Minutes of the General Membership meeting for 22^nd March 2005

Minutes of the General Membership meeting of Western Missouri Shooters Alliance

Tuesday, March 22^nd, 2005

The meeting was called to order at 7: 08 P.M. by Sheila Stokes-Begley, WMSA Vice President.

Sheila Stokes-Begley asked for the minutes of the January general membership meeting be read.

Sheila began the meeting by saying that approximately 100 people attended the gun rights rally in Jefferson City on the 10^th of March. Kevin was the master of ceremony in Jefferson City and he did a great job. There was a huge drawing for door prizes for which all people in attendance were entered. Digital cameras, NRA stuff, etc. were given out in prizes. There was a large cake and little cupcakes with license-to-carry birthday cards that were prepared and delivered to the legislators. Sheila said that Kevin Jamison suggested that these items be taken to the office of Robin Carnahan, which Sheila did, in fact do. After the rally was completed, individuals in attendance were invited to head to their individual legislator’s office. Kevin asked for people in attendance at tonight’s meeting to take birthday cards with them and to send them to their local state representative and state senator.

It was noted that now, after the first anniversary of right-to-carry laws in Missouri, the predictions made by the “antis” have not come to bear regarding the likelihood of shoot-outs and other bad actions by lawful concealed carry license holders.

A general discussion was held among the membership about the young man who was responsible for the shooting in the school in Minnesota that occurred recently.

Further it was mentioned that new legislation passed by the Missouri legislature concerning frivolous lawsuits is waiting for Governor Blunt’s signature. This legislation is not directly related to self-defense but is related to helping reduce the cost for firearms manufacturers to defend themselves against groundless lawsuits.

On April 1^st, Gary Davis’s lawsuit will be held. Kevin said that the Jackson County Sheriff’s office has refused to issue him a Missouri permit on the grounds that he didn’t take a class from a qualified Missouri instructor and thus has no certificate from an instructor like other class graduates have. Gary has no need to have a certificate showing he has completed a class by an instructor since he is qualified as an NRA-certified instructor. Those holding valid NRA instructor credentials are specifically mentioned in the law as being qualified to receive a concealed carry permit. A deputy in the sheriff’s office suggested that Gary commit perjury by having another instructor sign that Gary has taken a class from him. Needless to say, it was interesting to have a law enforcement officer suggest such an act. Kevin said that WMSA Chief Instructor Tom VanEyck has talked to a number of instructors in this county who are in the same boat and will benefit from having the Jackson County sheriff’s office come into compliance.

There was discussion held about the opposition that a few Missouri legislators seem to have about having Missouri residents carrying valid out-of-state (OOS) permits now that most counties are issuing Missouri permits. Kevin reassured those in attendance that OOS permits for MO residents are still valid and that it was very unlikely that the state legislature would have enough votes to change the law to eliminate them. Kevin also noted that the Hancock fix sailed through the House without any problems. If it goes through in the Senate, it is likely that the governor will quickly sign it. Kevin said that he commended the NRA rep for getting the Hancock fix through the legislature so effectively.

The question was asked if Kevin knew of any other favorable legislation being pursued by friendly Missouri legislators. Kevin opined that probably nothing more would be done this year and that any legislation to eliminate the permits-to-acquire for handguns will probably come up for consideration in 2006. The strategy of MPS will be to be “loaded for bear” with strength for next year.

A member inquired as to whether concealed carry of a handgun in a hospital was legal. Kevin said that was not legal.

Rory Marshall, WMSA recording secretary, mentioned Joseph Farah’s recent editorial in the online newspaper www.worldnetdaily.com about Farah’s being in favor of church attendees being able to legally carry concealed in churches.

Raffle drawing will be the 15^th of April for the sweater that Sheila made. Sheila said that people need to buy tickets for the raffle. The tickets are $1each or five for $4. Tickets will be available off of the Internet. One can go to the WMSA website to print off the tickets

A discussion was held about how to get more people to join WMSA. A member suggested utilizing the Pioneer gun range. It was suggested that we could raffle off prizes at some of their activities to encourage interest in WMSA. Also suggested was the issuance of a coupon for money off of a year’s membership to WMSA. A member requested again that packets be made up that talk about WMSA that could be given out to businesses. Someone asked how we might find a way to recruit “soccer moms”. Sheila said that although we do gun shows, that’s preaching to the choir. She suggested that we have some involvement in the Independence Santa-Cali-Gon days. Another member liked the idea and suggested that we check into this. Sheila also suggested having a presence at the Cass county fair. Bob Hanson, WMSA treasurer, said that he learned about WMSA from a gun shop. He suggested that we get copies of the Bullet to gun shops to reach out to those with a natural affinity for WMSA. Kevin proposed getting a good speaker and getting the information out over gun websites, gun shops, etc. Other suggestions included though that it would be good to post more information about WMSA to some of the gun boards. Sheila mentioned that the store where she got her LTC training was favorable about helping spread the word. Mrs. Hanson, Bob’s wife, suggested connecting with Ducks Unlimited. She said that they do a lot and are very visible in the community. It was noted that, at the conclusion of Missouri hunter safety courses, a mention WMSA might spur significant membership growth. The challenge will be getting the instructors to do this.

Sheila mentioned that a new newsletter coordinator was needed. Bob Hanson described the duties of the position. No up-front money would have to be put out by the person who volunteered. Robert H. Brannock Sr. volunteered. It was suggested that we send out only one copy and send them by email if the member would prefer. Bob Hanson said that WMSA couldn’t solicit advertising for our publication, “The Bullet”. There was a question as to whether we should solicit business firms to become members. That would not be a solicitation of advertising. It was noted that the general public like to take advantage of “percent off” coupons. We could have people show their proof of purchase of a new gun and receive a discounted price off of one’s first year WMSA membership.

It was suggested that the name WMSA does not explain the organization’s purpose! Several people commented that it might be worth considering a name that more closely represents to purpose of WMSA.

Kevin said the Armory would have an open house in Kearney on April 3^rd. Anyone who wants to go is welcome to participate.

No further business appearing, the meeting was adjourned at 8:27 P.M.