Rep. Bill Sali To Government Agency:
"Always Think Freedom"
Gun Owners of America
8001 Forbes Place, Suite 102
Springfield, VA 22151
(703)321-8585
Friday, June 6, 2008

Representative Bill Sali is introducing a bill to send a message to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) that freedom still means something in this country.

As part of its Asset Forfeiture training program for agents, the BATFE ordered 2,000 Leatherman tools inscribed with the words "Always Think Forfeiture." The program urges agents to focus on seizing private property.

Rep Sali believes the agency should be thinking 'Freedom,' not 'Forfeiture.' The Idaho Republican complained about the program and recieved a letter from Acting ATF Director Michael Sullivan, who apologized for the "confusion" over the issue.

While Rep. Sali appreciated the apology, he said that, "My constituents deserve to know the truth about this marketing program, which has been interpreted by many Idahoans as anti-gun and anti-private property."

The agency halted distribution of the tools in the face of public outcry, but "[t]he fact remains that the ATF thought it was OK to think 'Always Think Forfeiture' instead of focusing on protecting our constitutional rights," Sali said.

In a letter to his fellow Congressmen, Sali noted that "the inscription raises serious concerns to law-abiding citizens as to the intent of an ATF agent who is performing investigations, particularly with respect to law-abiding gun owners."

Rep. Sali plans to introduce the 'Always Think Freedom' bill sometime next week. The bill will prohibit the agency from making purchases of tool kits "on which any reminder of forfeiture appears."

Action: Please urge your Representative to become an original cosponsor of the "Always Think Freedom Act."

You can visit the Gun Owners Legislative Action Center to send your Rep. the pre-written e-mail message below.
----- Pre-written letter -----

Dear Representative:

I urge you to become an original co-sponsor of Rep. Bill Sali's "Always Think Freedom" bill, which will be introduced shortly.

As part of its Asset Forfeiture training program for agents, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ordered 2,000 Leatherman tools inscribed with the words "Always Think Forfeiture." The program urges agents to focus on seizing private property.

The agency, which has been the frequent subject of congressional inquiry into its heavy-handed law enforcement tactics, should focus on protecting our Constitutional rights.

Rep. Sali's bill will simply prohibit the agency from making purchases of tool kits "on which any reminder of forfeiture appears."

Please support this bill by signing on as an original cosponsor.

Sincerely,