In the aftermath of the Trayvon Martin case in Florida, state self-defense statutes – known as “Stand Your Ground” laws – have been under fire from anti-gunners, and the Citizens 
Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms has come out swinging in support of such laws.
In an e-mail alert to members and supporters, CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb noted that Martin’s shooting death and subsequent charging of George Zimmerman has given anti-gun lobbyists in Florida an opportunity to “hijack” the controversial case in an effort to push their agenda. In their crosshairs: repeal of the Stand Your Ground law.
However, CCRKBA has warned, it is not only Florida’s law but the Stand Your Ground – or “SYG” – concept across the country that is being threatened. Gun prohibitionists have branded SYG as “Shoot First.”
Anti-gun New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg last month launched a national campaign that he calls a “Second Chance at Shoot First.” He accused the National Rifle Association of pushing the law through in 25 states. In the process, he said, SYG laws “have undermined the integrity of the justice system, and done serious harm to public safety.”
“These laws have not made our country safer; they have made us less safe,” Bloomberg was quoted as stating by the Gleaner in the Queens, NY neighborhood of Jamaica.
Bloomberg’s campaign is aimed at pressuring state lawmakers to repeal or “reform” SYG laws.
But CCRKBA’s Gottlieb is fighting back.
“The Stand Your Ground Law has saved many lives and will continue to do so in the future,” Gottlieb said in an e-mail appeal to gun owners. “We must stand our ground against these lawmakers to make sure we retain the freedom to defend ourselves.”
Critics of the Martin shooting have portrayed Zimmerman as a wanton killer who profiled the teen. They have cast doubts on Zimmerman’s account that he was attacked and slammed to the ground, and criticized his decision to draw his legally-concealed handgun and fire.
“Surely, if their heads were being slammed into the ground and they needed to defend themselves, they would have a different view on things,” Gottlieb said in his appeal. “These people are simply anti-gun whackos who are taking advantage of a situation to (get) rid (of) something they don’t agree with.”
