Att: List
Lee Holland, President of the MVPA called me today in response to my letter I
shared with you earlier. We had a very productive and cordial discussion
regarding the BATF and the moratorium on armor importation. There was a lot
said and I wish I could related it all, but for breivity and without stealing
anyone's thunder I can tell you this:
There is an ongoing high level dialog with BATF and it involves the (MVPA)
and other groups, including the warbird collectors. Unfortunately, I don't
have the specific details of the things proposed for a resolution, because it
is not all in yet. Nothing is formally on the table. A good time for us to
be heard, right?
You must realize there are a lot of people/groups involved in this one and
its still early in the game. However, you should take some comfort to know
there is at least a resolution forthcoming! This is the best news we have
heard for many months. Exactly what is resolved is yet to be determined.
There probably will be some sort of form (other than the form 6) that will be
required by BATF to identify and qualify the potential purchaser of SME
(armor) vehicles. Now try to calm down and read on because this could open
some doors for us later. Like doors to some things you can't get right now,
like old US armor? Could be.
My guess is you will probably see some upgraded level of government scrutiny
when it comes to importing SME's. You know it had to happen sooner or later
and it appears it's time has come. You can imagine what this might be, maybe
filling out something to declare that you are not a felon and/or a mental
patient. It might be as tough as as buying a handgun...who knows. Mr.
Holland is still gathering facts, talking with BATF and sorting out the whole
thing. However, from what I heard just an hour ago, it sounds like he is
doing a great job and we are going to see some results soon. He told me he
is preparing to let us know when he has all the facts.
The MVPA and the other affected groups can an should offer up their own ideas
of what would be a reasonable solution. Maybe something to assure the
government the imported armor is NOT going to some crazy or felon with ill
intentions. I know, I know ... , this all runs completely against the grain!
We shouldn't have to ask permission to own legal property or hold ourselves
out to more government oversight. As I write I am thinking of the old
analogy of registering baseball bats and frying pans too. Sure, the
reasonable thing is to hold people accountable who break the law, not the
rest for what they fear we might do. Until then leave us the hell alone! I
understand this!
Reality check: The political climate is absolutely against us. We have few
friends who understand or even care. Based on what I see coming down, we can
work something out if we act responsibly now. Does that mean we roll over
and try appeasement..like Chamberlain to Hitler, NO WAY! But, it does mean
we might try to work within the system to effect the best change we can.
Consider the alternative.
By the time its over with, we may only have some kind of form that will be
used to determine who buys jet fighters and armored vehicles...perhaps even
demilled weapons. Obviously there is a lot at stake here and emotions are
running pretty high, especially on our side. However, a thoughtful, well
reasoned response from our MVPA is the way we want to go. It may not only
resolve this issue, but establish our credibility at the levels we need too.
Change is at hand my friends, that is for sure. When the Form 6 is resolved
we will have some new rules. Hopefully ones we can live with, since I
desperately want to import a Fox someday soon!
Well, that is about it. I hope it was of some value to you. I hope you
appreciated the fast response to my letter by the MVPA and Mr. Holland's
personal call me, I sure did. It said a lot about our group, the man and his
concerns for our club.
We really have a pretty nice group, hope we can pass this hobby along to our
Grandkids someday.
Keep em rolling..... Jack Lee - Ferret Mk 2/3
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