Firearms Owners Against Crime

Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action

FOAC-ILLEA Newsletter for the Week of December 18th, 2022 :: 12/18/2022

This week I have experienced a myriad of emotions and concerns, both for the organization and a dear friend.  Let me begin by telling you a little of my background, without repeating my full biography, and what has led me to this point today writing this letter to all of you.

I am the son of a Vietnam veteran, starstruck with military history, particularly Alexander the Great and World War II.  I attended world affairs council meetings as a student and actually paid attention to the conflicts around the world and the efforts put forth to sway them.  That led me to enlist at the age of 17 and take my first oath swearing to defend the Constitution.  I spent six years in the Air Force as a security specialist surrounded by the conservative mindset most veterans hold.  I left that field for armored trucks then eventually law enforcement, now having served 28 years in the profession. 

Along the way I became what most would describe as a “Constitutionalist”.  Embracing the concept of a government limited by a higher calling and strong protection of the interests of the citizenry, their civil rights and civil liberties.  That has led to me speaking out against gun control and government overreach, which then led me to Firearms Owners Against Crime. 

I’m a big believer that this organization is the key to defending our rights and liberty within this Commonwealth and am determined to see it act accordingly.  The past few years on the Board of Directors and recently as 1st Vice-President of the organization receiving mentorship from the one and only Kim Stolfer have bolstered my belief in that cause and hardened my commitment to it.  I have a vision for this organization to where we will influence elections, prevent further infringements on our Article I Section 21 natural rights and reverse current statutes that already infringe.  We will use the court system to defeat government overreach and curb the anti-gun movement in Pennsylvania, stripping it of any power and securing the rights of our children and their children thereafter.  We will make a difference for our own future, understanding that the government body is slowly failing us and being overrun by those who think democracy is the solution and fail to understand the need for a Constitutional Republic as our forefathers did. 

I know better than most that there is no replacing a Kim Stolfer, and I make no claim to trying to do so.  I will lean on Kim’s experience and knowledge as we move this organization forward, relying on the capable efforts of the officers and Board of Directors I am so blessed to work with.  And I will see each and every day with FOAC-ILLEA as an opportunity to ensure that we serve you, the membership, with the utmost integrity in pursuing our goals of a pro-gun, constitutionally sound society.  We will grow this organization county to county, regardless of the obstacles and we will make that difference.  God bless. 

Jim Stoker

President FOAC-ILLEA

jstoker@foac-illea.org

Official Press Release 12/18/22

FOAC-ILLEA Begins a new chapter as we approach 2023

Firearms Owners Against Crime has been led by Kim Stolfer for nearly 30 years. His leadership and steadfast dedication in defending the individual rights of Pennsylvanians, in protecting and upholding Article 1 Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has been unmatched.

On Sunday, December 11th, 2022, Kim Stolfer announced that he was stepping down as President of FOAC-ILLEA. As per the FOAC-ILLEA bylaws, 1st Vice President, Jim Stoker has assumed the role of President. Kim gave Jim a glowing endorsement during his final address as President.

In a special meeting of the FOAC-ILLEA board of directors on Thursday, December 15th, the board unanimously voted to install Jim Stoker as President of FOAC-ILLEA as per the bylaws and the wishes of Kim.

After the vote, Jim Stoker said,

 “No man can fill Kim’s shoes, but I will do my best to lead this organization that Kim founded, and continue his fight, OUR fight against tyrants, for Liberty and the individual’s right to self-defense.”

The board also unanimously voted to appoint Klint Macro to the office of 1st Vice President.

The last order of business in the meeting was to appoint Kim Stolfer as President Emeritus, a special advisor to the President.

Jim has advised the board that he will be seeking their advice as he intends to fill 2 vacant board seats in the very near future.

FOAC-ILLEA is moving into 2023 with a determined President and a united Board of Directors who will continue to advance the cause of Liberty for all Pennsylvanians.

Lady Liberty is in peril

By Klint Macro FOAC-ILLEA 1st VP

2022 has been a rough year on multiple levels, however, it has not been without it’s wins. But the battles waged have taken a massive toll on our Constitutional Republic. As we face 2023, Lady Liberty is bruised and beaten, and we are most certainly going to need to work hard in the new year to fight to keep her.

I came upon this image on social media. I cannot find the artist who created it to give them proper credit, but I am greatly affected by this image.

The daily wars raged upon freedom at all levels of government, the war for the hearts and minds of our fellow Americans, and the battles to advance the cause of individual Liberty is never-ending. However, in “2023 Pennsylvania”, it looks as if we are going to have to fight a probable anti-gun/anti-liberty house.

Between redistricting, apathetic gun owners not showing to the polls, and possible political hanky-panky in the counting rooms, we have realized one bad election cycle that could ultimately lead to our becoming like our neighbors. I have always said, “We are 1 bad election cycle away from becoming like Maryland, New York, New Jersey, and Delaware”.

In New York, you need a license to purchase a firearm. Even if you can afford to become a legal permitted concealed carrier, you can only carry in establishments that have a sign on their door that says, “lawful carry permitted”. Otherwise, without the sign… it is a no go, and you are a criminal.

In New Jersey, you will get prison time for carrying a hollow point….. ONE. How many do you have on YOUR body when you carry?

In Maryland, you are required to attend 16 hours of mandatory training to apply for a license to carry.

In Delaware, you cannot buy an AR-15. The sale of them was outright banned earlier this year.

These are just the tip of the iceberg; red flag laws, waiting periods, gratuitous government scrutiny, magazine limitations, ammo purchase restrictions, mandatory training, bans, no private sale, no preemption. Restrictions are imposed upon the law-abiding citizens and the government can criminalize gun owners at most any time. Gun owners are treated with distain and as 2nd class citizens.

Click here to read a document that lists the Anti-Gun legislation that was proposed in Pennsylvania in 2022.

Now, the math makes it appear as if these kinds of anti-gun/anti-liberty pieces of legislation could make it through the house in 2023. The “majority” of the PA House of representatives is still not clear. Right now, the house is split at 101 to 99 in favor of the Republicans. HOWEVER, the seats held by Tony Deluca (Diseased), Summer Lee (now a US Congresswoman), and Austin Davis (Now Lt. Governor) will be up for grabs in special elections. It is likely Democrats will ultimately occupy those seats which would flip the majority to the Democrats. Democrat does not automatically mean “anti-gun”, but it is safe to say that most anti-gun/anti-liberty legislators are Democrat. Lest we forget anti-gun/anti-liberty Republican Todd Stephens.

Our new Governor’s past behavior as Attorney General is not terribly reassuring in our hopes that he will be a staunch advocate for Article 1 Section 21 of the PA Constitution.

  1. Assault Weapon Bans/Restrictions – HB 698 / HB 770 / SB 748
  2. Mandatory Background Checks ALL Firearms – HB 235 / HB 338 / HB 1235 / HB 1810 / SB 88 3. Repeals Pennsylvania’s Firearm Preemption Law – HB 361 / HB 1538
  3. Ammunition Purchase Restrictions – HB 393 / HB 1751 / HB 1786
  4. Expand Gun Free Zones to Polling Places, Gov. Bldgs. – HB 528 / HB 737 / HB 1090
  5. Lost or Stolen Firearms/Mandatory Reporting – HB 699 / HB 980 / SB 217
  6. Licensing Firearms Ownership & Mandatory Training – HB 872 / HB 1846 / SB 226
  7. Extreme Risk Protection Orders HB 1211 / HB 1903 / SB 134
  8. No Fly List Gun Ban – HB 1900 / SB 490

Don’t think it could happen here?

Let’s take a mental trip back to 2019. Imagine the world as it was…...

If I said, in a few months the government will destroy the economy, lockdown it’s citizens, force people to stay home, close down churches and businesses, force children to wear masks and require the population to be injected with experimental drugs, you would have said I was nuts.

Well…………………………………………….

The government has gotten really good at restricting the people’s liberty in the last couple of years and “We the People” have gotten good at blindly abiding and thoughtlessly obeying.

Don’t think it could happen here? Think again.

Why is the elected class working so fervently to disarm the law-abiding public? It is because they know what James Madison knew.

"Besides the advantage of being armed, which the Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation, the existence of subordinate governments, to which the people are attached, and by which the militia officers are appointed, forms a barrier against the enterprises of ambition, more insurmountable than any which a simple government of any form can admit of. Notwithstanding the military establishments in the several kingdoms of Europe, which are carried as far as the public resources will bear, the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. And it is not certain, that with this aid alone they would not be able to shake off their yokes. But were the people to possess the additional advantages of local governments chosen by themselves, who could collect the national will and direct the national force, and of officers appointed out of the militia, by these governments, and attached both to them and to the militia, it may be affirmed with the greatest assurance, that the throne of every tyranny in Europe would be speedily overturned in spite of the legions which surround it."

-James Madison (Publius) in Federalist Paper #46

Lady Liberty is not well. We cannot let her take her last breath and feel the warmth leave her hand when the life leaves her loving eyes. This cannot happen.

What are YOU going to do in 2023 to help save her?

Now is the time to finally get involved. We need your time, talents, and treasure. If you are already involved, thank you for your help but we all need to try to do even more in 2023, because she is fading.

Be frosty, vigilant, resolute and step up.

Quote

“I am concerned for the security of our great Nation; not so much because of any threat from without, but because of the insidious forces working from within.”

-Douglas MacArthur

2022 – FOAC-ILLEA Legislative, Legal and Educational Accomplishments

I guess, in an effort to make lemonade out of lemons, 2022 could have been much worse. It could have been 2020! Despite the efforts of tyrants, FOAC-ILLEA has accomplished a lot in 2022. Not too shabby. Imagine what we can accomplish next year with your help!

  • FOAC-ILLEA SPRING GUN BASH (The Tree of Liberty)
  • Co-filed BRIEF OF Amici Curiae - with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in opposition to the City of Philadelphia’s Petition for Allowance of Appeal from the February 14th, 2022 Order of the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania in City of Philadelphia v. Armstrong, Case No. 1204 CD 2020.
  • CONDUCTED OVER A DOZEN GUN LAW SEMINARS ACROSS THE COMONWEALTH HOSTED BY PRO-LIBERTY LEGISLATORS.
  • FOAC-ILLEA HELPED TO STAVE OFF THE PA PETITION FOR AN ARTICLE V CONSTUTIONAL CONVENTION

FOAC-ILLEA to sponsor the National Gun Makers Match in Pittsburgh

FOAC-ILLEA has just signed on as a sponsor for the National Gun Makers Match being held in Monroeville at Pitcarin-Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club on April 22nd, 2023.

Gun making is an American pastime that should be celebrated. For those that are good with their hands, gun making is an American Right that should be exercised.

The first official shooting competition exclusively for individuals who make their own guns! 

Making your gun is a fun, educational activity for firearms enthusiasts. The Maker's Match will provide an opportunity to show off your work while testing your shooting skills against other do it yourselfers.

The National Gun Maker's Matches feature both 3D Printed and Kit Built Divisions have competitions for Rifle, PCC/Braced Pistol and Pistol. There is also a side match for Fully Printed Firearms.

There will also be a “build a gun” class on Thursday, April 20th for folks who are curious about the process of gun building. Stay tuned for details and registration information.

If you are a builder and would like to enter to compete, CLICK HERE. Come join FOAC-ILLEA and many law-abiding gun owners from across the country who will converge on Pittsburgh to celebrate our right to build the arms that we keep and bear.

My Top 5 Online Self-Defense Resources for Responsibly Armed Citizens

By Stephen LaSpina, FOAC-ILLEA Board Member

slaspina@foac-illea.org

At the close of my in-person firearms training classes, I often provide students with a list of resources for them to further their knowledge of all things related to self- defense. After all, none of us has arrived; we don’t know what we don’t know. Therefore, continuing to educate ourselves with knowledge from reputable sources is most prudent. In no particular order, here are the resources I am currently recommending:

The United States Concealed Carry Association (website and magazine). While USCCA members get access to lots of exclusive content (magazine subscription included with membership), there is a vast amount of free information available through their blog and YouTube channel. I especially like how they frequently delve into the legal implications of armed defense, offering the expert opinions of attorneys and law enforcement professionals. Of course, I believe their in-person classes to be some of the best currently available, which is why I hold several certifications with them and personally teach their curriculum the most. Visit usconcealedcarry.com to learn more.

Greg Ellifritz of Active Response Training. I make it a point to read whatever content Greg publishes. I can always count on it to be extremely thoughtful and easily digestible thanks to his effective and entertaining writing style. Greg often considers more out-of-the-box situations and scenarios in his writings, but does so in such a way as to leave you asking why no one else you’ve read thought to address this. His website also features guest writers on occasion, and their content is often just as compelling. His “weekly knowledge dump” rounds up dozens of links from the internet, acting as an aggregate for many solid sources. You can find his content at activeresponsetraining.net.

Personal Defense Network. This site contains a diverse array of content from many reputable instructors across the globe, including Rob Pincus, Mike Seeklander, Barrett Kendrick, Alessandro Padovani, and many more, including FOAC-ILLEA’s very own Klint Macro. Defensive firearm fundamentals, Brazilian jiu-jitsu concepts, situational awareness principles, gear recommendations, trauma medical training, and much, much more can be found in both written and video form. Much of the site is accessible for free, and a premium membership unlocks access to exclusive content and courses. Visit personaldefensenetwork.com to see all it has to offer.

Claude Werner of thetacticalprofessor.net. Claude has put in the time to heavily research the topics he is blogging about. He brings data to bear in generally brief yet

rich blog posts that are very pertinent to armed civilians. I especially enjoy when his content dealing with the best home defense tactics for armed citizens. You will be a better and more informed gun owner for having taken the time to hear what he has to say.

Finally, I frequently find myself coming back to RECOIL’s online and in-print publications. I specifically enjoy their Concealment and Off-Grid editions. They are a gun lifestyle publication that covers much in the way of gun and gear reviews, but they also review formal training classes as their writers have opportunity to attend. My favorite of their many columns has to be The Defenders, which explores everyday-carry and home defense gear selections of industry professionals and everyday citizens. Check out all their compelling content at recoilweb.com.

So, there you have it: my top five online resources for growing your self-defense knowledge.

What are you waiting for? You’re just a click or two away from becoming a more informed and responsible defender.

FOAC-ILLEA Leadership Trains with Massad Ayoob

In November, Jim Stoker and Klint Macro joined 30 fellow educators from across the country (including Hawaii) to attend the MAG20 and DFI (Defensive Firearms Instructor) Course taught by the legendary Massad Ayoob.

Massad Ayoob is one of the most prolific expert witnesses in self-defense and use of force cases in our country. He is a legendary trainer who literally wrote the book on legal use of force. He is the one who lawyers seek out for use of force advice.

The lessons learned in the November training will certainly add to Jim and Klint’s expertise and will certainly add value to the FOAC-ILLEA legal seminars.

FOAC-ILLEA Events

FOAC-ILLEA presents Concealed Carry Seminars with Pro-Liberty Elected Officials, works with County Sheriffs at Satellite License to Carry Events, provides information tables at Gun Shows, and organizes for Pro-2A Rallies and events. To see the most up to date schedule of FOAC-ILLEA Events, CLICK HERE.

A picture is worth 1000 words

This is a photo of a warehouse filled with around 30,000 German Mausers that were confiscated or surrendered by German Forces in Norway in 1945.

I wonder where the gun grabbers plan on storing your rifle if they have their way and someday confiscate it.

On December 14th, 2022, Joe Biden once more capitalized on the death of children to push a political agenda for gun control. In a White House statement, Biden marked the 10-year anniversary of the horrible massacre at Sandy Hook by further demonizing law abiding Americans.

Biden said,

“We should have societal guilt for taking too long to deal with this problem.”

He continued,

“I am determined to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines like those used at Sandy Hook and countless other mass shootings in America. Enough is enough. Our obligation is clear. We must eliminate these weapons that have no purpose other than to kill people in large numbers. It is within our power to do this – for the sake of not only the lives of the innocents lost, but for the survivors who still hope.”

I say,

“Mr. Biden, my rifle is a righteous tool of defense. We must eliminate gun free zones and empower people to protect those that they love without interference from the government. Stop empowering the criminals… empower the American people.”

I do agree with one thing, we too are praying. We are praying for all families who have lost loved ones to criminal violence. We are praying for the innocent lives lost not only at Sandy Hook, but everywhere evil has preyed upon the innocent. We also pray that government will get out of the way of our ability to protect ourselves.

Another Quote

“Even as our work continues to limit the number of bullets that can be in a cartridge, the type of weapon that can be purchased and sold, attempt to ban assault weapons, a whole range of things – It’s just common sense. Just simple common sense.”

-Joe Biden, December 7th, 2022

If you click the link above, you will be directed to the White House YouTube page and can hear Biden’s quote straight from the horse’s mouth. It is interesting that the man who got more votes than any president in the history of the US, more votes than Barack Obama, only has 2.05 million subscribers and this video only has a little over 3,400 views. Interesting he doesn’t have better numbers on social media……

Speaking of social media…. are you on Facebook? FOAC-ILLEA is! Be sure to “like” the FOAC-ILLEA page and stay informed.

Closing Thoughts

The Holiday Season is upon us. Even though we should strive to do this ALL YEAR, the Holiday Season is when folks are a little nicer, a little more forgiving, a little more giving, and a little more gracious.

Merriam-Webster defines Gracious as marked by kindness, merciful and compassionate. The “obsolete” definition is “Godly”. I think it is unfortunate that “Godly” is considered obsolete. Perhaps this is part of the real problem we have in our society. Perhaps if we all were a little more “Godly” we might not need to spend so many resources protecting ourselves from criminals and elected officials.

Whatever Holiday you celebrate, or even if you do not celebrate a Holiday, I wish you and your family positive, peaceful, and joyous time together… as much as possible. We have limited time on this Earth. May you spend that time wisely with those that you love and love you back.

If you are alone, please reach out to a friend. Know that someone out there cares for you. You may have not met that “someone” yet… but know they are out there. Have faith.

If you know your “someone” then hug them hard.

On behalf of the Officers and Board of FOAC-ILLEA, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a blessed New Year. May we all be a little more gracious in 2023 as we continue to protect ALL of the individual rights of ALL Americans.

Stay Armed and Be Well Regulated,

Yours In Liberty,

Klint Macro

1st VP FOAC-ILLEA

kmacro@foac-illea.org

FOAC-ILLEA is continuing to fight for the hearts and minds of our fellow Pennsylvanians to promote individual liberties and freedoms. We are steadfast and resolute and dedicated to protecting our Constitution and advancing the cause of the 2nd Amendment and Article 1 Section 21 of the PA Constitution.

FOAC-ILLEA’s educational efforts are expanding across the Commonwealth. FOAC-ILLEA volunteers are teaching more concealed carry classes each month and additional virtual education events are forthcoming.

FOAC-ILLEA is continuing to fight in the courts. Whether this means new litigation to challenge local tyrants, fight the bureaucrats that make it harder for Pennsylvanians to exercise their most basic rights, or the funding of amicus briefs to support others who are already involved in court battles, we are actively helping to establish case law that will help advance the cause of liberty.

FOAC-ILLEA volunteers research proposed legislation, consult with experts, and offer advice to elected officials about legislation as well as educate the public on the strength or folly of legislation that could have lasting positive or negative effects upon our liberty and the liberty of our children.

Get involved!

If you have read this entire newsletter and made it here to this statement… you are already interested and vested.

Donate your time, or your talents, or your treasure. VOTE pro-2A and get your friends to vote pro-2A as well. Become a member and get your friends to become a member. If you are already a member, consider “upping your membership” to a higher level. Join us at the gun bash, purchase a ticket. Volunteer to help at the bash. Volunteer to join a committee to send emails, write letters, make phone calls… NOW IS THE TIME TO DO. DON’T PUT IT OFF. “We the People” have been sitting on the sidelines too long. www.foac-illea.org

An Armed and Educated Citizenry is the true check and balance in our Constitutional Republic and the ultimate homeland security!

Firearms Owners Against Crime ILLEA © 2024

P.O. Box 308 Morgan, PA 15064

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