Give Us This Day Our Daily Fudd-(ette)?

Well it looks like the Anti's have noticed the huge influx of women entering the shooting sports so they had to find a modern version of the AHSA, in other words, a lady-Fudd.  Enter Lily Raff McCaulou, a MD expat who lived in Manhattan for years and then moved to Oregon and discovered a love of hunting.  But that's it.

The op-ed reads just like every other one we've read from every other fudd over the years. 'NRA 'only' represents 4m people', 'does nothing for hunters', 'they won't come for my rifles/shotgun', etc.  The only difference is the gender.  She's perfectly willing to throw millions of other firearm owners under the bus as long as she can keep her 'huntin' guns'.

Obviously her 'research' missed the Wittington Center, the dozens of hunter specific booths at the NRA annual meetings, along w/ the numerous training programs and efforts to keep hunting lands etc. open.  Much more so than almost any other group out there. 

I wonder what she would have to say if she knew in Illinois we can't hunt w/ rifles? Or that the VPC (financially supported through the Joyce Foundation while Obama was a board member) has proposed adding rifles and all associated equipment under the category of machineguns. Or that Obama supported a bill that would have banned shotguns.

She doesn't seem to understand that 'hunters' are only one subset of 'sportsperson' involved in firearms. Most firearm owners don't hunt.  There are more target shooters and plinkers than there are hunters yet groups like PETA and HSUS are fighting tooth and nail (along w/ all their 'eco-friendly' allies) to end her sport for good or at least marginalize it to limited hunting clubs for the rich and connected.

Maybe is she would realize these things, she might realize the NRA represents her (at least in part) after all.

Weer'd has more.

UPDATE: And the Anti's have chimed in trying to create a wedge. Expect them to fawn all over her.



UPDATE II: She has a post up on her blog and the comments are rolling in.  I left mine detailing why she's being questioned.  Now we get to see how she reacts.  Will she brush aside the ruder comments and recognize that while the NRA may not be the organization for her, they do more than she thinks, and that she's being used as a puppet for gun control activists or will she prove to be another AHSA-hole like Ray Schoenke?


 

What's under your tree?

Both Thirdpower and I have touched on the cultural difference between “us and them.”

We have an entire industry of gun ranges, gun stores, gun conventions, competition matches, advanced tactics training and an accessory list which seems endless when you compare what you want to what you can reasonably afford. Holsters, cleaning supplies, safes, zombie targets, scopes, slings and who can forget the ammo. Long story short, our “hobby” is certainly not cheap and the taxes we pay on guns and ammo help to preserve our wide open spaces we all cherish. Take a look inside your range bag and your cleaning kit(s) and count out how many of those items are made in the USA.

We support an entire industry.

The anti-gunner will read that and scream, “See! See! I’ve always said you gunloons only care about gun profits…………..and you have a tiny wiener!

Blind rage is just that…blind rage.

We support an industry that makes products(made in America) that we want to buy. That’s just common sense.

So, while I was out today doing some Christmas shopping for my niece and nephew, I was surprised to see that the antis have an impressive train of literature, the genesis of any culture.

Here are a few Holiday gift ideas I came across today which I have labeled, Sad Panda in a Box.

Books:

1. “How to rake in a 6-figure salary by blogging twice a month” by Paul Helmke and Dennis Henigan.

2. Followed closely by “How to google your way to financial freedom” by Josh Sugarmann.

3. “How to build a successful grass-roots movement” by Ray Schoenke.

4. “How to influence people and win debates” by Joan Peterson.

5. “Getting a real job is fuckin’ hard” by Colin Goddard.

6. “My brother is dead and so can you” by Bryan Miller.

7. “How to survive prison” by Mayors Against Illegal Guns.

8. “Sock puppets made easy” by Josh Horwitz.

9. “High pitched screeching noises”-audio book by Abby Spangler

10. “Understanding the new media” by Andrew Traver.


Stay tuned for what I finally decided to get my niece and nephew for Christmas.

Ray Schoenke, the AHSA, Sotomayor, and McDonald

During the nomination of Sotomayor for the Supreme Court, Ray Schoenke of the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA) stated:

Based on the available case history, it appears that Sotomayor honors precedent. Now that D.C. v Heller is precedent, gun-owners should feel secure that their rights are safe.

Today, Justice Sotomayor was one of four justices to rule against incorporation and, even according to Schoenke, ignore precedent.

No great surprise. The AHSA has been a shill for anti-gun activities since its inception.

Even though they're effectively defunct, I'm sure they'll pop up again closer to the elections.

H/T to Sensibly Progressive

Of Course You Do Ray

Washington, D.C. - Ray Schoenke, the President of the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA), expressed support for Judge Sonia Sotomayor as Supreme Court Nominee. Schoenke made the endorsement in a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

No real surprise there.

“Based on the available case history, it appears that Sotomayor honors precedent. Now that D.C. v Heller is precedent, gun-owners should feel secure that their rights are safe.

Guess what Ray? 'Precedent' would have had Heller fail. 'Precedent' would rule against 2A incorporation.

Then the traditional hit line against the NRA:

After sending the letter, Schoenke stated, “As with most issues involving the Second Amendment, concerns about Sotomayor are being stoked by groups who benefit financially from the politics of fear.

At AHSA, we believe strongly that the Second Amendment is an individual right, as determined in the landmark case, D.C. v. Heller. We know are gun rights are secure and look forward to the expansion of those rights to the states.

No you don't.

Schoenke noted, “In a recent Second Amendment case, Judge Sotomayor simply followed precedent in cases involving Second Amendment rights as it applies to the states. Other conservative judges in the Seventh Circuit took a similar position. What we should be focusing on is making sure that, Heller, through the 14th Amendment’s process of incorporation guarantees Second Amendment freedoms in all states.”

But Ray, once again that's not what 'precedent' would have them do now is it? Basically what you're doing is condemning the 9th Circuit court for ruling for incorporation. By your own argument above, the SCOTUS should rule against incorporation of the 2A. Is that what a 'strong supporter of individual gun rights' would do?

AHSA Back out of the Closet.

Well, they had their chance. With all of Ray Schoenke's talk of 'consultant based language' and a 'change in leadership' at the American Hunters and Shooters Association, they continue to be nothing more than a hit group against the NRA. Ray continues to use the same rhetoric as Helmke and Sugarmann, heads of the two most active national anti-gun groups. One wonders where the paid AHSA protesters were at the convention this year.

Even w/ all their talk of 'the NRA does nothing for hunters or shooters', not one supporter has been able to show me a SINGLE thing that the AHSA has done at all. Besides endorse long-time anti-gun politicians that is.

Ah, well. No great loss. Real gun groups have been getting more new members each month than the AHSA has fooled in the entire three years of its existence.

Dear Mr. Bravely Anonymous

A few days ago I posted a piece on the American Hunters and Shooters Assoc.'s attempts to revamp its image as a real organization for sportsmen in lieu of an anti-gun group in camo. In response, I got one individual who took offense at me mentioning the fact that the AHSA supported Obama for president regardless of his history of anti-gun activities:

What has Obama, as president done AT ALL to affect gun rights?

ANS: NOTHING

Ok Mr. 'Anonymous', that's fair enough even with the qualifier. However is it due to a lack of desire or is it political expediency? Every single member of his cabinet has a strong history of supporting 'gun control'. Was this a conscious choice by Obama or is this merely representative of the DNC leadership pool that he had to choose from?

Of course that's only ancillary to what's being avoided. Ray Schoenke himself stated opposition to assault weapons at one point but now claims support. Was that the statement of 'consultants' or his opinion? If it was his opinion, what caused it to change?

What is the AHSA going to do fix its image as a gun control group in camoflage?

These are all legitimate questions that deserve an answer if the AHSA wants to even have a chance at being taken seriously as a gun rights group.

Like I said, I'm willing to listen. Instead of being a drive-by troll, come and discuss the issue. The door's open. Are you up to it?

AHSA 2.0: A New Beginning?

Seems the AHSA is trying to revamp its image big-time:

From Ray Schoenke on the AHSA Facebook Page):

"Harman - AHSA will be updating it's website very soon, and there will be measurable changes. Much of the previous language was consultant based. Those language, and firearm consultants are no longer with us."

Seems all the work put into showing the true face of their 'consultants' (ie board members like John Rosenthal et al) were successful. Now we get to have fun seeing what direction they take w/ it.

If they read this, I'll be frank. It will take a lot of work from them to even make me trust them a hair. It wasn't that long ago that Ray Schoenke stated that he opposed Assault Weapons before condemning Holder for supporting a new AWB. Was that the statement of a 'consultant' or was it his belief? It wasn't that long ago that they endorsed Obama, a politician w/ a long history of anti-gun legislation and statements under his belt yet now they oppose the issues that he has held since the beginning.

OK Ray/AHSA. I'm a fairly easy-going person. Willing to live and let live for the most part. What are you going to do, actions wise not words (we all know what those are worth) to convince me you're sincere?

O-Day+52: Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske

The man invested to run the US's "policies, priorities, and objectives to eradicate illicit drug use, manufacturing, and trafficking, drug-related crime and violence, and drug-related health consequences". Obviously he's got a lot on his plate in regards to the heated up drug wars in Mexico that are spilling over here.

Gil Kerlikowske? Where have I heard that name before? Oh, right. He stood shoulder to shoulder with Paul Helmke and John Donohue in a debate last October on the issue of firearms and crime. His statements show that he blames firearm crime on the legal owners (due perhaps to personal experience), opposes Concealed Carry, and has also supported bans on "Assault Weapons" etc.

With the whole "US is supplying machine guns to Mexico" meme flying around, what do you think Kerlikowske's focus is going to be on?

So Ray Schoenke? Is this one of Obama's "so-called "gun-grabbing" cohorts" or not?

Delusional Hunters and Shooters Association

Basically anyone who listens to Ray Schoenke of the AHSA.

In his letter to AG Holder, Ray states:

“Based on your comments today, it appears that the Obama administration may attempt to reinstate [the federal assault weapons] ban.

Um, Ray. 'May attempt'? That's been Obama's official policy since Day 1.

the issue is bad policy

And yet you still endorsed him.

In 2006 you claimed:

"No one needs an assault weapon," Schoenke said.

You stated in a question on the Brady Endorsement:

The board members are no longer with AHSA. Please see today's press release.

So Ray's no longer w/ the AHSA? I'm confused.

Continuing on the AWB.

We just want those policies directed at the root cause of crime and violence and not just symbolism,

Of which none of the policies that Obama has supported do. Yet you still endorsed him.

"This type of legislation will only disillusion the millions of law-abiding gun owners who voted for Barack Obama, believing that he did indeed support their right to own firearms."

No, not disillusioned. Delusional. Anyone who thought that were either not paying attention or were foolish enough to believe campaign rhetoric.

Just the demographic the AHSA aims for.

David Codrea's Examiner column has more.

Ray Schoenke says Nothing...

After a 2 month hiatus, he comes back to brag about his election victories. Still nothing on what he or his group is actually doing though.

Why?

Because his group is doing exactly that. Nothing. Their whole purpose is to get anti-gun candidates elected under the guise of 'supporting hunters and shooters' and to attack the NRA.

Is This Really a Suprise to Anyone?

SIH, SaysUncle, Michael Bane, The Shooting Wire, RobbAllen, and I'm sure others are reporting that there's noises about a new AWB is in the works as punishment for opposing the LightBringer.

Well duh.

We've already seen how vindictive this administration is when they attacked TV stations for running NRA ads. Anyone who thinks that the Obamessiah WOULDN'T go after firearms were just deluding themselves to justify their opposition to Bush. IIRC, Bill Schneider had a couple of running bets w/ posters over on New West. Methinks he's going to end up being sorry he made them. I'll place money on not hearing a word from 'hunting and shooting advocate' Ray Schoenke of the AHSA.

More Women Hunting. Still no AHSA.

Women on Target, Women's Wilderness Escape, NWTF’s Women in the Outdoor events, Etc. All have been instrumental in the increase in firearm ownership and activities by women across the US.

And Ray Schoenke's AHSA had nothing to do with it. Two years they've been in existence to 'support hunters and shooters' and they can't point to a single event or project they've sponsored to do so.

Sliding Down the Slippery-Slope

From RobbAllen and War on Guns comes this handy-dandy little quote:

Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan dismissed the notion hunting rifles and shotguns are not the type of weapons authorities need to be worried about, noting they can cause harm if poorly safeguarded or stolen by burglars.

"Taking these off the streets is as important as the taking the handguns off the streets,'' he said.

Translation: We're going to institute as many laws as we can to keep people from owning long-guns.

Not that I'm really surprised.

I'm sure we'll hear hunting advocates VP Elect Joe Biden and AHSA President Ray Schoenke coming out in opposition to this any day now.

Right?

Joe? Ray? Anything?

Calling Ray Schoenke.

Come in Ray Schoenke.

Over and over Ray's been spouting that the NRA does nothing for hunters or conservation and it's up to the AHSA to save the day.

Well Ray, The elections over. Your guy won . Time to put up or shut up.

What are you currently doing to increase the numbers of hunters and available land?

What are you currently doing to improve conservation?

I left a message for you on your Daily Kos blog informing you (since no comments get approved on the scrubbed AHSA site) about IL Gov. Blagojevich stripping millions from conservation funds generated by hunters and shooters.

The Illinois NRA affiliate ISRA has sent out releases to its members and is taking action. Where is the AHSA?

The Humane Society of the United States (who also endorsed Obama BTW) is mounting an offensive to ban lead ammunition. They and their allies convinced North Dakota to stop accepting venison from "Hunters against Hunger" except when taken by arrows. Thousands of pounds of venison were thrown away even though the CDC said there was no danger. Now Minnesota is scanning all donated meat and is considering dropping the program all together.

The NRA and ISRA have alerted their members and are taking action. Where is the AHSA?

Since the "NRA is dead" according to the mainstream (and non-mainstream) media, this is your chance Ray. Why aren't you jumping on this chance to show what the AHSA is all about. This is your chance to show all your critics that the AHSA isn't just a the Brady Campaign in Camo.

Ray? Anything?

Anything at all?

Update: "Your comment has been queued for moderation by site administrators and will be published after approval."

Lead Content

Apparently the HSUS has been eating the paint chips peeling off the walls. They claim that people who eat animals harvested through hunting have higher levels of lead than those who eat store bought using a CDC paper as their source.

Unfortunately for them, the CDC said exactly the opposite and recommended the renewal of the ND program of meat donations to the poor.

One would the HSUS has an agenda that has nothing to do w/ animals.

More at Ahab, Uncle, and SIH.

Sebastian comments that the AHSA will probably not take a stand on this. I think it would be a good idea to mention it regularly on Ray Schoenke's DailyKos and Huffpo blogs.

Brady Campaign and AHSA compared

Ray Schoenke of the AHSA:

The leaders of the NRA launched vicious attacks on Obama, spending over $40 million. They thought they’d have a good opportunity to damage Obama’s campaign. But, they didn’t. Their ads were widely panned as misleading and dishonest. That’s their standard operating procedure – and this time, it failed. Their candidate lost.

Brady Campaign:

The NRA lost big. The NRA called 2008 “arguably the most important year” in its 137year history, and promised to spend $40 million in the elections, mostly to defeatObama, who they deemed would be the “most anti-gun president in American history.”The NRA’s millions could not prevent victories by candidates supportive of sensible gunlaws, including in states with significant gun ownership. Obama won almost every state where the NRA ran ads.

One would almost think that their goals were complimentary to eachother.

Supporting Conservation?

Ray Schoenke goes on and on about how the big bad NRA supports politicians who are raping our planet and that the AHSA is the only ones able to 'really' support hunters by conserving our environment.

Why then do I have a feeling we'll hear nothing but crickets over this latest bill by the IL legislature stripping millions from conservation funds in the state?

In an unprecedented move to reduce Illinois’ budget deficits, the Illinois Legislature passed a bill authorizing Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sweep $18 million from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, including $9.25 million from dedicated conservation funds, which are primarily generated through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, stamps and permits...

“Hunters and anglers pay for the opportunity to hunt and fish by purchasing licenses, stamps and permits, as well as through the federal tax on firearms, ammunition and sporting equipment,” said Kent Adams, National Wild Turkey Federation regional biologist for Illinois. “These funds are dedicated for conservation, wildlife management and public land acquisition, and sweeping them would cause Illinois to lose $15 million in federal funds that would be used for wildlife conservation. That loss would continue annually, until the swept funds were restored, so this action does nothing to solve the state budget deficit.”

Conservation and hunting organizations banded together to request Gov. Blagojevich veto SB 790, but on Oct. 7, 2008, Gov. Blagojevich quietly signed it into law. Now, many are contacting the Governor’s office asking that he not harm the future of conservation and hunting in Illinois, or the state’s economy, by sweeping dedicated sportsmen’s funds.

potentially affected conservation funds:

Illinois Habitat Fund
Wildlife and Fish Fund
Fish and Wildlife Endowment Fund
Illinois Habitat Endowment Trust Fund
State Migratory Waterfowl Fund
State Pheasant Fun


Ray, Any comment?

Ray Schoenke jumps into the fray..

And, as is his usual SOP, he blames the NRA who had nothing to do w/ it.

"Last year we witnessed what happened to prominent outdoor writer and commentator Jim Zumbo when he dared take a position contrary to NRA policy. Now they are trying to do the same to Dan Cooper.

Today, on behalf of the American Hunters and Shooters Association (AHSA), I condemned the actions by the NRA and its cronies forcing Dan Cooper out.

So, like before, Ray just flat out lies. He knows it.

The AHSA website version has a section for comments. Unsurprisingly none have made it through the 'moderation' cue. Discourse is bad when you don't tell the truth.

Non-Partisans for Democrats?

The AHSA website states:

AHSA is a non-partisan organization that advocates and advances sensible public policies.

Yet Ray Schoenke says:

"I've always been amazed that Democrats have never had a gun rights organization," Schoenke said. "I always thought there must be millions of Democrats that owned guns, there must be liberals that own guns and moderates that own guns and independents."

So Ray started one.

Edge of the Wedge..

Ray Schoenke's trip through Ohio stumping for Obama shows clearly what the AHSA was created for. To be a false-front organization for anti-gun politicians and trick gun owners into supporting them. With the help of a clueless and partisan media, he's getting his word out:

GALLIPOLIS —

Sportsmen for ... Obama?

That’s right. American Hunters and Shooters Association President Ray Schoenke conducted a two-day tour across Ohio Tuesday and Wednesday, stopping at the Gallia County Gun Club yesterday to confirm Democratic nominee Barack Obama’s support for the rights of hunters and sportsmen.

The AHSA is a non-partisan, gun rights organization and an alternative to the National Rifle Association. The organization aims to protect sporting heritage and hunting and fishing conservation, while promoting gun safety.

No mention of all the anti-gun legislation and activities that Obama's been involved in. Simply "He won't directly confiscate your guns so he's a good guy". That, according to Schoenke, is supporting 'hunters and shooters'.

Thankfully some people aren't falling for it and are trying to get the word out on both Obama and the AHSA:

As a past president of the Gun Club and chairman of the Gallia Area Friends of NRA, to my knowledge the Gun Club has never endorsed any candidate being local, state or national and certainly not Sen. Barack Obama, as was implied in the article...

This is the same organization that called the DC gun ban a 'laudable effort' and stated that laws mandating storage at 'gun clubs' or armories would pass muster.

That might be considered 'supporting hunters and shooters' in the UK, but not here.