Gun rights rally

[raymerlo]

The New York State Conservation Council urges your participation in the Gun Rights Rally and Lobby Day to be held in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany on Thursday, February 28, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The theme of the Rally is "The NY SAFE Act Must Go!!"

Organized by the NYS Rifle & Pistol Association with cooperation from the Shooters Committee On Political Education, this is an opportunity for you to join with other sportsmen/women to let Governor Cuomo and state legislators know of your strong opposition to the recently-passed NY Secure Ammunition and Firearms Act. If you are gun owner, you need to be in Albany on February 28. According to SCOPE, "We are being called to Albany on February 28th to make our voices heard as one united coalition. The Governor's SAFE Act does nothing to keep anyone safe. It does put onerous and restrictive regulations on law abiding, tax paying citizens [who] are being singled out by a small minority with an agenda that can only be labeled as dubious."

The NYSR&PA says this is a day to lobby the state legislature on gun rights. It recommends that you call your Assembly Member and State Senator to make an appointment to meet with them in their offices on the 28th after the conclusion of the Rally at 12:30 p.m. Go to the home pages for the NYS legislature, www.nysenate.gov and http://assembly.state.ny.us, where you can find your legislators by entering your home address and/or zip code. It would be a good idea to make an appointment with a legislator who is not from your home district … deliver your message to the downstate/ metropolitan legislators as well.

The February issue of NYSCC's Grass Roots News contained several articles concerning the gun control issue that can serve as reference for talking points; be sure to refer to the newsletter for ideas.

Don't forget the ladies and youth! Bring them along if you can; show the legislators that there's more to this issue than a bunch of hunters in jeans and flannel shirts. Youngsters and women like to shoot, too – it's a family pastime enjoyed by many!

There are several public and private transportation options to get to Albany:

Several groups are putting together buses to Albany:

From Long Island: the Sportsmen's Association for Firearms Education, contact John Cushman 631/475-8125

From Ulster County: the Federated Sportsmen's Clubs of Ulster County, contact Elmer LeSuer 845/340-7404

From Erie County: the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, contact Rich Davenport 716/510-7952

From Utica/Mohawk Valley: contact Peg Roberts 315/941-6360

From Central NY: the Oswego and Onondaga County Sportsmen's Federations, contact Rick McDermott 315/882-1540

Check www.nysrpa.org and www.scopeny.org for additional areas that may be chartering buses for the trip to Albany.

Amtrak to Albany: Take the train to the Albany-Rensselaer (ALB) station. From there either take a private taxi or CDTA bus to the Empire State Plaza.

Driving to Albany: Parking is available under the Empire State Plaza. Cost is $2/hour and paid with a credit card. To get to the ESP take 1-787 to the South Mall Arterial exit. After parking take the elevator to the concourse level. The Legislative Office Building is accessible from there. Food and restrooms are available on the concourse level as well.

Remember to check your pockets before your lock your car and leave behind anything that might be construed to be a weapon; you will be asked to dispose of pocket knives, tools, scissors, etc. as you pass through security. Be respectful with your message and your attire; wear business casual dress; no camo. A neat shirt and slacks, with or without a jacket, will send the message that you should be taken seriously.