Congress We The People Footage

CONGRESS: WE THE PEOPLE
This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA.	Tape Master:	11408
	Catalog #:	490758
	Clip Number:	490758-3
	Orginal Film:	CWTP 118
	Timecode:
	Location:	U.S. Capitol and Environs; Misc.
	Year Shot:
	Audio:	Yes
	Color:	Yes
	Headings:	GOVERNMENT: United States, Congress
	Description:	Clip of MARTIN LUTHER KING speaking. Still of a poster from HANDGUN CONTROL, INC.. v.o.-the assassinations of the 1960's raised pressure for GUN CONTROL, but only one major piece of GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION has been passed by Congress and the only one other bill proposed was soundly defeated. The NRA is one reason. Exterior and seal of NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. Shot of a GUN CONTROL ADVOCATE speaking at a podium. Shot of NRA lobbyist Warren Cassidy describing the NRA'S decision to organize a pro-gun lobby. Shot of an NRA mail sorting machine processing a mass mailing. Portrait of HARLAN CARTER, former NRA Executive VP who headed the ANTI-GUN CONTROL effort. Shot of PETE SHIELDS of HANDGUN CONTROL, INC. Shields says the murder of his son led him to decide not to sit by and try to get handguns out of circulation. Shot of Shields testifying to a Congressional committee, shot of an NRA lobbyist speaking to the committee. V.O.-so far, the NRA seems to be winning the lobbying war. 11.14.55-Cassidy of NRA says the group's strength is the mass membership in all 50 states. Stills of NRA meetings, target shooting contests, and a shooting instructor. Shots of NRA print ads from "I'm the NRA" campaign. Cassidy says all mailings go to the whole membership. Stills of an NRA meeting, v.o.-the NRA'S membership is extremely active and respond to calls to write and phone Congressmen. Cassidy says the NRA gets its members mobilized. V.O.-in 1982, the NRA'S lobbying arm had a budget of $9 million. Shots of NRA staff workers, mailings, etc.. Shot of mailing labels rolling off a computer printer. Cassidy says that politicians don't dare ignore that many people. Shots of meeting of the NRA'S Political Action Committee. Titles show the amounts given to 1982 candidates and a 78% success rate of NRA-sponsored candidates. Cassidy says that even without the PAC, the NRA would be powerful lobby. Argues the people, not the money, are the NRA's biggest asset. 11.18.35-Shot of Shields and staffer in HANDGUN CONTROL, INC. offices. Titles show the group's political contributions compared to the NRA'S [smaller dollar figures, fewer races, higher success rate]. Legislative Director of HCI says that the organization is winning by sticking around and remaining in the political process. Shot of Rep. ROBERT TORRICELLI (D-NJ) in office. Clip of TORRICELLI campaign ad painting his NRA-SUPPORTED opponent as a pro-gun maniac. TORRICELLI says that the NRA has used over $1 Million to smear candidates who favor gun control, so turnaround is fair. Shot of Cassidy in office, says that Torricelli represents "zealous anti-gunners". HCI legislative director describes the NRA'S attempts to smear Torricelli during the campaign. Stills of Torricelli from campaign. HCI director says that Torricelli has championed GUN CONTROL in Congress, and proved that GUN CONTROL can win elections as an issue. 11.20.47