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DALLAS, TX – On this, the second anniversary of the expiration of the 1994 ban on semi-automatic firearms, Amendment II Democrats hereby declare that the pejorative term "assault weapon" is dead.

Almost 18 years after Josh Sugarmann of the Violence Policy Center apparently first unveiled the term "assault weapon," the term still does not have any concrete definition as do other terms such as "pistol," "rifle," or "shotgun."  Instead, an "assault weapon" is described only as being a firearm that features any combination of cosmetic and/or safety features or even a firearm that merely bears a particular name.  Thus, the term "assault weapon" is hereafter declared inoperative, and Amendment II Democrats therefore encourage all of their fellow Democrats to cease using the term immediately.

The goal for Amendment II Democrats in this election year remains the same - we want a Democratic majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.  But we are convinced that this shall not happen if we continue to cling to the failed policies of the past. We have been encouraged by the growing number of Democratic candidates who share our views on gun legislation.  Our focus is on supporting such Democrats and getting them elected to public office.

As a reminder to Democratic candidates, please consider the following. There will not be any real discussion on health care reform on Capitol Hill unless Democrats control Congress.  The sanctity and validity of our electoral process will remain compromised unless Democrats control Congress.  Scientific research and education, which transformed the United States into a world power, will grind to a halt unless Democrats control Congress.  And you have already seen what a Republican administration has done to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  This is also because Democrats are not in control of Congress.

Amendment II Democrats are convinced that the future of firearms legislation in America lies not with bans, confiscation, and the soft bigotry of diminished responsibility.  Instead, it lies with an increased emphasis on firearm safety and a heightened sense of mutual responsibility – two elements critical to any well-regulated militia, including the American people.

Therefore, let us abandon the vocabulary of the fearmonger, and pursue sensible gun legislation that preserves the freedom of all Americans while promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of our liberty.  And let us work together to secure a Democratic victory in November 2006.

The term "assault weapon" is dead. Requiescat in pace.

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Amendment II Democrats is an on-line confederation of progressive, moderate, and conservative Democratic grassroots activists dedicated to creating a free and armed America where our children are safe from violence in their homes and communities and the Constitutional rights of all Americans are respected. Their Web site can be found at http://www.a2dems.net.

February 15, 2006

AMENDMENT II DEMOCRATS WEBMASTER OFFERS TO HELP VICE-PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY ATTEND GUN SAFETY CLASS

$100 Towards Fee For Class Offered To Vice-President In Aftermath Of Accidental Shooting Of Hunting Partner In Texas On February 11, 2006

For Immediate Release: February 15, 2006
Contact: a2dems_feedback@yahoo.com

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Dallas, TX – While our city unites with others across the nation in providing aid and shelter to those displaced by Hurricane Katrina, today marks the one-year anniversary of the expiration of the Federal ban on semi-automatic firearms, which was part of the 1994 Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act.

On the eve of the ban's expiration last year, some Democratic lawmakers argued passionately that the lifting of the ban would result in a dramatic increase in violent crimes committed by those wielding such weapons.  However, this has not happened.  Indeed, the frequency of these crimes committed using semi-automatics is no different than the frequency of such crimes while the ban was in place.

The mounting incompetence of the Bush administration, as evidenced by the fallacious reasoning for Operation Iraqi Freedom, the massive intelligence failures resulting in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and now the chaotic and neglectful response to Hurricane Katrina, should provide Democratic candidates for Congress with more than enough leverage to defeat Republican opponents in 2006.  Despite this, some Democratic lawmakers continue to alienate prospective voters by insisting that the 1994 semi-auto ban be reinstated, if not strengthened.

Therefore, we at Amendment II Democrats issue this challenge to anti-gun Democratic candidates in 2006: Check your egos at the door.

There will not be a real discussion on health care reform on Capitol Hill unless Democrats control Congress.  The sanctity and validity of our electoral process will remain compromised unless Democrats control Congress.  Scientific research and education, which transformed the United States into a world power, will grind to a halt unless Democrats control Congress.  And we have already seen what a Republican administration has done to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  This is also because Democrats are not in control of Congress.

Amendment II Democrats are committed to giving Democrats control of Congress in 2006. However, we are convinced that this goal will not be realized if a minority of Democrats resist the will of the people and instead continue to manufacture consent for reinstating the 1994 semi-auto ban with skewed polls and political fear-mongering. The future of our nation is too important to allow the egos of a minority of Democratic lawmakers to alienate voters with adverse and unconstitutional legislation.

The future of progressive firearms legislation in America lies not with bans, confiscation, and the soft bigotry of diminished responsibility. Instead, it lies with an increased emphasis on firearm safety and a heightened sense of mutual responsibility – two elements critical to any well-regulated militia, including the American people.

Our nation has suffered greatly over the past few years as an indirect result of the 1994 semi-auto ban helping to drive voters to give Republicans control of Congress. We cannot allow this lapse of judgment to happen again.

Amendment II Democrats support Democratic candidates for Congress in 2006, with the following friendly advice: Take heed. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed any longer.

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Amendment II Democrats is an on-line confederation of grassroots Democratic activists dedicated to creating a free and armed America where our children are safe from violence in their homes and communities and the Constitutional rights of all Americans are respected. Their Web site can be found at http://www.a2dems.net.