa.org/

National Rifle Association
Fax 386-246-3339

[homefront]

Reverand Chris, that is an AWESOME reply!

[Brick]

1911partsplus.com

Wow, there's enough good material in your letter to make four more letters out of it! Calling Cruz out on his failure to live up to his Oath of Office and citing the Declaration of Rights was the best!

Rep sent!

[Shawn.L]

Cruz does this every year. And it's laughed out every year.
However, our balance of power is shifting.

Tomorrow
http://forum.pafoa.org/general-114/5...one-rally.html
would be a good time to address this issue with Cruz and other reps... of course Cruz will be suspiciously absent tomorrow if I had to bet on it.

and he wasnt

last year I sat in his office with Kim, Doug, my fam, and the rest of our team and spoke with him.

[headcase]

The Marriage & Family Institute
Covenant Counseling Services
The Rev Christopher Hershman MA STM DMin
Licensed Psychologist, LMFT, LPC, CAS, CGP, CFLE
PO Box 3303, Allentown, PA 18106-0303
610-366-7880 (Fax) 610-366-1960
www.covenant-counseling.com
christopher@covenant-counseling.com

Hon. Angel Cruz
528 E Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202180
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2180
(717) 787-1407
Fax: (717) 780-4769

April 21, 2009

Dear Mr. Cruz,

I have read that you have openly admitted that you have never actually read the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I have also read that you have introduced legislation aimed at depriving all Pennsylvanians of the very rights which are guaranteed by both the Constitutions of the Commonwealth and of the United States of America (THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA, HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009).

In sharp contrast to your resolution, Article 1, Sections 21 and 25 of the Pennsylvania Constitution reads as follows:

Right to Bear Arms
Section 21.
The right of the citizens to bear arms in defense of themselves and the State shall not be questioned.

Reservation of Powers in People
Section 25.
To guard against the transgressions of the high powers which we have delegated, we declare that everything in this article is excepted out of the general powers of government and shall forever remain inviolate.

In addition, the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America clearly states, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” While some individuals make the nonsensical argument that the 2nd Amendment only means that the “National Guard” has a right to be armed, the legally binding interpretation of the 2nd Amendment was determined by the Supreme Court of the United States in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008). Since the founding fathers understood the “militia” as consisting of all able bodied men, and since it has been demonstrated that in every case the United States Constitution addresses INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS (versus those of groups like a state sanctioned National Guard Unit), it was determined that the 2nd Amendment clearly protects firearms ownership as an individual right. The majority opinion stated that: “The Second Amendment protects an individual right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia, and to use that arm for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home.”

Your bill would make an irrevocable, God-given right into a privilege which could be revoked at will and require annual fees, special permission by the State Police in order to own a firearm, licenses and create a registration database, etc. These tactics are all very similar to those used by Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin and other totalitarian governments to disarm the public so that these repressive governments could terrorize and enslave the people, and by taking complete control over the nation eliminate LIBERTY altogether. Your bill would attempt to take away the rights of Americans to “keep and bear arms” and would call into “question” private firearms ownership. Instead of preventing crimes or apprehending criminals, your bill would do nothing more than deprive law abiding citizens of their God-given right to protect themselves and leave firearms only in the hands of criminals. Your bill would enable criminals to commit more crimes, while at the same time turning honest, law abiding citizens into “criminals” I am certain that your bill would find much support among the segment of society which identifies itself with crime and criminal acts.

The United States was conceived and created as a FREE NATION based on the exercise of LIBERTY by the people. The people of the United States are ultimately not called to serve the whims and wishes of the current trends in government. Instead, the government is entrusted with serving the people. On April 4, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln said, "This country, with its institutions, belongs to the people who inhabit it. Whenever they shall grow weary of the existing government, they can exercise their constitutional right of amending it or their revolutionary right to dismember it or overthrow it." President Thomas Jefferson wrote, "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government" (Thomas Jefferson Papers, 334). In a letter written to (later President) James Madison on January 30, 1787, Jefferson wrote, "I hold it, that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." President George Washington said, "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil interference - they deserve a place of honor with all that's good"

Obviously our Founding Fathers were rightly very concerned about repressive governments and clearly believed that all Americans had an obligation to keep and bear arms for the protection of LIBERTY. Benjamin Franklin wrote that, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.” Franklin also wrote, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." (Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759). In the Federalist Papers (184-188) Alexander Hamilton wrote, “The best we can hope for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed."

The bill that you have submitted before the State Legislature is an offense to every American who values Liberty and the ideals which made our nation the great nation which it is today. In 1840, constitutional scholar Joseph Story wrote, "One of the ordinary modes, by which tyrants accomplish their purposes without resistance, is, by disarming the people, and making it an offense to keep arms." While I do not believe that your bill has any possibility of actually becoming law, if it did become law it would likely be impossible to enforce. Can you really imagine patriotic Americans submitting applications and fees to register their firearms?

• Have you considered exactly what kind of American citizen would be readily willing to surrender all their liberties to what would then amount to being a repressive government which ignores it own founding and constitutional principles?

• What true American could forget the sacrifices made by other Americans in the American Revolution, the Civil War and in every other conflict in which our nation has ever been engaged?

• Could African Americans forget the sacrifices made by individuals like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and submit themselves again to a yoke of slavery?

• The enforcement of such legislation would conflict with American law: “No one is bound to obey an unconstitutional law and no courts are bound to enforce it. (16 Am. Jur. Sec. 177 late 2d, Sec 256).

• Can you truly envision that Pennsylvania State and local police (many of whom are military veterans who fought to protect our American way of life and were ready to sacrifice their lives in order to preserve our American LIBERTY) would be willing to violate the Constitutions of the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

• Can you, in even your wildest fantasies imagine Pennsylvania State Troopers and other Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Officers, acting sort of like the Nazi Gestapo or Waffen SS, arresting their mothers and fathers, grandfathers and grandmothers, brothers and sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews, uncles and aunts, pastors and doctors, barbers and hair stylists, grocers and pharmacists, and every other kind of patriotic American citizen in order to enforce an unjust law?

• Have you considered that the legislation you propose would most likely result in numerous riots and civil unrest, revolution, civil war and the death, injury and incarceration of numerous, peaceful; honest, law-abiding American citizens?

• As a Pennsylvania legislator, would you be able to support the governor in calling out the Pennsylvania National Guard to open fire and kill thousands of Pennsylvanians who refused to comply with an unconstitutional and unjust law which would only serve to increase crime and deprive American citizens of their constitutional rights?

• Could you imagine Pennsylvania National Guardsmen opening fire with their M-16 “Assault Rifles” on their families, neighbors, friends and coworkers?

• Can you imagine any possible result of the passage of your legislation except the increase of violence and complete and utter chaos with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

• With applications for Pennsylvania Licenses to carry Firearms, as well as gun and ammunition sales rising dramatically over the past few months, can you possibly imagine that any legislator who would actually vote for your bill would have any chance whatsoever of getting reelected?

I know that you are likely a very busy man, Mr. Cruz, but for these very reasons I highly recommend that you finally get around to reading the Pennsylvania Constitution sometime soon. I believe that this would be a worthy use of your time and energy, particularly because you promised to protect the Pennsylvania Constitution when you were sworn into office. Since you are an American political leader it might also be a good idea for you to also become somewhat familiar with the Constitution of the United States of America.

You can find both of these on the internet. However, if you are not familiar with how to operate a computer I would be happy to take the time and effort to send you copies of both Constitutions so that you might have the opportunities to read them. If you have a learning disability or other difficulty with reading or understanding the concepts contained within these documents I also would be willing to take time from my busy schedule to read them to you and discuss their meaning. I make these offers because I am a caring and sensitive man and a patriotic American citizen.

In the meantime, I highly recommend that you withdraw HOUSE BILL No. 1293, Session of 2009 because this bill obviously conflicts with both the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions and I am most certain that you would not likely wish to appear to be an ignorant fool in front of your either constituents, the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or of the United States of America.

By the way, I am an ordained protestant minister and also hold several licenses issues by Professional Licensure Boards of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to practice Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Professional Counseling. I also have attained a number of professional certifications and have earned several undergraduate degrees, as well as three masters’ degrees and a doctoral degree.

I see that you are a high school graduate. I personally have great respect for individuals at any level of education. However, I also realize that due to the vast disparity in our levels of education it is likely that you may simply not be aware of some of the points which I have made in this letter. I hope that you understand that this letter is intended to initiate helpful and productive dialogue within a climate of mutual respect, as well as to protect the constitutional rights and freedoms now enjoyed and cherished by Pennsylvanians as well as all citizens of the United States.

My professional work is that of a full-time psychologist and part-time pastor. In these capacities I spend my life helping people with their problems and to live better lives. I am also a firearms owner and legally carry a concealed firearm every day for self protection. Among the many firearms I own are one of those so-called “Assault Rifles” which seem to get certain folks agitated these days. I use my AR-15 for target practice, but would also use it for self-defense if some criminal tried to break into my house to harm my family. I would love to use my AR-15 for hunting too, just like so many people do in other states. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania does not allow semi-automatic rifles or pistols to be used for hunting. If you would like to propose some firearms legislation which would really do a lot of good for the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania I would certainly appreciate if you would introduce a bill permitting Pennsylvanians to use “Assault Rifles” and semi-automatic pistols for hunting.

Thank you for your kind attention to this letter. It was my intention to respectfully express my grave concerns about your proposed legislation. I hope that you understand the sincerity and respect which are the foundation upon which I decided to write you.

In addition, I am also faxing copies of it to the co-sponsors of HOUSE BILL No. 1293 Session of 2009, as well to Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, and my own State Senator and State representative, as well as to the Pennsylvania Firearms Owner’s Association, and the national Rifle Association.

Respectfully yours,

The Rev. Christopher Noel Hershman, MA, STM, DMin
Licensed Psychologist, LMFT, LPC, CAS, CGP, CFLE, AAPC Fellow
The Marriage & Family Institute/Covenant Counseling Services
PO Box 3303, Allentown, PA 18106-0303
Phone 610-366-7880 Fax 610-366-1960 Cell 484-695-5638
email christopher@covenant-counseling.com
website www.covenant-counseling.com

CC:
Hon. Rosita C. Youngblood
300 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202198
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2198
(717) 787-7727
Fax: (717) 772-1313

Hon. Tony J. Payton Jr.
308 Irvis Office Building
PO Box 202179
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2179
(717) 787-1354
Fax: (717) 780-4789

Hon. Dennis M. O'Brien
312 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202169
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2169
(717) 787-5689
Fax: (717) 787-1339

Hon. Douglas G. Reichley
5 East Wing
PO Box 202134
Harrisburg, PA 17120-2134
(717) 787-1000
Fax: (717) 705-7012

State Senator Rob Wonderling
172 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3024
Phone (717) 787-3110
FAX (717) 787-8004

Governor Edward G. Rendell
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
Phone: (717) 787-2500
Fax: (717) 772-8284

Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
P.O. Box 40864
Philadelphia, PA 19107
http://www.pafoa.org/

National Rifle Association
Fax 386-246-3339

Very well done. See, that's my problem, I would have made it through about three sentences before I lost it and started calling them all traitorous scumbags

I owe you rep