Answering one's own question...
Howdy all,
At risk of being a post whore, and repling to my own question, I have decided to do so anyway. If I had known how accessible this information was, I would have gotten involved sooner. Let this be a lesson to others: Swallow any pride you have and ask seemingly "stupid" questions anyway. It's your rights that are at stake!
While trying to understand our legislative system, and also participate (for the first time; besides voting), I decided to do some much needed research, and ended up learning much; here's some of what I found:
1) Your legislators need to know what is important to YOU the voter, and may even listen. I placed a call to Representative Tim Bearden's office this morning, and received a call back in 2 hrs! He shared where things were with SB98, and spoke about the favorable outcome that seems likely on many other pro-2a bills in the GA Senate. He also elaborated a bit on the "Omnibus" bill they are working on, and said it will be as beneficial or more, than HB308, and should address the church carry, and many other issues that will clarify where we can/cannot carry. He said part of the difficulty with the mass of pro-2a bills currently before lawmakers is in the quantity of individual bills, and the "overlap" they have. He also thanked me for calling and voicing support/thanks. Additionally, he suggested I contact my local rep (Casey Cagle), and our Governor, Nathan Deal. He reminded me that we got where we are (with the current "prohibitive laws") by not being involved in local government.
2) Join LOCAL organizations like "GeorgiaCarry.org", and even consider the dreaded NRA... They are a way to help make your voice heard on a larger scale. If there are others worth being part of, please post them! I spoke with Georgia carry's Jerry Henry today as well, and he proved to be the consumate gentleman-scholar, and I was honored to send them more than the $16 minimum annual membership donation. He spoke of some training he is part of with Atl. police, and how it will help educate officers about lawfully armed citizens. He also told me about his recent interview with an Atlanta Journal and Constitution reporter about firearms. He did not know at the time she was "not an advocate" of weapons carry (sarcasm implied), but it goes to show how respectful conversations can be beneficial to both parties; regardless of viewpoint.
Article link here:
http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-politics-elections/we-are-fighting-for-895709.html
Thank you all as always for tolerating my legislative ignorance here! I've spent the past 10 years building a business, and was not cognizent of what can happen to one's state and country when one is not at least partially involved/aware of legislation being proposed!
Fabricator
