I just sat through nine minutes of a
speech by Michael Reagan at a NRA convention in 2009. It was filled with all kinds of applause lines and cleaver quips such as:
On March 30, 1981, four people got shot--three did not call for gun control--one was my father.
and
My father fought for freedom his entire life...he would be so proud of this organization
Funny thing was, he never once mentioned this:
May 3, 1994
To Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:
We are writing to urge your support for a ban on the domestic manufacture of military-style assault weapons. This is a matter of vital importance to the public safety. Although assualt weapons account for less than 1% of the guns in circulation, they account for nearly 10% of the guns traced to crime.
Every major law enforcement organization in America and dozens of leading labor, medical, religious, civil rights and civic groups support such a ban. Most importantly, poll after poll shows that the American public overwhelmingly support a ban on assault weapons. A 1993 CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll found that 77% of Americans support a ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of semi-automatic assault guns, such as the AK-47.
The 1989 import ban resulted in an impressive 40% drop in imported assault weapons traced to crime between 1989 and 1991, but the killing continues. Last year, a killer armed with two TEC9s killed eight people at a San Francisco law firm and wounded several others. During the past five years, more than 40 law enforcement officers have been killed or wounded in the line of duty by an assault weapon.
While we recognize that assault weapon legislation will not stop all assault weapon crime, statistics prove that we can dry up the supply of these guns, making them less accessible to criminals. We urge you to listen to the American public and to the law enforcement community and support a ban on the further manufacture of these weapons.
Sincerely,
Gerald R. Ford
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
link to source
Not only did RONALD Reagan sign his name to that letter, he also personally wrote at least two letters to US Congressmen. To Wisconsin Republican congressman Scott King:
”Dear Scott: As a longtime gun owner and supporter of the right to bear arms, I, too, have carefully thought about this issue. I am convinced that the limitations imposed in this bill are absolutely necessary,” Reagan wrote Klug. “I know there is heavy pressure on you to go the other way, but I strongly urge you to join me in supporting this bill. It must be passed. Sincerely, Ronald Reagan.”
New Hampshire Democrat Dick Swett, also received a personal letter and admitted Reagan’s lobbying help change his mind. The law passed by two votes. Thanks Ronny. Hopefully good deeds come back around.
Link to source.
Michael Reagan doen't want you to know any of that, but he does want to let you know one final bit from his father:
My father gave me this advice: "well, if you are ever going to get shot, don't be wearing a new suit.
And for that, Michael, I am thankful.