By Don Hey, Chairman of the Board
With the New Year upon us, there is no time like the present to start engaging the challenges ahead. First and foremost are the coming elections. At the time of this writing, there is only one candidate that has indicated his intent to challenge Governor Cuomo and that would be Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb. As always there will be hurdles for any challenger to overcome. Name recognition, money and a strong backing by Ed Cox, State Republican Chairman will be critical to mounting a successful campaign. With that said, it should be pointed out that in the last Governor’s race we the gun owners succumbed as a voting block to the Fake News and did not show at the polls.
No matter whom the Republican challenger is we must get behind that individual, support them financially and show up at the polls. Period! The election of Donald Trump needs to drive home the media’s intent to keep us home on Election Day. As you may recall right up to Election Day Clinton was leading in the “Fake Polls” and you were being subliminally told to stay home because your vote didn’t matter. Fortunately, enough voters were hell bent on change and did show up and we know the results. So this year it will be our job to educate, network and convince like-minded individuals that everyone’s vote matters.
The 2014 election had historically low voter turnout on both sides indicating that voters from all walks of life are frustrated. We can use this to our advantage. If you are a registered voter, please plan to vote. If not registered, do so as soon as possible!
Congressional Bill HR-38, National Reciprocity looks like it will meet minimal resistance and should pass sometime this year. Although many are opposed to the addition of HR 4477, which amends the Brady Bill, this amendment only looks to enact more responsible reporting to the Instant Background Check System. Although I would have liked to see HR 38 pass on its own merits, it is possible the addition of HR 4477 may help speed the passage of the combined bill. To touch on a thought that I am sure is going through your mind, yes, I am aware of the potential for abuse with any reporting to NICS, and yes we are all aware of the abuse here in NY by Cuomo. Like the Tax bill that Trump passed, you need to ask yourself if a handful of corrupt states should hold back the progress of a nation. If this joint bill is passed, name me another victory of this magnitude that has happened for gun owners in your lifetime.
Congressional Bill HR 3576, The Second Amendment Guarantee Act introduced by Congressman Chris Collins is still in committee awaiting additional co-sponsors. This bill, if passed, will eliminate a state’s ability to enact regulations on rifles and shotguns that exceeds federal regulations. States like New York, California, Maryland and New Jersey will no longer be able to further infringe on the Constitutional rights of lawful gun owners. Pistol grips, forward grips, standard capacity 30 round magazines, telescopic stocks and many other cosmetic features will again be available in New York! How can you help pass this bill? Simple, contact your family, friends and coworkers across the nation. Ask them to contact their Congressional Representative and tell them to co-sponsor bill HR 3576. Like HR 38, National Reciprocity, this is a national bill that needs national support. How many of you are on firearms forums? Post this on all of them asking the readers to do the same. Ask your family, friends and co-workers nationwide to do the same. Networking works. I have been in constant contact with Rep. Collins office in D.C. and they are very excited over this bill and feel the political climate is ripe for this kind of change, but they need our help. As a grass roots organization we are always reaching out to our members for assistance.
The simple fact is that we are volunteers, which means that many of us must be gainfully employed to pay bills. Please consider reaching out to your chapter chairman and offer to help. There are times when simple but important tasks need to be performed. A phone call contacting members that have let their membership lapse, picking up a printing order. Helping to set up and take down a meeting place can help streamline chapter operation. Please help where you can.
On January 20th the Delaware County Committee applied for chapter status at the first quarterly directors meeting in Syracuse, NY. Although I am writing this on January 17th, I am confident that Chairperson Andrea Elliot along with the officers and members of Delaware County will be recognized for their organization, activities and support of The 2nd Amendment. Welcome Aboard!
As you read this many of you have seen the new SCOPE website. If not please visit the site and share it through social media and email www.ScopeNY.org This new website will streamline information sharing, online membership signup and renewal. It incorporates the latest in technology and presents a professional image of our membership while attracting new members and educating members of the political arena. I would like to thank Barry Alt of A2Z Enhanced Digital Solutions for his dedication and professionalism throughout this project. Barry is also a SCOPE member and worked tirelessly with SCOPE Administrative Assistant Sue Maressa to bring this project to fruition. I wish everyone happiness and well being in the coming year. If there is anything I can do please feel free to contact me at don.hey@scopeny.org.
