In a message dated 10/14/03 2:12:53 PM Central Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:

<< by Angel Shamaya
 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 October 13, 2003  >>

As I understand it, Steve Halbrook's strategy, approved by the NRA, is to
argue first that since DC has a handgun registration system which is used to
disallow new registrations, that DC residents should be allowed to register and
thus legally possess their firearms.  The next step would be to roll back the
registration system itself, pointing out inconsistent enforcement, or use as de
facto prohibition.  As Steve has pointed out, several bills are attempting
this even now.  Makes perfect sense to me as an argument strategy.  As a comment
taken out of context, it looks like a sell out.  As an overall strategy,
knowing the background and where it was made, it looks like an attempt to improve
the situation without throwing bombs.

Also, consider the source of the message.  Without resorting to ad hominem
attack, Angel Shamaya stated a couple years ago that the time for revolution was
here, and that they wouldn't know we are serious until a few cops get shot.
He thus earned the nickname of "Cop Killer" Shamaya.  I have roughly
paraphrased what he stated.  He may have more to his argument, but he is the source of
this NRA sell out claim.  Also, several pro-gun sponsors backed out on Shamaya
after his comments became known in the gun community, although not in the
public at large.  He is thus trying to divide the pro-gun sponsorship pie by
cutting off a slice of the support obtained from the more extreme side of the
community.  This is akin to how GOA raised funds about ten years ago (but not
recently).  I'm not really interested in Shamaya's opinion on Halbrook's
strategies.  Until Shamaya wins a case in the US SC, he has very little credibility in
my book.

Regards,
Scott Hattrup

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