TexasCHLforum.com

Has anyone ever tried to put together a "Civilian Arms Education Seminar" for legislators.?
(Please don't harp on the name, we can work that out later )

I was thinking today about how completely ignorant many lawmakers are regarding terminology and it hit me.... Many of these "Anti" lawmakers have never been taught the basics. I don't mean shooting, although that might be included, but how about a real, honest FACTUAL "Firearms Basics" presentation, geared especially for lawmakers, delivered by a credible "Instructor" (State Police Chief comes to mind, that sort of "expert", but, something like this might work better as a 1 on 1 class to prevent grandstanding and minimize groupthink).

When DiFi can't tell you what a barrel shroud is, of course she's incapable of drawing a dispassionate, informed conclusion about AR's. Now, I hold no illusions about "converting" DiFi. But it's been my experience that people who take the time for an honest education invariably come away less opposed.

If we can separate a few sheep from the herd, win over some open minds, allay some irrational fears...
Maybe it's a pipe dream, but, I'm willing to put my time where my mouth is, if I was convinced that there'd be an audience for it.

Anybody (NRA?) ever tried it? What was the result?

I'm sure the seminar could be developed with the resources on this forum, but, how do we get legislators (especially Anti's) to actually attend? I'm tired of feeling helpless about all this. I'm ready to do something more constructive than write letters and make phone calls.

Thoughts?

The NRA has a program for legislator education. Here's a link to an article http://www.lvrj.com/news/legislators-di ... 35391.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; that highlights what happens when they schedule a session.

Andrew wrote:The NRA has a program for legislator education. Here's a link to an article http://www.lvrj.com/news/legislators-di ... 35391.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; that highlights what happens when they schedule a session.

I'm not one to be defeated by closed minds. Detoured, perhaps. Defeated, no.

Doing this in conjunction with the NRA might not be the best way to open hearts and minds.
Maybe in conjunction with some other "less evil" organization?

Texas State Police? Sheriff's Association? CHL Instructors Association?
How about someone from Harrold ISD? A Parent/Teacher Association of some kind?

I understand your frustration, and your desire to do "something" in my case add "anything" to help educate folks. If we coulld get 20,000 CHL holders or 2A supporters to join the Texas ACLU affiliate, they'd be voting majority and could elect officers and control the agenda. I couldn't imagine anyone would object to a presentation from ACLU on 2A rights, or an education program on modern firearms, etc. Just my opinion.

Legislators are so busy between figuring out what to vote on, reading all the stuff the lobbyists give them, going to events, parties, fund raisers, caucus meetings, interviews with the home town fish wrap and the healthy young women tele-journalists, I would be surprised if they had time to devote to getting up to speed on this stuff.

Why not just elect folks who already know about guns, from their granddads, military service etc.?

Depending on the outcome of the Presidents legislative initiative on an "AWB", that may be practical in 2014 mid-terms as it was in 1994. Absent hysteria due to the recent mass shootings, the 2A hasn't been on the radar for most folks, excepting the Heller and McDonald decisions which went "our" way.

Speaking of Legislator education, is there any effort to amending the current CHL laws to allow carrying in universities, churches or other "forbidden" places? I work at a university and frequently don't leave my building until late at night. I really don't want to wait until I get to my car before retrieving my weapon and anybody that's interested in robbing me probably won't wait until then either.

Rabert wrote:Speaking of Legislator education, is there any effort to amending the current CHL laws to allow carrying in universities, churches or other "forbidden" places? I work at a university and frequently don't leave my building until late at night. I really don't want to wait until I get to my car before retrieving my weapon and anybody that's interested in robbing me probably won't wait until then either.

yes there is effort being made to change the laws.

Texas Legislature ‏@TX_Legislature

SB 182 Introduced: Relating to the carrying of concealed handguns on the campuses of and certain other locations http://www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/83 ... 00182I.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I don't know efforts particularly to educate the Texas Legislature.
Those dangerous barrel shrouds that keep hands from being burned ...

RHenriksen wrote:I saw a comment in one of the threads here today, that I wanted to follow up on- but couldn't find it! Traffic around here has certainly jumped, between the 2013 TexLeg and Newtown.

Anyway, it was the idea to have our legislators educated about basic firearms information. Taught by, say, DPS instructors. So lo and behold I found this:

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/sher ... 01-17.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks RH!

Isn't the term "educated legislator" an oxymoron?

Anygunanywhere