My letter to AG Ashcroft...
Attorney General Ashcroft -
I have just been made aware of the difficulty facing Mr. Gregory Monte of Jersey CIty Armory regarding the renewal of his Federal Firearms License (by the BATF) in order that he may recommence his busines in the state of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Monte was forced to move his entire business as a result of the difficulties posed by New Jersey state and local laws regarding firearms and businesses, and his move to Pennsylvania was conducted in order that he may remain in business and continue to supprt his family.
Mr. Monte's difficulties are of grave concern to small business owners nationwide. While it may not seem so at first, think of the possible repercussions if other departments were to begin following ATF's trend in denying of delaying licenses for any whimsical reason, forcing these individuals to divest themselves of their preferred livelihood and the businesses they have labored so long to create. I worry not only on behalf of Mr. Monte, but for small business everywhere. I prefer to support small businesses wherever possible (including FFL holders,) in the hpe that they may prosper and provide much needed competition to the megacorporations that are gaining so much sway over the marketplace.
AG Ashcroft, please take a moment to consider the merits of Mr. Monte's case. He has filed his complaint against the Secretary of the Treasury (ultimate manager of BATF,) and has posted it for public attention at www.jcarmory.com/alert.html. If you should care to view it, you will require a program capable of interpreting the .tif file format - most desktop facsimile handlers and graphics viewers are capable of this, and many are readily available.
Please do consider this. It could be a blow to small business across the nation, and a direct strike against firearms owners, hobbyists, and gunsmiths throughout hte United States. Thank you.
Jon D Kelley
San Jose, CA
[email protected]FFZ