RALLY FOR GUN SAFETY
On Saturday, March 23, a peaceful rally will be held against NRA policies at the organization's fundraiser at the Bend Riverhouse Convention Center. The rally will begin at 2 p.m. The NRA has two major fundraising events, at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The first event offers NRA supporters scotch whisky and fine cigars at a cost of $1,000 per person or $1,500 per couple and also the opportunity to meet with NRA board members. The second event offers NRA members and supporters a banquet for $60 per person. Concerned citizens will be rallying against the proliferation of guns in our society and the increasing violence that accompanies this. Gun safety advocates are asked to be on the sidewalk in front of the convention center from 2 to 3 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. Saturday. Please bring a sign and a friend.
Our rally supports the initiation of thorough background checks for all gun buyers, an idea which most Americans overwhelmingly favor. The idea that convicted felons, terrorists and many other unstable people are capable of purchasing guns is reprehensible. We endorse the banning of high-capacity magazines and assault weapons and for the creation of a federal registry for all gun transactions. We also endorse the printing of serial numbers on all ammunition.
We do not want to take away everyone's guns. This is not a partisan issue. It is a human rights issue, a public health issue and a safety issue. More guns equals more violence. We ask all patriotic citizens to join with us against the bullying tactics of the NRA, an organization that has lost its way. It is no longer about sportsmanship and gun safety, but has evolved into a lucrative moneymaking lobby for the armaments industry.
Jim Hauser
WAGE THEFT IS REAL
I would like people in Central Oregon to be aware of a problem that is not just happening in Portland and Eugene. It's a crime that has been on the rise: wage theft. Wage theft happens when an employer underpays, misclassifies or doesn't pay their employees at all. Victims of wage theft are varied—it does not discriminate.
The Oregon Center for Public Policy published "Evidence of Widespread Wage Theft" showing that in five years, some employers stole almost 25 million dollars from their employees. No taxes, no Social Security, no Medicare, no workers-comp were paid-on that money. Not only families are hurt by wage theft, but entire communities and our state are hurt by it as well. The retail, construction and hospitality industries have the most claims for unpaid wages.
We need to let our representatives know that, in this legislative session, they need to pass laws protecting workers and enforce laws that punish those employers that have a record of not paying their employees.
In this economic crisis, everyone needs to make sure that those fortunate to hold a job should get paid for their hard work. Bad employers should not take advantage of the vulnerable especially during bad times. If you suspect wage theft a claim contact the Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Sincerely,
Vince Salomone
HB 3200 NEEDS TO BE SHOT DOWN
I'm writing because I'm a concerned law-abiding citizen. I feel most citizens in our community have no clue that their rights are currently under attack.
People need to be aware of what bills are currently on the table and how they affect our rights. HB 3200 essentially calls every gun owner a potential risk in the eyes of the government.
We are law-abiding citizens! We work hard, pay our taxes, provide for our families and we have the right to defend ourselves with whatever weapon we see fit in our homes. We aren't the ones out killing people! We are the ones saving people when a maniac is on the loose! There will always be guns in the hands of criminals, they do not obey laws! This stuff is common sense!
Please, please, please consider helping us get the word out. Let people know it's time to wake up, get involved and fight for our rights. HB3200 allows authorities the ability to enter your home WHENEVER they see fit, without a warrant! This is unconstitutional! It states that if it does pass, we have 120 days to sell our assault weapons, send them out of state or render them unusable. The same rules apply with large-capacity magazines. The alternative is going to prison. Are you kidding me? This is America! It once was the greatest nation in the world! And why, do you ask? Because the people who bear arms have the power to protect their God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!
Let's stand for our rights!
Respectfully,
Robert
