December 6, 2011 Knoxville TFA Chapter meeting notice

[BulletBillSR]

It appears the Republican caucus gun task force met this past Monday and few knew about it. It's legal to meet like this since it isn't a "committee," but it doesn't help provide any transparency in government. This is what Channel 4 in Nashville had to say about it. The bold italics are mine.

Posted: Nov 28, 2011 9:38 PM EST Updated: Nov 28, 2011 10:10 PM EST
Reported by Cara Kumari - email
It's a small group of lawmakers, but they could have a big say in what gun legislation gets passed next session.
A legislative task force met on Monday to lay out its priorities for the upcoming session when it comes to gun laws. Gun rights groups are pushing them to allow guns in parking lots and in every park in the state. "I'm hoping for the best and prepared for the worst," said Richard Archie, with the Tennessee Firearms Association.

This task force has been set up to decide the best course of action, but acknowledges guns aren't going to take center stage. "Firearms aren't the priority in Tennessee," said state Rep. Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma). "They have been in the past in some General Assemblies, but creating jobs and getting the economy turned around are the priority." Matheny said they will look at changing some of the technicalities in permitting and some other proposals.

But the open carry proposal that's gaining traction in some states - where Tennessee would no longer require permits to carry - is allegedly not going to happen right now. "I don't see it happening this year," said Matheny. "I would discourage that as a rank and file bill to be filed and passed. We have to look at unintended consequences of that."

Gun rights groups would like to prohibit cities from opting out of the guns in parks law. The top priority for them is allowing carry permit holders to keep their firearms in their parked cars. Business groups have opposed it on the grounds of property rights. "What we don't agree with is their ability to preclude us from having that weapon in our car, so we have it available to us for our trip to and from home," said Archie. The sponsor of that bill said he hopes they'll get it done soon. "That is an important bill for us to look at, and so that's the one I would like to see considered over the next couple of sessions," said state Rep. Josh Evans (R-Greenbrier).

Copyright 2011 WSMV. All rights reserved.

This seems to be a pattern--Governor Haslam "supports the Second Amendment, HOWEVER......(you fill in the blanks). Beth Harwell isn't interested in our gun rights, and neither is Republican House Leader, McCormick. Judd Matheny, who is now chair the gun caucus task force, is throwing cold water on any legislation that promotes our gun rights. Seems a constitutionally protected right takes second fiddle to jobS. One might ask when the government ever "created" jobs, other than hiring more government workers. If you don't like this, consider contacting members of the gun caucus-- Chairman is Judd Matheny and members are Joshua Evans, Andy Holt, Barret Rich, Glen Casada and John Forgety. You can get their email addresses at http://www.capitol.tn.gov/house/members/.

Please be nice in your emails, phone calls (TOLL FREE--1-800-449-8366) or letters. We just need to let them all know we are keeping an eye on them and their actions will speak volumes on whether or not they truly support our gun rights.



Bill







TENNESSEE FIREARMS ASSOCIATION KNOXVILLE CHAPTER



THE DECEMBER MEETING WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY EVENING DECEMBER 6, 2011



Our guest speakers will be: State Representatives

Richard Montgomery, Steve Hall and Frank Niceley

Among the subjects up for discussion, is “Constitutional Carry” legislation and the need for a companion bill in the House.



Meetings are held at the Gondolier Restaurant in South Knoxville just off Chapman Highway, in the Lowe’s plaza. A pre-meeting social hour is from 6 PM to 7 pm during which you may wish to eat dinner. The meeting will begin at 7 PM and end at 8 PM. Participation by those in attendance is always encouraged.



Gun owners, persons involved in the shooting sports, Second Amendment supporters and interested public are urged to attend, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND. For more information contact:

Bill Noll; wsnoll@comcast.net 865-688-0321 or

Charlie Thoms; Cthoms43@aol.com 865-233-4561

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TFA Websites:

http://www.tennesseefirearms.com

http://www.tfaonline.org/memberforum - open to the public. Good discussions

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“That the citizens of the State have a right to keep and bear arms for the common defense, but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.” Tennessee Constitution, Article 1-Declaration of Rights, section 26