FOP fundraising letter conceals the organization's anti-gun agenda

by Larry S. Moore

I received my annual copy of the Fraternal Order of Police fund-raising letter asking for my support. I've been ignoring these letters for close to twenty years now. I was about to unceremoniously deposit this one into File 13 when I thought maybe I should read it this time. My wife shook her head, noting that my political blood pressure doesn't need any help from the FOP.

The FOP has fought all our legislation for the rights of gun owners, concealed carry and self-defense in Ohio. Some referenced articles from 2003 and 2008 are included below. The FOP is now suggesting that House Bill 8, a placeholder bill that will eventually contain language designed to improve school safety, should instead be used to strip local school boards of the ability to authorize school employees and citizens to carry firearms on school property. It's all about making our schools totally dependent on the FOP members who, far too often, only get to the crime scene after the shooting is over. For more information on this move, see "State FOP proposes stripping ability of boards of education to arm school employees."

So I read the FOP letter to see what else they are doing for "our safety." I didn't have to read very far. The first major bullet point states (in bold), "But police officers don't do their jobs to win accolades -- we do it because everyone is a potential victim." I certainly agree with both sides of this statement. Over many pieces of legislation, I've never heard the FOP submit testimony saying we should be allowed concealed carry to protect ourselves "because everyone is a potential victim." If the FOP really believes this statement, then the FOP should be supporting concealed carry, arming school personnel and promoting self-defense throughout Ohio. Sadly they do not.

The second bullet point states (bold and underlined so it must be more important than the first that was only in bold), "We guard and protect your family as diligently as our own." Really? I'm sure they will use all the same force to protect my family IF they could only be on-site in my moment of need. I'm sure the FOP is aware that the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that law enforcement doesn't have an obligation to protect individual citizens but rather society as a whole.

Lastly, the letter gets down to the real point, saying, "You can show your appreciation of law enforcement by becoming an FOP Ohio Booster for 2013." Really? I can show appreciation of my local law enforcement personnel by boosting their anti-gun union? I can show appreciation by donating to the organization that may very well be the most anti-gun organization based in Ohio? I can show appreciation so that the FOP can continue to testify against legislation empowering the citizens of Ohio to be proactive in our personal self-defense? I'm sure Mike Weinman, director of government affairs for the FOP of Ohio, would like for me to donate so he can continue to work against the citizens the FOP claims to support.

The tips printed on the back of the pledge card include common-sense items like lock your car; park in well-lighted areas; keep valuables out of sight and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. Not a word about taking a concealed carry course and getting a license to carry. No surprises here.

Other stories on the history of the anti-gun Ohio FOP include:

From 2003 during our initial fight for concealed carry: FOP spokesman: Blatant disregard for the TRUTH

From 2008 during the fight to pass Castle Doctrine legislation: Governor Strickland tells FOP where to stick it on gun bill; Republicans should do the same

I've decided how I'm going to show my appreciation to the FOP. The fund-raising letter listed various amounts starting with Booster at $20 up to the $100 Platinum Booster level. I am donating $20 to the Buckeye Firearms Foundation in support of the training program to prepare teachers and school personnel as the real first responders to an active shooter in their schools. I may even put a note and a photocopy of my check in their envelope so the FOP can see my donation where the gift makes a real difference for the safety of our schools! I encourage all who receive an FOP fund-raising letter to do the same. Thank you!

Buckeye Firearms Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization. Donations to the Foundation are tax-deductible.

Outdoor writer and hunter education instructor Larry S. Moore is a long-time volunteer leader for Buckeye Firearms Foundation and winner of the 2005 USSA Patriot Award, the 2007 League of Ohio Sportsmen/Ohio Wildlife Federation Hunter Educator of the Year and the 2010 National Wild Turkey Federation/ Women in the Outdoors Hunter Education Instructor of the Year.