PUBLISHED ARTICLES
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
| Letters to the Editor The Cleveland Plain Dealer May 5, 1995 NRA protects the guns and rights of everyone President Bill Clinton has blamed the NRA for the Democrats' downfall in November 1994. The bottom line is that people, including this angry black man wanted change. Law-abiding gun owners are tired of politicians and elitists disrespecting the Second Amendment. Their solution is to ban the gun and give more rights to the criminals. With each new gun law the criminals are winning because, they are basically dictating to law-abiding citizens how we should live. They are controlling us. They don't submit to background checks, five-day waiting periods and fingerprinting for purchasing a firearm. They get them illegally. I am also tired of a few Black politicians jumping on the gun control bandwagon beating that same old song "Ban the gun." At one time, free blacks were not permitted by law to own firearms not even a dog. How soon these media-designated leaders have forgotten their roots. During the 1950's NAACP members legally armed themselves for protection against hostile forces shooting into their homes. Today, these forces come mostly from within the Black Community. This is why it is beyond comprehension why quite a few of my fellow brethren support gun control. As it relates to the Second Amendment and various political issues, these anti-gun, media designated leaders don't speak for the entire Black population. The NRA fights for the right of all law-abiding citizens to "Keep And Bear Arms." There is no reference to hunting in the Constitution. The death of Crispus Attucks must not be forgotten. Handgun Control Inc. has one primary objective, which is to disarm all law-abiding citizens and use inner-city violence as a platform to launch its socialist agenda. There is something wrong with this picture. It's time for these jackbooted fascist ideologies to come to a halt. Don't believe Sarah Brady and HCI when she states, "We don't want to take away your guns." Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights for all people. FRANK M. REED Cleveland |
| Readers Write The American Rifleman June, 1995 CASE OF IGNORANCE I read the April "ILA Report" on page 29 regarding the statement made by Ms. Bebe Moore Campbell that NRA should stand for "Negro Removal Association." As an American that happens to be black, I highly resent this type of race bating. This was very unprofessional and uncalled for, especially from National Public Radio. Ms. Campbell seems to forget that at one time in this country before civil rights, members of the NAACP formed NRA-affiliated gun clubs due to the hostile forces shooting into their homes. I could not let this go by without defending the NRA. This is a typical case of ignorance at it's highest degree. Maybe NPR should change its name to "National Propaganda Radio." This is just cause to pull the plug. Frank M. Reed, Ohio |
| Letters to the Editor The Cleveland Plain Dealer July 30, 1995 Hidden Danger? Debate heats up over whether Ohioans would be safer or in greater danger if right-to-carry law were passed Tis nobler for a prudent, law-abiding citizen to go about his or her daily activities legally armed in a society where criminals, vermin and various lower life forms wreak havoc. The system has broken down catering to the various excuses these individuals use for engaging in criminal activity. Far too often, victims of crime are left out of the picture. What happened to accountability? Politicians focus on the instrument as opposed to the individual, usually in the form of gun control. Senate Bill 68 introduced by Sen. Joseph J. Vukovich in it's original version, will allow law-abiding citizens to carry a concealed firearm with stipulations preventing those ineligible from obtaining a concealed carry permit. Mandatory classroom and firing range testing are included, along with an intense background check. Individuals with felonies, alcohol, and drug abuse convictions are ineligible. These are only a few of the important criteria. During the week of June 25, 1995 self-righteous politicians began an assault on the bill in its original form. An amendment attached by Sen. Ben E. Espy would issue permits only if the applicant can prove he or she fears for his or her life. This is a blatant attempt to render the bill useless. As a result only the elite and politically well connected will have access. The people should have the right to carry concealed firearms. Criminals make their own rules. These individuals would think twice before preying upon the innocent if the right to carry law were enacted. Some politicians are out of touch with reality and have forgotten their roots, ignoring the concerns of their constituency. They have their own agenda similar to Handgun Control, Inc., which is to restrict the rights of law-abiding citizens. FRANK M. REED Cleveland |
| LEAA Advocate Summer-Fall 1995 JACKBOOTS IN THE HOUSE People Wanted Change - Including This Angry Black Man Dear LEAA, President Clinton has blamed the NRA for the falling down of Democrats on November 8th, 1994. The bottom line is that people wanted change including this angry Black Man. Law-abiding gun owners are tired of politicians and elitists disrespecting the Second Amendment. Their solution is to ban the gun and give more rights to the criminals. With each new gun law the criminals are winning because they are basically dictating to law-abiding citizens how we should live. To put it bluntly criminals are controlling us. They don't submit to background checks, five day waiting periods and fingerprinting for purchasing a firearm. They get them illegally. I am also tired of a few Black politicians jumping on the gun control bandwagon beating that same old song, BAN THE GUN. At one time in this country free Blacks were not permitted by law to own firearms not even a dog for that matter! How soon these media designated leaders have forgotten their roots! During the 1950's NAACP members legally armed themselves for protection against hostile forces shooting into their homes. Today these forces come mostly from within the Black Community. This is why it is beyond comprehension why quite a few of my fellow brethren support gun control. As it relates to the Second Amendment and various political issues these anti-gun media designated leaders don't speak for the entire Black population. The CCRKBA, LEAA, and the NRA fight for the right of all law-abiding citizens to "Keep And Bear Arms." There is no reference to hunting in the Constitution. In conclusion, the death of Crispus Attucks must not be forgotten. Handgun Control Inc. has one primary objective which is to disarm all law-abiding citizens, using inner-city violence as a platform to launch its socialist agenda. There is something wrong with this picture. It's time for these jackbooted fascist ideologies to come to a halt. Don't believe Sarah Brady and HCI when she states "we don't want to take away your guns." Are there any jackboots in your neighborhood? Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights for all people. Frank M. Reed Cleveland, Ohio |
| Letters to the Editor The Cleveland Plain Dealer January 5, 1996 Gun control is aimed at freedoms, not crime The anti-gun people are constantly at work infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens. They come with various names such as The National Coalition to Prevent Handgun Violence, formally known as The National Coalition to Ban Handguns. Handgun Control, Inc. is the ringleader, spreading propaganda in many forms, using the typical muckraking tactics. HCI uses inner-city violence and children as a launch pad to achieve its ultimate goal that would leave only the military and police armed. Gun control only affects law-abiding citizens and not the criminal element. Criminals don't obey laws. They break them. Certain elements within the medical profession are spreading misinformation to the public with support from the Centers for Disease Control. The CDC uses biased and flawed anti-gun studies paid for by taxpayers. The spring 1995 issue of the, "Injury Prevention Network Newsletter" was supported in part by grant #R49/CCR90369706. On November 21, 1995 Deborah B. Prothrow-Stith, Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health, visited Cleveland revealing the plans of the CDC. Taken from the Plain Dealer: The medical profession is developing a better understanding of violence as a public health issue, she said, the national Centers for Disease Control has opened a center for the study of "intentional injury." Taken from the December 1995 issue of Handguns Magazine: When asked about gun control She Stated: "My own view on gun control is simple. I hate guns and I cannot imagine why anyone would want to own one. If I had my way, guns for sport would be registered, and all other guns [i.e., those designed for self-defense] would be banned." In conclusion, there is a failure to communicate. The second statement clearly indicates her real mission with the assistance of the CDC. She couldn't care less about public health. It is plain and simple backdoor, in your face gun control. What is the real mission? As usual the criminal element is not addressed. Beware of the messenger and the message. It's more than guns. It's about freedom. Frank M. Reed Cleveland |
| Letters to The Editor The Washington Times December 26, 1998 Firing guns to celebrate the holiday is foolish behavior Firearm ownership is a major responsibility that should not be taken lightly. People forget the laws of physics: Once the bullet exits the barrel, it will return eventually to earth. Unfortunately, simple-minded behavior can have tragic results. An innocent victim can be injured or killed. Firing a gun into the air to celebrate the new year gives millions of law-abiding gun owners across the United States a bad reputation. If you have a burning desire to discharge your firearm, please go the nearest pistol range listed in your Yellow Pages. You can inquire about safety lessons for shooting at the range instead of during a celebration As we ring in the New Year, let us do so responsibly. I urge everyone to refrain from discharging firearms for the purpose of celebrating this joyous occasion. It is not necessary to advertise your hardware. Law enforcement personnel and others across this nation appreciate your efforts. God bless you all. Frank M. Reed Cleveland Editor's note: Mr. Reed is a member of the National Rifle Association. |
| Letters to the Editor The Cleveland Plain Dealer December 29, 1998 Welcome '99 without guns Firearm ownership is a major responsibility. People forget the law of physics: Once the bullet exits the barrel, it eventually will eventually return to earth. Unfortunately, simple-minded behavior by a few has given millions of law-abiding gun owners a bad reputation. If you have a burning desire to discharge your firearm, please go to the nearest pistol range listed in the yellow pages. You can inquire about safety lessons for shooting at the range and not for New Year's celebrations. As we ring in the New Year, let us do so responsibly. I urge all citizens to refrain from discharging firearms for the purpose of celebrating this joyous occasion. It is not necessary to advertise your hardware. Law-enforcement personnel and citizens across this nation appreciate your efforts. Frank M. Reed Cleveland |
| Letters to the Editor The Cleveland Plain Dealer August 1, 1999 Civil-rights group misreads NRA's effort to guard liberty There exists the misconception among some members of the black community that the NRA is an all-white, racist organization. A die-hard racist, regardless of color, is not going to pay an annual or life membership to an organization that supports the rights of all law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms. The NAACP has shown it's blatant disregard for our second amendment rights with the recent filing a lawsuit against gun manufacturers. This will not solve the problem. These lawsuits will eventually drive up the price of firearms and place them out of reach from Americans who need them the most. This high-pricing tactic was also used during the black codes. This method priced guns out of the reach of freed slaves and poor whites. Today all Americans will be affected. The gun prohibitionists' primary objective is to disarm all law-abiding citizens in the name of fighting crime. If the NAACP wants to fight crime and gun violence, it should support programs such as Project Exile in Virginia. Felons caught with firearms are automatically sent to prison with no opportunity for reduced time. All time is served. The gun charges are not dropped. The NAACP could also support the nationally recognized, non-political Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program. It teaches children from zero to sixth grade this life-saving message: "If you see a gun stop, don't touch it, leave the area and tell an adult." These programs work. While the NAACP grandstands in front of the media, providing meaningless sound bites, thousands of dedicated NRA members are saving lives on a daily basis by passing out life-saving information in their communities across America. The NAACP has obviously forgotten its roots. If we do not remember the history of gun confiscation during WWII, we are doomed to repeat it. Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights. Frank M. Reed Cleveland Reed is a life member of the National Rifle Association and an NRA Certified Instructor. |
| Letters to the Editor The Washington Times December 27, 1999 HUD'S anti-gun efforts threaten this country's freedom President Clinton has declared all-out war on gun manufacturers for violence in public housing. Frivolous lawsuits such as this will increase the price of firearms, placing them out of the reach of the average citizen. The poor will be affected the most. It is sinful when politicians claim to represent the poor by supporting gun prohibition and stepping on the Constitution. Elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution, not to destroy it. FRANK REED Cleveland |
| SHIELD LEAA Vol. 9 No. I Winter-Spring 2000 HOW SOON WE FORGET Monroe, N.C. 1957. The Monroe Chapter of the NAACP came under attack from the KKK. As a result 60 members of the NAACP affiliated with the NRA and received firearms training. They posted themselves at the home of Dr. Albert Perry, the NAACP chapter vice president, who was a target of the KKK. When the klan drove into the neighborhood, NAACP members exercised their Second Amendment right and protected themselves. Criminals and various forms of street thugs commit random acts of violence without regard to life. But gun prohibitionists use these acts of violence as an excuse to pass additional gun control laws. There are already 20,000 gun laws on the books, most of which aren't being enforced. The NAACP has shown its blatant disregard for our Second amendment rights with the recent filing of a lawsuit against gun manufacturers, while the NAACP grandstands in front of the media providing meaningless sound bites. The NAACP has obviously forgotten its roots. If we do not remember the history of gun confiscation during WWII, we are doomed to repeat it. Liberal politicians choose to violate the constitutional and civil rights of law-abiding gun owners across America. This is known as discrimination. Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights for all people. Frank M. Reed Cleveland, Ohio |
| HANDGUNS
MAGAZINE November 2000 VOLUME 14 NUMBER 11 PUBLISHED MONTHLY SPEAK OUT BY FRANK M. REED WHO REALLY CARES ABOUT THE CHILDREN? TALK SHOW HOST ROSIE O'DONELL has it all wrong. Taken from the National Review dated June 19, 2000 by Jay Nordlinger "So, does she believe that the NRA cares less about young ones than she does? She pauses for a second, then answers, "I would say, maybe they care about their own kids. But not kids in general. The only life that is important to them is white, Republican life." As an American that happens to be black, Republican and a life member of the National Rifle Association, I am highly offended. If Wayne LaPierre or Charlton Heston had made a statement that civil rights organizations only care about black Democrat life, the mainstream media would not let the public forget it. There would be charges of racism, and bigotry perpetrated by the evil NRA. The president might even declare the NRA as a terrorist organization on American soil! Former NRA President Marion Hammer of Florida started the non-political Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program in 1988. Educators, legislators, civic organizations, and law enforcement recognize Eddie Eagle across America. The objective is to educate all children what to do if they encounter an unsecured firearm whether it was in their home, a neighbor's home or in the street. The simple life saving message is: If you see a gun-- STOP, DON'T TOUCH. LEAVE THE AREA, TELL AND ADULT. I HAVE PERSONALLY INTRODUCED this program in my neighborhood. Oh, by the way, quite a few black churches have utilized the program including the church I attend. My pastor and quite a few others do not have a problem with Eddie Eagle. Closed, narrow- minded, mean spirited people have accused the Eddie Eagle Program of teaching children how to shoot. This is a bold- faced lie. We have been hoodwinked and bamboozled by self-righteous politicians and TV celebrities regarding our Constitutional Rights. Let the truth be told. Gun control has racist roots. These descriptions have been around since the 1700's. The 13th Amendment to the US Constitution in 1865 abolished slavery. States continued to discriminate against blacks that were now freemen. This was a clear violation of my ancestor's Second Amendment right. These unconstitutional laws were renamed "Black Codes." What about the children of my ancestors that were left vulnerable because of Jim Crow laws passed by the Southern Democrats? Many southern states rewrote their constitutions to state only free white men have the right to bear arms. Some states even classified a dog as a weapon. If the owner did not have a license for the dog, it was subject to be shot. If a black man carried a stick or ammunition on his person, he was subject to be hung. In some areas of America, a free black man had to get permission from the local police to own a firearm. The local police official would determine if there was a justification for the applicant to own a firearm. If permission were granted, the owner had to register the firearm with the local police. These racist roots are alive and are being applied across the board, effecting people of races. The principals of these laws are in effect today. All we have to do is look at major cities governed by black mayors. The council memberships in these cities have a black majority. Today they are supporting these gun control schemes that affect the very same people they claim to protect. Elected officials take an oath to uphold the constitution. Not to destroy it. Frank M. Reed is an NRA Certified Instructor that has properly educated black and white women in the proper use, handling and storage of a firearm. |
| Shield LEAA Vol. 9 No. II Summer-Fall 2000 Who Cares About The Children Talk show host Rosie O'Donnell has it all wrong. In an article that ran in the National Review in June, Rosie is asked if she believes that the NRA cares less about young ones than she does. She pauses for a second, then answers, "I would say, maybe they care about their own kids. But not kids in general. The only life that is important to them is white, Republican life." As an American that happens to be black, Republican and a life member of the National Rifle Association, I am highly offended. If Wayne LaPierre or Charlton Heston had said that civil-rights organizations only care about black, Democrat life, the mainstream media would never let the public forget it. There would be charges of racism and bigotry. Since the non-political Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program began in 1988, educators, legislators, civic organizations, and law enforcement have recognized Eddie Eagle across America. The objective is to educate all children about what to do if they encounter an unsecured firearm whether it was in their home or a neighbor's home, or on the street. It's a simple life-saving message. I have personally introduced this program in my neighborhood. Oh, by the way, quite a few black churches have utilized the program including the church I attend. We have been hoodwinked and bamboozled by self-righteous politicians and TV celebrities regarding our Constitutional Rights. Let the truth be told. Gun control has racist roots, and these roots are alive and well today, affecting people of all races. All we have to do is look at major cities with black mayors, and the city councils in these cities with black majorities. Today they are supporting these gun-control schemes that affect the very same people they claim to protect. Elected officials take an oath to uphold the Constitution. Not to destroy it. Does Rosie O'Donnell really care about black children? Frank M. Reed Cleveland, Ohio |
| The New Gun Week Vol. 36, Issue 1682 June 1, 2001 Readers' Forum Gun Laws Compared to Hi-Tech Lynching Dear Editor: As we approach the new millennium, bigotry is alive and well in America. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas referred to his Senate confirmation hearing as a hi-tech lynching. If you are a supporter the U.S. Constitution and a gun owner, your troubles have only just begun. The electronic and print media go into attack mode whenever there is a shooting. They constantly pump into the minds of the listening audience that the crime is the fault of the gun lobby and the right wing extremists. What about the criminal's actions? Self-righteous politicians, religious leaders and so-called community spokesmen crow for new gun prohibition laws. These media designated spokesmen weasel their way into the black community via black ministers in the name of fighting crime and protecting the children. These individuals advise it is not safe to keep a firearm in the home. Unfortunately, a few of my black brethren have aligned themselves with these snake oil salesmen to disarm the very people they claim to protect. These same elitist limousine liberals who spread these lies in various communities across America have "24-7" police protection at taxpayer expense. Some even have concealed carry permits. This is a double standard. There is something wrong with this picture. For a number of years, youth in urban areas have been dying in the streets as a result of pistol packing thugs illegally carrying guns. There was no immediate call for more gun prohibition laws. Some municipalities passed meaningless so-called assault weapons bands. Then along came Columbine and all hell broke loose. Everyone from the White House to the outhouse made this sudden call for more gun prohibition laws. New organizations formed in the name of the children. Hollywood celebrities, TV talk show hosts, electronic and print media got into the act. This was exploitation of tragedy at its lowest. It continues to this day. No one wants to address the issue of punishing people when they violate the 20,000 plus existing federal gun laws. They take the easy way out, blaming gun owners and every pro-Second Amendment organization in the country. Some municipalities have gone so far as to sue the gun manufacturers. Today, most municipalities have some type of firearms registration system complete with a photo and firearms ID card. I wonder why? The following quote may answer the question. Eldridge Cleaver, the Black Panther Party (BPP) minister of information, noted in 1968: "Some very interesting laws are being passed. They don't name me; they don't say, 'take the guns away from the niggers.' They say that people will no longer be allowed to have (guns). They don't pass these rules and these regulations specifically for black people, they have to pass them in a way that will take in everybody." Politicians are good at passing meaningless knee-jerk laws. Once passed they wash their hands like Pontius Pilate and leave it up to the police to enforce these unconstitutional laws. Their objective is not to fight crime, but to purposely drive a wedge between law enforcement and law-abiding citizens. Don't blame law enforcement. Part of the blame lies with us for the election of these gun-grabbing politicians. It is highly unfortunate to note that a majority of black politicians on the federal, state and local level support gun prohibition. These same politicians will cry racism at the drop of a hat. At the same time they continue to practice discrimination against gun owners. It just blows my mind. In conclusion these laws have racist roots via the black codes a.k.a. Jim Crow laws. They are now being applied across the board. Given the history of gun prohibition, every black man and woman in America should be a member of a pro-Second Amendment organization. Why aren't so-called civil rights groups fighting to protect this precious right of We The People? This is called discrimination and down right bigotry against a group of people: Gun owners. Frank M. Reed Cleveland, OH PS: The above quote is not an endorsement of the BPP. |
HANDGUNS MAGAZINE September 2001 VOLUME 15 NUMBER 9 PUBLISHED MONTHLY LETTERS BIGOTRY AS WE APPROACH THE NEW MILLENNIUM, bigotry is alive and well in America. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas referred to his Senate confirmation hearing as a hi-tech lynching. If you are a supporter of the U.S. Constitution and a gun owner, your troubles have only just begun. The electronic and print media go into attack mode whenever there is a shooting. They constantly pump into the minds of the listening audience it is the fault of the gun lobby and the right wing extremists. What about the criminal's actions? Self-righteous politicians, religious leaders and so-called community spokesmen crow for new gun prohibition laws. These media designated spokesmen weasel their way into the black community via black ministers in the name of fighting crime and protecting the children. These individuals advise it is not safe to keep a firearm in the home. Unfortunately, a few of my black brethren have aligned themselves with these snake oil salesmen to disarm the very same people they claim to protect. These same elitist limousine liberals who spread these lies in various communities across America have twenty-four seven police protection at taxpayer's expense. Some even have concealed carry permits. This is a double standard. There is something wrong with this picture. For a number of years youth in urban areas have been dying in the streets as a result of pistol packing thugs illegally carrying guns. There was no immediate call for more gun prohibition laws. Some municipalities passed meaningless so-called assault weapons bans. Then along came Columbine and all hell broke loose. Everyone from the White House to the outhouse made this sudden call for more gun prohibition laws. New organizations formed in the name of the children. Hollywood celebrities, TV talk show hosts, electronic and print media got in the act. This was exploitation of tragedy at it's lowest. It continues to this day. No one wants to address the issue of punishing people when the violate the 20,000 plus existing federal gun laws. They take the easy way out blaming gun owners and every pro-Second Amendment organization in the country. Some municipalities have gone so far as to sue the gun manufacturers. Today, most municipalities have some type of firearms registration system complete with a photo and firearms ID card. I wonder why? The following quote may answer the question. Panther Minister of Information, Eldridge Cleaver noted in 1968: " Some very interesting laws are being passed. They don't name me; the don't say, take the guns away from the niggers. They say that people will no longer be allowed to have (guns). They don't pass these rules and these regulations specifically for black people, they have to pass them in a way that will take in everybody." Politicians are good at passing meaningless knee-jerk laws. Once passed they wash their hands like Pontius Pilot and leave it up to the police to enforce these unconstitutional laws. Their objective is not to fight crime but to purposely drive a wedge between law enforcement and law-abiding citizens. Don't blame law enforcement. Part of the blame lies with us for the election of these gun-grabbing politicians. It is highly unfortunate to note that a majority of black politicians on the federal, state and local level support gun prohibition. These same politicians will cry racism at the drop of a hat. At the same time they continue to practice discrimination against gun owners. It just blows my mind. This is called discrimination and down right bigotry against a group of people-gun owners. --Frank Reed Cleveland, Ohio |
On October 17, 2001 I had the pleasure of testifying before the Ohio House Subcommittee on HB 274-4. The following is a copy of the transcript as submitted . Concealed Carry Is Needed in Ohio America has a long history of elitist members of society disarming groups they deem as unacceptable. One period in history is after the Civil War. These laws were known as the Black Codes during the 1860's and Jim Crow during the 1960's. These racist laws disarmed my ancestors. As a result many were murdered. Remember the nightriders? Some states changed their constitutions to read that only free white men had the right to keep and bear arms. Some states classified a dog as a weapon. As a result dog ownership by blacks was prohibited. In some states the owner had to get a license. If a black man were walking his dog, citizens had the right to challenge the owner. They also had the right to kill the dog on the spot if the owner did not have a license for the dog. If a black man were caught walking with a stick or carried ammunition in his pocket, he was subject to be beaten, hung, or shot. Some northern states permitted firearm ownership only if he or she could show a need to be armed. If permission were granted the firearm had to be registered with the local police department. Today most of the major cities have some form of gun registration. I wonder why? Jim Crow has moved north changing its name to pseudo gun safety legislation in the name of the children and need based permit systems. After the Civil War guns were priced out of the reach of blacks and poor whites. The 1911 Sullivan Act of New York allowed the police to screen applicants for permits to posses handguns. This system was abused and was primarily directed at southern and eastern European immigrants. They were considered racially inferior. Targeted immigrants and blacks were looked upon as scum of the earth not worthy of firearm ownership for self-defense or any other reason. Today gun prohibition laws are written in ways that have to include everyone. How does concealed carry relate to the previous information? Today the enemy comes from within the black community via black on black crime. Law abiding citizens residing from cities to rural areas across America seek self-protection from neighborhood thieves and murderous illegal pistol packing thugs. In rural areas of Ohio farmers are on the watch for criminals burning down their barns. Must we the people again show a need for concealed carry to protect our families and children from vermin that reek havoc within our various communities? The police can't be everywhere. In closing, the constant discrimination against a specific group of people known as gun owners must cease. I can only hope and pray elected officials honor the oath to uphold the constitution. History must not be repeated. Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights for "We The People" known as Americans. Frank M. Reed |
| The New Gun Week Vol. 37, Issue 1734 November 10, 2002 Readers' Forum Black Anti-Gunners Seen Perpetuating Jim Crow Laws Dear Editor: For the record, Al Sharpton does not speak for me. On August 25, 2002, Sharpton told NBC News "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert: "I am for all kinds of gun control and I am for licensing and registering guns." Black elected officials and media designated spokesmen continue to disrespect the Constitution. The Second Amendment to the Constitution states: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed." Notice there is no reference to hunting. After the Civil War guns were priced out of the reach of blacks and poor whites. These laws were known as the Black Codes during the 1860s and Jim Crow during the 1960s. These racist laws disarmed my ancestors. As a result many were murdered. Remember the nightriders? Some states changed their constitutions to read that only free white men had the right to keep and bear arms. Some states classified a dog as a weapon. As a result dog ownership by blacks was prohibited. In some states the owner had to get a license. If a black man were walking his dog, citizens had the right to challenge the owner. They also had the right to kill the dog on the spot if the owner did not have a license for the dog. If a black man were caught walking with a large stick or carried ammunition in his pocket, he was subject to be beaten, shot, or hung. Some northern states permitted firearm ownership only if he or she could show a need to be armed. If permission were granted the firearm had to be registered with the local police department. The 1911 Sullivan Act of New York allowed the police to screen applicants for permits to possess handguns. This system was abused and was primarily directed at southern and eastern European immigrants. They were considered racially inferior. Targeted immigrants and blacks were looked upon as scum of the earth not worthy of firearm ownership for self-defense or any other reason. Jim Crow has moved north changing its name to pseudo gun safety legislation in the name of the children and need based permit systems. It's time for the blatant disregard of our constitutional rights to come to and end. The right of the people to keep and bear arms should not be applied to a select few individuals because of political, economic, special connection status and ethnic origin. This is called discrimination. America has a long history of elitist members of society disarming groups they deem as unacceptable. Is Al Sharpton now one of these elite members of society? With the assistance of these new age bigots, the Second Amendment continues to be destroyed in major cities across America. This is quite sad when a lot of major cities have large numbers of blacks on city council that support the cold calculated destruction of our civil and constitutional rights. Today most of the major cities have some form of gun registration. I wonder why? Registration leads to confiscation. All city council has to do is pass an ordinance outlawing firearms currently registered. Don't think it can't happen. Under Mayor David Dinkens police were sent to confiscate registered firearms that the New York city council outlawed. Also look at the so-called assault weapon bands and lawsuits against gun manufacturers. These unconstitutional laws have their origin in large cities with high concentrations of blacks. I call it like I see it. Straight. No chaser. Black Americans have been hoodwinked and bamboozled into thinking that pro Second Amendment organizations are all white and racist. This is not true. Everyone should be concerned with the prosecution of neighborhood thieves and murderous illegal pistol- packing thugs in all communities across America. The police can't be everywhere. But many have decided to take the easy out and blame the gun as opposed to blaming the hand that holds the gun. In closing, I consider the likes of Al Sharpton and his ilk straight out bigots who discriminate against a group of people: Gun owners. What about our civil and constitutional rights Mr. Sharpton? We need gun licensing and registration like a woodpecker needs a headache. Without gun rights, there can be no civil rights for "We The People" known as Americans. Frank M. Reed Cleveland, OH |
| The New Gun Week Vol. 38, Issue 1764 September 10, 2003 Readers' Forum Jim Crow Democrats Are Anti-Gun Bigots Dear Editor: Let me cut to the chase by operating like a professional butcher cutting away the fat and serving the meat. Concealed carry has strong support in the Ohio Legislature. Unfortunately, anti-Second Amendment bigots and urban Jim Crow Democrats with the assistance of a Republican Governor continue to fight against a right guaranteed under both the federal and state constitutions. There exists this insane pin headed passion to infringe on the constitutional rights of citizens to keep and bear arms. When purchasing firearms from dealers, gun owners are subjected to FBI background checks and fill out the dreaded BATF 4473. In some municipalities gun owners must register their firearms. Registration is just another method of keeping track of who owns the guns and where they are located. Local city councils can ban firearms based on their cosmetics and magazine capacity as opposed to their function. Clinton's "assault weapons" ban, is a classic example and should be given a twenty one-gun salute when is sunsets in 2004. Once this piece of pond scum legislation is passed, politicians use the police, they claim so much to care about, to confiscate registered firearms if they are not turned in by a deadline set forth by elitist limousine liberals. Hitler had a twenty-four hour deadline. Those who refused to turn in their firearms were executed. These useless laws are designed to drive a wedge between citizens and law enforcement. They do not solve crime. Encoding is defined as putting into code. There is no code word for bigot. It means what is says. It crosses all social, economic, and racial lines. There are people constantly exhibiting blatant bigotry against gun owners. Time after time knee jerk reactionary legislators pass laws that only affect law-abiding citizens and not the criminal. When the word urban is used it is almost always mentally associated with blacks just as the word rural is associated with whites. As a result the urban verses rural encoding is played to mean black verses white. It is a true fact that quite a few of the major cities have a large black population and a few black representatives on the local, state and federal level. Let it also be known that blacks do live in rural areas as well as whites living in urban areas. What puzzles me is why these elected officials, regardless of color, are against their constituents exercising a constitutional right. The City of Chicago overwhelmingly reelected Mayor Richard Daily who is definitely no friend of gun owners. He attempted to get the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms to give the City of Chicago access to the records of gun owners. This would have allowed city to set up its own registration list. This is in clear violation of the Firearms Owners Protection Act. Washington, DC, Mayor Anthony Williams continues to infringe on the rights of his city's citizens by upholding the unconstitutional ban on firearm ownership. In the mean time citizens continue to die at the hands of criminals illegally carrying guns. He can't blame this one on the KKK. The NAACP (The National Association for the Advancement of Certain Colored People) recently lost it's misguided lawsuit against the gun manufacturers. The NAACP will not get one red cent from me. I will continue to support pro second amendment organizations. These are the true civil rights fighters. The truth of the matter is a lot of major cities continue to elect anti-gun politicians. In closing, what is the real reason these urban Democrats are afraid of concealed carry? Are they concerned their constituency will be able to defend themselves against the criminal element? Ah yes! We, the People, would be empowered to exercise a right already guaranteed by the constitution. Are they afraid of law- abiding blacks such as myself carrying guns? Are some neighborhoods-depending on the racial and social economic makeup- afraid of people of color, whites or the poor carrying guns? Remember, bigotry of any type is wrong. What is lost in this debate is the criminal element. It clearly appears to me criminals have more rights than those of us who obey the law. These dirt bags could care less. We as Americans have one thing in common and that is The US Constitution. Elected officials who violate the oath to uphold the Constitution should be tried for treason. In Freedom. Frank M. Reed Cleveland, OH |
| The New Gun Week Vol. 43, Issue 1912 January 1, 2008 Guest Commentary: Anti-gun black elected officials greater freedom threat than KKK By Frank M. Reed, Cleveland, OH
As an American of African descent, I have observed over the years the constant erosion of our Second Amendment right at the hands of our black elected officials on the local, state and federal levels. Look at the most recent results in the State of Philadelphia regarding three anti-gun bills. Fortunately, they were defeated. Cleveland, OH Mayor Frank Jackson continues to crow about gun buy-ups. He is also in support of a city policy that violates the constitutional rights of his employees. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty continues to violate the constitutional rights of the citizens of Washington, DC. Pennsylvania House Bill 18, Sponsored by State Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia), would have allowed local municipalities to place additional restrictions on the sale, possession, carrying, and use of firearms by gutting the state's preemption law. In other words, municipalities would be able to generate any feel good anti-gun piece of legislation regardless of what sate law reads. Pennsylvania House Bill 22, Sponsored by State Rep. John Myers (D-Philadelphia), would have prohibited law-abiding citizens to purchase one gun at a time and impose a 30-day waiting period between single handgun purchases. House Bill 29 Sponsored by State Rep. Jewell Williams (D-Philadelphia), would have made it a crime if one failed to report the loss or theft of a firearm to police within 24 hours of discovering the status of the firearm. Cleveland's mayor has been crowing about the recent success of the gun buy-up program. He touts to date 2,332 guns taken off the streets and 3,662 melted down. Yet the criminals are still committing crimes with guns. Jackson also mentioned the ongoing lawsuit against the state of Ohio that gutted local anti-gun ordinances. Hello, boys and girls, it is Howdy Doodee Time! In April 2004, the State of Ohio passed its concealed carry law. A couple of weeks later the City of Cleveland issued a memo to all of it's employees stating the following: No employee, including those who may be licensed by the state of Ohio to carry a concealed weapon, may use or possess any firearm while at work for the City of Cleveland unless the above conditions are met. Section C-21 of the Employee Handbook Section III E states. "A firearm's use or possession is unauthorized unless: 1. authorized in writing by the City of Cleveland for the employee's workplace, and a. Required as part of the employee's job duties with the City of Cleveland b. Connected with training received from the City in order for the employee to perform the responsibilities of his or her job with the city." This policy applies during work hours regardless of whether you are working on or off city property. Additionally, you may not leave a weapon in your personal vehicle (or any vehicle you use for commuting) if that vehicle is parked in a city-owned garage or city-owned parking lot during work times. The City will take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including discharge, for violations of this policy. I guess city employees are exempt from criminal attack traveling too and from work. Give me a break. What a piece of work. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty of Washington, DC, filed a lawsuit to overturn the federal appellate judge's ruling stating the handgun ban violated the constitutional rights of its residents. This case is now before the Supreme Court. This ban is compliments of former Mayor Marion Barry. The current ban outlaws the possession of handguns by law-abiding citizens. What about the criminals? It appears they have more rights those law-abiding citizens. What do these elected officials have in common? They are all Americans of African descent. They have forgotten the history of America when laws were written to disarm blacks. More specifically, they were the black codes (during slavery) and Jim Crow laws. At one time in this country, a dog owned by a black man was classified as a weapon. If the owner did not have a license for the dog it was subject to be destroyed on the sot. Some states rewrote their constitutions to read stating only free white men had the right to keep and bear arms. If a black man were caught with ammunition in his pocket, he was subject to severe punishment, perhaps even hanging. In some areas of the country, blacks that were fortunate to own firearms had to register them with the local authorities. As you know, registration leads to confiscation. Why do major cities with large population consisting of people of color and black elected representatives have the toughest historically racist gun laws? This will always continue to blow my mind. The last time I checked there is a majority of black-on-black crime. I have not seen any white sheets in my neighborhood. |
| The New Gun Week Vol. 43, Issue 1918 April 1, 2008 Readers' Forum Supports Cleveland Police Getting AR-15 Style Rifles Dear Editor: "Over My Dead Body…" Is this quote taken from some right wing gun nut extremist as it relates to government officials confiscating his guns after passage of an unconstitutional gun law? No. This is not the case. Here in the city of Cleveland, OH it appears another anti-gun elected official has gone coo coo for coco puffs! A Cleveland police department committee is considering plans to upgrade patrol officers with the civilian version of the military style AR-15. Notice it states military style rife and not assault rifle. There is a distinct difference. Assault weapon has no place in this discussion because it has no technical meaning. Let us be clear with the proper definitions. The military style rifle does not have a selector switch allowing the rifle to fire in full auto mode. In other words when the trigger is engaged, it will only fire one shot at a time. The assault rifle has a selector switch thus giving it the proper name assault rifle. It has a selector in which the rifle is fired in full auto or single shot mode. These rifles are used by specialized units such as the city SWAT officers. There are quite a few law enforcement agencies across the country currently utilizing the military style rifles as standard equipment in patrol cars for officers specifically trained to operate such firearms. Yes, the police will receive extensive training and must qualify with the firearm just as they do with current issued firearms. Criminals are getting bolder by the day. They create havoc on our streets at a moments notice. They steal firearms regardless of the type, will, and have used them against the police and the populace. The bottom line is the police need additional firepower to confront the drug crazed absolutely death wish insane lowlifes whom have no regard for human life. Mass shootings in public places will always exist no matter how many gun laws are passed. Criminals do what criminals do. So what is the problem? Councilman Kevin Conwell, Chairman of the Safety Committee stated he would work to block the proposal. He states the residents do not trust the police and do not want them to have access to these powerful firearms. Conwell quoted from the Cleveland Plain Dealer stated. "Over my dead body, that's how bad I feel about that," Cronwell said. "They need a better relationship with the community. There is a lack of trust." Riddle me this Mr. Safety Man, why do elected officials tolerate the no snitch message that goes within the community? Why do elected officials tolerate the vicious name-calling of the dedicated men and women in blue when they arrive on a crime scene? Why do elected officials tolerate criminals running around like animals reeking havoc in the neighborhood? Why do elected officials cry racism is arrested after being caught committing a crime? Is there any concern for the victims of these thugs? Time after time, I hear anti-gun elected officials mouth off like scald dogs screaming how the police do not need this type of firepower. It never ceases to amaze me how elected officials are quick to criticize the police but will use the police to do their bidding. I call this the Pontius Pilot syndrome. Elected officials pass ridiculous city ordinances that in effect will endanger and cost the lives of citizens and police officers. Afterwards they wipe the blood on the backs of police officers in the name of public safety. This pimping and prostitution of law enforcement officials must cease. Cleveland needs to get with the program and upgrade. I guarantee you the criminals are seeking new ways to wreak havoc and are in overdrive mode. Have you shaken the hand of a police officer and thanked them for the job they are doing? I have and will continue to do so. Theirs is a thankless job. To those of you reading this article I say, thank you! In Freedom Frank M. Reed Cleveland, OH |