Doug Huffman
Banned
imported post
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/06/19/2008-06-19_paterson_nra_should_train_gun_owners.html
BY KENNETH LOVETT
DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF
Thursday, June 19th 2008, 9:04 PM
ALBANY - Gov. Paterson wants to give the National Rifle Association - of all people - a state-sanctioned role in training would-be gun owners in New York.
Paterson is proposing a gun safety bill that, in part, requires buyers of guns to first take a firearms safety course.
A clause tucked away in the bill says the program must meet or exceed the standards of "the home firearms safety course as approved by the National Rifle Association" or another course approved by the state police.
While the NRA training program is well-regarded, its inclusion in the bill has angered a number of legislative Democrats and anti-gun activists.
Jackie Hilly, executive director of New Yorkers Against Violence, said the inclusion of the NRA in the legislation gives the group state-sanctioned support.
She said it should be up to the state police to set specific standards for the safety courses, not a pro-gun interest group looking for new members.
"I don't think that's something the state wants to put its imprint on," Hilly said.
Upset Democrats are trying to meet with Paterson aides about the provision.
Ironically, the NRA opposes the overall Paterson bill, saying it imposes too many financial and regulatory burdens on the industry.
Paterson spokeswoman Risa Heller said 12 states, including Connecticut, reference the NRA firearms safety courses, which she called the "gold standard," in their gun laws.
Heller also said state law cites as "duly authorized" NRA-certified gun instructors, "thus there is already a precedence for referring to the NRA in New York State law."
Paterson's bill has faced opposition in both houses and has yet to be introduced.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2008/06/19/2008-06-19_paterson_nra_should_train_gun_owners.html
BY KENNETH LOVETT
DAILY NEWS ALBANY BUREAU CHIEF
Thursday, June 19th 2008, 9:04 PM
ALBANY - Gov. Paterson wants to give the National Rifle Association - of all people - a state-sanctioned role in training would-be gun owners in New York.
Paterson is proposing a gun safety bill that, in part, requires buyers of guns to first take a firearms safety course.
A clause tucked away in the bill says the program must meet or exceed the standards of "the home firearms safety course as approved by the National Rifle Association" or another course approved by the state police.
While the NRA training program is well-regarded, its inclusion in the bill has angered a number of legislative Democrats and anti-gun activists.
Jackie Hilly, executive director of New Yorkers Against Violence, said the inclusion of the NRA in the legislation gives the group state-sanctioned support.
She said it should be up to the state police to set specific standards for the safety courses, not a pro-gun interest group looking for new members.
"I don't think that's something the state wants to put its imprint on," Hilly said.
Upset Democrats are trying to meet with Paterson aides about the provision.
Ironically, the NRA opposes the overall Paterson bill, saying it imposes too many financial and regulatory burdens on the industry.
Paterson spokeswoman Risa Heller said 12 states, including Connecticut, reference the NRA firearms safety courses, which she called the "gold standard," in their gun laws.
Heller also said state law cites as "duly authorized" NRA-certified gun instructors, "thus there is already a precedence for referring to the NRA in New York State law."
Paterson's bill has faced opposition in both houses and has yet to be introduced.
Either we are equal or we are not. Good people ought to be armed where they will, with wits and guns and the truth. NRA KMA$$ <--follow the money
