Current Shareware 1994 January/SHAR194.ISO/textfile/fija.zip/HILITES.TXT

Text File | 1990-08-29 | 22KB | 609 lines

         FIJA TAKES OFF: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FRONT LINES



     We  have  believed  from the beginning that  FIJA  offers  a
unique  opportunity  for all different kinds of  people  in  this
country  to work together to defend their rights and liberties by
re-establishing juries as the fourth and final check and balance.



     This  has  turned  out  to  be  true!   People  from  widely
differing  perspectives have flocked to FIJA.  We are  amazed  at
how  many  people  write or call and say how  this  campaign  has
restored their faith in the future of this country, how it offers
a  very real hope that maybe freedom and the Bill of  Rights  can
prevail after all!



     In other words, it has become quite clear that  when it gets
right down to it, what's really important to Americans is freedom
from  dictatorial  or tyrannical government power.   Without  any
opportunity for consultation with each other, many people observe
in their letters and calls to us that the jury box is the next to
the last barrier against tyranny.





                      NATIONAL HAPPENINGS:



     The membership of the National Rifle Association, meeting in
national  convention in Anaheim, California on June 9,  passed  a
resolution  by a wide margin to endorse the Fully  Informed  Jury
Amendment.   The  Legislative Affairs Committee of the  NRA  will
consider  endorsing FIJA at its next meeting, perhaps as soon  as
later this summer.  Thanks to Bob Weber and the California  crew;
and to Gary Marbut, Don Young, Bob Wheaton and all the other FIJA
supporters within the NRA!



     Enthusiasm  for FIJA has been strong among Second  Amendment
supporters from the beginning.  We've received strong support and
assistance from Larry Pratt and Bill Richardson of Gun Owners  of
America,  from  Neal Knox and the Firearms  Coalition,  and  from
various state and local gun-rights organizations.



     FIJA has also been  endorsed by the Libertarian Party and  a
number of its state affiliate parties.  Other supportive national
organizations include the National Justice Foundation of America,
the National Liberty Alliance, the Freeman Education Association,
American Information Network, Constitutional Revival, the Liberty
Action Council, the Independent Distribution Network, and various
pro-life  groups.   Support  has  also been expressed by  several
Populist Party and Green Party chapters.




           HIGHLIGHTS FROM STATE FIJA ORGANIZATIONS.



ALASKA

     Larry Slone reports that the Lt. Governor's office is  still
dragging  its  feet on the approval process  for  FIJA's   ballot
initiative  proposal. Accordingly, Alaska's Fully  Informed  Jury
Association has filed a complaint.  Since in Alaska, citizens are
by law not allowed to circulate petitions for any initiative that
deals with court procedure, the organization filed one  mandating
that the doctrine of jury nullification be taught in public  high
school civics classes.



     Slone himself is now off and running for the state House  on
an  independent "FIJA" ticket!  And Rep. Robin  Taylor,  Minority
Leader,  informs us that though the 1990 FIJA bill he  introduced
has died in the Judiciary committee, he and co-sponsor Sen.  Paul
Fischer stand ready to try again.



ARIZONA

     We  expect  Sen. Wayne Stump and the thirteen  original  co-
sponsors  of  FIJA in the Arizona legislature will  want  to  re-
introduce  it  in the upcoming session.  Despite little  time  to
prepare  it in 1990, FIJA just barely failed to make  it  through
the Judiciary, then the State Administration committees.



   Coordinator  Rick  Tompkins reports that several  groups  have
been  supportive of FIJA, including the Arizona Rifle and  Pistol
Association, the Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and  the
Arizona Constitutional Rights Committee.



    Meanwhile,  Don Smith of Phoenix has been  distributing  FIJA
literature  door to door.  So far he's distributed  thousands  of
brochures, which is an excellent and enjoyable way to spread  the
good word!  And Darlene Span is appealing her case--news of which
should make good listening when she tells her story in St. Louis!



ARKANSAS

     Ed Gran reports that though JPA (FIJA--but titled the  "Jury
Powers Amendment" by the state because of its  comprehensiveness)
failed  to make the ballot as an initiative, his  volunteers  did
collect 20,000 signatures!  This puts  them in a strong  position
to go to the legislature, and when they do, they can list retired
State  Supreme  Justice John I. Purtle as one  who  supports  the
effort!





CALIFORNIA

     Marion  McEwen has decided to refile FIJA as  an  initiative
this fall; meanwhile FIJA of California is building a grass roots
organization,  multifaceted, with some victories already  gained.
California  FIJA  activists showed up in force  at  the  national
convention  of  the  NRA and successfully  lobbied  for  delegate
approval!   And not long before that, the California  chapter  of
the American Rifle and Pistol Association came out in support  of
FIJA.



     Meanwhile,  Randy  Grindle is preparing a  large-scale  FIJA
literature distribution campaign. Greens, Christians, pro-lifers,
Libertarians,  and  bikers are among the  active  groups.   Randy
introduced FIJA to  Southern California ACLU  Executive  Director
Ramona  Ripston, who has agreed to submit FIJA to  the  Executive
Committee  for  consideration  and,  we  hope,  for  endorsement.
Meanwhile,  Randy gave out 1,000 FIJA flyers at the Reggae on the
River  music  festival  in Humboldt Country,  site  of  a  recent
unconstitutional  domestic military invasion.  His next  project:
brochure coverage of a Santa Rosa gun show by FIJA activists.



COLORADO

     Volunteers working with Jim Glennie, assisted by Larry Dodge
for the last ten days of the CO ballot drive, collected over 5500
signatures,  but  alas failed to gain ballot  status.  Undaunted,
Glennie plans to send thank-you's to all who signed, and ask that
they reply if they want to help the Colorado FIJA Alliance "shift
gears" and help move FIJA through the legislature in 1991.  Press
remains both frequent and favorable, and good contacts keep being
made, as with the  President of the Colorado Sierra Club, who  is
working to gain the backing of that organization.



FLORIDA

     Thanks to the work of Rex Curry, Ken Wise and crew, FIJA was
filed as a constitutional amendment, and signatures remain  valid
until  1994.  Rex has turned the job of coordinator over to  John
G.  Otto of Tallahassee, who has experience as a  lobbyist,   and
who will now build the coalition and begin the lobbying  process.
(Thanks Rex!)



GEORGIA

     Coordinator Burk E. Hale, Jr. has lit a FIJA fire in Georgia
which  seems to be sweeping the state.  Already Georgia FIJA  has
the  bipartisan  support  of 23  state  legislators,  whose  next
session doesn't even begin until January of 1991!    Metropolitan
Atlanta  legislators, in both the Senate and  House,  Republicans
and  Democrats,  are  solidly  behind  FIJA!  Outreach  is  being
productively  pursued,  with support from the  Georgia  Realtors'
Association  and the Georgia Rifle & Pistol  Association.  Johnny
Isaacson,  the  Republican  Candidate for  Governor,  is  a  FIJA
supporter.  Burk's group is putting together a 15-20 minute video
spot for local public TV on the subject of FIJA.





IDAHO

     Idaho FIJA also collected about 5,000 signatures, and is now
preparing to blitz the legislature. Letters are being sent to all
legislative  candidates, according to Idaho FIJA  coordinator  D.
Allen Dalton.



IOWA

     John  Hartog reports that the Republican Party of  Iowa  has
gone  on  record  endorsing FIJA and calling  for  its  immediate
passage as an amendment to both the Iowa and U.S.  Constitutions!
John just recently lost a seatbelt violation case in front of  an
uninformed jury, which he says "redoubles his resolve" to get the
Fully Informed Jury Amendment passed.


LOUISIANA

     Senator  William  Jefferson (D-New Orleans)  has  introduced
FIJA  in the Louisiana Senate, where it is now in  the  judiciary
committee  awaiting  action.  FIJA has the backing of  the  Black
Caucus of the legislature, and the backing of former Secretary of
State Jim Brown!



MASSACHUSETTS

     Jack  Connell has undertaken to organize a FIJA  group,  and
volunteers are encouraged to contact him.



MINNESOTA

     Eve  White has been very active on behalf of FIJA,  and  the
state's Libertarian and Grass Roots parties have been supportive.
Eve wrote an excellent article on FIJA for her state's chapter of
the  National Organization for Women, who subsequently  published
it in Minnesota NOW Times (see collage).



MISSOURI

     Frank  Nugent and Ken Bush recently jumped  enthusiastically
into  the  frying pan and offered to host FIJA's  first  national
convention!  Frank has long been a knowledgeable advocate of  the
rights  of  the  jury, and Ken is an  experienced  lobbyist.  The
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys is considering
endorsing FIJA, according to M.A.C.D.A board member J.R.Hobbs  of
Kansas City.



MONTANA

     Montana FIJA collected about 5,000 volunteer signatures, not
enough to gain ballot status, but enough to show the  legislature
that  people are plenty interested.   We are optimistic  that  we
can convince the Montana legislature to place FIJA on the  ballot
as  a  constitutional referendum.  Larry Dodge  has  successfully
lobbied  the  legislature in the past, and will be able  to  show
that six Montana gun-rights organizations have endorsed FIJA.  He
can  also  point out that, as a result of a presentation  by  Joe
Jindrich, the town of Pinesdale adopted FIJA into its charter!



NEBRASKA

     Coordinator Harry Thode has turned the reins of the Nebraska
FIJA  Committee over to attorney Guy Curtis of Imperial.   Thanks
for  getting  it started Harry!  Guy reports  that  the  Nebraska
Criminal  Defense  Attorney's Association will consider  FIJA  at
its  board  meeting  this fall.   President  Dave  Schroeder  has
been  supportive, and has published an article about FIJA in  the
N.C.D.A.A.  newsletter, "Habeas Corpus".  News Flash!  We  didn't
think  Harry  would be able to retire.  He reports  that  he  has
two state Senators interested in FIJA.



NEVADA

     James   Frye  reports  that  local  Greens  and   Pro-choice
advocates are excited about FIJA, in addition to the  Libertarian
Party.  Now that FIJA is moving into an intensive lobbying phase,
James has passed the torch to new leadership. Thanks James!   New
coordinator  Chuck  Geshlider of Las Vegas promises  to  woo  the
legislature  with "love and kisses", but it's a good bet that  he
will also rely heavily on his gift of gab--which recently led, at
least  indirectly, to inclusion of FIJA in the Nevada  Republican
Party Platform, with a call for its passage into law!



NEW HAMPSHIRE

     David  Curland  has shouldered the task of starting  a  FIJA
organization  in New Hampshire, and invites people to  join  with
him.   Guy  Chichester, Green Party candidate for  Governor,  has
signed  on as a FIJA supporter, and made jury rights part of  his
campaign.   It looks as though the platform of the New  Hampshire
Greens will soon include FIJA, as well.



NEW JERSEY

     Dan Karlan continues to work with the gun rights  community,
which is still smarting from gun-control legislation.  He reports
that  they've become more attentive and receptive with every  new
erosion of the right to keep and bear.



NEW MEXICO

     Dave  Chavez has volunteered to start a state FIJA  chapter,
and volunteers are needed!



NEW YORK

     Attorney Ralph Byrd of Albany has offered to lobby for FIJA.
Attorney Martin Solomon has been working on drafting  NY-specific
language for the Amendment.  Perry Metzger has been loading  FIJA
information  onto  computer bulletin boards,  and  organized  the
distribution  of FIJA materials at a Stop the Drug War  rally  in
N.Y.C.



OHIO

     Ohio FIJA has an enthusiastic and capable new coordinator in
Margerie  Davies of Cincinnati.   Welcome aboard!   Margerie  has
been lining up radio talk show appearances for Larry, and  joined
him  on  the Stan Solomon Show, WCKY Cincinnati, the  evening  of
August  1.  Solomon ended up blasting anyone who called  in  with
anything resembling a negative word about FIJA (though almost all
were  as  gung-ho as he).  Margerie recently printed  3,500  FIJA
brochures for distribution at a gun rights rally, and will be  on
a Toledo talk show soon.



OKLAHOMA

     Lobbyist Lorianne Horner of Oklahoma City contacted FIJA  HQ
immediately upon hearing about FIJA from Bette Maffucci, who  was
our first contact in OK Country.  Thank you, Bette!  In as deft a
series of moves as we've seen, during a single afternoon Lorianne
was able to gain the support of a majority of the House Judiciary
Committee, and arrange for FIJA to be introduced into both houses
of the Oklahoma legislature.  Probable sponsor is the chairman of
the House committee, Rep. Charles Key (R-Oklahoma City).  Amazing
grace!


     In  Tulsa, several attorneys have voiced support,  including
Jim Linger, C. Rabon Martin, and Dave Mauldin.  Steve Sessinghaus
is  launching his campaign for the local prosecutor's  position--
with FIJA as a pillar of his platform.  (May we suggest  "Steve +
FIJA = Fair trials in Tulsa"?)



OREGON

     Business  pressures have induced Bob Schecter to return  his
share of FIJA coordinating duties to Bob Fauvre.  Many thanks for
your  efforts on behalf of FIJA, Bob!  Fauvre has  challenged  an
unfavorable ballot summary issued by the Attorney General  before
the Oregon Supreme Court, to no avail.  Now it's time to lobby.



RHODE ISLAND

    Dr. Tom Li, recently returned from Japan, will now be able to
work on organizing a lobbying effort starting this fall, and will
be needing help.



SOUTH CAROLINA

     Sasha Kennison is our new coordinator in South Carolina, and
already  an active group is forming, with leadership coming  from
Steve  Vandervelde, Ruth Trippi, Toni Black and  David  Kennison.
Sasha  reports  that they've already got the SC  NAACP  and  ACLU
interested.  Something must be happening: the SC Office of Senate
Research just requested that we send an information packet!



SOUTH DAKOTA

     Welcome to new coordinator Gil Paulton of Sioux Falls!   The
map is filling in!



TENNESSEE

     Don  Winfield  continues to help with  nationwide  outreach,
having contacted prominent people around the country on behalf of
FIJA. He's behind the lobbying effort that is being organized  to
gain legislative approval.  Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) will  be
introducing it in the 1991 session.



TEXAS

     Texas  has an enthusiastic crew in Denny Buckley and  Martin
Pyle  of the Texas Liberty Association, who've taken over as  the
FIJA  coordinators  there  from Honey Lanham, who  got  the  ball
rolling  and still works with both them and FIJA HQ.  Thank  you,
Honey!



     Interested  Texas legislators have been identified, as  have
large  numbers of citizens in support of FIJA.  The  North  Texas
Arms Rights Coalition has endorsed FIJA.  Also,  Mike Kearns' new
national bulletin board is Texas based.



UTAH

     Kaylin Robinson reports that the Utah FIJA petition is ready
to  print, and that if they can get one-half the required  number
of  signatures by December, the legislature by law will  have  to
consider FIJA. Meanwhile, two legislators are already  interested
in introducing FIJA as a bill.



VIRGINIA

     Jim Lathrop has stepped forward to get a chapter started  in
Virginia.   A meeting is scheduled for Sept. 22 to kick  off  the
FIJA  lobbying campaign.  FIJA has been endorsed by the  Virginia
Taxpayers' Association.



WASHINGTON

     Rich  Shepard  informs  us that  several  thousand  petition
signatures have already been gathered in Washington FIJA's ballot
drive.   And  Glenn  Braunstein  reports  excellent  progress  in
eastern  Washington.  They have until January to collect  100,000
signatures,  which would send it to the legislature  for  action.
Should the legislature fail to enact FIJA, it would then go to  a
vote of the people in the fall of 1991.



      Some  members of the Washington legislature  have  recently
expressed  interest  in FIJA.  The Conscience  and  Military  Tax
Campaign of Seattle has endorsed FIJA.  And we have learned  that
retired State Supreme Court Justice William C. Goodloe has agreed
to  serve as honorary chairman of the Washington Coalition for  a
Fully Informed Jury.  Welcome aboard, Judge Goodloe!



WISCONSIN

     Bill  Currier and company have been actively promoting  FIJA
to  various  organizations across the spectrum,  and  gained  the
endorsement  of Wisconsin Eagle Forum.



WYOMING

     Don  Young  reports that Wyoming FIJA now has  a  couple  of
lobbyists, Russ Donnelly and Donald Peak, ready to go to work  on
FIJA.   Early  attempts to pass FIJA in Wyoming (thanks  to  Rep.
Keith  Goodenough,  D-Natrona) failed in committee,  but  sparked
lively debates between Goodenough and others via  letters-to-the-
editor of the Casper Star-Tribune.















                COMMUNICATION AROUND THE NATION

                           (media magic)



     FIJA  headquarters  has  recently  received  inquiries  from
several  nationally prominent publications,  including  Harper's,
U.S.  News and World Report, and Pacifica News Service.  No  word
yet on results there, but the September issue of High Times has a
two-page feature article on FIJA!



     Meanwhile,  back at the ranch, FIJA has mailed or  otherwise
distributed about 50,000 copies of the "Outreach FIJActivist"  we
published  in late Spring, and about the same number of "True  or
False" brochures.  Much of the information in those materials has
either  been republished or rewritten as articles in  newsletters
from  across  the political spectrum.  A look at our  collage  of
clippings will show what we mean.



     Results of this grass roots communication can be  marvelous:
Coverage  of the amendment in "F.Y.I.: Bulletin for  Leaders"  of
the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has resulted  in
requests  for  information from legislators  in  several  states,
including Washington, Ohio, and Virginia.  Likewise, we've  heard
from several people who found us listed in "Fact Sheet Five."



     Supplementing all of the above, Larry Dodge has been a guest
on any number of talk shows around the nation, exposing  hundreds
of thousands of issues-oriented listeners to the truth about jury
rights  and responsibilities.  Response--both live and phoned  in
or mailed to HQ--has been heavy and overwhelmingly  enthusiastic.
Other FIJActivists have been appearing on talk shows and  placing
calls to them.



     Concurrently, various FIJActivists have been uploading  FIJA
materials into computer bulletin boards and news networks  across
the  country,  igniting debates and  informative  exchanges.   It
started  when Joe Dehn of Colorado began feeding FIJA morsels  to
his bulletin board and other libertarian boards.  Contact  Joseph
W.  Dehn III,  P.O. Box 621015, Littleton, Colorado 80110:   Dehn
Base Emerald 303-972-6575.



     In  addition,  the following libertarian boards  carry  FIJA
information:

     Dan's Den   318-424-9260

     House of Ill Compute   408-338-6860

     Liberty Bell  408-243-1933

     Liberty Houston 713-785-4763



     Mike  Kearns  of Texas  has established the  Patriots'  Wire
Service bulletin board, with six incoming lines, 7 days per week,
24 hours per day.  Up to date FIJA information will be  available
on  this bulletin board via modem: 512-648-1112, FIJA SIG.   Mike
is  asking  a  donation of $1 per month, and  you  get  one  hour
immediate  access.  Contact: Mike Kearns, P.O.  Box  201525,  San
Antonio,  TX  78220;  Phone  [phone].  Christian   patriotic
orientation.



     Bulletin boards are working for FIJA!  We frequently receive
requests  for information from people who have heard about us  on
one  or  another bulletin board.  And now we have computer  discs
full  of  information (including this newsletter)  available  for
shipment  to people willing to include it in their  own  bulletin
boards,  and  will  be happy to  provide  bulletin  board  access
numbers  for boards which we know are carrying FIJA  news.   Just
ask!







                       FIJA INTERNATIONAL?


     Exporting jury rights information: Vince Miller and  Jarrett
Wolstein of the International Society for Individual Liberty have
begun  distributing  information on FIJA around the  world.   One
hope  is that those nations which are now finally  emerging  from
years of totalitarian government will profit by this exposure  as
they work to develop new constitutions, thus forms of government.