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Knife Rights News C/P (Update)
pickenup
Member Posts: 22,844 ✭✭✭✭
Knife Rights News Slice Vol. 2 Number 5
This newsletter is emailed to Knife Rights members, those who have notified Knife Rights of their interest in the issues discussed and the news media. If you prefer not to receive these emails from Knife Rights, please email: dritter@kniferights.org and ask to be removed.
A digital copy of this News Slice can be found online at: http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=1
Customs Says "NO EXTENSION!" - They Want Your Pocket Knives NOW!
Breaking News: We have received word that U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has DENIED the numerous requests for extension that it had received from Knife Rights, AKTI, manufacturers and citizens like you, and is planning to stick with the June 21 deadline for comments.
CBP's denial of an extension seems to be a clear indication that they do not intend to act in a fair and reasonable manner on this issue and have already made their decision to go ahead. That may be a somewhat cynical viewpoint, but given the history of CBP, it seems like a good bet. That means we have to set the stage for the next act, which will likely be conducted both in court and in Congress. The battle is far from over; your comments will play a key role in both efforts. If you haven't yet submitted comments, you need to do it NOW! Your comments on the record will make a difference and the more the better.
In light of the denial, Knife Rights has re-written our Model Comments letter for concerned knife owners to send to CBP. If you have not already sent your letter to CPB, please do so TODAY! If you want to send another letter, it couldn't hurt. The comments cannot be emailed, they must be mailed or sent by FedEx/UPS, etc. and they must be received in Washington, DC, no later than June 20, 2009. (The deadline is Sunday, June 21, but there's no mail delivery on Sunday).
To all of the hundreds of you who have already sent letters, thank you very much. It will make a difference in the end.
A number of emails have asked where it explicitly says in the CBP's document that they are going after almost all pocket knives. If you are looking for explicit language to that effect, you won't find it. That would be too easy, and CBP had no interest in a direct confrontation of that magnitude. They were, after all, trying to slip this one through in the first place as just a minor ruling change. One has to take the logical next step based on the rationales provided by Customs in expanding the interpretation of a switchblade to assisted openers to see where that is headed. It is not even a small leap from assisted openers to one-hand openers, if they succeed. From there to slipjoint folders that can be opened using various tricks one-handed is only another very small step.
If their new ruling is accepted and put in place, the next step will be seizing a warehouse full of imported one-hand openers, which they can legally do, declaring them to also meet their now very broadly defined interpretation of what a switchblade is. They came very close to doing that a few years back in a seizure involving Columbia River Knife & Tool. With this ruling in place, they would succeed. Then the definition of what is a switchblade is expanded even further. It is this that has knife owners and the knifemaking industry up in arms, because our lawyers understand how these bureaucrats use these rulings and language games to get well beyond what it appears at first glance they are reaching for.
For those who are just now hearing of this, you can find our original News Slice with an expanded explanation of the issues and links to the original CBP document, etc., at:
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=1
or
http://tinyurl.com/lbcz4q
We need you to write CBP NOW! Their 30 day deadline is fast approaching and these letters must go via postal mail (or Fedex/UPS). Click below for a Model Letter you can send to CBP. You MUST write TODAY!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=29
or
http://tinyurl.com/q7w8tm
We also want to continue efforts to bring this absurd proposal and CBP's efforts to take our pocket knives away to the attention of Congress. Based on feedback already received from some more gullible Members who have swallowed CBP's story hook, line and sinker, we have revised our Model Letter to Congress to emphasize the far reaching effects that this ruling will have, both on millions of law-abiding citizens and by destroying the vibrant knifemaking industry. This is clearly NOT just about imported assisted openers, no matter how much CBP wants us to believe that.
We must flood Congress with letters so they understand the gravity of the situation. This will be a huge help going forward, so please get your emails out today. Click below for a Model Letter you can send to Members of Congress. Only your efforts will stop this and save our Knife Rights!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=29
or
http://tinyurl.com/qqvmns
We are not about to roll over for this clearly out-of-control government agency. But, we need your help to stop them. Your letters and emails will make a difference!
Knife Rights Retains Nappen Law Firm
With the denial of an extension, our primary attention now shifts to submitting comments on the proposal by the deadline. Towards that end, Knife Rights has retained the law firm of E.F. Nappen Attorney at Law, PC. Evan and his associates specialize in gun and knife criminal cases. Evan is a leading authority on the Federal Switchblade Act and has authored numerous articles on the subject.
As you might suspect, such expertise does not come free. The good news, such as it is, is that with such a tight deadline, the cost is limited, if not insignificant. We need your support to do this; we don't have a large cash horde or the financial resources of some larger organizations. Please consider becoming a member at the Benefactor level to help pay for this defense of our knife rights.
We're also setting up a contributions page, but it has been delayed due to technical issues and it will be a day or so before it is up and running.
SAF and CCRKBA Joins with Knife Rights
The Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms have joined with Knife Rights to help fight this unwarranted knife grab by Customs. They are supporting us with Email Alerts to their membership and additional resources. SAF founder, Alan Gottlieb, noted, "we stand with Knife Rights in their support of Americans' right to own and carry the knives of their choice."
And, just a reminder, the Second Amendment doesn't say "Firearms," it says "Arms." Knives are clearly covered. Clearly the founding fathers expected that knives would be included.
NRA Joins the Fight
We have also been working with the National Rifle Association in recent days and they have officially taken this issue up and you should soon be seeing evidence of their involvement if you are an NRA member. NRA recognizes that this ruling will not only affect virtually every NRA member, but that the precedent it would set would not be good for supporters of the Second Amendment.
Again, the Second Amendment doesn't say "Firearms," it says "Arms." While we primarily focus on our knives as essential tools, mankind's oldest, our essential rights to own and carry knives are enshrined in the Second Amendment.
Spread the Word!
Please, forward on this email to all your friends, email list servers, post it on forums and encourage everyone you know to get on board. Remember, regardless of where you are active online, a significant proportion of your fellow online participants and contacts use and carry a pocket knife. They will be impacted. They need to know. And, that's the point. It's not just a few knife enthusiasts.
You can also add a sig line or button to your email or forum signatures or a banner to your web site to help spread the word about Customs' rulemaking:
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=1
or
http://tinyurl.com/lpglwf
Knife Rights on Twitter
Knife Rights is now on Twitter and we'll issue critical updates and notices on Twitter as this issue evolves: http://www.twitter.com/KnifeRights
Join Knife Rights
Your membership dues help support our efforts to protect your rights. Invest a modest sum in A Sharper FutureT. Join at the Benefactor level to help us even more. JOIN NOW!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=39
or
http://tinyurl.com/qnu988
Doug Ritter
Chairman and Executive Director
Knife Rights, Inc.
a 501(c)(4) Member Organization
dritter@KnifeRights.org
Have you signed up? Go to: www.KnifeRights.org
Protecting your right to own and carry knives and pocket tools
This newsletter is emailed to Knife Rights members, those who have notified Knife Rights of their interest in the issues discussed and the news media. If you prefer not to receive these emails from Knife Rights, please email: dritter@kniferights.org and ask to be removed.
A digital copy of this News Slice can be found online at: http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=84&Itemid=1
Customs Says "NO EXTENSION!" - They Want Your Pocket Knives NOW!
Breaking News: We have received word that U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has DENIED the numerous requests for extension that it had received from Knife Rights, AKTI, manufacturers and citizens like you, and is planning to stick with the June 21 deadline for comments.
CBP's denial of an extension seems to be a clear indication that they do not intend to act in a fair and reasonable manner on this issue and have already made their decision to go ahead. That may be a somewhat cynical viewpoint, but given the history of CBP, it seems like a good bet. That means we have to set the stage for the next act, which will likely be conducted both in court and in Congress. The battle is far from over; your comments will play a key role in both efforts. If you haven't yet submitted comments, you need to do it NOW! Your comments on the record will make a difference and the more the better.
In light of the denial, Knife Rights has re-written our Model Comments letter for concerned knife owners to send to CBP. If you have not already sent your letter to CPB, please do so TODAY! If you want to send another letter, it couldn't hurt. The comments cannot be emailed, they must be mailed or sent by FedEx/UPS, etc. and they must be received in Washington, DC, no later than June 20, 2009. (The deadline is Sunday, June 21, but there's no mail delivery on Sunday).
To all of the hundreds of you who have already sent letters, thank you very much. It will make a difference in the end.
A number of emails have asked where it explicitly says in the CBP's document that they are going after almost all pocket knives. If you are looking for explicit language to that effect, you won't find it. That would be too easy, and CBP had no interest in a direct confrontation of that magnitude. They were, after all, trying to slip this one through in the first place as just a minor ruling change. One has to take the logical next step based on the rationales provided by Customs in expanding the interpretation of a switchblade to assisted openers to see where that is headed. It is not even a small leap from assisted openers to one-hand openers, if they succeed. From there to slipjoint folders that can be opened using various tricks one-handed is only another very small step.
If their new ruling is accepted and put in place, the next step will be seizing a warehouse full of imported one-hand openers, which they can legally do, declaring them to also meet their now very broadly defined interpretation of what a switchblade is. They came very close to doing that a few years back in a seizure involving Columbia River Knife & Tool. With this ruling in place, they would succeed. Then the definition of what is a switchblade is expanded even further. It is this that has knife owners and the knifemaking industry up in arms, because our lawyers understand how these bureaucrats use these rulings and language games to get well beyond what it appears at first glance they are reaching for.
For those who are just now hearing of this, you can find our original News Slice with an expanded explanation of the issues and links to the original CBP document, etc., at:
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=1
or
http://tinyurl.com/lbcz4q
We need you to write CBP NOW! Their 30 day deadline is fast approaching and these letters must go via postal mail (or Fedex/UPS). Click below for a Model Letter you can send to CBP. You MUST write TODAY!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=29
or
http://tinyurl.com/q7w8tm
We also want to continue efforts to bring this absurd proposal and CBP's efforts to take our pocket knives away to the attention of Congress. Based on feedback already received from some more gullible Members who have swallowed CBP's story hook, line and sinker, we have revised our Model Letter to Congress to emphasize the far reaching effects that this ruling will have, both on millions of law-abiding citizens and by destroying the vibrant knifemaking industry. This is clearly NOT just about imported assisted openers, no matter how much CBP wants us to believe that.
We must flood Congress with letters so they understand the gravity of the situation. This will be a huge help going forward, so please get your emails out today. Click below for a Model Letter you can send to Members of Congress. Only your efforts will stop this and save our Knife Rights!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=78&Itemid=29
or
http://tinyurl.com/qqvmns
We are not about to roll over for this clearly out-of-control government agency. But, we need your help to stop them. Your letters and emails will make a difference!
Knife Rights Retains Nappen Law Firm
With the denial of an extension, our primary attention now shifts to submitting comments on the proposal by the deadline. Towards that end, Knife Rights has retained the law firm of E.F. Nappen Attorney at Law, PC. Evan and his associates specialize in gun and knife criminal cases. Evan is a leading authority on the Federal Switchblade Act and has authored numerous articles on the subject.
As you might suspect, such expertise does not come free. The good news, such as it is, is that with such a tight deadline, the cost is limited, if not insignificant. We need your support to do this; we don't have a large cash horde or the financial resources of some larger organizations. Please consider becoming a member at the Benefactor level to help pay for this defense of our knife rights.
We're also setting up a contributions page, but it has been delayed due to technical issues and it will be a day or so before it is up and running.
SAF and CCRKBA Joins with Knife Rights
The Second Amendment Foundation and the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms have joined with Knife Rights to help fight this unwarranted knife grab by Customs. They are supporting us with Email Alerts to their membership and additional resources. SAF founder, Alan Gottlieb, noted, "we stand with Knife Rights in their support of Americans' right to own and carry the knives of their choice."
And, just a reminder, the Second Amendment doesn't say "Firearms," it says "Arms." Knives are clearly covered. Clearly the founding fathers expected that knives would be included.
NRA Joins the Fight
We have also been working with the National Rifle Association in recent days and they have officially taken this issue up and you should soon be seeing evidence of their involvement if you are an NRA member. NRA recognizes that this ruling will not only affect virtually every NRA member, but that the precedent it would set would not be good for supporters of the Second Amendment.
Again, the Second Amendment doesn't say "Firearms," it says "Arms." While we primarily focus on our knives as essential tools, mankind's oldest, our essential rights to own and carry knives are enshrined in the Second Amendment.
Spread the Word!
Please, forward on this email to all your friends, email list servers, post it on forums and encourage everyone you know to get on board. Remember, regardless of where you are active online, a significant proportion of your fellow online participants and contacts use and carry a pocket knife. They will be impacted. They need to know. And, that's the point. It's not just a few knife enthusiasts.
You can also add a sig line or button to your email or forum signatures or a banner to your web site to help spread the word about Customs' rulemaking:
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=83&Itemid=1
or
http://tinyurl.com/lpglwf
Knife Rights on Twitter
Knife Rights is now on Twitter and we'll issue critical updates and notices on Twitter as this issue evolves: http://www.twitter.com/KnifeRights
Join Knife Rights
Your membership dues help support our efforts to protect your rights. Invest a modest sum in A Sharper FutureT. Join at the Benefactor level to help us even more. JOIN NOW!
http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=39
or
http://tinyurl.com/qnu988
Doug Ritter
Chairman and Executive Director
Knife Rights, Inc.
a 501(c)(4) Member Organization
dritter@KnifeRights.org
Have you signed up? Go to: www.KnifeRights.org
Protecting your right to own and carry knives and pocket tools
Comments
The amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act has passed in the Senate. After passage of the DHS Appropriations Bill, expected this evening, next stop will be Conference Committee.
View the amendment here: http://www.KnifeRights.org/SAmdt 1447.pdf
You deserve to give yourself a big pat on the back for this. It was your letters, faxes and emails that led to this success. This amendment will stop Customs' rulemaking and protect your pocket knives with a permanent solution.
Our thanks to Senators Cornyn, Pryor, Hatch, Vitter, Risch, Chambliss, Corker, Enzi, Barrasso, Graham, Roberts, Wyden and Crapo for co-sponsoring this amendment.
We only have one more hurdle, getting through the Conference Committee. Our legislative consultants are already working on that in cooperation with the other advocacy groups and the House members who have been supporting this effort from early on. We should know by early next week what, if anything, we need to do to help that process.
It is never a done deal in politics, until it is actually done. Having said that, we have shown ourselves to be a force to be reckoned with. Right now its time to celebrate our success so far, having overcome great odds to get to this point. We'll be in touch again once we settle on the most effective strategy for the next step.
Copyright 2009, Knife Rights, Inc.
This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.
I'd also like to thank everyone who took the time to send letters.. Thank you!![:)][:D]
Hopefully this will be changed although history has shown it to be more and more futile and faltering with the democratic and republican parties becoming one in the same and quick to compromise and easy prey for corruption further indicating the need for a third party that will uphold our beloved Constitution and true will of the people, never the less a victory for us and cause for jubilation.
This News Slice eBlast is emailed to Knife Rights members, those who have notified Knife Rights of their interest in the issues discussed and the news media. If you prefer not to receive these emails from Knife Rights, please email: remove@kniferights.org and ask to be removed.
Update on NH Knife Rights Bill
I am just back from New Hampshire where I testified in support of NH Rep. Jenn Coffey's Knife Rights Bill before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee. Her bill to repeal prohibitions on switchblades, dirks, daggers and stilettos is moving forward. It appears that the bill will now be unencumbered by the penalty section when it moves forward (originally included for political expediency). We had no real issue with the penalty, but are pleased to see it removed, as we had hoped. Our strategy appears to be working well to this point. Below is Rep. Coffey's report on the hearing:
Knife Rights has started a fund-raising campaign to support this Knife Rights legislation. The lobbyist Rep. Coffey mentions isn't working for free and is key to successful passage of this bill. PLEASE, MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THIS CAUSE. A victory in New Hampshire will help us all. Every state that removes restrictions on these knives is another nail in the coffin for such prohibitions and restrictions nationwide. Others states are watching what happens in New Hampshire. Help make this a new reality. Click to make your donation.
NH Rep. Jenn Coffey's Report
I am happy to report that the public hearing today in front of the Criminal Justice Committee went very well. The hearing was scheduled for a half hour and lasted over an hour. There where people that testified against the bill, but far more that testified in favor, with many more signing in with support.
There was key testimony offered by The Second Amendment Sisters, The New Hampshire Wildlife Federation, Pro-Gun New Hampshire and many others, All of the quotes of support, written testimony from Sword Forum and Suzanna Gratia Hupp as well as the articles from Blade Magazine, Women and Guns and the New Gun Week to name but a few, where entered into the record today as well.
Basically anyone who submitted a quote of support, wrote an article, or website posting was entered into the record so the committee could see the full scope of support the bill has. We far out weighed the opposition in numbers. Forgive me for not going into more detail and listing all of the names, but it has been a very long day and is now a late hour. However, I felt it important to report to all of you what occurred today.
In addition, we had two people who testified as to their criminal charges under the currently law and the effect it has had on their lives, costing them time, money, inventory, as well as the embarrassment of a criminal record due to the current law in New Hampshire.
I have to say that Doug Ritter was very impressive from Knife Rights and made a very good impression on the committee. His testimony was clear and to the point. I am thankful for not only his support and testimony but willingness to travel to New Hampshire to appear in front of the committee in person. To travel to New Hampshire in these trying fiscal times is admirable and not something easy to do. I know there are others who had hoped to do the same but understandably could not do so at this time.
It seems by all accounts that we can expect a favorable recommendation from the committee. If that happens for us we will know in a couple of weeks when they make their final recommendation. At that time approximately 1 week later the bill will come to the full House for a vote.
I am very thankful for all the support. It is crucial to keep it up especially when we get to the Senate. I believe that we have turned one of the major antagonist to our side in which case our testimony will be stronger.
My concern is that the Chiefs of Police did sign in supporting the bill today but may change their minds when it goes to the Senate as I am being told the House committee is amending the bill to remove the criminal penalties. My goal continues to be to lift the ban which is in the first section that is not being amended.
I was thankful to find that Knife Rights had hired not just a lobbyist, but one who carries an enormous amount of weight in both the House and the Senate, as well as the Governor's office. I hope they will be able to continue that effort in this crucial time.
We are on a good footing at present but perseverance and support is key to lifting this ban. It is important to note that if the bill passes it will make New Hampshire not only legal for switchblades, dirks, daggers and stilettos but they will be legal to carry, possess, sell and trade without restriction or need for a license to carry!
Making New Hampshire truly a knife rights state!
Again thank you and I hope I can count on you for continued support.
Regards,
Representative Jenn Coffey
Knife Rights has started a fund-raising campaign to support this Knife Rights legislation. The lobbyist Rep. Coffey mentions isn't working for free and is key to successful passage of this bill. PLEASE, MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THIS CAUSE. A victory in New Hampshire will help us all. Every state that removes restrictions on these knives is another nail in the coffin for such prohibitions and restrictions nationwide. Others states are watching what happens in New Hampshire. Help make this a new reality. Click to make your donation.
Knife Rights on Twitter
Follow Knife Rights on Twitter and receive the latest updates and notices as soon as they occur: http://twitter.com/KnifeRights
Knife Rights has quickly grown to become America's largest grassroots knife owners organization. This latest fight against Customs Pocket Knife Grab has validated the power and importance of a dedicated grass roots organization in defending your knife rights. Invest in a Sharper FutureT. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights.
Join or Renew your Knife Rights membership today! http://tinyurl.com/qnu988
Knife Rights
America's Grassroots Knife Owners Organization
www.KnifeRights.org
twitter.com/KnifeRights
Copyright 2010, Knife Rights, Inc.
This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial purposes.
Doug Ritter
Chairman / Executive Director
Knife Rights, Inc.
Knife Rights Foundation, Inc.
www.KnifeRights.org
Email: dritter@KnifeRights.org
Thanks for the updates.