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snub-nosed revolver (the firearms which enjoys the largest popularity 
amongst the one half of the U.S. population that is armed). It would 
be said by some that the photo is a depiction of flag desecration as 
the revolver has been painted as a U.S. flag. Above the photo, 
written in black capitals the postcard states:
     "In 1988, handguns killed
7 people in Great Britain
19 in Sweden
53 in Switzerland
25 in Israel
13 in Australia
8 in Canada
And 8,915 in the United States
God Bless America"
  More to the point, in small print below the pictured revolver is a 
plea to, "Help stop handgun violence. Call 1-900-226-4455." Upon 
calling this number, I was greeted by a recording of Sarah Brady 
relating the most recent gun control news. I was then instructed to 
supply my name and demographics for the purpose of sending "an urgent 
letter" to my representatives in Washington "urging support of stronger 
gun laws." I was also informed that this call had just cost me $2.75 
and that the Bradys were very pleased with my presence as a member 
of HCI. (To their credit, the charge was also given in tiny numerals 
on the postcard.) This 900 number proliferates virtually all the 
mailings sent out by HCI and appears extremely effective. It aids 
supporters by giving updates while inundating representatives with 
mail from registered voters urging gun control.
          Recently, HCI's mailing practices have come under suspicion 
and there is discussion of investigation. The question concerning many 
is the speed at which HCI is able to send out its mailings after each 
highly publicized gun related event. According to an NRA member who 
also belongs to HCI for information purposes (he declined to state 
his name for fear of being removed from HCI's membership rolls)
letters about the 1989 Stockton tragedy were in his mailbox in less 
than two days. News articles were also swifter than normal. It is the 
contention of several individuals that HCI may have been privy to prior 
warning that Patrick Purdy would commit his atrocity. A little research 
has found that no investigation is yet under way, and none is planned. 
The fact remains however, that HCI and the news media were able to 
publicize the event with unusual swiftness. Layout and printing take time.
    Through the virtual media monopoly (in regards to firearms), 
direct mail, and this 900 number, HCI keeps in close contact with its 
members, supporters, and potential supporters. This close contact has 
made Handgun Control, Incorporated a successful group and a considerable 
opponent of the NRA.
    Unfortunately, because the organization has been exposed 
repeatedly for falsehoods, one is inclined to be hesitant about 
shrugging off rumors of their Purdy mailings. It is likely to be 
hysteria, but in view of HCI's record with the truth, it is 
difficult to have certainty. When I began this research I had a 
fundamental respect for HCI as a worthy opponent of the NRA, of which 
I claim membership. My research of this organization has tarnished 
this image of mine, and I now have little respect for it. I fail to 
see why if HCI believes itself to be correct in fighting for gun 
control (or gun elimination, depending on who one asks, in view of 
Mr. Shields sentiments) it feels obligated to distort fact and to 
resort on occasion to outright lies. The lies appear very 
condescending when it is discovered how easy it is to prove them as 
such. One of my first interviews was with a secretary who informed 
me that over 90% of all rapes are committed with the assistance of 
a gun. The FBI Uniform Crime Report 1989 states otherwise, setting 
the figure at 26% instead.  I was told by HCI that a firearm is 
statistically more likely to be used against a family member or 
against its owner in the commission of a crime than it is to 
protect its owner. Researcher and professor Gary Kleck has found 
that a firearm is used to commit a murder every 60 minutes. (HCI 
concedes this figure and indeed exploits it) However, Kleck also 
found that a firearm is used successfully in defensive action every 
48 seconds. HCI never responded to my three written queries about this 
figure. It is for the reason of HCI falsehoods that I can no longer 
say that I have respect for what I had believed to be a worthy adversary.
APPENDIX I.
H.R.467
(The Brady Bill)
101st CONGRESS 2nd Session
H.R. 467
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
A BILL
    To provide for a waiting period before the purchase of a handgun.
    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
    United States of America in Congress assembled,
     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
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