The Brady Campaign was fined $12K for making illegal campaign contributions "to various Democratic candidates."
$12K for this slick, well-financed, legally and politically connected, media-heralded national organization--but when Russ Howard, who put together a grassroots effort on a shoestring budget, tried to protect the names of supporters (after credible threats were made), he got steamrolled with the largest adminstrative fine in California history.
The rich anti-gunners get a slap on the wrist that can be covered from one donation by one of its Hollywood benefactors. The idealistic citizen who steps forward to protect gun rights has his life destroyed.
Yeah, that's the America patriots fought and died for.
If you're not aware of Russ Howard's story, you should be.
Once you are aware, he could really use some help with legal fees.
UPDATE:
David Hardy reminds us: "A couple of years ago, Brady was assessed $26,000 for violating the campaign reporting rules."
So they're REPEAT OFFENDERS.
That makes the disparity with Russ Howard's case all the more outrageous and evil.
There’s a heck of a lot more that’s truly unfortunate about Russ Howard’s case. Despite the publicity about his case by some grass-roots organizations, (NRA and other major gun-right’s groups wouldn't help) the amount of money raised for Russ’s defense amounted to chump change.
ReplyDeleteRuss and Steve truly went out on a limb to protect gun owners – but gun owners wouldn’t step up to the plate and help them.
Most gun owners seem to expect the other guy to take up the cause of liberty – they’re just too busy watching TV and drinking beer.
That’s why folks like Ronnie Barrett are truly on their own – they have to defend lawsuits by antis, and their “friend” the average gun owner just won’t help.
So don’t be surprised if and when the BATFU knocks down your door because of some paperwork violation, or because a neighbor saw you with an assault rifle, and your friends from the gun club won’t help.
I’ve seen it before. Most gun owners won’t lift a finger to help you. And if it’s political suicide to do so, the NRA won’t help either. After all – NRA is FOR enforcing all existing unconstitutional gun laws.
I hope that Russ and Steve are bearing up OK after being abandoned by the gunnies.
Too bad nothing will come from the Brady gang’s crimes. It just doesn’t work that way…