Welcome to Call to Decision 

 Gun Owners of America E-Mail Alert
 8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102, Springfield, VA 22151
 Phone: 703-321-8585 / FAX: 703-321-8408
 http://www.gunowners.org

 Friday, June 6, 2008


 Representative Bill Sali is introducing a bill to send a message to
 the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
 (BATFE) that freedom still means something in this country.

 As part of its Asset Forfeiture training program for agents, the
 BATFE ordered 2,000 Leatherman tools inscribed with the words
 "Always Think Forfeiture." The program urges agents to focus
 on seizing private property.

 Rep Sali believes the agency should be thinking 'Freedom,' not
 'Forfeiture.' The Idaho Republican complained about the program
 and recieved a letter from Acting ATF Director Michael Sullivan,
 who apologized for the "confusion" over the issue.

 While Rep. Sali appreciated the apology, he said that, "My
 constituents deserve to know the truth about this marketing program,
 which has been interpreted by many Idahoans as anti-gun and
 anti-private property."

 The agency halted distribution of the tools in the face of public
 outcry, but "[t]he fact remains that the ATF thought it was OK to
 think 'Always Think Forfeiture' instead of focusing on
 protecting our constitutional rights," Sali said.

 In a letter to his fellow Congressmen, Sali noted that "the inscription
 raises serious concerns to law-abiding citizens as to the intent of an
 ATF agent who is performing investigations, particularly with
 respect to law-abiding gun owners."

 Rep. Sali plans to introduce the 'Always Think Freedom' bill
 sometime next week. The bill will prohibit the agency from
 making purchases of tool kits "on which any reminder of
 forfeiture appears."

 Action: Please urge your Representative to become an original
 cosponsor of the "Always Think Freedom Act."

 You can visit the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center at
 http://www.gunowners.org/activism.htm to send your Rep. the
 pre-written e-mail message below.


 ----- Pre-written letter -----

 Dear Representative:

 I urge you to become an original co-sponsor of Rep. Bill Sali's
 "Always Think Freedom" bill, which will be introduced shortly.

 As part of its Asset Forfeiture training program for agents, the
 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
 ordered 2,000 Leatherman tools inscribed with the words
 "Always Think Forfeiture." The program urges agents to focus
 on seizing private property.

 The agency, which has been the frequent subject of
 congressional inquiry into its heavy-handed law enforcement
 tactics, should focus on protecting our Constitutional rights.

 Rep. Sali's bill will simply prohibit the agency from making
 purchases of tool kits "on which any reminder of forfeiture
 appears."

 Please support this bill by signing on as an original
 cosponsor.

 Sincerely,


 ****************************

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