Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Back when I was a kid, Democrats and Republicans both had one thing in common… they were Americans first.
My first active study of American Politics began during the Presidential Election of 1984. I was 10 years old, and in 4th grade. We were studying politics during the election and even held a 4th grade mock election… Reagan won.
I recall watching the Presidential Debates with my Stepfather, Byll Graham. Like everyone else, we laughed at Reagan’s quips and as each candidate spoke, Byll occasionally groaned with disagreement, and often shook his head in agreement. I was not old enough to recognize the nuance of policy and fully respect the “chess game” of debate but did realize that most folks were not going to agree with everything either candidate said. I also remember thinking that each of these men, although their opinions on how to approach the job was different, no one felt that either one had anything but what THEY felt was in the best interest of our country; ultimately, they were both Americans.
Throughout the 20th Century, the United States fought Communism and Socialism across the globe. During multiple hot and cold wars, countless Americans fought to preserve the “American Way of Life”; free market capitalism, personal Liberty, and the ability to be as successful as you can without the government getting in the way. The “American Way” is worth fighting for.
In my late teens-early 20’s I had the opportunity to meet MANY people my age who began their lives in East Germany and the Soviet Union. They would shed tears when they reminisced about the day the wall came down in November of 1989 and they were able to reunite with their families in the West. Hearing stories of what it was like to grow up under Communist rule, fearing the government, witnessing atrocities committed by the “State” and having no personal freedom or no means to pursue their happiness, you learned very quickly WHY these folks loved and appreciated the United States. They too believed that the “American Way” was worth fighting for.
When the cold war ended after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Americans felt as if the last 70 some years of hot and cold conflict against Communism finally paid off. The American Way triumphed.
communism
noun
socialism
noun
From The American Heritage Dictionary (5th Edition)
Nowadays, folks are somewhat confused by what Socialism and Communism is all about. For decades, many people look at them much like Ferris Bueller.
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. I do have a test today, that wasn't bullshit. It's on European socialism. I mean really, what's the point. I'm not European. I don't plan on being European, so who gives a crap if they're socialists. They could be fascist anarchists and it still doesn't change the fact that I don't own a car.”
-Mathew Broderick as Ferris Bueller in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”.
Well, it would seem that in 2023, socialism is not unique to Europe. Maybe more of us should have “given a crap”.
So, with all of the academic “ism” definitions aside, what is the true product of socialism and communism? Let’s look at just a FEW examples of the fruits of Socialism and Communism:
Standing in line waiting for the government to give you your allotment of bread
Standing in line to get your share of food from the government
Being denied food in a forced famine (The Holodomor)
The Killing Fields of Cambodia
Slaughtered ethnic groups (Huda Pit Mass Grave)
Thousands of people killed by the Government (Tiananmen’s Square 1989)
6+ Million murdered (The Holocaust)
Public Decapitations (Mao’s Revolution)
I am sure Ronald Reagan and Walter Mondale would both agree that Socialism and Communism were abhorrent and not “The American Way”. No matter their political differences, Republicans and Democrats are first AMERICANS! Well…. At least they were in 1984. But what about now?
On February 7th, 2023, the US House of Representatives passed a concurrent resolution (HCR9) denouncing the horrors of Socialism.
The text of the resolution reads:
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Whereas socialist ideology necessitates a concentration of power that has time and time again collapsed into Communist regimes, totalitarian rule, and brutal dictatorships;
Whereas socialism has repeatedly led to famine and mass murders, and the killing of over 100,000,000 people worldwide;
Whereas many of the greatest crimes in history were committed by socialist ideologues, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Un, Daniel Ortega, Hugo Chavez, and Nicola´s Maduro;
Whereas tens of millions died in the Bolshevik Revolution, at least 10,000,000 people were sent to the gulags in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and millions more starved in the Terror-Famine (Holodomor) in Ukraine;
Whereas between 15,000,000 and 55,000,000 people starved to death in the wake of famine and devastation caused by the Great Leap Forward in China;
Whereas the socialist experiment in Cambodia led to the killing fields in which over a million people were gruesomely murdered;
Whereas up to 3,500,000 people have starved in North Korea, dividing a land of freedom from a land of destitution;
Whereas the Castro regime in Cuba expropriated the land of Cuban farmers and the businesses of Cuban entrepreneurs, stealing their possessions and their livelihoods, and exiling millions with nothing but the clothes on their backs;
Whereas the implementation of socialism in Venezuela has turned a once-prosperous nation into a failed State with the world’s highest rate of inflation;
Whereas the author of the Declaration of Independence, President Thomas Jefferson, wrote, ‘‘To take from one, because it is thought that his own industry and that of his fathers has acquired too much, in order to spare to others, who, or whose fathers have not exercised equal industry and skill, is to violate arbitrarily the first principle of association, the guarantee to every one of a free exercise of his industry, and the fruits acquired by it.’’;
Whereas the ‘‘Father of the Constitution’’, President James Madison, wrote that it ‘‘is not a just government, nor is property secure under it, where the property which a man has in his personal safety and personal liberty, is violated by arbitrary seizures of one class of citizens for the service of the rest’’;
and Whereas the United States of America was founded on the belief in the sanctity of the individual, to which the collectivistic system of socialism in all of its forms is fundamentally and necessarily opposed:
Whereas the United States of America was founded on the belief in the sanctity of the individual, to which the collectivistic system of socialism in all of its forms is fundamentally and necessarily opposed: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress denounces socialism in all its forms, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States of America.
Now you would expect that NO PERSON would find issue with this resolution. Who could?
You can read the roll call for HRC9 yourself.
86 elected officials (all Democrat) voted against this resolution in the House. It is no surprise that some of the usual suspects are on the “nay” list, but there are 2 Pennsylvanians who voted against this resolution. Don’t think it can happen here?
Summer Lee: US Congresswoman, Pennsylvania District 12
Dwight Evans: US Congressman, Pennsylvania District 3
The media is minimizing this resolution and claiming it is a waste of time, but I applaud Representative Maria Salazar and all the Reps that signed on and voted to pass this resolution. What this resolution does is it exposes those who do not believe in the “American Way”.
“Give it time… The weak in character always get tired of pretending. Their true colors will show”
-Steve Maraboli
“How can Benedict Arnold be reliable in what he says?”
-Shaquille O’Neal
Do you think that people who will not condemn the atrocities of Socialism and Communism would have any problem limiting or restricting your right to the American Way? Unfortunately, in 2023 not all Republicans and Democrats have “Americans First” in common.
On February 2nd, 2023, FOAC-ILLEA President, Jim Stoker, attended a session of PA Speaker Rozzi’s statewide “listening tour” in State College, PA. Speaker of the House Mark Rozzi was joined by members of the bipartisan Speaker’s Workgroup to Move Pennsylvania Forward, a group of six House members convened to create bipartisan operating rules for the House and work to break partisan gridlock in Harrisburg to swiftly address justice for survivors of sexual assault.
As expected, Jim did an excellent job. You can watch his presentation by clicking here.
By FOAC-ILLEA Board Member, Stephen LaSpina
My name is Stephen LaSpina. I am a member of Firearms Owners Against Crime, an Institute for Legal, Legislative, and Educational Action. The members of our organization strongly believe in and defend the right to keep and bear arms. We also believe strongly that immoral criminal behavior ought to be punished.
While specific policy is more in my wheelhouse to discuss, you’ve asked for public comment on how the legislature can operate more efficiently.
The general public certainly has good reason to believe that state government as a whole does not operate smoothly or efficiently. While this is admittedly a complex topic, I want to highlight a few reasons for your consideration and hopefully offer some solutions.
“Against Crime” is literally in our organization’s name. In many cities across the state, violent crime is increasing dramatically. The public is very aware of this, as they are the ones experiencing it firsthand. The legislature plays a role in making laws, yet these laws are often applied inconsistently or outright ignored by District Attorneys and the court system, making them inconsequential. To be clear, I am not speaking of legislation that falls outside of natural law or Constitutional constraints…I am referring to things like mandatory sentencing and preemption laws that are already on the books. Are these unenforced laws really laws at all? Lawlessness that goes unpunished just leads to more and more lawlessness.
When this happens, the people lose faith in the system, and who can blame them? But the legislature has some ability to act as a check and balance. They have the opportunity to impeach and ultimately remove DAs who refuse to follow the law and continuously release violent individuals back onto the streets, where they go on to victimize more people. The legislature can pass laws holding the Judiciary accountable for enforcing statutes.
Our founders gave us checks and balances like this for a reason. No one branch holds all the power or oversight. But if the oversight is not practiced, the system will not work. Is it the fault of the system, or our failing to act on the mechanisms within it?
And this is not an issue of party politics, at least it should not be. When legislation is passed into law, district attorneys, law enforcement officials, and the courts pledge an oath to follow the law in executing the duties of their offices, regardless of their registered party affiliation. When they fail the people by not upholding that oath, it is incumbent upon the legislature, the people’s elected representatives, to act as a check and balance.
Another issue to consider is simplifying the process and length of legislation. Admittedly, this is a complex topic bound by certain legal constraints. But it is very easy for an everyday person to be overwhelmed by the complex language and lengthiness of many bills that pass through Harrisburg. People ought to be able to read a bill in a few minutes and come away with a clear understanding of its intent. Currently, that same bill can also be amended many times over changing the fundamental foundation of how the bill started. This is confusing and frustrating for people trying to stay engaged with pending legislation, and it ultimately removes a lack of clarity and transparency.
Finally, I would urge the legislature not to waste time in redundant legislation. There are so many laws already on the books. As an example of a topic our organization frequently discusses, we can look to the idea of permit less carry, something that is now law in 25 other states. A common objection is that no one will undergo a background check, and anyone will be able to carry a firearm. However, the exact same background check is performed when that firearm is legally purchased as when the individual applies for their concealed carry permit. It is redundant and unnecessary to require it multiple times. And I can assure you that criminals are not lining up to complete multiple background checks before they choose a tool to commit crime; their intent is already to violate the law, and one more law won’t stop them. Yet we have legislators wasting time and taxpayer money calling for new kinds and types of background checks when responsibly armed citizens are already passing multiple kinds all the time. We don’t need more laws mandating background checks: we need to punish violent offenders.
In summary, I would urge the legislature to focus on punishing those who do evil and defending and rewarding those who do good. This is the proper function and role of government.
In closing, I urge you to focus on aiding the innocent and punishing evildoers. Proverbs 14:34 says: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Thank you for your time.
FOAC-ILLEA presents Concealed Carry Seminars with Pro-Liberty Elected Officials, works with County Sheriffs at Satellite License to Carry Events, provides information tables at Gun Shows, and organizes for Pro-2A Rallies, gun bashes, and special events. To see the most up to date schedule of FOAC-ILLEA events and meetings, CLICK HERE.
On February 7th, FOAC-ILLEA Officers, Jim Stoker and Klint Macro joined other leaders from the 2A Community and other pro-2A elected officials in a meeting with 2A Caucus Chairwoman, Representative Abby Majors to help with planning for the 2023 2A Rally in Harrisburg. This year the rally will be held on Monday, June 12th, 2023. We will provide more details about the event as they are finalized, but in the meantime, mark off your calendar and prepare to join us in Harrisburg on Monday June 12th, 2023.
FOAC-ILLEA Event Coordinator, Kevin Jackson, is looking for volunteers to help man a table at the Washington County Gun Show on April 15th & 16th 2023- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you can help, please contact Kevin at 412-302-3544 or by E-Mail.
FOAC-ILLEA spring gun bash tickets are available NOW.
The FOAC-ILLEA gun bash is known to be one of the BEST BASHES in Pennsylvania.
Feast your eyes on the list of guns:
We will also have our famous special package side raffles. This time we will be adding a special “Gun Builders Package” that will include a 3D Printer and all the parts needed to build your very own semi-automatic pistol.
The FOAC-ILLEA Spring Gun Bash will be held on Saturday, March 18th, 2023, at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Washington, PA.
Tickets are $50 and are available NOW on the FOAC-ILLEA Website.
Every 2-week cycle between editions of the newsletter is a whirlwind of outrage, curiosity, sometimes disbelief, and often entertainment. It is difficult to sift through current events to decide what topics to cover and what events to opine over.
The 2023 State of the Union address by Joe Biden was rife with disinformation, misdirection, and possible intentional lies.
The Chinese Spy Balloon incident was curious, disturbing, and “We The People” are probably not ever going to learn what that was actually about…. or what was happening elsewhere while we were being distracted by it.
The special elections in Pennsylvania went as expected, even though valiant campaigns were waged, the Democrats took the seats and now hold the official majority in the PA House of Representatives. Let’s hope that these Democrats, like the Democrats of old, are Americans First.
Liberty is not a partisan issue. There is NO “R” or “D” in USA! Those who oppose the 2A and Article 1 Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, oppose the individual’s right to defend themselves from criminals and tyrant elected officials.
Stay Frosty, Armed and Well Regulated,
Yours In Liberty,
Klint Macro
FOAC-ILLEA 1st VP
FOAC-ILLEA is continuing to fight for the hearts and minds of our fellow Pennsylvanians to promote individual liberties and freedoms. We are steadfast and resolute and dedicated to protecting our Constitution and advancing the cause of the 2nd Amendment and Article 1 Section 21 of the PA Constitution.
FOAC-ILLEA’s educational efforts are expanding across the Commonwealth. FOAC-ILLEA volunteers are teaching more concealed carry classes each month and additional virtual education events are forthcoming.
FOAC-ILLEA is continuing to fight in the courts. Whether this means new litigation to challenge local tyrants, fight the bureaucrats that make it harder for Pennsylvanians to exercise their most basic rights, or the funding of amicus briefs to support others who are already involved in court battles, we are actively helping to establish case law that will help advance the cause of liberty.
FOAC-ILLEA volunteers research proposed legislation, consult with experts, and offer advice to elected officials about legislation as well as educate the public on the strength or folly of legislation that could have lasting positive or negative effects upon our liberty and the liberty of our children.
I urge you to help me spread the word about FOAC-ILLEA. Share this newsletter and the website with your sphere of influence. Get a fellow gun owner to join FOAC-ILLEA.
Contact your Legislators HERE.
Read previous newsletters HERE.
The FOAC-ILLEA website is a wealth of information. Track current legislation, contact legislators and elected officials, look up gun laws, read easy to understand synopsis’ on stand your ground, castle doctrine, and legal use of force. Keep up to date with current gun related news. There is all this and more on the FOAC-ILLEA website.
Get involved!
If you have read this entire newsletter and made it here to this statement… you are already interested and vested.
Donate your time, or your talents, or your treasure. VOTE pro-2A and get your friends to vote pro-2A as well. Become a member and get your friends to become a member. If you are already a member, consider “upping your membership” to a higher level. Join us at the gun bash, purchase a ticket. Volunteer to help at the bash. Volunteer to join a committee to send emails, write letters, make phone calls… NOW IS THE TIME TO DO. DON’T PUT IT OFF. “We the People” have been sitting on the sidelines too long.
An Armed and Educated Citizenry is the true check and balance in our Constitutional Republic and the ultimate homeland security!