Presidential Assignments:
Pres's Special Committee on Right to Carry
Pres.'s Task Force on NRA Police Nationals

NRA Civil Rights Defense Fund
Member of the Board of Trustees

Memberships:
NRA Benefactor Member
Life Member - Texas State Rifle Association (Vice-Chairman of TSRA Legislative Committee)
Unified Sportsmen of Florida
IDPA

Since suffering stunning defeats at the polls in 2000 and 2004, anti-freedom groups like the Violence Policy Center, Sara Brady and their ilk have focused on state legislatures. They are hardly content to accept the demise of the so-called "assault weapons" ban and are introducing even more menacing legislation in several states. These same forces are also working hard to elect Senator Hillary Clinton, confident that she will remember them as her "friends."  Under President Bush's direction, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton lead a successful fight against anti-gun forces within the United Nations and against George Soros' puppet Rebecca Peters, all of whom were trying to do with a UN treaty what the anti-gun forces have been unable to do in the Legislature.  Unfortunately, the U.N. small arms treaty is like a summer cold, it always seems to come back.  If Hillary is in the White House and Democrats like Senators Schumer and Feinstein continue to enjoy a majority in the Senate, a devastating U.N. smalls arms treaty is a very real possibility.

While recognizing the current threat, we should also take pride in our accomplishments.  The NRA and its state associations have steadfastly expanded law-abiding citizens' rights to carry handguns for self-defense.  "Shall issue" concealed carry statutes are now the rule, rather than the exception, in the majority of states; a feat many would have considered impossible only a few years ago. Anti-lawsuit statutes have been passed in several states to protect firearms manufacturers from frivolous, politically motivated suits filed solely to drive them out of business. This is in addition to the Lawful Commerce in Arms Act passed at the federal level to provide a two-pronged defense. 

The NRA also took action in response to the atrocities inflicted on helpless citizens in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Former Mayor Ray Nagin, illegally and unconstitutionally ordered the confiscation of all firearms from law-abiding but stranded and helpless citizens, leaving them without the means of self-defense at a time when their lives were clearly in danger.  As one woman said, "They didn't offer me a drink of water, they didn't offer me any food, they didn't offer me a ride out, they just took my gun and left!"  Thanks to the NRA, federal legislation was passed preventing the repeat of such despicable acts by public officials.  However, the NRA didn't stop there.  Suit was filed on behalf of citizens whose property was illegally confiscated and the scope of Mayor Nagin's lies and deeds came to light during the discovery process.  We should also take pride in the fact that this suit was made possible because the NRA had investigators on location in New Orleans to obtain documentary proof of Mayor Nagin's quest.

The NRA made passage of laws commonly known as the "Castle Doctrine" a top priority in the states.  These laws vary by state, but at their core they allow a citizen to defend themselves from violent attack, without having to worry about facing prosecution and prison.  Many of the states included civil liability protection in their version of the "Castle Doctrine."

I made this statement in 2005 and it bears repeating.  Ironically, our successes can actually work against us, unless were are ever vigilant. It is comforting to see the great strides we have made, but we cannot allow that success to lull us into complacency. Rather, we must use our successes as a springboard for new efforts.

As important as political efforts are in defense of the Second Amendment and the ability of law-abiding Americans to defend themselves against predators, the NRA must also continue it's unequaled support of the shooting sports. These activities include competitive shooting through various NRA sanctioned and/or sponsored shooting disciplines and the preservation of access to hunting lands. Another tactic of the anti-gun crowd is to target hunting by restricting or eliminating available hunting land, closing or shortening of seasons, and burdensome red tape. 

The NRA must also make every effort to attract young people into the shooting sports. Americans could quite literally loose our Second Amendment rights in a single generation, if we do not attract millions of new shooters into our ranks. Our duty to young people does not lie solely with educating them on the importance of the Second Amendment and teaching them how to safely use firearms. We must continue to work with younger children through the Eddie Eagle Program so that firearm safety becomes second nature.

There is much work to be done. In truth the fight to defend all Constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment, will never end. I hope to have the opportunity to continue working for NRA members, indeed all gun owners, as a member of the NRA Board of Directors. With your help, this will happen.

Respectfully,
Charles L. Cotton