Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Battle won!
On Tuesday May 7th, House Bill 335 and House Bill 2206 were defeated in the PA House.
FOAC-Institute President spent dozens upon dozens of hours on the phone prior to the floor votes. Jim advised and consulted with Representatives, gave advice, helpped to decipher amendments, twisted arms, and took stock of how Representatives claimed how they were going to vote.
Jim Stoker said, “House Bills 335 and 2206 were glaring affronts to the Second Amendment and to Article I, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution, and we are elated that both bills were defeated on the House Floor.”
FOAC-ILLEA issued a press release to over 100 media contacts on May 6th, 2024. The release stated:
“House Bill 2206 is yet another attempt by the liberal majority of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to institute a backdoor illegal gun registry in Pennsylvania,” said Jim Stoker, “Such a registry is illegal under federal law 18 USC 926 which clearly prohibits the registration of firearms. The bill would create an illegal, digital gun registry, and would have ZERO effect on resident safety and the prevention of gun crimes.”
“HB 335 is another example of a solution in search of a problem and a misrepresentation of the truth by Democrats who are continually trying to infringe upon residents’ Second Amendment rights,” continued Stoker. “Its premise is a fallacy. Any item that simulates the rate of fire of a machine gun is already regulated by the National Firearms Act as well as under 18 Pa. C.S. § 908 (Prohibited Offensive Weapons). It’s unnecessary and will have no effect on public safety.”
The 2022 election gave control of the PA house to the 99.030% anti-gun Democratic majority. This majority is thin, but a majority IS a majority. However, Democrat Representative Frank Burns (District 72) voted against these bills (and other prior ant-gun bills) helping the pro-gun Republicans defeat the bills on May 7th. Battle won.
The 2024 election MUST go well for gun owners. We cannot afford more of these close calls. We MUST not lose any additional House seats. We must GAIN more seats! We MUST maintain the pro-gun majority in the Senate.
If we lose the PA Senate we will end up like New York in less than a week! The gun control sycophants are frothing at the mouth to enact egregious restrictions upon your individual right to keep and bear arms.
You MUST get yourself and your fellow gun owners to the polls and VOTE for the BEST candidates. As I have said before, NOT VOTING is. VOTE for the winner.
Klint Macro, FOAC-Institute VP co-authored an OP ED in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. In it, gun owners are urged to get to the polls and VOTE! The OP ED states:
A study by the RAND Corporation found that more than 40% of Pennsylvania households own at least one firearm, which places the Commonwealth in the top half of U.S. states. As of 2023, more than 1.6 million Pennsylvanians had permits to carry a concealed firearm.
At the city level, Philadelphia issued more than 52,000 new concealed carry permits in 2021. That represented a 600% jump from the previous year.
Allegheny County has experienced similar surges in recent years, with a single weekend last summer drawing 1,100 permit applications. County Sheriff Kevin Kraus attributed the high volume to a majority of applicants wanting an effective tool for self-defense.
If Pennsylvanians feel strongly enough to exercise their right to keep and bear arms, they MUST protect that right by voting for the most pro-gun candidates. BUT THEY MUST VOTE!
FOAC-Institute officers are no stranger to hate mail. We receive unkind wishes from many on the left, and occasionally even from some on “our side”. It is hard to stand up for what is right, just, and correct. It is hard to put up with “ass-hattery”. Sometimes, however, the hate mail can make one chuckle.
After the release of the recent Post Gazette OP ED, VP Macro received the following hate mail. It is shared here to help you see the imbalance, inconsistency, hatred and vitriol that many on the left exhibit towards YOU for owning a gun.
“Mr. Too Many Guns” claims he does not need a gun. I totally respect his right to NOT exercise his other right to keep and bear arms. Ask yourself, are you a “little fraidy cat”? Do you “need to show how tough you are”? Do you also have a “giant pick up truck”? Do you have a closet full of automatic weapons?
Ridiculous!
Start mobilizing your sphere of influence NOW. The 2024 Presidential election is one thing, but the down ballot races (EVERYTHING ELSE) is crucial to our immediate freedom in Pennsylvania.
Don’t let this unpaid volunteer scare you. On election day, load up your giant pick up truck with your other little fraidy cat gun owning friends and let’s vote these anti-gun ass-hats out of office!
By FOAC-ILLEA Member: George E. Emanuel
Unequivocally, YES! You need a training partner, no question about it. Consider them an essential tool in your arsenal for improving your shooting skills. Whether it's receiving guidance, constructive criticism, or simply having someone to share the journey with, a training partner is invaluable.
Let's be crystal clear: having a training partner accelerates your learning process exponentially. Together, you can pinpoint mistakes, refine techniques, and push each other to reach new heights of proficiency. It doesn't matter how skilled you believe yourself to be; self-awareness and improvement thrive in the presence of a capable partner.
Let's address a fundamental truth: practicing alone can lead to complacency and missed growth opportunities. Are you truly honest with yourself when no one's watching? Do you practice with purpose or merely go through the motions, hoping for improvement by chance? Spoiler alert: hoping won't make your mistakes vanish into thin air.
Here's the reality check: all shooters, including myself, make mistakes. Embrace this fact. In my classes, I emphasize the coach-pupil dynamic because learning from each other's errors and successes is a game-changer. Observing others' performances, whether flawed or flawless, enhances your own understanding and execution.
Let's bust a myth: while online tutorials featuring renowned shooters like Rob Pincus or Jerry Miculek offer valuable insights, they can't tailor their guidance to your individual needs. Similarly, even in a class led by top-tier instructors, you're not the sole focus every second. But a dedicated training partner is there, analyzing every move you make, providing real-time feedback, and spurring your progress.
Now, let's talk synergy: attending training sessions together solidifies your understanding of techniques. Then, hitting the range as a duo allows you to refine those skills under realistic conditions. Your partner becomes more than just a companion; they assist with logistics, keep you accountable, and inject a dose of pressure to simulate real-world scenarios.
There is an old saying that goes, “Those that can’t do, teach,” may I say bullshit. Teaching requires that you understand why you get the results you get, what causes the bad ones, and how and where to emphasize the good ones. “If you want to learn teach,” is my take.
Here's the bottom line: mastery isn't achieved in a classroom or on a firing range under an instructor's watchful eye. True mastery is when executing techniques becomes second nature, almost instinctual. Think of it as reaching a state of flow, where actions flow effortlessly without conscious thought.
Allow me to illustrate with a story: Gary Anderson, Olympic marksman the greatest in history, stunned an interviewer with his response to what he thought was a probing question about Gary’s mental process while shooting. And exactly what Gary was thinking just before the shot broke? Anderson's answer? "Nothing." He had transcended conscious thought, reaching a level of expertise where shooting became a seamless performance. He had put in the time, he did the practicing, all that remained was performance, and he trusted in that last aspect. He was a “performer.” He had two arms two legs etc. Just like you! But, are you a performer yet?
In conclusion, a training partner is non-negotiable. They're your accountability, your buddy, your sounding board, and your motivation to push beyond limits. Together, you'll not only enjoy the journey more but also achieve results beyond what you thought possible. So, find yourself a training partner, commit to the process, and watch your skills soar to new heights. It's a win-win-win situation, without a doubt.
And best of all when the foul weather arrives and neither of you wants to shoot, you cajole each other into braving the elements and marshaling on through! Matches don’t give a damn about the weather. Neither do gunfights. What a concept!
“IF YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SHOOT IN THE WIND, IT HELPS TO TRAIN WHEN IT’S WINDY”
by: Stephen LaSpina
Every year, Memorial Day is set apart to remember the fallen soldiers of the United States Military.
We often spend this day around family and friends, cooking out and enjoying the day off as an unofficial start to summer.
However, there is an oft neglected solemnity to this special day. Namely, we are here; they are not. They gave all so we could live our lives in the freest nation on earth.
To continue to read the entire blog post CLICK HERE.
FOAC-Institute EventsFOAC-Institute 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-Institute events and meetings, CLICK HERE.
To read the Blog Posts from FOAC-Institute President Jim Stoker Click Here
To read the Blog Posts from FOAC-Institute VP Klint Macro Click Here
To Read the Blog Posts from FOAC-Institute Board Member Stephen LaSpina Click Here
To Read past editions of the FOAC-Institute Newsletter Click Here
Klint Macro and Katie Pointer Baney: Pa. gun owners, unite!
Congressional Delegation Visits Turks and Caicos to Lobby for Release of Gun Owners
NY Times Still Bitterly Clinging to 'More Guns, More Crime' Theory Even as Homicides Plunge
US judge blocks Biden-backed rule expanding gun background checks
Bob Barr Elected NRA President, Reform Slate Sweeps Other Offices
Are There Really Fewer Federal Gun Control Laws Today Than a Generation Ago?
FBI and DHS Issue Warning on Foreign Terrorist Groups for June
Women Assault Philly Cop, Takes His Gun
Canada's Gun 'Emergency' Not So Urgent After All
President Biden’s Whole-of-Government Gun Control Crusade Confronts Reality
Newsom 2024 v. Second Amendment — Firearm Fiction v. Facts
Caution: PA “Clean Slate” Does Not Restore Firearms Rights
NRA’s Political Victory Fund Endorses President Donald J. Trump
RSWC #201 Matt Mallory & Klint Macro, Meet The Pressers
Top Left: FOAC-Institute President Jim Stoker, Josh Prince, Dillon Harris, and Kevin Fenchak at the PA Supreme Court
Top Right: Concealed Carry Seminar at Coraopolis District Sportsmen’s Club
2nd Row: USCCA / FOAC-Institute PA Gun Law Dinner and A Seminar in New Brighton, PA
3rd Row Picture 1 and 2: Gun Law Q/A with PA Rep Dallas Kephart
3rd Row Right Picture: FOAC-Institute VP Klint Macro teaching Seminars at the NRAAM in Dallas, TX
Bottom Row Left: FOAC-Volunteer Bob Canova, Andrew Kuzma, Beckett, and Jim Stoker
Bottom Row Right: Range Training: FOAC-Institute Life Member Craig Penglase, Board Member Stephen LaSpina, and VP Klint Macro
Last week I had the honor of presenting seminars at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas, TX. I got to see other pro-gun advocates, educators, friends, and colleagues from across the country.
I got to hear of wins and losses in other states. I listened to “my state is worse than your state” discussions. I got advice from those who live in states that have lost their pro-gun majorities and then saw their rights get stripped away before their eyes.
Our 2A rights are being viciously attacked in EVERY state at every level of government.
There HAVE been incremental wins in the courts and with Constitutional Carry across the country. Too bad Pennsylvania gun owners voted for Tom Wolf in 2018, and HE vetoed Pennsylvania Constitutional Carry in 2021.
Do the math, gun owners voted for Tom Wolf. With 5,012,555 total votes cast in that election and Wolf receiving 2,895,652 (57.8%) votes, gunowners HAD to have voted for him. Especially those gun owners who did not vote.
Let us not continue this trend.
VOTE for the best candidate. Remember NOT voting is a VOTE for the winner!
Yours In Liberty,
Klint Macro
FOAC-Institute VP
FOAC-Institute 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-Institute’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-Institute 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-Institute 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-Institute. Share this newsletter and the website with your sphere of influence. Get a fellow gun owner to join FOAC-Institute.
Contact your Legislators HERE.
Read previous newsletters HERE.
The FOAC-Institute 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-Institute 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, 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. 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!