-=Continued from previous post=- 
     Now, action is being considered under the draft resolution. 
We would sincerely hope that the UN would listen to the pleas not
just of the NRA, but of firearms owners worldwide.  When we say
that we want an opportunity to be heard, we are mindful that the
issues we wish to discuss are considered vital by hundreds of
millions of hunters, shooters, and lawful possessors of firearms. 
         
Democratic reforms of UN procedures
     Now, let's discuss our final point.  Democratic reform of
U.N. Procedures.  
     We know and appreciate that the National Rifle Association
of America is probably not the U.N.'s most popular Non-
governmental Organization.  We are fully aware that some have
criticized the assertiveness with which we defend our position. 
I can assure you that our defense of our position will continue
to be strong, vibrant and dynamic, so I believe we can predict
with some certainty that, in the future, our critics will
continue to complain about our effectiveness.  That is fine,
Madame Chair, for we are not thin-skinned.  Indeed, we relish the
give and take of a healthy political dialogue.
     What I want to emphasize today, however, goes far beyond the
style with which we defend our freedom and our cultural heritage. 
It goes far beyond the words of our critics who complain about
our assertive defense of our rights.  Oh, no, at issue today is
neither the style or the substance of this particular non-
governmental organization.  At issue today and for the
foreseeable future is the style and substance of the United
Nations itself.
     In the grand scheme of things, NRA's popularity is of no
consequence.  At issue is the U.N.'s commitment to an open,
democratic process within its own agencies and institutions.  Put
bluntly,  and I can see that our critics are now sitting up, 
paying closer attention, and taking copious notes put bluntly,
how the U.N. treats the NRA is a major test for the U.N.
     Why?  Because, in many ways, the NRA member is the 
quintessential average citizen.  He, or she, is extraordinary, 
not because of their wealth or station in life, but because of the 
values they embody.  Our members are from every major political 
party in our nation, men and women, young and old, all colors and 
creeds.  What holds this diverse, dynamic group of people together, 
as members of a single association, is their shared values.  NRA
members are ordinary people who come together, because they
cherish the values this association stands for:  safety,
individual responsibility, and freedom.   
     Thus, the manner in which NRA is treated by the U.N. will be
seen as emblematic of how the U.N. treats everyday citizens of
every member-nation, all around the world, citizens whose lives
and culture could be radically transformed by what you decide and
how you go about deciding it.  With the end of the Cold War, the
UN is now engaged in myriad activities, peace-keeping, democracy-
building, functions profoundly different from its earlier days.  
     Now, Madame Chairperson, you are probably asking, how does
this relate to the need for democratic reform in UN procedures?   
     When the UN was mainly concerned with fulfilling its classic
diplomatic role of preventing interstate wars of aggression,
there was little necessity for citizens of members countries to
have a voice  in your deliberation.
     If and when the UN chooses to involve itself in issues which
are domestic by nature, and this most definitely includes the
firearms issue, the U.N.'s approach must change.  Many criticize
the U.N. for even delving into domestic issues; we will leave
their valid criticisms for another time.  Today, this much can
and should be said: the U.N. cannot act in the classic diplomatic 
manner of governments talking to governments in a closed,
restrictive process.  The process must be democratic.  
     If there are meetings, they must be opened.   
     If there is information, it must be shared.  
     If decisions are built on evidence and discussions, then all
three -- evidence, discussions and resulting decisions -- all
three must be made a matter of record.  
     And, if there is a record, that record must be available to
the public.  
     Madame Chairperson, we have had a thorny relationship with
the UN.  The test for the UN is not how it relates to a group
with which it feels compatible, but how it relates to groups who
often take strong positions, positions some of you may find
contrary.  This is what democracy is all about. 
         
     Our experience to date has not been good.  One is tempted to
say that, if you have found us assertive, I can assure you we
have found your locked doors aggressive.  Meetings have been
closed when they should have been opened.  Information was not
furnished when it should have been furnished.  Deliberations have
been private when they should have been public.  
         
     Madame Chairperson, let me conclude by saying that it is our
intention to pursue through the appropriate channels two major
reforms of UN procedures.  In the USA, such approaches are often
called "sunshine laws."  Such laws open closed doors, so that all
interested parties can  observe and participate in the light of
day.  In U.N. parlance, they are known as "increased
transparency."  
         
     First, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action will seek an
"open meeting" provision for the UN.  Under such a provision, all
official meetings of the UN will, with certain limited
exceptions, be open to the public.
         
     Second, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action will seek a
"public records" provision for the UN.  Under this provision, all
documents held by the UN will, with certain limited exceptions,
be open to public examination.
         
     Our extraordinary, ordinary citizens who make up the NRA
might put it this way: we want open, honest debate.  We want
freedom of information.  We like town meetings, and we love
democracy.  And we think, in expressing those values, we have a
lot of company.
     When this Commission meeting started, Pino Alaachi made a
prophetic statement.  He said, and I quote, Madame Chairperson,
"Ultimately, we answer to citizens of the governments of the
world." 
Indeed, Madame Chairperson, so do you. 
     And, from one ordinary citizen who has the honor of speaking
for millions of freedom-loving citizens of the United States of
America, citizens who are as average as they are extraordinary,
thank you for listening.
=+=+=+=+
This information is provided as a service of the National Rifle
Association Institute for Legislative Action, Fairfax, VA.
This and other information on the Second Amendment and the NRA is
available at: http://WWW.NRA.Org
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End of GENERAL-RKBA Digest 355
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