Conscientious Objectors  by Tom Reynolds

President Ronald Reagan once cautioned against "the temptation of blithely declaring yourself above it all and label both houses equally at fault...and thereby remove yourself from the struggle between right and wrong and good and evil."

Many Americans share a frustration with politics. They see shortcomings in both major parties and conclude that neither deserves their vote. As a friend of mine likes to say, "The lesser of two evils is still evil."

It is an understandable sentiment. No candidate is perfect, and few—if any—will represent all of our values and priorities. Some voters focus primarily on personality, while others focus on issues. Most of us fall somewhere in between. Ultimately, every election comes down to choosing which candidate is most likely to move public policy in the direction we believe is best for our families, communities, and state.

How do we make that decision? We examine each candidate's record, stated positions, and actions.  As investment brokers disclaim in their ads, “Past performance does not guarantee future returns.”   However, it is often the best information available. Evaluating a candidate's history and credibility is an essential part of being an informed voter.

Whether your priorities involve public safety, taxes, affordability, constitutional rights, or the future direction of New York, the question is not whether a candidate is flawless. The question is which candidate is more likely to move the state in the direction you believe is right.

For those who place a high priority on protecting the Second Amendment, each candidate's record on firearm rights deserves careful consideration. Governor Kathy Hochul has spent the past several years signing and advocating for laws that have made New York's firearm regulations among the most restrictive in the nation. Several of those restrictions have faced successful constitutional challenges following the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark Bruen decision, while other provisions remain under review. Voters now have an established record by which to evaluate her administration and in her case “Past performance does guarantee future actions.”  Compare it with the positions and priorities of her opponent, Bruce Blakeman.

Some believe staying home is a way to express dissatisfaction with the choices on the ballot.  But one thing is certain: choosing not to vote does not remove us from the outcome; it simply means others will make the decision for us.  Elections produce laws, policies, and decisions that affect all of us, including those who did not participate.

In the war to save the 2nd Amendment, the non-voter is a conscientious objector.

The future of New York will be decided this November—not only by the candidates on the ballot, but by the citizens who take the time to participate.

The future is decided by those who show up.  Your vote matters!

Annual S.C.O.P.E. Banquet

To the SCOPE Membership,

We are pleased to announce that Saritha Komatireddy, candidate for New York State Attorney General, and Joseph Hernandez, candidate for New York State Comptroller, have confirmed that they will attend our SCOPE Banquet as guest speakers.

The SCOPE Banquet will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Palmyra VFW in Palmyra, New York. We look forward to welcoming these distinguished guests and invite you to join us for an informative and engaging evening.

The evening will be filled with good food, games, silent auctions, raffles, and engaging conversation. The Master of Ceremonies will be Mr. Bob Lonsberry, who did a great job last year.

Given this is an election year, it is important that for as many people as possible get out to hear what the candidates have to say. We encourage you to join us for this informative and enjoyable evening and hope to see you there!

With All Honor and Respect,

John

WalletHub  by Tom Reynolds

A WalletHub* survey compared all 50 states across 12 indicators of patriotism using two factors: military engagement and Civic engagement.**

I would not view this as the most comprehensive survey possible but it is a random survey that apparently is not partisan.

New York State just missed last place: we were 49th as we received an overall score of 28.96 out of 100.  We were 49th for military engagement and 45th for civic engagement. 

We were nosed out by .23 hundredths of a point for last place.  But with the rise of Mamdani and the commies in New York City, we have a real shot at last place, in the future.

Or, we can vote as the future is not decided by any surveys or polls but by those who show up.

* WalletHub (formerly CardHub.com) is a personal finance company 

** WalletHub assessed states on the Military Engagement category used these indicators:

●Average military enlistees per1,000 civilian adults between 2017 & 2022

●Veterans per 1,000 Civilian Adults 

●Active-duty military personnel per 100,000 civilian adults

●Share of civilian adult population in military reserves 

The Civic Engagement category used these indicators:

●Share of adults who voted in 2024 Presidential Election

●Share of adults who voted in 2020 Primary Elections

●Volunteer rate 

●Volunteer hours per resident 

●AmeriCorps volunteers per capita 

●Peace Corps volunteers per capita 

●Trial-& Grand Jury participation per civilian adult population

●Share of residents who participate in any groups, organizations or associations in the Past Year (Civic Life)

Women and Guns  by Tom Reynolds

When trying to buy a gun, there can be a delay in getting clearance from the background check.  In this past New York legislative session, bills were introduced in both houses (A.3233 and S.362) which would add a 10 day waiting period after passing the background check. 

Gun control proponents laud this as a cooling off period – even though the buyer has just passed the extensive background check. 

The flip side to this is that the delay may prove fatal.  Women who suddenly face threats from a stalker or former partner often do not feel they can wait the months it takes for officials to approve a permit application.  Their danger is here and now.

Two groups that benefit the most from carrying firearms: physically weaker individuals, such as women and the elderly; and those most likely to become crime victims, such as poor blacks living in high-crime urban areas. 

Robyn Sandoval, the president of A Girl & A Gun said: “Too often, women who are being stalked or threatened are told to limit their movements, alter their routines, or rely on a piece of paper to stop someone determined to harm them…Women deserve better than living in fear. By learning to responsibly carry a firearm, they can gain the confidence and means to protect themselves and live their lives without fear.”

Brevard County, FL, Sheriff Wayne Ivey added: “Every day, more law-abiding citizens choose to legally carry firearms because they refuse to be victimized by criminals and thugs…Responsible gun owners know that even the best police response times takes minutes, while violent criminals can take a life in seconds!”

A.3233 and S.362 were not enacted into law but they were close and we can be sure they will be reintroduced in the next NY legislature.  They deserve to be buried in the grave of bad ideas.

There is another idea that would foreclose on these bad ideas: Constitutional Carry, which would benefit women who suddenly face threats from a stalker or former partner and often do not feel they can wait the months it takes for officials to approve a permit application.

If you are a woman who fears that she has been or may be threatened, think about this when you cast our November ballot.  Remember, the future is decided by those that show up.

To the SCOPE Membership, The summer sun beat down on the streets of Philadelphia in 1776 as delegates from the thirteen American colonies gathered inside the Pennsylvania State House. Outside, ordinary people waited anxiously, wondering what decision would shape their future. Farmers, merchants, blacksmiths, and families had all endured years of growing tension with Great Britain. They hoped for freedom, but they also understood that choosing independence meant risking everything. Inside the meeting hall, the delegates debated for days. Some feared that declaring independence would bring war and hardship, while others believed that remaining under British rule would deny the colonies their rights forever. Finally, they agreed on a powerful document written mainly by Thomas Jefferson. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. The Declaration announced that the colonies were no longer part of Great Britain. More importantly, it explained why. It proclaimed that all people are created equal and possess natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also declared that governments exist to protect these rights and that the people have the authority to change or replace a government that fails to do so. For many Americans, the Declaration became a symbol of hope and courage. Although the Revolutionary War was far from over, the document united the colonies around a common purpose. It inspired soldiers to continue fighting, encouraged citizens to support the cause of independence, and attracted allies who believed in the principles of liberty. The influence of the Declaration extended far beyond the American Revolution. Its ideas inspired movements for freedom and democracy around the world and encouraged later generations to continue striving for equality and justice. While the United States did not immediately fulfill all of the Declaration's promises, its principles became a foundation for future efforts to expand civil rights and protect individual freedoms. Today, the Declaration of Independence remains one of the most important documents in American history. It represents the courage to stand up for freedom, the belief that governments should serve the people, and the enduring hope that everyone deserves equal rights and opportunities. Its message continues to remind people that liberty and justice are ideals worth protecting for every generation. The work is not finished. As we commemorate America's Semi-quincentennial, we also renew our commitment to future generations. Just as the signers of the Declaration accepted great personal risk to secure liberty, we must continue to stand together through lawful advocacy, civic engagement, and unwavering dedication to the Constitution. Thank you for your steadfast support, your perseverance, and your belief in the importance of protecting the Second Amendment. Because of your dedication, SCOPE remains a strong voice for responsible gun owners and constitutional rights throughout New York State. As we honor the legacy of 1776, may we continue to uphold the principles of freedom, individual responsibility, and limited government that have guided our nation for two and a half centuries. Together, we can help ensure that the blessings of liberty endure—not only for ourselves, but for our children, grandchildren, and generations yet to come. Happy 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and thank you for standing with SCOPE in the continuing defense of our constitutional freedoms. With All Honor and Respect, John

America, Truly A Diamond!  by Tom Reynolds

Far We've been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Free Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

On the boats and on the planes
They're coming to America

Never looking back again
They're coming to America

Home, to a new and a shiny place
Make our bed, and we'll say our grace
Freedom's light burning warm
Freedom's light burning warm

Everywhere around the world
They're coming to America

Every time that flag's unfurled
They're coming to America

Got a dream to take them there
They're coming to America

Got a dream they've come to share
They're coming to America

My country 'tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty

America, Truly A Diamond!  y Tomb Reynolds

The far left can’t say enough bad about the America we love, the America which, under our Constitution, has done more for more people than any country in the history of the world.  Ignore the rantings of the mob, it’s time to stand up and unapologetically celebrate America and all its done and all it represents.  America is a land of optimism and not regrets.  We’ve got a lot to be proud of and celebrate and that was captured in a Neil Diamond song from a few years ago.

Of thee I sing

People vote with their feet and their feet definitely want to enter America’s door.

Rush Speaks

From the Rush Limbaugh website on June 30, 2011:

Harvard Libs Admit Fourth of July Celebrations are for Conservatives

From the US News & World Report, Harvard University says that July 4th parades are just a bunch of right-wing movements and Democrats don’t even bother showing up. “Democratic political candidates can skip this weekend’s July 4th parades. A new Harvard University study finds that July 4th parades energize only Republicans, turn kids into Republicans, and help to boost the GOP turnout of adults on Election Day. ‘Fourth of July celebrations in the United States shape the nation’s political landscape by forming beliefs and increasing participation, primarily in favor of the Republican Party,’ said the report from Harvard.”

Finally, they admit it, the Democrats don’t care about the nation’s founding. They admit it! They admit that celebrating the founding of this nation is a Republican event. It’s a conservative event that liberals are not welcome, that liberals don’t care, and that they don’t show up.

“The three key findings of those attending July 4th celebrations: When done before the age of 18, it increases the likelihood of a youth identifying as a Republican by at least 2 percent. It raises the likelihood that parade watchers will vote for a Republican candidate by 4 percent. It boosts the likelihood a reveler will vote by about 1 percent and increases the chances they’ll make a political contribution by 3 percent. What’s more, the impact isn’t fleeting. ‘Surprisingly, the estimates show that the impact on political preferences is permanent, with no evidence of the effects depreciating as individuals become older,’ said the Harvard report.”

To the SCOPE Membership,

Former President Obama once said, "Elections have consequences." Few statements have proven more enduring. Every election shapes the direction of our nation, and for those on the losing side, the consequences can be difficult to accept.

The effects of elections are evident in the policies that follow. After taking office in 2021, President Biden reversed several immigration policies and oversaw a significant increase in illegal border crossings. Millions of migrants entered the United States during his administration, placing substantial strains on border security and immigration enforcement. Critics argue that these policies also contributed to tragic crimes committed by some individuals who entered the country illegally, resulting in the deaths of American citizens. For many Americans, these outcomes underscore the lasting consequences that elections can have on public policy and public safety.

In the 2022 New York gubernatorial election, Lee Zeldin lost by just 378,000 votes. Considering the size of New York's gun-owning population, that margin was far from insurmountable.

New York is estimated to have between 4.5-and-5-million-gun owners. Yet, by some estimates, only about 1.2 million of them voted in the 2022 gubernatorial election. If more gun owners had participated in the electoral process, the outcome of the election could have been very different.

The lesson is clear: elections are often decided not only by those who vote, but by those who choose to stay home.

Many New Yorkers believe Governor Hochul's administration has taken the state in the wrong direction. They point to concerns over public safety, affordability, taxes, and the overall quality of life, not to mention 2A issues, as evidence that New York needs new leadership. Some believe that another four years under Governor Hochul would further accelerate the state's decline.

With that in mind, SCOPE has launched a comprehensive Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative leading up to the November 3, 2026, election. The goal of this effort is simple: encourage and mobilize eligible voters and gun owners that don't vote to participate in the election and ensure their voices are heard.  To that end, SCOPE added a staff position called Marketing and Communication director to the SCOPE Corporation.  Currently Steve Leonard is the SCOPE Marketing and Communication Director leading the GOTV initiative.  It is not determined if that position will exist after the November 3 election.

Let me explain how the GOTV initiative will work.

The GOTV initiative consists of two key components. The first is the development of a comprehensive social media strategy.

Several months ago, SCOPE invited members to volunteer their expertise in areas such as social media, graphic design, website development, content creation, and other digital communications. Unfortunately, no volunteers with the necessary skills came forward.

Lacking the necessary support, SCOPE decided to contract with Multimedia Services, a professional communications firm, to develop and implement a comprehensive social media campaign. This approach ensures that the organization will have the professional resources needed to effectively communicate with voters and maximize the impact of the GOTV effort.  The social media campaign will focus on three major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X. SCOPE volunteers will develop the campaign's content, including messages, topics, and supporting information. That content will then be provided to the contracted communications firm, which will professionally design, format, and produce the material for publication across all three platforms.

SCOPE is actively coordinating with other New York State Second Amendment organizations to determine their interest in participating in this initiative. The objective is to build a broad coalition that can distribute the campaign's content packages to the largest possible audience, maximizing both the reach and effectiveness of the Get Out the Vote effort. 

The second component of the initiative is the development of a printed outreach package consisting of a professionally designed poster and a tri-fold brochure highlighting key issues, including Second Amendment rights. The plan is for SCOPE County Chapters to distribute these materials to selected Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), gun clubs, sportsmen's federations, and other organizations throughout their counties.

The number of outreach packages that can be produced and distributed will ultimately depend on available funding. Simply put, the greater the financial support for this initiative, the more materials SCOPE can place into the hands of organizations and voters across New York State.

The timeline for content packages distributed to county chapters is the month of July. 

Adequate funding is essential to the success of the Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative. Thanks to financial support from the SCOPE Corporation and generous contributions from several SCOPE Chapters, the initial phase of the campaign is now underway.

As the initiative expands and reaches more voters across New York State, additional funding may be needed to maximize its effectiveness. Every additional dollar invested will help extend the campaign's reach and increase the number of voters who receive our message.

The success of this initiative will depend largely on the efforts of each SCOPE County Chapter. Once the outreach materials have been produced, each chapter will identify the Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), gun clubs, sportsmen's federations, and other organizations within its county where the content packages will have the greatest impact. By strategically targeting locations with the highest potential to reach engaged voters, each chapter can maximize the effectiveness of the GOTV campaign and make the best use of available resources.

I respectfully ask every SCOPE member to volunteer their time to assist their County Chapter Chair when the time comes to distribute the outreach materials. The success of this initiative will depend on the dedication and participation of our members. By working together, we can ensure these materials reach as many voters as possible and maximize the impact of our Get Out the Vote effort.

Additionally, as we enter a busy fundraising season that includes county fairs, weekend festivals, and the SCOPE banquet, it is important to maintain strong momentum in support of the GOTV initiative. Continued fundraising during this period will be essential to ensuring the program has the resources needed to expand its reach and effectiveness.

Finally, I want to extend my sincere thanks for your continued support of SCOPE and your commitment to Second Amendment advocacy.

With All Honor and Respect,

John

The Greatest Startup in History  by Tom Reynolds

Polls show that a number of Americans (mostly Democrats) are not proud of their country.  These people look for ways to put America down by finding every fault they can surface. 

In their latest newsletter, ‘Merrill’ (Bank of America) took offense at that.  It’s not 2A but it is worth reading as it highlights things that the naysayers usually omit and renews our sense of pride and optimism, that is so often missing from those that believe socialism and communism are the wave of the future.  Important parts are reproduced below.

On July 4, 1776, a group of risk-takers, entrepreneurs and revolutionaries launched what would become the greatest startup in history: The United States of America. It was an audacious venture.

The founders were attempting to build a new nation in defiance of the most powerful empire on earth. They possessed no established government, no central bank, no standing army capable of defeating Britain, no industrial base, and no guarantee that the 13 colonies would remain united. What could possibly go wrong? The odds, to say the least, were terrible.

Yet they proceeded anyway—and 250 years later, the gamble has produced results beyond anything the Founders could have imagined. The U.S. today is home to the world's largest economy, deepest capital markets, most innovative companies, leading universities, and most dynamic entrepreneurial culture. Its citizens have generated breakthroughs that transformed transportation, communications, medicine, computing, energy and countless other industries. The startup launched in Philadelphia has become the most powerful economic enterprise in human history.

And to this day, we continue to carry the DNA of our founders—optimism, imagination, relentless energy and curiosity, and fearlessness in the face of failure or uncertainty.

Ten Reasons to Celebrate: As America approaches its 250th birthday, pessimism has become something of a national pastime. Political polarization, geopolitical tensions, rising debt and questions over America’s future dominate the headlines. Yes, America has flaws, but, at 250 years old, the country still possesses a unique combination of advantages that no other nation can fully replicate.

First, no economy in the world is as large, diverse and wealthy as the U.S.

Second, geography remains America’s superpower…Protected by two vast oceans and bordered by friendly neighbors.

Third, no major economy reinvests itself as relentlessly as the U.S.

Fourth, the U.S. remains a magnet for foreign capital.

Fifth, America remains the home to the world’s top global brands. 

Sixth, America’s hard power remains unmatched…Economic strength ultimately rests upon security, and, by this metric, the U.S. maintains the world’s most capable military force.

Seventh, America remains the world’s technology leader.

Eighth, the top-ranked universities in the world are in the U.S.

Ninth, the U.S. dollar remains the cornerstone of the global financial system...the greenback remains the world’s dominant reserve currency, the primary medium of global trade and finance, and the ultimate safe-haven asset during periods of crisis.

Finally, America remains one of the world’s most competitive economies.

Can anyone name a socialist / communist nation that can begin to compare?

2A – Important and threatened  by Tom Reynolds

SCOPE is working on a major Get-Out-The Vote effort, of which you will be hearing a lot about, very soon.  We don’t want to play ‘ready, fire, aim’ so we are researching where to put our efforts, time and money.

A new poll by the Associated Press and NORC Center for Public Affairs Research offers some interesting insights – but it depends on how you read it.   

Gun rights are under a: 

Major Threat            21% (Dem)      40% (Rep)       34% (Ind)
Minor Threat            36% (Dem)      41% (Rep)       35% (Ind)
No Threat                42% (Dem)      19% (Rep)        28% (Ind)

Very                           22%
Somewhat                24%
Not Very                   11%
Not at all                     7%  

Do Democrats view 2A gun rights as somewhat threatened (21% + 36%) – OR - not really threatened (36% + 42%.)  Depends on how you want to read it.  The same logic can be applied to the other political categories.

But there is some guidance from this poll. 

If you are a SCOPE member, you know that our 2A rights are under a major threat from the leadership of the Democrat party; socialist and communist movements do not play well with civilian gun rights.  But according to the poll, amongst Republicans (40%) and Independents (34%) just a little more than a third of them perceive 2A as being under a major threat. 

There are two conclusions that we have reached:

we must undertake a major educational effort to reach almost two-thirds of Republicans and Independents that do not see the enormity of the threat to their 2A rights;

on the good side, we have a target rich environment that – if they can be convinced of the threat and motivated – could add hundreds of thousands of votes in favor of 2A gun rights.

Those votes could have swung past elections and could easily swing this November’s elections.  See my E-mail of May 15th that shows the Republicans could have won the governorship in both 2022 and 2014, if gun owners had shown up:  S.C.O.P.E. Shooters Committee On Political Education - You be the Jury by Tom Reynolds             

And there is definitely some other good news in that polling.  In spite of the majority not believing that their 2A rights are under a major threat, 81% do believe our 2A rights are important, at varying levels.   

Across the entire political spectrum, just how important are 2A rights?

Extremely                 35%

All we have to do is convince the non-voters in the 81% that their 2A rights are so threatened that it’s time to step up to the voting booth! 

That’s all?

And, as I wrote earlier, you will soon be hearing about how SCOPE is trying to accomplish that.