JPFO Alerts

Jews For The Preservation of Firearms Ownership, Inc.
P.O. Box 270143
Hartford, WI 53027

Phone (800) 869-1884
Fax (425) 451-3959

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February 16, 2006

The Farce on Capitol Hill

For those who were unable to watch the BATFE Congressional Hearings, JPFO has an audio recording available for download at www.jpfo.org/batfehearings.htm . We anticipate aquiring a transcript of the hearing by early next week.

Despite the ostensible purpose of the proceedings -- to investigate allegations of abuse by ATF agents -- a fair amount of airtime was spent on the subject of private sales at gunshows, or "closing the gun show 'loophole'." One firearms dealer suggested all private sellers be required to retain a copy of the purchaser's ID, while a Congressman suggested requiring background checks on all private purchases. One must question why our leaders find the private sale of firearms so worrisome...and what they intend to do about it.

Some additional quotes from the hearing:

"'The problem is 90% black.'" - Annette Gelles (Owner, Showmaster Gunshows), quoting ATF agents

"Under 30 and black, that's what they're looking for." - Susan McCoombis (private investigator)

"'We have to do some [residency checks on white buyers] or we'll catch flack.'" - Susan McCoombis, quoting ATF agents at Richmond gun show

"Every woman who comes to my table to buy a firearm is automatically a straw purchaser." - John White (gunsmith)

"I find it very difficult to believe ATF agents were engaging in racial profiling!" - (Congressman, name unknown)

At the end of the hearing, Chairman Roble mentions that the ATF will be present at a subsequent hearing on the 28th to answer questions. It is interesting to note, however, that the Congressional calendar shows no events listed for the 28th, ATF-related or otherwise. Will this future hearing be public, or a closed-door "inquiry" that is nothing more than a farce?

Download the file, listen to it, and distribute it widely. Ask yourself, "Do my representatives really represent ME?" And then ask yourself, "Aren't I ready for a Bill of Rights culture?" ( http://www.jpfo.org/borculture.htm )

- The Liberty Crew