NRA: Cam Edwards http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews Cam's Commentary en-us http://www.nranews.com/assets/authors/CamEdwardsBlogPic.png Cam Edwards http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews Fast and Furious Update http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,247 Cam Edwards 2011-06-20 00:00:00 UTC The latest reports in the Fast and Furious scandal indicate acting ATF Director Kenneth Melson may be on the way out. If that happens, expect the Obama Administration to call for the confirmation of Andrew Traver as head of ATF. And in an administration that never lets a crisis "go to waste," even one of their own making, this move could plant an ardent opponent of the 2nd Amendment in charge of the beleaguered agency.

Meanwhile, Bob Owens at Pajamas Media wonders if Fast and Furious was designed to bolster gun control efforts by the Obama administration. I've heard a lot of speculation as to that point, but to date, there's no solid evidence to indicate that was the driving motive. Then again, I think we still have a lot more questions than answers. After all, it seems the Justice Department and the White House are content to let Fast and Furious be portrayed as an ATF operation gone awry, when there's still evidence that top DOJ officials had some relationship to the effort to let U.S. firearms end up in the hands of the Mexican drug cartels.

]]> The Latest On Fast and Furious http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,229 Cam Edwards 2011-03-23 00:00:00 UTC There have been a number of new developments in the story of the troubling BATFE operation known as "Fast and Furious," which allegedly allowed suspected gunrunners to acquire guns here in the U.S. (in many cases over the objections of the firearm sellers) and "walk" them across the border into the hands of the Mexican drug cartels.

The biggest development is the resignation of U.S. Ambassador Carlos Pascual, a career diplomat whose rocky relationship with President Felipe Calderon couldn't survive the firestorm of controversy that has raged since the revelations of "Fast and Furious" first became public knowledge in Mexico. The leaders of Mexico's major political parties had called for Pascual's recall over the operation, but his resignation might not stop the calls for investigations in Mexico's federal legislature.

Another BATFE agent has come forward to CBS News in speaking out against "Fast and Furious," though unlike BATFE Special Agent John Dodson, BATFE Agent Rene Jaquez did not take part in the operation. Still, Jaquez is angry enough about the allegations that he's speaking out, telling reporter Sharyl Attkisson that "this incidence is one of the darkest days in ATF history."

Congressman Darrell Issa told San Diego talk show host Roger Hedgecock that he will be investigating the scandal, and Iowa Sen. Charles Grassley has also called for an independent investigation into "Fast and Furious." We're covering the story every evening on Cam and Company, so tune in weeknights for the very latest.

]]> Where’s the IACP http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,226 Cam Edwards 2011-03-11 00:00:00 UTC We've been spending a lot of time each evening reporting on the latest developments surrounding the BATFE's "Operation Fast and Furious," the investigation that allegedly allowed suspected firearms traffickers to purchase and transport guns in the United States across the Mexican border and into the hands of the drug cartels. We've spoken with NRA-ILA's Chris Cox, Sen. Chuck Grassley, and played comments from the Brady Campaign's Paul Helmke and NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre.

It's been interesting to see who wants to talk about these explosive allegations, and who's remaining silent. Paul Helmke, for instance, seemed very reluctant to talk about the charges made by BATFE Special Agent John Dodson, preferring instead to issue the same tired call for more gun control laws. But many other gun control groups have been virtually silent on the issue, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

I'm trying to figure out why the IACP wouldn't want to comment on the allegations. After all, we're talking about a law enforcement practice that allegedly allowed guns to travel across international borders and wind up in the hands of multinational criminal enterprises that used them to attack law enforcement south of the border. I'd think the chiefs would be one of the loudest voices calling for an investigation ... but instead they've kept mum.

I'm sure when their press office gets around to issuing a statement, it'll echo what the Brady Campaign and other gun control groups have had to say. But their silence makes me wonder if the IACP is more interested in blaming gun owners for crime than they are at protecting the law enforcement they supposedly represent.

 

]]> Live from CPAC! http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,217 Cam Edwards 2011-02-09 00:00:00 UTC Coming up on Thursday, Feb. 10th, and Friday, Feb. 11th, Cam and Company is hitting the road again! This time it's just a quick trip up the George Washington Parkway to Washington, D.C., where we'll be broadcasting live from the Conservative Political Action Conference.

We'll be airing Cam and Company at a special live time of 2 p.m. Eastern on Thursday and Friday, so be sure to check out the live broadcast! In addition to all the guests we'll be talking to, we'll also have live coverage of Wayne LaPierre's address to the CPAC attendees on Thursday afternoon at 3:15 p.m. Eastern. You won't want to miss Wayne's speech, which is always one of the highlights of the conference.

If you can't catch the live show on NRAnews.com, you can always catch the rebroadcast at our usual show time of 9 p.m. Eastern on NRAnews.com and SiriusXM Patriot (channels 144 and 166).

And of course, if you're attending CPAC, stop by Radio Row and say hello!

]]> Looking Ahead to Pittsburgh http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,215 Cam Edwards 2011-01-25 00:00:00 UTC I recently got back from Las Vegas, where NRANews was covering the 2011 Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show. Our broadcasts from the SHOT Show are always a great way to start the year, and 2011 was no exception. From the new products on display to the old friends we get to see, there's always so much going on that it's difficult if not impossible to cover it all in two or three days of broadcasting...but we try.

And the SHOT Show is a great warm-up for our coverage from the NRA Annual Meeting, which this year will take place from April 29th through May 1st in Pittsburgh, Pa. This will be a very special Annual Meeting for me, since we'll be going back to the place where NRANews launched back in 2004. In the weeks ahead, we'll be bringing you the latest news about the upcoming Annual Meeting, as well as talking to some of the folks who'll be in attendance in Pittsburgh.

In the meantime, you can get more information about this year's Annual Meeting by going to www.nraam.org. Check it out, and we'll see you in Pittsburgh!

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,192 Cam Edwards 2010-10-12 00:00:00 UTC It's been awhile since I've posted a Crib Sheet, but we had some great stories on Tuesday's "Cam & Company", including an incredible story of the criminal justice system in Baltimore, Maryland and a great armed citizen story from Pennsylvania.  Enjoy the links, and thanks for tuning in!

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/where-are-the-n-r-a-s-ads-everywhere/ - good story on the NRA and elections

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/civil-rights/123747-the-nra-way - decent op/ed

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2010/10/cleveland_fights_for_its_gun_l.html - preemption case in Ohio

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/guns_101010.html - an anti-guni op/ed

http://www.myfoxdc.com/dpp/news/dc/lanier%3A-gangs-cause-petworth-shootings-100910 - well this is ironic.

deal- http://citypaper.com/news/freeing-willie-1.1047548

hero- http://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/news/ci_16309764

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/news/ci_16310343 - the sheriff's also a real hero - hat tip to Christian Gunner

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,187 Cam Edwards 2010-09-27 00:00:00 UTC Here's a look at some of the 2nd Amendment-related stories we covered on Cam & Company on Monday, Sept. 27th, 2010.  I would have linked to the Paul Helmke blog at Huffington Post (the love letter to Jon Stewart), but I can't in good conscience give that guy any web traffic.  Instead, enjoy a double dose of armed citizen goodness in the Hero of the Day section!

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S1754960.shtml?cat=300 - Another problem with a city-funded anti-gang program.  I'm shocked.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/5c1b6a72-c5eb-11df-b53e-00144feab49a.html - Great story about Kennesaw, GA.

http://www.nssfblog.com/aba-committee-adopts-microstamping-resolution/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NSSFBlog+%28NSSF+Blog%29 - ABA supports microstamping

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39356718/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/ - God bless our troops.

Deal of the day- http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/7219839.html

Hero of the day- http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/northeast/view.bg?articleid=1284588

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/83-year-old-clearwater-man-pulls-gun-on-would-be-robber/1123803

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,184 Cam Edwards 2010-09-16 00:00:00 UTC We're getting ready to hit the road and broadcast from the National Police Shooting Championships in Albuquerque, New Mexico next Monday and Tuesday (special live broadcast time on the web at 2 p.m. Eastern). While we're packing though, I've still got a show to do! Here are links to some of the 2nd Amendment topics we discussed on Cam & Company Thursday night.

http://www.jerrymoran.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1862%3A9152010-committee-approves-moran-bill-to-protects-veterans-2nd-amendment-rights&catid=1%3A2010-press-releases&Itemid=103 - helping our vets restore their gun rights


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2010/09/dc_statues_bill_caught_up_in_v.html - another chance to get D.C.'s gun laws revamped?


http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=148812&catid=3 - voluntary gun registration in Cleveland


http://politics.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/09/16/second-2nd-amendment-kansas-initiative-would-reaffirm-right-bear-arms#ixzz0ziG4FJ1f - 2nd Amendment ballot initiative in Kansas

Deal of the Day- http://auburnjournal.com/detail/158853.html?content_source=&category_id=2&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id= - 240 days for raping a 14 year old girl?


Hero- http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/sep/15/burglars-flee-after-manager-fires-shot-ceiling-ar-232584/

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,182 Cam Edwards 2010-09-13 00:00:00 UTC I'm going to be in Rhode Island on Tuesday for the Matt Light Celebrity Shootout, but will be back in time to do MOST of Cam & Company on Tuesday night. We'll have live coverage of the last big primary night of the year, as well as the latest 2nd Amendment news and information from around the country! In the meantime, here are some of the 2nd Amendment-related stories we covered on Monday's Cam & Company.


http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel10/ucr2009_091310.htm- more guns, less crime


http://www.gunfreediningtennessee.org/ - oh jeez. Does anybody really need this?


http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2010/sep/12/guns-havent-changed-state-parks/ - what do you know?  Pro-gun bills don't lead to problems!


http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2010-09-13-petey-pablo-airport-arrest-gun_N.htm - another rapper with a gun


http://www.opposingviews.com/i/nra-jokes-about-shooting-government-officials - Wayne LaPierre's new book


http://www.ammoland.com/2010/09/12/bloomberg-further-disgraces-himself-in-latest-anti-gun-pitch/ - NRA on latest MAIG paper


http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/tiff/tiffnews/article/860002--sundance-kid-robert-redford-holsters-his-gun-but-not-his-mind - I'll take Heston any day of the week.


deal of the day- http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/8285322/


Hero of the day- http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=153332&catid=3

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,180 Cam Edwards 2010-09-10 00:00:00 UTC As we head into the weekend, here's  a look at the 2nd Amendment related stories we talked about on Friday's Cam and Company.

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/gunregistry/article/859380--ndp-seek-magic-bullet-on-gun-control?bn=1 - Canada

cartels-

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129776061 - first the locals were corrupt, then the military was inept, now the federal police are corrupt

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMi5B2USfJStXxfqgWWr2xjRYpOgD9I59JGG0 - deadliest day in three years

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE68944P20100910 - 85 cartel members escape near McAllen, Texas

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-11268702 - another on jailbreak

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-salvador-funes-20100911,0,2580183.story - I'm with ya right up until the end there

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-fg-obama-mexico-20100911,0,7136563.story - obama contradicts Clinton

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/09/texas-gun-dealer-gets-prison-sentence-selling-gun-illegal-immigrant-id-illegal/ - the controversy isn't that the citizen got convicted while the illegal immigrant got off, it's that justice was only served in one case of lawbreaking.

deal of the day- http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/bs-md-hermann-stabbing-midtown-20100907,0,3801173.story and they say the problem is "gun violence".

hero of the day- http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/sep/09/shooting-probe-under-way-knox-county/

 

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,178 Cam Edwards 2010-09-09 00:00:00 UTC Here are links to all the 2nd Amendment-related stories we talked about on Cam and Company on Thursday, Sept. 9th.

http://www.nssfblog.com/center-for-biological-diversity-prepares-to-challenge-epa/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NSSFBlog+%28NSSF+Blog%29 - Center for Biological Diversity is at it again.

http://politics.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2010/09/08/the-nra-hopes-yard-signs-will-boost-election-day-wins

http://portlandtribune.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=128398080355808400 - we've reached out to this anti... but so far no response

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/opinion/09thurs3.html - times on Daley

http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13120824 - NRA lawsuit

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/dgagliasso/2010/09/09/of-george-clooney-charlton-heston-and-real-class/ - nice piece on Heston

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/117799-obama-emanuel-would-be-an-excellent-mayor-will-decide-after-elections

deal- http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100908/NEWS010701/309080009/-1M-bond-in-pry-bar-killing

hero- http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1280164

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,177 Cam Edwards 2010-09-08 00:00:00 UTC Here's a look at the items we talked about on Wednesday's Cam & Company.  Enjoy the links!

http://hotair.com/archives/2010/09/08/judiciary-committee-hearing-next-week-on-atf-modernization-bill/ - I disagree with Ed Morrissey about the 2nd Amendment being settled, politically speaking.

http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_845bb76e-e4db-50da-a13f-1458e1006694.html - anti-gunner hopes you don't pay attention

http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/news/crime-and-public-safety/gun-show-question-stirs-controversy-minnesota-state-fair-109 - gun show "loophole" in MN

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/07/BA071F13OJ.DTL - san francisco is so tolerant

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/carrollton/stories/090810dnmetcarrguns.2893c20.html - trying to restrict where gun stores can open

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-07/venezuela-may-tighten-gun-laws-as-growing-violence-becomes-campaign-issue.html - Chavez tightening gun laws

Deal - http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100908/NEWS010701/309080009/Woman-killed-neighbor-police-say

http://www.studlife.com/news/2010/09/08/mcmillon/

Hero- http://www.wbtv.com/global/story.asp?s=13107612

 

]]> Show Material http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,175 Cam Edwards 2010-09-07 00:00:00 UTC Starting today, I'll be posting all of my 2nd Amendment related show prep material right here for you to peruse at your leisure.  Every night I get emails and talkbacks from folks asking for links to stories that I reference on Cam & Company, so I thought this would be a good way for you to refer back to what we were talking about on the show!

There's even an added bonus!  I usually don't get to everything in my list of show material, so you'll find plenty of links to stories that are important, but didn't get a lot of discussion on Cam & Company.  Enjoy the links, and be sure to spread the word!

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/09/07/long-island-man-arrested-for-defending-home-with-ak-47/ - self-defense not allowed in New York, apparently.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/09/daley-says-he-will-not-run-for-re-election.html - Daley won't run for mayor

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2010/04/obama-aide-emanuel-id-like-to-be-mayor-of-chicago/1 - does Rahm want it?

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0910/The_next_Rahm.html - more Rahm-talk

http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/245875/son-rose-jay-nordlinger - Do Chicago conservati ves really love Daley?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/06/AR2010090603088.html - WaPo whines about ATF reform

http://www.thefrisky.com/post/246-69-year-old-grandma-shoots-intruder-with-her-38-Special/ - the Frisky talks armed citizens!  I love it when pro-2nd Amendment stories get covered in non-traditional media!

http://www.ohio.com/editorial/opinions/102322039.html - ridiculous opposition to 2nd amendment bill

Campus crime-

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/crime-scene/maryland/u-md-students-warned-after-mug.html - University of Maryland

http://www.wvec.com/news/Robbery-at-Old-Dominion-University-has-students-on-alert-102258314.html - Old Dominion University

http://www.vagazette.com/articles/2010/08/25/news/doc4c743ddcc098d973933232.txt - William and Mary

http://www.coloradodaily.com/cu-boulder/ci_15998192#axzz0yscFg1IG - CU Boulder

http://media.www.thebrownandwhite.com/media/storage/paper1233/news/2010/09/07/Opinion/Editorial.How.To.Stay.Safe.At.Lehigh-3927785.shtml - Lehigh

International-

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/handgun-use-up-in-assaults-robberies-20100906-14x5s.html - guns in crime in Australia going up after ban.

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2010/09/06/207491_news.html - let's ban knives too

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/canada/politics/Sorry+Jack+registry+saved/3487816/story.html - canada's long gun registry has to go

deal of the day- http://www.dailymail.com/policebrfs/201009050417

hero of the day- http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2010/09/05/20100905chandler-shooting-two-dead.html

 

]]> Top Shot http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,159 Cam Edwards 2010-06-01 00:00:00 UTC I'm guessing the History Channel isn't one of Paul Helmke's favorite cable channels. Over the past few weeks, the cable network has been running an interesting mini-series entitled, "America: The Story of Us." The mini-series hasn't shied away from the fact that our Right to Keep and Bear Arms has played an integral role in the founding and shaping of this nation, which is refreshing enough. But starting this Sunday, June 6th, the History Channel is taking an even closer look at the exercising of our 2nd Amendment rights in the new show "Top Shot."

Sixteen contestants will square off in a variety of shooting competitions, with the winner taking home a $100,000 prize. The show itself looks fascinating, and I'm looking forward to tuning in Sunday night. The fact that I'm acquainted with a few of the contestants is an added bonus ... not to mention the fact that it's piqued my interest in trying out for Season 2!

I love the fact that a show about shooting is now mainstream enough that the History Channel will not only air the program in prime time, but they'll devote a great deal of time and effort to promoting the show. A successful run for Top Shot would be a big boost for those of us who want to see more television programming that's oriented towards gun owners. Here's hoping the show and its audience prove to be good ambassadors for our 2nd Amendment rights!

 

]]> Gun Buybacks Don’t Work http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,141 Cam Edwards 2010-04-27 00:00:00 UTC I have a phrase that I use to describe the typical gun-control proposals offered by too many of our elected politicians these days: "soundbite solutions." These proposals can be explained in just a few seconds, and always come with the promise of making communities safer (or the threat that communities will become more dangerous if the proposals aren't enacted). Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa recently demonstrated a perfect example of a soundbite solution when he announced a gun "buyback" with great fanfare a few days ago.

On the pages of the Huffington Post, Villaraigosa said, "We are calling on all L.A. residents to join us in securing a safer city for every family, to implore Angelenos to turn in their guns and participate in our Gun Buyback Program. We believe that when faced with an easy, safe way to voluntarily surrender a weapon coupled with the right kind of incentives, people will come forward and give up their guns."

There's just one problem: gun buybacks don't work. A decade ago, California researcher Garen Wintemute said, "The continuation of buyback programs is a triumph of wishful thinking over all the available evidence." In 2001, the federal government quit spending taxpayer dollars on so-called "buybacks," in part because "studies show that lawbreakers rarely surrender their weapons to buyback programs, and many people who sell their guns have other firearms at home, or soon purchase new ones."

Now Mayor Villaraigosa says, "The bottom line here is that the gifts-for-guns method has been tested, and it works." Sure it works ... as long as "works" translates to "I've convinced people I'm getting tough on crime." Last year, the Los Angeles Times called the mayor's buyback program "political theater" and said that "really reducing gun crime requires more than feel-good exercises." Nothing's changed in the past twelve months, including Mayor Villaraigosa's determination to rely on soundbite solutions instead of real problem solving.

 

]]> Budget Woes and the 2nd Amendment http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,139 Cam Edwards 2010-04-19 00:00:00 UTC All over the country, governments are slashing budgets as they deal with big deficits, and more and more communities are dealing with cuts to public safety budgets. In New York City, Mayor Mike Bloomberg says there will be no police layoffs, but it also looks likely that the retired officers won't be replaced, which means there'll be fewer officers on the streets of the Big Apple. In Los Angeles, about 1,000 non-uniformed employees of the LAPD have been let go, which means that many of their duties have now been taken over by police officers. Translation: fewer cops on the street.

Many rural areas have been hit just as hard, if not harder. In Ashtabula County, Ohio, budget cuts to the sheriff's department means there's just one patrol car responsible for the 720 square mile jurisdiction. And a judge in the county recently told a local television station that residents need to look out for themselves and each other. Judge Alfred Mackey told WKYC-TV residents that they should "arm themselves. Be very careful and just be vigilant, because we're going to have to look after each other."

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a California legislator is apparently ignoring the state's $18.6 billion deficit and is proposing the state start registering all legally owned long guns. Interestingly enough, at the same time California is looking at beginning long gun registration, Canada is preparing to scrap its own long gun registry, which has cost the nation billions of dollars and hasn't been effective in reducing or solving crimes. If Assemblyman Mike Feuer gets his way, the state's budget woes could get a lot worse, without public safety getting any better.

 

]]> Less Legal Guns, More Crime http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,135 Cam Edwards 2010-04-10 00:00:00 UTC The other day, a suburban paper outside of Chicago published an op-ed by a community college instructor and former law enforcement officer who claimed that, despite all evidence to the contrary, Chicago's ban on handguns is working. The fact that thousands of guns are confiscated each year from Chicago's violent criminals means, according to Charles Kulis, that the handgun ban is effective. The idea, according to Kulis, is that low levels of legal gun ownership will result in low levels of criminal acquisition or use of firearms.

Professor Kulis' logic escapes me as well. There is no legal ownership of handguns in Chicago, and yet criminals break that law with impunity. The only ones affected by the ban on handguns are the law-abiding residents who want to own a handgun for personal protection, competitive shooting or even hunting. And Chicago's gun ban hasn't made them any safer. In fact, it's just left them disarmed.

I'd like Charles Kulis to consider the tiny island nation of Bermuda. According to the local Royal Gazette newspaper, Bermuda is one of the most heavily policed nations in the world. The island, just 21 square miles, is home to about 65,000 individuals. Legal gun ownership is virtually banned on the island, and since there are few legal guns and a high level of policing, if Charles Kulis is right, then Bermuda should be a crime free paradise.

It's not ... but you probably already guessed that. In 2009, the per capita homicide rate was 9.2 per 100,000 people, far higher than that of the United States. The criminals on Bermuda have no trouble illegally getting and using guns. But a law-abiding Bermudan who wants to own a firearm for self-defense? Forget about it. They're just as defenseless as the average resident of Chicago ... and about as safe as well.

 

]]> Opposed to Education? http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,130 Cam Edwards 2010-03-12 00:00:00 UTC
I'm guessing the paper's editorial writers never bothered to look at any of the materials from the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program. If they had, they would have seen that the program simply teaches kids what to do if they ever come across a firearm: "Stop. Don't Touch. Leave the Area. Tell an Adult." You won't find any political issues in Eddie Eagle's message. You won't even find an NRA logo. You'll just find a message that every child needs to hear. 

The Prince William County Messenger apparently believes that the simple message isn't appropriate for schools. They call the idea of gun safety "something better taught at home." Twenty-one million kids across this country have gone through the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, and the vast majority of them have been taught in a classroom or other structured setting. How many of them would never have received this message if it wasn't taught to them outside their home environment? Is the Messenger editorial staff really saying that these kids would have been better off without this education?

As a father, I started my children off with an Eddie Eagle DVD long before they ever started school. I did teach my kids at home-but I'd love to see that education reinforced in a classroom setting, and I know lots of other parents who feel the same way.
]]> Setting the Record Straight http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,129 Cam Edwards 2010-02-24 00:00:00 UTC
The chief, Scott Knight, has been involved with the anti-gun group Mayors Against Illegal Guns for several years, and has chaired the International Association of Chiefs of Police's Firearms Committee for five terms. He's a guy that has been around this issue for years, which makes his recent comments even more inexplicable. 

Knight called for changes to our nation's gun laws, including a ban on private transfers of firearms. Knight, like so many other gun-control advocates, demonized gun shows and implied that criminals use our gun shows as an easy way to illegally obtain a firearm. But Chief Knight knows better, or at least he should. 

See, back in 2006, the IACP's Firearms Committee heard from some FBI researchers who had just concluded a study about violence against law-enforcement officers. As Force Science News reported at the time, "Predominantly handguns were used in the assaults on officers, and all but one were obtained illegally, usually in street transactions or in thefts. In contrast to media myth, none of the firearms in the study was obtained from gun shows." The members of IACP's Firearms Committee also heard the FBI's Ed Davis say that none of the criminals who attacked officers were "hindered by any law-federal, state or local-that has ever been established to prevent gun ownership. They just laughed at gun laws." Less than four years later, Chief Knight has apparently forgotten all about that briefing and the research presented. Either that or he simply chooses to ignore what the FBI's top researchers have to say.
Even worse, Knight used the deaths of four Lakewood, Washington, police officers to call for more gun-control laws. But if Knight has paid any attention at all to this case, he knows that the man who murdered these officers in cold-blood did it with a stolen gun. Knight made it seem like a simple change in federal law would have saved the lives of these officers. What gun-control law would Knight propose that would prevent a repeat violent felon from obtaining a stolen firearm? 

I've been covering the Second Amendment on a full-time basis for nearly six years now, and I'm not surprised when gun-control advocates ignore real data and other "inconvenient truths." I'm not even shocked when gun-control advocates exploit tragedy to push for new gun-control laws. I just don't like to hear a law-enforcement officer completely misrepresent the facts about the deaths of fellow officers the way Scott Knight did in Washington, D.C., the other day, and I think it's important to set the record straight.
]]> Camp Compass http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,128 Cam Edwards 2010-02-18 00:00:00 UTC
In addition to instilling students with a love of the outdoors and a sense of responsibility, Annoni takes care to integrate educational opportunities in math, science and social studies when out in the field. And as Annoni says, the program "dispels the many myths about sportsmen and conservation." 
 
I recently had the opportunity to talk with Annoni on "Cam & Company" and came away impressed and grateful that there are educators out there who are actually interested in teaching kids about conservation, rather than attempting to indoctrinate them with anti-hunting views. In a day and age where PETA's trying to get into the classroom, it's nice to know there's a counterpoint out there.
]]> No Time for Straw Buy http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,124 Cam Edwards 2010-02-01 00:00:00 UTC
While these anti-gunners are lobbying for laws that aren't needed and only criminalize victims of burglary, real straw purchasers are getting slaps on the wrist for supplying felons with guns. Theresa Jones, a 45-year-old Philadelphia woman, recently received home confinement for supplying two felons with guns, including one that was used in the murder of a teenager. 

Jones was facing a mandatory minimum five-year sentence, but prosecutors allowed her to plea bargain down to house arrest. If the gun-control advocates were really serious about making Pennsylvania communities safer, you'd think they'd be expressing outrage about this sentence. Instead, they're urging yet another community to pass a "lost or stolen" ordinance that targets the law-abiding. Perhaps public safety isn't really that high a priority for these gun-banners. .
]]> England’s National Nightmare http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,121 Cam Edwards 2010-01-11 00:00:00 UTC
You see, the officers told Myleene Klass that she shouldn't have shown a knife to the strangers on her property. The police, according to the Guardian newspaper, "warned her she should not have used a knife to scare off the youths because carrying an 'offensive weapon', even in her own home, was illegal." 

It's the latest nightmare in the nanny state known as England; a place where even asserting your right to self-defense is cause for a dressing-down from the local law enforcement. Here in America, the vast majority of us support our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, and one of the core purposes of that right is the right of defense, whether it's for self or state. But even here, there are a few individuals in lofty positions who would love to see us reduced to the same state of helplessness as the British. That's why this story, even though it has nothing to do with guns, has everything to do with the Second Amendment. If we were to lose our right to keep and bear arms, our right of self-defense would be soon to follow, and England's national nightmare would start to play itself out on our shores.
]]> Ramming Through A Gun Ban http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,118 Cam Edwards 2009-12-15 00:00:00 UTC  
That four-year-old boy was drilled by a wide receiver catching a football in the end zone during Colorado State's spring football game, but Colorado State didn't stop playing football as a result. In fact, the team just finished off a 3-9 season in which the defense "was decimated by injuries" (according to press accounts). 

Why am I talking about Colorado State football? Because I find it hard to believe that the school's Board of Governors has banned campus carry in the name of student safety, while continuing to allow student athletes to suffer serious injuries every Saturday. 

Since 2003, when campus carry began at Colorado State, not a single incident involving a Right-to-Carry holder has taken place. Crime has gone down, according to the school's former public safety director. And just last week, the student government voted 21-3 in favor of keeping campus carry in place. 

None of that mattered to the Board of Governors, who said that in the name of "campus safety," the campus carry policy that's been in place for nearly six years would have to be scrapped. As one student put it, "You might as well ban everything that has a potential risk-cars, alcohol and sports." Banning college football would be ridiculous, but no more ridiculous than prohibiting a practice that hasn't caused a single problem since 2003.
]]> Newark’s Gun Buyback http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,109 Cam Edwards 2009-11-20 00:00:00 UTC

See, recently Booker announced that Newark was going to hold a "gun buyback." These "buybacks" are feel-good measures, not crime-fighting tools, and they've been proven to be ineffective in reducing violent crime and firearm accidents. They present a negative viewpoint of firearms, with promoters claiming success if they "get one gun off the street." If legal gun owners aren't the problem, then why is Mayor Booker so intent on getting legal gun owners to give up their firearms?


If Booker was really in support of law-abiding gun owners, he would have spent the $50,000 on gun safety courses for Newark residents, instead of handing over $200 to gun owners who handed in their granddad's shotgun or their uncle's old rifle.
]]> Election Wrap-up http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,108 Cam Edwards 2009-11-04 00:00:00 UTC
Even in New York City, Michael Bloomberg won a nail-biter, finishing with a whopping 51 percent of the vote. The anti-gun county executive in Westchester County, NY, was handily defeated by a candidate supported by gun owners in the county. New Jersey elected at least one new pro-Second Amendment assemblyman, and several "F"-rated delegates in Virginia were ousted in favor of "A"-rated and NRA endorsed challengers. 

Heading into 2010, the message seems clear: Support the Second Amendment, respect gun owners, and don't mess with our rights.
]]> Gun Control, Kenyan Style http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,105 Cam Edwards 2009-10-08 00:00:00 UTC
The problem is that the Kenyan government doesn't think most Kenyans have a right to own a gun. The licensing fees are prohibitive to the vast majority of Kenyans, and if the cost doesn't keep them from legally licensing their long gun, the arbitrary denial of licenses will. The Kenyan government has been trying for years to disarm the pastoralist cattle herders in the northwest of the country, and has committed human rights abuses against their own citizens in their quest to rid the pastoralists of the rifles they own for protection against cattle raiders. Now some in the government want to kill those who want to own a firearm for personal protection.


The Kenyan government, like many gun-control advocates here, claims it's not opposed to gun ownership, as long as the proper licenses are acquired. But just like our American gun grabbers, they want to dictate the terms and conditions of gun ownership, to the point that a right becomes nothing more than a privilege, exercised only with the acquiescence and permission of politicians.
]]> Budget Cuts and Rifle Teams http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,103 Cam Edwards 2009-09-29 00:00:00 UTC
Across the country in Washington state, the Tumwater School District is busy figuring out a way to save the rifle teams at Tumwater and Black Hills high schools. In fact, the president of the school board has said, "We're going to save it. It's another option for kids in the district, and we are about providing options for kids." They're now looking for ways to have a volunteer head coach for the teams, which would save money and allow for the program to continue.

These programs can be saved ... as long as school boards want to save them. When they don't, decades of tradition and excellence can be lost with a simple vote.
]]> NRANews On the Road http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,98 Cam Edwards 2009-09-21 00:00:00 UTC
While we're there, we'll be broadcasting live at a special time of 1-4 p.m. Eastern, but you can always catch the replay of "Cam & Company" at our normal broadcast time of 9 p.m. Eastern, 6 p.m. Pacific. I look forward to seeing you in the talkbacks!
]]> Crime on Campus http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,95 Cam Edwards 2009-09-15 00:00:00 UTC Newsweek, "It's a frightening idea to think that there's a murderer on campus." Frightening or not, it's the truth. As the campus in New Haven, Connecticut, grapples with the murder of student Annie Le, whose body was found in a campus building on what was supposed to be her wedding day, college students around the country are waking up to the idea that they may not be as safe as they thought they were.

From the armed robberies of students near the Georgia Tech campus, to the sexual assault of a University of Michigan student on a jogging path in Ann Arbor, to the robbery of a student on the campus of John Carroll University in Cleveland (and other assaults of students in Seattle, Louisville, Pittsburgh and other cities across the country this fall), it's clear that our college students aren't immune to becoming the victims of violent crime.

Will this shocking crime in Connecticut (as well as the less headline-grabbing crimes on or near campuses around the nation) jar college administrators and university presidents enough to finally hold an honest discussion about Right-to-Carry and college campuses? I'd like to say I think so, but sadly, I think even tragic events like the murder of Annie Le will be downplayed or portrayed as an isolated incident in order to avoid having that honest debate.
]]> England’s Embarrassing Admission http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,89 Cam Edwards 2009-09-03 00:00:00 UTC
According to Scotland Yard, crimes involving firearms have jumped 14 percent in the past four months, and the law-enforcement agency says that's a result of both criminal gangs and street thugs using guns in the commission of crimes. 

Despite the numbers, officials claim there's no reason to suspect that criminals are acquiring more firearms on the black market. Residents in boroughs like Brent, where gun-related crime has doubled over the past four months, may beg to differ.

One thing's for certain: England's criminals are paying as much attention to that country's gun ban as criminals in Chicago are paying to that city's ban on handguns. Those who disregard the laws against robbery, rape, or murder aren't going to mind the laws that tell them "no guns allowed." ]]> HSUS Goes After Hunters http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,88 Cam Edwards 2009-08-26 00:00:00 UTC
Of course there's no evidence that lead ammunition is the slightest bit problematic for the environment, but the animal rights extremists aren't going to let a little thing like science stand in their way. 

I remember interviewing HSUS's Michael Markarian a few years ago, back when he was with Fund for Animals (the two organizations merged shortly thereafter). The topic of discussion was Maryland's bear hunt, and Markarian insisted that the bear population estimates from Maryland's wildlife biologists were too high. I asked him how high the population of bears would have to be before he would support a hunt... and of course Markarian said he would never support a hunt, no matter how large or out of control the bear population grew.

Keep that in mind as you hear the animal-rights activists talk about lead ammunition. Their goal isn't to force hunters to change to non-lead ammo, it's about forcing hunters to stop hunting altogether.
]]> Liberty and Freedom http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,87 Cam Edwards 2009-08-19 00:00:00 UTC
Ironic, isn't it? Students at Liberty and Freedom will have a little less of both this year, unless the school board steps up and restores funding.
]]> D.C.’s Invisible Second Amendment http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,85 Cam Edwards 2009-08-13 00:00:00 UTC
As I was wandering around looking at the golf, hockey, boxing, football, water skiing, hang-gliding (honestly), basketball and other games, I felt a little disappointed. Surely there was a hunting game around there somewhere? Air hockey, offroading, duckpin bowling (again, I'm not kidding), but no hunting game. I was about to give up my search when I rounded a corner and saw it: probably the only video arcade hunting game in the entire District of Columbia. It was practically invisible, just like the Second Amendment in Washington, D.C.

A year ago, the Supreme Court ruled that the District's ban on handguns was unconstitutional. Since then, there have been a handful more than 500 pistols registered in the District. There are still no gun stores, no ranges, and no practical way for a resident to purchase a firearm. The Second Amendment exists only for a handful, not for the vast majority of residents. Imagine a city in which only 500 people could exercise their freedom of speech, access the internet, attend the church of their choosing or enter a bookstore. It's inconceivable, but that's the state of the Second Amendment in our nation's capitol a year after Heller. 

The NRA is challenging the new laws the City Council has put in place, but lawsuits take time. They're pushing for legislation that would restore the Second Amendment in Washington, D.C., but anti-gun politicians in Congress refuse to bring the legislation for a vote. In the meantime, that hunting game in the basement of a restaurant at 11th and E, NW may be one of the most tangible reminders of the Second Amendment in all of our nation's capitol. That's why I was so excited when I found it. I didn't run to the game (I am a grown man after all), but I did quicken my pace as I walked towards it. I swiped my card through the reader. Nothing. 

I swiped again. Nothing. SwipeSwipeSwipe. It wasn't working! "Uh, Dad, I think the card reader's broken," my son told me. Yes, I knew it was ... I just didn't want it to be the case. There would be no moose hunting in Washington, D.C., this August afternoon. I allowed myself to be dragged away to a jet-ski game, looking sadly back at the broken reader and thinking of empty rights.
]]> Monsters Not Allowed http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,84 Cam Edwards 2009-08-11 00:00:00 UTC "Make a sign," my daughter Catherine said. 
"What kind of sign?" I asked. 
She smiled at me. "Monsters Not Allowed," she replied.
James scowled at his sister. "Monsters can't read," he told her. 
I stepped in. "Wait a second," I said. "What if we drew a picture instead? We could draw a monster and then put a circle and a line through it so that the monster would see that he wasn't allowed."
James looked at me like I was speaking Martian. "Dad," he intoned gravely. "Monsters don't care.
"It's pretty sad that a four-year-old gets what so many adults don't. No matter how much we may wish it were so, all the signs in the world won't keep the monsters away, because monsters don't care what we want. 
James slept peacefully that night ... after we did a complete interior sweep of the closet and I solemnly informed him that a monster had to get past Mommy and I in order to get into the house, and that just wasn't going to happen. When it comes to protecting my family against the kind of monsters that four-year-olds thankfully don't even realize exist, I don't rely on a sign.
]]> Safe at Home http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,71 Cam Edwards 2009-07-31 00:00:00 UTC I won't retell Cassidy Lockett's story here, but I would encourage you to check out the interview in our archives. I'm not giving anything away, however, by telling you that the Idaho County sheriff's office recently commended Ms. Lockett for her quick thinking and calm demeanor in handling the two bad guys.

We cover stories like this every night on "Cam & Company" in our Hero of the Day segment, so be sure to tune in each weeknight for armed citizen stories from around the country.

 

]]> Back To Work http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,70 Cam Edwards 2009-07-21 00:00:00 UTC
James was a delivery driver for Pizza Hut in Des Moines, Iowa, when he was attacked one night while making a delivery to an apartment complex. He did exactly as the armed robber said, and handed over his wallet, keys and even the pizza. But when the robber continued to point a gun at his head, Spiers felt his life was in danger.

He went for the robber's gun first, then pulled his own. After four shots, the armed robber was down, and Spiers was safe. Hours later, after being interviewed by the police, Spiers went home to his 10-year-old daughter.

It'd be nice if the story ended there, but life doesn't always have a happy ending. Spiers, who is a legal Right-to-Carry holder in Iowa, was fired by Pizza Hut for carrying on the job. Apparently they prefer their drivers to be unarmed and helpless. So the single father was alive, but unemployed.

According to a recent article in The Des Moines Register, Spiers struggled to find work after he was fired for self-defense. After a long search though, Spiers eventually found a new job supplying snacks to gas stations and convenience stores, and his boss says he's fine with his employee carrying on the job.

Life doesn't always have a happy ending, but every so often good things do happen to good people. I'm glad to see Mr. Spiers is back at work, his family intact, and his right to self-defense preserved.

]]> Second Opinions http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,32 Cam Edwards 2009-07-15 04:00:00 UTC
In the Washington Times, NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre writes:

“This nation was founded on a set of fundamental freedoms. Our Constitution does not give us those freedoms—it guarantees and protects them. The right to defend ourselves and our loved ones is one of those. The individual right to keep and bear arms is another. These truths are what define us as Americans.

The Supreme Court is compelled to respect the Second and 14th Amendments and to interpret and apply them correctly. The cases in which Judge Sotomayor and her colleagues have mishandled these issues raise serious questions about her fitness to serve on the highest court in the land.”

At the Volokh Conspiracy legal blog, Georgetown Law Professor Randy Barnett writes today:

“As she did yesterday, Sotomayor asserted that a right is "fundamental" if it is “incorporated” against the states via the 14th Amendment, rather than that a right it incorporated against the states if it is fundamental. She then claimed that Supreme Court precedent established that that the Second Amendment is not incorporated. This, too, is inaccurate.

As Justice Scalia stated in Heller, the precedents refusing to apply the Second Amendment to the states (on which Sotomayor's panel relied in Maloney) did not address the modern "fundamental rights" doctrine. Judge Sotomayor's panel in the Second Circuit said nothing about the merits of the claim that the individual right to bear arms meets the modern test for identifying a fundamental right.”

The hearings are expected to last all week, so be sure to tune in to “Cam & Company” at 9 p.m. Eastern for the latest news and information on the Sotomayor hearings and the top Second Amendment-related news of the day.

]]> A Busy Week For The Second Amendment http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,33 Cam Edwards 2009-07-14 04:00:00 UTC
The good news is that we’ve got you covered. Tune in to NRANews.com this week and catch Ginny Simone at the United Nations, where she’s providing on-the-ground and up-to-the-minute reports on the global gun-ban efforts. We’ll also have complete coverage and commentary on the Sotomayor hearings, and we’ll get you caught up on the legislation still being debated around the country, including anti-gun measures in Massachusetts and Tennessee.

]]> Happy Independence Day! http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,34 Cam Edwards 2009-07-03 04:00:00 UTC
And be sure to check out some of the other big stories you may have missed during the past week, including Ginny Simone’s NRA News exclusive with former Congressman Tom Tancredo!

We’ll be back live on Monday, but in the meantime have a great holiday!

]]> Toy Stories http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,35 Cam Edwards 2009-06-24 04:00:00 UTC really interesting post about kids and toy guns, and how parents handle the issue. Marko suggests there are a variety of ways that gun-owning parents deal with toy guns, from total prohibition on one end to total acceptance on the other.

My attitudes have changed a bit over the years. When I was first married, we lived in a pretty crummy neighborhood. My wife and her kids, however, were coming from an even worse neighborhood in terms of violent crime. While we never instituted a total prohibition on toy guns, we did stick with the brightly colored toys that shoot foam darts. Over the years, we’ve let the kids get their share of toy laser pistols and rifles, enormous water cannons, and even the good old-fashioned cap guns. In fact, my 8-year-old wanted a souvenir the last time we were at Mount Vernon, and I got him a “replica” Kentucky Rifle.

Several of the folks commenting at Marko’s blog have rules very similar to the rules at my house: a mix of “directed interest” and acceptance of toy guns. The main difference is, at my house, I have children ranging from 18 years old to four years old, so the rules vary a little bit depending on age. The goal is always the same though, to ensure that my kids develop the responsibility and respect needed to be good gun owners.

Here’s a question for the parents reading this: What are the rules at your house? Feel free to share your stories at cam@nranews.com. Who knows, we may share your story on the show one night!

]]> 1,000,000 Stories To Be Told http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,36 Cam Edwards 2009-06-22 04:00:00 UTC
That got me thinking: I’ll bet there are a lot of interesting stories about what led these men and women to become new gun owners and Second Amendment activists. I want to share some of these stories on “Cam & Company,” but I need your help.

Know a new gun owner with a compelling story? Email me at cam@nranews.com and tell me about him or her. Or, if you’re that new gun owner or NRA member, send me an email and let me know what got you off the fence. Who knows, you may end up telling your story on a worldwide broadcast, inspiring others to do the same!

]]> Welcome in Wallkill http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,37 Cam Edwards 2009-06-15 04:00:00 UTC
NRA President Ron Schmeits gave a rousing speech to the assembled crowd, who was also really excited to hear from N.Y. Assemblyman Greg Ball. I got the opportunity to meet a lot of fans of NRANews.com and “Cam & Company,” and was able to spread the word about the new NRANews.com news channel as well.

Danielle Sturgis from NRAblog.com was there as well, documenting the entire weekend, and they’ve got lots of great pictures from the event. We’ll be sharing more pictures and talking to some of the great folks I met all week long on “Cam & Company.”

Thanks again to everyone at the NYSRPA for putting on a fantastic event.

]]> A Bittersweet Victory http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,38 Cam Edwards 2009-06-05 04:00:00 UTC
Ben Goeser was killed in a restaurant in Nashville earlier this year, and Nicole couldn't do anything to stop it. Even though Nicole is a Right to Carry holder, Tennessee law at the time required her to leave her gun in her car. That's where it was on April 2nd, when the love of her life was taken… right in front of her.

The Tennessee Legislature passed a bill this session to extend Right to Carry into restaurants where alcohol is served, as long as the Right to Carry holder doesn’t consume any alcohol. Despite overwhelming approval, the governor vetoed the bill, going back on his word in 2006 to support such legislation.

Nicole Goeser couldn't believe it. She had written to the governor, telling her story despite the raw pain that comes from talking about that horrific night in April. She received no response, but Nicole didn't despair. She knew that the legislature could override the veto, and this week, that's exactly what happened.

State Senator Doug Jackson invited Nicole Goeser to be in the Senate chamber when the final vote of the override process took place. She accepted, and received a standing ovation from those present after Sen. Jackson read a letter from Ben Goeser to his wife… the last love letter he would ever write. The Senate then voted 21-9 to override the governor's veto, and Right to Carry in restaurants received final legislative approval. The law goes into effect July 14th.

Sometimes, standing up for the 2nd Amendment is as easy as making a phone call. Sometimes it's a lot harder. Nicole Goeser stood up even though her knees were shaking, her stomach was churning, and her heart was aching. She stood up even as it seemed her world was falling down around her, and in doing so, became an inspiration to us all.

]]> Seeking Cert http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,39 Cam Edwards 2009-06-04 04:00:00 UTC
Of course, you can always get the latest news on NRA et al v. City of Chicago and Village of Oak Park on “Cam and Company” and “The Daily News,” but for a real treat, check out our coverage of the Heller decision in the archives. We’ve got plenty of footage for you, including one of the highlights of my broadcasting career: getting to announce that the Supreme Court had recognized what gun owners knew all along: The Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms.

]]> Oral Arguments in the 7th Circuit http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,40 Cam Edwards 2009-05-27 04:00:00 UTC says the judges didn't appear to be receptive to the arguments by Halbrook and attorney Alan Gura.

Interestingly, one of the judges hearing the case is Richard Posner, who made some waves earlier this year when he criticized the Supreme Court's decision in the Heller case. According to Professor Barnett, during the oral arguments on Chicago’s gun ban, Posner said that, in his opinion, states have the power to “constitutionally ban the privilege of self-defense.”

Be sure to check out the Civil Rights Roundup in our archives to hear Halbrook’s reaction to that comment and more!

]]> An NRArmed Citizen http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,41 Cam Edwards 2009-05-20 04:00:00 UTC grabbed her gun and fired two shots, sending the would-be robber back underneath the door and out into the pre-dawn darkness.

Heather Fitzgerald isn’t just an armed citizen, she also happens to be the NRA Election Volunteer Coordinator for Oklahoma’s 5th Congressional District! It’s not surprising that an armed citizen would also be an NRA member, but I think this is the first EVC Armed Citizen story that we’ve had the opportunity to cover here on NRANews! Heather Fitzgerald was nice enough to join us on “Cam & Company,” so be sure to check out her interview in the Interactive Program Guide.

]]> The Coverage Continues http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,42 Cam Edwards 2009-05-18 04:00:00 UTC
You don’t have to wait for Cam and Company to relive the Annual Meeting though. Just use the Interactive Program Guide located above the video window to get hours of our coverage from Phoenix! From the Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum to Ted Nugent’s appearance on Saturday’s Cam and Company, we’ve got it all online and on demand.

We had a great time broadcasting from the Convention Center, and it was great to meet so many fans of NRAnews.com. If you didn’t make it to this year’s Annual Meeting, I hope to see you next year in Charlotte!

]]> Live from Phoenix http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,43 Cam Edwards 2009-05-14 04:00:00 UTC
On Friday, May 15, we begin our broadcast at 3 p.m. Eastern with live coverage of the NRA Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum.

On Saturday, May 16, we’ve got a full day of broadcasting from the event, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern with Annual Meeting of Members. Then it’s a special Saturday edition of “Cam & Company,” and that night at 11 p.m. Eastern it’s our coverage of the Celebration of American Values Freedom Experience Banquet, featuring Oliver North and John Stossel.

On Sunday, May 17, we’ll have another special edition of “Cam & Company,” live at 12 p.m. Eastern.

Like I said, it’s going to be a busy few days, but I’m really looking forward to it, and I hope you can tune in!

]]> Going Great Guns http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,44 Cam Edwards 2009-05-06 04:00:00 UTC
Bill Sutherland, who owns a hardware store in Cloverdale, Indiana, has done just that, by designing a flagpole that looks like a rifle.

“What states more what it takes to get our freedom than a gun? It's a memorial to the ones that lost their life and now have their lives on the line for our freedom," he recently told Channel 6 News in Indianapolis.

It gives a whole new twist to the saying “going great guns,” doesn’t it? Good for you, Bill, and thanks for honoring our veterans and military members.

]]> Annual Meetings in the Archives http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,45 Cam Edwards 2009-04-21 04:00:00 UTC
Be sure to check out the speeches from NRA leaders like Wayne LaPierre, Chris W. Cox, John Sigler, Ron Schmeits and more. Afterwards, if you haven’t already made plans to attend this year’s meeting in Phoenix, log on to www.nraam.org and make your plans!

]]> More Myths of the 90% http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,46 Cam Edwards 2009-04-20 04:00:00 UTC
NRANews.com has reported there’s no way for that number to be true. Fox News has reported there’s no way for that number to be accurate. Now, even FactCheck.org says it's not true. So … when do you think President Obama will stop using the figure?

]]> Crunching the Numbers http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,47 Cam Edwards 2009-04-06 04:00:00 UTC
I’m glad to see that other media outlets, large and small, are starting to cover the blatant misrepresentation by the anti-gunners in the media and the U.S. and Mexican governments. When you start to crunch the numbers, there’s just no way their figures add up.

]]> No Responsibility to Keep You Safe http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,48 Cam Edwards 2009-04-02 04:00:00 UTC
The rape victim’s attorney disagrees, telling the New York Post, “God forbid citizens are put in a position where municipal workers are not required to act and it leads to harm—they are left out in the cold.”

Actually, as horrible as it seems, the judge is on firm legal footing. The Supreme Court decided back in 2005 in Castle Rock v. Gonzales that municipal employees, including the police, cannot be sued for failing to keep you as an individual safe.

A similar case was decided the same way back in the early 1980s, when the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in Warren v. District of Columbia that the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., could not be sued for failing to stop the brutal rapes and assaults of three women in their townhouse.

The courts are clear on this: The government is not there to protect you as an individual. What the courts don’t say is that if it’s not up to the government to protect you, then you have to be able to protect yourself.

]]> 95 Percent http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,49 Cam Edwards 2009-03-31 04:00:00 UTC it's true. A total of 2,216 dogs and cats went into PETA’s headquarters last year, but only 41 left alive.

Tonight on “Cam & Company,” we’ll talk to the man behind PetaKillsAnimals.com, David Martosko. Hope you can tune in.

]]> New Gun Owners On The Increase http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,50 Cam Edwards 2009-03-31 04:00:00 UTC news from Pennsylvania, and it’s a familiar story: Gun sales are up, way up, over last year.

And here’s something really interesting. I’ve heard from a lot of folks, including Miles Hall, the owner of H & H Gun Range in Oklahoma City, that they’re seeing a ton of new gun owners. The story Sebastian links to seems to corroborate that. The sheriff of Delaware County, Pa., says 57 percent of the gun permits issued last year were to first-time gun owners.

Are you a new gun owner and/or NRA member? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a note at cam@nranews.com and tell me why you decided it was time to own a firearm. Who knows, you may even get a chance to tell your story on “Cam & Company”!

]]> So Much For Mandatory http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,51 Cam Edwards 2009-03-30 04:00:00 UTC
New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg was one of the staunchest supporters of the mandatory three-and-a-half year sentence for illegal possession of a firearm, and heralded the law’s passage by calling it the toughest law in the nation. So here’s a question: Is a law really that tough if it’s enforced less than 20 percent of the time?

As it turns out, last year about 85 percent of those arrested on illegal possession of firearm charges pled down the charge, and many of them avoided jail time. If Burress ends up copping a plea, don’t blame “celebrity justice.” After all, plea bargains to avoid “mandatory” jail time are the rule, not the exception, in Mayor Bloomberg’s New York.

]]> Hear For Yourself http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,52 Cam Edwards 2009-03-28 04:00:00 UTC
Well, now you can let your friends hear Helmke's comments for themselves. Spread the word, and be sure to tune in to NRANews.com for more news the mainstream media doesn’t report.

]]> NRA Nuge http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,53 Cam Edwards 2009-03-27 04:00:00 UTC

]]> Those 2,000 Guns A Day http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,54 Cam Edwards 2009-03-18 04:00:00 UTC after law enforcement officials from the BATFE and ICE told the committee that they could not substantiate those numbers. In fact, the law enforcement officials said the numbers were much lower. Still, the senators from California and Illinois kept using the false number. Are the senators hard of hearing, or were they just trying to get that “2,000 guns a day” quote into the media as much as possible?]]> Congrats WVU http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,55 Cam Edwards 2009-03-16 04:00:00 UTC
The shooting sports are an invaluable, but often threatened, part of our Second Amendment heritage. That’s why we cover the issue so extensively on Cam and Company. In fact, in the weeks before the NCAA Rifle Championships, we had representatives from every one of the eight schools competing in the championships on the show! I’m glad we got a chance to talk with Coach Hammond, and I know he’ll be on again before long.

]]> AZ Parking Lot Bill Advances http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,56 Cam Edwards 2009-03-09 04:00:00 UTC bill comes on the heels of a 10th Circuit Court of Appeals decision upholding a similar law in Oklahoma.

That law was passed back in 2004, but was challenged by several businesses in the state. A trial judge originally ruled that the law violated the Occupational Safety and Health Act, but the 10th Circuit Court panel disagreed, and said that the state has a valid interest in protecting the rights of citizens.

A number of other states are taking up the issue, and we’ll have much more coverage on this legislation as it progresses around the country.

]]> San Diego Targets JROTC http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,57 Cam Edwards 2009-03-07 05:00:00 UTC shut down at the end of the school year. We’ve covered this story on “Cam & Company” for months now, even talking with the head of the JROTC program in San Diego’s schools.

It’s a sad situation. A well-respected shooting sports program is going to be shuttered because of a few anti-gun activists who have confused violent crime in the city with the law-abiding and responsible young adults in the JROTC program. This isn’t the first shooting sports program to come under fire in local schools, and it won’t be the last. Count on NRANews.com to keep you informed and up to date on this latest anti-gun movement.

]]> Armed Citizen In Gun Store http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,58 Cam Edwards 2009-03-07 05:00:00 UTC from an armed robbery. Three criminals in Waukegan, Illinois, apparently decided they would try to rob a store with armed employees, and the results are predictable.

Seriously, who tries to rob a gun store?

]]> New York Update http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,59 Cam Edwards 2009-03-07 05:00:00 UTC New York State Rifle & Pistol Association recently joined us on “Cam & Company” to talk about the dozens of threats to the Second Amendment.

King says that among the biggest threats are bills that would serialize all ammunition sold or possessed in the state, a ban on common semi-automatic firearms, a ban on .50 caliber rifles and a micro-stamping bill.

If you’re a resident of New York, you need to be watching NRANews.com every day to find out the latest threats to your Second Amendment freedoms. You can also stay up-to-date by checking out Tom King’s blog.

]]> Our Unofficial Investigative Analyst http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,60 Cam Edwards 2009-03-07 05:00:00 UTC
For several years now, Howard Nemerov has been our unofficial “investigative analyst” at NRANews.com. Howard crunches data like no one else, and does a great job of providing analysis and information on various gun control issues. Howard used to be in favor of gun control, but after a careful examination of the facts, he decided the only intellectually honest position he could take was on the side of the Second Amendment.

You can hear Howard regularly on NRANews.com, but you can also check out his columns in at the Austin Gun Rights Examiner website.

]]> NCAA Championships http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,61 Cam Edwards 2009-03-07 05:00:00 UTC
Did you know, for instance, that the head coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers is a former student athlete at the school? Jon Hammond is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, but was actually a shooter on the rifle team at WVU when the team lost its funding from the school a few years ago. Now they’re back, and looking to get back on top.

Every one of the coaches we’ve talked to say they start looking for student athletes when their prospects are freshmen in high school. Even more important than their shooting skills, the coaches say, are the good grades and test scores that will allow them to compete in the classroom as well as the range.

“Cam & Company” would like to wish all the competitors in the Rifle Championships the best of luck. Look for more coverage on NRANews.com!

]]> The Civil Rights Roundup http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,62 Cam Edwards 2009-03-06 05:00:00 UTC
We cover all these fronts on “Cam & Company,” and today I want to highlight another of our regular features. The “Civil Rights Round-Up” airs each Wednesday at 10 p.m. Eastern, and we’re usually joined by NRA Deputy General Counsel Stefan Tahmassebi, who discusses a recent case involving the NRA’s Civil Rights Defense Fund.

On occasion, we’re joined by Second Amendment attorneys like Stephen Halbrook, Evan Nappen, Penny Dean, Richard Gardiner, Chuck Michel and others. One thing’s for sure: The legal eagles of the Second Amendment can all be found right here on NRANews.com!

]]> Welcome! http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,63 Cam Edwards 2009-03-05 05:00:00 UTC
I hope you’ll check in on a regular basis, and I look forward to seeing you in the talkbacks during the show!

]]> The Curators Corner http://www.nranews.com/#/nranews/textFlowModule/blog,64 Cam Edwards 2009-03-05 05:00:00 UTC
One of the big favorites is the “Curator’s Corner” feature with Phil Schreier, the senior curator at the NRA’s National Firearms Museum. Each Thursday, Phil joins us to talk about a particular firearm from the museum’s vast collection. We’ve highlighted some fascinating guns over the years, and we’ve only scratched the surface.

So tune in every Thursday to see another great gun, and make plans to check out the National Firearms Museum at NRA’s headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, as well!

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