What are the goals of SAFR?

To improve firearms rights, to make sure bad legislation doesn't get passed, and to educate the public on firearms-related issues.

Often, when anti-gun bills are introduced, the intentions are good, but the laws are based on mistakes or bad information. Many times, pointing out the truth to the legislator who introduced the bill is enough to squash it.

How would use rate the overall success of SAFR?

It's been successful, although there's room for improvement. During the past several years, both chambers of the the Michigan legislature were led by Republicans who have a reputation for being more friendly to gun rights. In addition, the elections in 2000 was greatly influenced by gun owners, and there's been limited push to add new laws. This has created some apathy on the part of gun owners, although obviously things are changing on a Federal basis right now.

What tactics does the SAFR use to influence state public policy on the issue of gun rights?

We work with legisltors to improve gun rights in general. Many of the issues are not big hot button issues, but in some cases, more administrative ones that make life easier for gun owners. We're knowledgable about the issue, and are able to be the "experts" on issues involving firearms. And I think by being knowledgable and not "in-your-face," we're respected and trusted by legislators.

What kinds of challenges do you typically face from your opponents?

 Emotion. Most challenges to gun rights are not based on fact, but on feelings. People want to feel safe and anti-gun groups in the past have been successful in making guns seem responsible for the violence we see in our country. That ignores the fact that the portions of the country with the most guns see the least violence.

The less popular answer to your question, but the one we cannot forget, is the reason for the 2nd Amendment. This part of our Consitution wasn't included to ensure I have the right to compete in rifle competitions or even so that you might be able to defend your own personal safety. It is a safeguard against the possibility that our government ever becomes totalitarian or so grossly ignores human or civil rights that we have to defend ourselves against that. I think that part of the reason we've never had to use this option is that it exists. Over the past couple of centuries, we've been one of the most stable governments and socities in the world and we owe that to our freedom, including the 2nd Amendment.

How has your opinion of politics and policy changed as you have become more involved in government?

Its been greatly demystified. It's like any corporation, except the means of getting hired is to convince large numbers of people that you're the best person for the job, and unfortunately, this isn't always based on qualifications. So, like any "company", you'll have true believers who do the job for the right reasons, and you have others who are just trying to get to the next level and don't really care about issues at all. 

Unfortunately too many people still see legislators as more than they are and feel intimidated by speaking to them. 

How has the Supreme Court’s ruling in D.C. v Heller affected the way the SAFR operates?

 Not much. Heller was a Federal-level case, and doesn't specifically change anything in our state. It still allows "reasonable" limitations on gun ownership and I'm not sure any of the laws currently on the books in Michigan could be successfully challenged based on Heller.

Where do you see the issue of gun rights heading? (Judiciary, Legislature)

It's cyclical and I think we're entering a time when gun rights are being challenged, although I expect this more on a national level than in the state. There may be some judiciary challenges, but fortunately, the law is very clear and short of changing the Constitution, its solid, especially after Heller and the more recent Nordyke case in California. http://armsandthelaw.com/archives/2009/04/nordyke_v_king_2.php

Do you see gun rights as a partisan issue or is it something that all Americans can support?

Absolutely not a partisan issue. Our group leadership is made up of people from all political persuasions and I myself am very much an independent. 

I think gun owners tend to lean towards the Republican party in large part because they are more often one-issue voters. But especially in Michigan, gun rights is a non-partisan issue, and one that should be important to all Americans.