Letters:
Dear Fellow Diver,
In light of the tragic events earlier this week, I've decided to postpone sending the regular Dear Fellow Diver Newsletter until next week.
Although I realize that many of you who receive the newsletter are not in the United States, I ask that you support President Bush's request for a national day of remembrance and prayer for those who lost their lives in this senseless act, including Suzanne Calley, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer who was on Flight 77.
My prayers go out for them and their families.
Thank you,
Brian
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your generous gift to the American Red Cross. We're extremely appreciative of your generosity in this time of national need. Your donation will help the Red Cross respond to the needs of those directly and indirectly affected by this nationwide emergency and other disasters.
Please continue to visit us at http://www.RedCross.org to see how we’re using your donation to make a difference, and at http://www.DisasterRelief.org for the most current disaster updates and stories about the people being helped.
Together, we can save a life.
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your generous gift to the NY Firefighter's Memorial Fund. We're extremely appreciative of your generosity in this time of national need. All proceeds from the NY Firefighter's Memorial Fund will go to the families of our fallen brothers and sisters.
Dear Friend,
Thank you for your generous gift to the Salvation Army. We're extremely appreciative of your generosity in this time of national need.
Hey you! Just checking to see if you're still alive in light of today's events. Hope everything is okay for you and yours. Aren't you supposed to be coming here this month? That is if there will be anymore flights this month. I hope everything is okay and that you will write back. Thinking of you,
Dearest Friends,
In light of the savage and horrible attack upon us, it seems that we need to take time to absorb and understand what has happened.
All parties and events are cancelled. Call a few close friends to get together to support each other emotionally.
Let us hope and pray that our friends and loved ones are and will remain safe.
EVERYONE, I HOPE EVERYONE AND THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILIES ARE OK AFTER THE TRAGEDY IN THE COUNTRY TODAY. I'M IN SPRINGFIELD, IL ON BUSINESS, AND CAN'T FATHOM THE DEVASTATION IN NY.
I have not heard from you since the horrible terror in NYC. are you okay?? I hope the US takes extreme action. It will be hard to deter people who believe they are going to heaven to live in paradise by killing innocent people. traditional responses are not likely to work. Israel has not been successful in deterence. If anything good can come from this, hopefully the civilized world can unite and declare real war - not just a few missles - on these devils.
Hello,
I just spoke with Andrew and am glad to know that you're all OK. We here at HT are fine, as well.
As always, call if you need anything. We're working with our vendors to set-up emergency reserves of products for companies with immediate needs. Please forward the message along should you here of any such cases.
I wish you and yours all the best.
Sincerely,
I have been unsuccessful these past two days in trying to reach you by phone. I just wanted to call and check to see if everything is okay with you and your co-workers and family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do from here in Tulsa.
As always,
K.
Subject: Miami Herald Column re: This is great!!!!!! This is an article by Leonard Pitts, a columnist from The Miami Herald, . > It appeared in today's edition, Wednesday, September > 12, 2001: **********************
We'll go forward from this moment. It's my job to have something to say. They pay me to provide words that help make sense of that which troubles the American soul. But in this moment of airless shock when hot tears sting disbelieving eyes, the only thing I can find to say, the only words that seem to fit, must be addressed to the unknown author of this suffering.
You monster. You beast. You unspeakable bastard. What lesson did you hope to teach us by your coward's attack on our World Trade Center, our Pentagon, us? What was it you hoped we would learn? Whatever it was, please know that you failed. Did you want us to respect your cause? You just damned your cause. Did you want to make us fear? You just steeled our resolve. Did you want to tear us apart? You just brought us together. Let me tell you about my people.
We are a vast and quarrelsome family, a family rent by racial, social, political and class division, but a family nonetheless. We're frivolous, yes, capable of expending tremendous emotional energy on pop cultural minutiae -- a singer's revealing dress, a ball team's misfortune, a cartoon mouse. We're wealthy, too, spoiled by the ready availability of trinkets and material goods, and maybe because of that, we walk through life with a certain sense of blithe entitlement. We are fundamentally decent, though - peace-loving and compassionate. We struggle to know the right thing and to do it. And we are, the overwhelming majority of us, people of faith, believers in a just and loving God.
Some people -- you, perhaps -- think that any or all of this makes us weak. You're mistaken. We are not weak. Indeed, we are strong in ways that cannot be measured by arsenals. IN PAIN Yes, we're in pain now. We are in mourning and we are in shock. We're still grappling with the unreality of the awful thing you did, still working to make ourselves understand that this isn't a special effect from some Hollywood block-buster, isn't the plot development from a Tom Clancy novel. Both in terms of the awful scope of their ambition and the probable final death toll, your attacks are likely to go down as the worst acts of terrorism in the history of the United States and, probably, the history of the world. You've bloodied us as we have never been bloodied before. But there's a gulf of difference between making us bloody and making us fall. This is the lesson Japan was taught to its bitter sorrow the last time anyone hit us this hard, the last time anyone brought us such abrupt and monumental pain.
When roused, we are righteous in our outrage, terrible in our force. When provoked by this level of barbarism, we will bear any suffering, pay any cost, go to any length, in the pursuit of justice. I tell you this without fear of contradiction. I know my people, as you, I think, do not. What I know reassures me. It also causes me to tremble with dread of the future. In the days to come, there will be recrimination and accusation, fingers pointing to determine whose failure allowed this to happen and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. There will be heightened security, misguided talk of revoking basic freedoms. We'll go forward from this moment sobered, chastened, sad. But determined, too. Unimaginably determined. THE STEEL IN US You see, the steel in us is not always readily apparent. That aspect of our character is seldom understood by people who don't know us well.
On this day, the family's bickering is put on hold. As Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as Americans, we will rise in defense of all that we cherish. So I ask again: What was it you hoped to teach us? It occurs to me that maybe you just wanted us to know the depths of your hatred. If that's the case, consider the message received. And take this message in exchange: You don't know my people. You don't know what we're capable of. You don't know what you just started. But you're about to learn.
An open letter to a terrorist: Well, you hit the World Trade Center, but you missed America. You hit the Pentagon, but you missed America. You used helpless American bodies, to take out other American bodies, but like a poor marksman, you STILL missed America.
Why? Because of something you guys will never understand. America isn't about a building or two, not about financial centers, not about military centers, America isn't about a place, America isn't even about a bunch of bodies. America is about an IDEA. An idea, that you can go someplace where you can earn as much as you can figure out how to, live for the most part, like you envisioned living, and pursue Happiness. (No guarantees that you'll reach it, but you can sure try!)
Go ahead and whine your terrorist whine, and chant your terrorist litany: "If you can not see my point, then feel my pain." This concept is alien to Americans. We live in a country where we don't have to see your point. But you're free to have one. We don't have to listen to your speech. But you're free to say one. Don't know where you got the strange idea that everyone has to agree with you. We don't agree with each other in this country, almost as a matter of pride. We're a collection of guys that don't agree, called States. We united our individual states to protect ourselves from tyranny in the world. Another idea, we made up on the spot. You CAN make it up as you go, when it's your country.
If you're free enough.
Yeah, we're fat, sloppy, easy-going goofs most of the time. That's an unfortunate image to project to the world, but it comes of feeling free and easy about the world you live in. It's unfortunate too, because people start to forget that when you attack Americans, they tend to fight like a cornered badger. The first we knew of the War of 1812, was when England burned Washington D.C. to the ground. Didn't turn out like England thought it was going to, and it's not going to turn out like you think, either. Sorry, but you're not the first bully on our shores, just the most recent.
No Marquis of Queensbury rules for Americans, either. We were the FIRST and so far, only country in the world to use nuclear weapons in anger. Horrific idea, nowadays? News for you bucko, it was back then too, but we used it anyway. Only had two of them in the whole world and we used 'em both.
Grandpa Jones worked on the Manhattan Project. Told me once, that right up until they threw the switch, the physicists were still arguing over whether the Uranium alone would fission, or whether it would start a fissioning chain reaction that would eat everything. But they threw the switch anyway, because we had a War to win. Does that tell you something about American Resolve?
So who just declared War on us? It would be nice to point to some real estate, like the good old days. Unfortunately, we're probably at war with random camps, in far-flung places. Who think they're safe. Just like the Barbary Pirates did, IIRC. Better start sleeping with one eye open. There's a spirit that tends to take over people who come to this country, looking for opportunity, looking for liberty, looking for freedom. Even if they misuse it. The Marielistas that Castro emptied out of his prisons, are overjoyed to find out how much freedom there was. First thing they did when they hit our shores, was run out and buy guns. The ones that didn't end up dead, ended up in prisons. It was a big PITA then (especially in south Florida), but you're only the newest PITA, not the first.
You guys seem to be incapable of understanding that we don't live in America, America lives in US! American Spirit is what it's called. And killing a few thousand of us, or a few million of us, won't change it. Most of the time, it's a pretty happy-go-lucky kind of Spirit. Until we're crossed in a cowardly manner, then it becomes an entirely different kind of Spirit.
Wait until you see what we do with that Spirit, this time.
Sleep tight, if you can. We're coming.
Charles Brennan
A., Hope everything is fine with you and your family members and friends. I am not working at my office today because Canal Street and South is still a frozen zone, but I should be back in the city and the office tomorrow, currently we are still experiencing problems with incoming calls and some e-mail related issues. I will arrange to drop off the paperwork tomorrow once I work out the logistic issue with my office.
Again, hope everything is okay with you. Take care.
The Binch By Rob Suggs
Every U down in Uville liked U.S. a lotBut the Binch, who lived Far East of Uville, Did not. The Binch hated U.S! The whole U.S. way!Now don't ask me why, for nobody can say.
It could be his turban was screwed on too tight. Or the sun from the desert had beaten too bright But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
But whater the reason, his heart or his turban, He stood facing UVille, the part that was urban. "They're doing their business", he snarled from his perch. "They're raising their families! They're going to church!
They're leading the world, and their empire is thriving, I MUST keep the S's and U's from surviving!" Tomorrow, he knew, all the U's and the S's, Would put on their pants and their shirts and their dresses, They'd go to their offices, playgrounds and schools, And abide by their U and S values and rules, And then they'd do something he liked least of all, Every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small, Would stand all united, each U and each S, And they'd sing Uville's anthem, "God bless us! God bless!"
All around their Twin Towers of Uville, they'd stand, and their voices would drown every sound in the land. "I must stop that singing," Binch said with a smirk, And he had an idea -- an idea that might work!
The Binch stole some U airplanes in U morning hours, And crashed them right into the UVille Twin Towers. "They'll wake to disaster!" he snickered, so sour, "And how can they sing when they can't find a tower?"
The Binch cocked his ear as they woke from their sleeping, All set to enjoy their U-wailing and weeping, Instead he heard something that started quite low, And it built up quit slow, but it started to grow --
And the Binch heard the most unpredictable thing ... And he couldn't believe it -- they started to sing! He stared down at UVille, not trusting his eyes, What he saw was a shocking, disgusting surprise!
Every U down in UVille, the tall and the small, Was singing! Without any towers at all! He HADN'T stopped UVille from singing! It sung! For down deep in the hearts of the old and the young, Those Twin Towers were standing, called Hope and called Pride And you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside. So we circle the sites where our heroes did fall, With a hand in each hand of the tall and the small, And we mourn for our losses while knowing we'll cope, For we still have inside the U-Pride and U-Hope. For America means a bit more than tall towers, It means more than wealth or political powers, It's more than our enemies ever could guess, So may God Bless America! Bless us! God Bless!
AMERICA PREPARES ITS RESPONSE
Last week`s cowardly assault on America by a handful of terrorists resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives, but has also united our great nation in a way few could have imagined. The overwhelming majority of Americans, including NRA`s more than 4 million members, stand solidly behind President George Bush`s commitment to bring to justice those responsible for ordering, coordinating, or assisting in the attacks that took place on September 11.
But while U.S. troops mobilize, and our government negotiates with world leaders for their cooperation in a war on terrorism, NRA remains vigilant, guarding against any attempts to restrict our Right to Keep and Bear Arms. Unfortunately, while many in Congress have pledged to focus their legislative efforts on addressing the threat of terrorism, some seem willing to take advantage of a national tragedy to promote their political agenda.
For example, in a September 19 Washington Post op-ed column, U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-Mich.) used last week`s terrorist attack to launch his own thinly-veiled attack on the "gun lobby." And the gun-ban lobby formerly known as HCI never once paused from aggressively promoting its anti-gun agenda in the wake of a national tragedy that involved no firearms. In fact, the group is shamelessly attempting to use the acts of terrorists in order to increase restrictions on law-abiding gun owners, including promoting attacks on legal gun shows. Sarah Brady, chair of the gun-ban lobby, exploited the terrorist attack on America along with the tragic accidental death of a three-year-old child as an opportunity to spread anti-gun misinformation in an attempt to dissuade law-abiding citizens from purchasing firearms for personal protection. If the gun-ban zealots were truly concerned about the safe handling of firearms, they would encourage any potential firearm purchasers to contact NRA for information on how new gun owners can be educated in safely and responsibly handling and storing their firearms.
Congressional Debate Coming
In the days and weeks to come, Congress will consider many proposals that seek to ensure America`s safety from terrorists, and NRA will stand vigilant to ensure that the Second Amendment does not become yet another victim of the attacks of September 11. Unfortunately, we can expect the anti-gun community to become far more brazen in its efforts to capitalize on a national tragedy and push its gun-ban agenda. Law-abiding gun owners should watch for renewed, aggressive attempts to: pass licensing and registration schemes; shut down gun shows as we know them today; and revive old issues that have already been addressed by Congress, such as adding "taggants" to black and smokeless powders, and playing up the myth of the "plastic gun."
Congress has already mandated a study of "taggants," and in 1998, a committee of scientists issued its report. The committee`s recommendations were carefully directed to identify feasible and effective actions that would assist law enforcement to prevent bombings and to conduct investigations in their aftermath. The use of "taggants" in black and smokeless powders was found to be unfeasible and of uncertain value. And as for "plastic guns," although they do not exist, federal law already prohibits the manufacture or possession of any firearm that is not detectable by the types of x-ray machines that are now used at airports. You can find more information on these subjects posted to the Research section of NRAILA.org. For those not on the Internet, please call the Grassroots Division at (800) 392-8683 if you would like material on any or all of these topics.
Be sure to contact your U.S. Senators, at (202) 224-3121, and your U.S. Representative, at (202) 225-3121, and urge them to do everything possible to end the threat of terrorism, but not at the expense of our freedom. You can also find contact information for your federal lawmakers by using the "Write Your Reps" tool found at NRAILA.org.
SOME STORES SUSPEND THE SALE OF FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
When terrorists launched their attacks last week, many Americans became extremely concerned over their safety, and rightfully so. Nobody knew what else might be in store, so many law-abiding citizens who chose to ensure they were well-equipped to provide for their own personal protection and that of their families went out in droves to purchase firearms and ammunition. Unfortunately, it seems some retailers felt they knew better. Kmart decided to order all of its stores to suspend the sale of rifles, shotguns, and ammunition, claiming the policy was implemented because of concerns over safety. In other words, Kmart management decided it knew better than law-abiding citizens how to ensure their protection. While firearms and ammunition have returned to the shelves of Kmart, if you wish to contact Kmart to comment on this decision, you can call 1-866-KMART 4 U (1-866-562 7848), or you can send e-mail to kmartccn@kmart.com.
30th ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY
While most Americans will grieve for some time over the tremendous loss we all experienced on September 11, many are also looking forward to trying to return to a sense of normalcy. Along these lines, this Saturday, September 22, marks the 30th anniversary of National Hunting & Fishing (NHF) Day-a day to honor the contributions hunters and anglers have made to conservation. NHF Day offers an opportunity for sportsmen`s groups, retailers, ranges and clubs to spread the word about the important role America`s sportsmen play in conserving our natural resources. For more information, NHF Day Headquarters has a variety of educational and publicity materials that you can preview and download from the NHF Day Web site.
A LOOK AT THE STATES
ARIZONA
Thanks to the work of NRA Board Member Todd Rathner, the Sahuarita Arizona City Council killed a proposed ordinance that would have restricted the carrying of firearms in city parks to those with Right to Carry permits. This would have put limitations on the state`s open carry law that allows honest citizens to carry firearms openly without a permit. You can send your thanks to the city council to the following e-mail addresses: Nov659@juno.com, zfreeland@aol.com, lynneskelton57@hotmail.com, karladerton@excite.com, rgrabow101@aol.com, Martyscasa@aol.com, and gvancamp@aol.com.
CALIFORNIA
AB 35 AND SB 52 ON GOVERNOR`S DESK
"This will give California one of the strongest handgun safety licenses in the country."
---Luis Tolley, Western Director of the gun ban lobby formally known as HCI
As the Legislature wrapped up the first half of the 2001/02 session, two measures, AB 35 (Shelley) and SB 52 (Scott), passed out of both houses with a bare majority and are now on the Governor`s desk. Despite the fact that both bills have been altered significantly, and any mention of licensing has been removed to include "certificate," it is vital that NRA members, friends and family contact Governor Davis (D) and ask him to veto these dangerous proposals.
Key provisions that remain in AB 35 and SB 52 of grave concern are the removal of the exemptions for licensed hunters and retired veterans from the requirement to obtain the Handgun Safety Certificate, formerly called the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate (BFSC). Those individuals that have served our country courageously, as well as those persons who have undergone hunter safety courses, now must take a written test, demonstrate safe handling procedures, and give a thumbprint before receiving permission to purchase a handgun. In addition to the increased regulations, the shelf life of the certificate is only five years, in comparison to the current BFSC, which is good for life.
October 14 is the deadline for Governor Davis to either veto, sign, or allow to become law legislation currently before him. It is vital that you contact the Governor`s office as soon as possible and request his veto of AB 35 and SB 52 - and ask him to stand with retired veterans, licensed hunters, and law enforcement in opposition to these bills (contact numbers below). Thank you!
Sacramento (916) 445-2841 Fresno (559) 445-5295 Los Angeles (213) 897-0322 San Diego (619) 525-4641 Riverside (909) 680-6860 San Francisco (415) 703-2218
CONNECTICUT
Make plans to attend the Connecticut Trappers Association Annual Fall Rendezvous-in association with the Coalition of Conn. Sportsmen and the National Rifle Association-on Saturday, September 29, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. The event will be held at the Fin, Fur, and Feather Club, located at 13 Chewink Road in Chaplin, Conn. Admission is FREE. The CCS and NRA are sponsoring an invitational shoot for state legislators, so invite yours to come along for an introduction to the shooting sports! There will also be professional trapping demos, door prizes, a breakfast served at 8 a.m., and an all-you-can-eat pig roast in the afternoon ($10 per ticket -- no charge for legislators). To RSVP on behalf of your legislator, please call Bob Crook of CCS at (203) 245-8076. For more details on this event, please call Dave Quesnel (860) 623-4571 or Mike Cote (860) 423-5974.
NEW MEXICO
Tomorrow, September 22, NRA-ILA and the New Mexico Shooting Sports Association are hosting a free grassroots organizational meeting. The meeting will focus on our efforts to prevent the city of Santa Fe from "opting out" of New Mexico`s new Right to Carry law. If you would like to attend, the meeting starts at 8:00 a.m., and will be held at the La Fonda Hotel, on the plaza in Santa Fe.