* Originally By: Al Thompson
 * Originally To: All
 * Originally Re: Congresswoman belittles NRA/self-defense
 * Original Area: FIDO-AEN_News Service
 * Forwarded by : Blue Wave v2.12

AP 10/15 13:15 EDT
 
   WASHINGTON - More than 25 female members of Congress are urging
the National Rifle Association to stop a self-protection ad campaign
aimed at women who fear becoming crime victims.

   The ad, Rep. Nita Lowey said Friday, is "a veiled attempt by the
NRA to add new members and promote gun ownership by preying on
women's legitimate fears of violence. Women who fear crime must not
be cynically exploited as an untapped market."

   Lowey, a New York Democrat, and several other congresswomen spoke
at a news conference outside the gun association's Washington
headquarters.

   Tanya Metaksa, the chairman of the NRA's Women's Policies
Committee, said Lowey and her colleagues were misinterpreting the
42-point "Refuse to Be a Victim" campaign.

   The NRA program offers a free brochure with tips on such things
as home, phone and car security. Tip No. 42 advises that while the
NRA "does not promote firearm ownership" the association is ready to
provide women with information on gun choice and safety.

   The pamphlet also promotes a three-hour, $20 NRA personal safety
course for women.

   Metaksa said more than 4,600 women have contacted the NRA since
the campaign began three weeks ago.

   "These women aren't calling Capitol Hill," she said. "They're
calling NRA because too many of today's politicians offer the same
weak-kneed policies of the past that have failed to stop violent
crime and protect America's women."

   In a letter to the NRA, the congresswomen said they applaud
"legitimate efforts to increase personal safety awareness."

   However, their letter continued, "your commitment to women's
safety is undermined by your continued opposition to gun control
legislation that would make Americans safer."