The Asheville TEA Party is drawing national attention for raffling off two firearms - including a rifle similar to the one used in the Sandy Hook, CT shooting.

Here's the poster:

Jane Bilello, Chair of the Asheville TEA Pac, told us yesterday (at about the 18:00 mark) that the fundraiser was planned about three weeks before the school massacre. And while they are aware of the "blowback" they'll received from gun control advocates, they are moving forward with the event.

"We thought about pulling this - not doing it," she said. "But, the reason why we changed our minds very quickly is that the left - the liberals - they think that having a gun free zone is the way to go."

So, essentially, the event is a platform to make a counter-argument to that idea.

Here is what the TEA Party posted on it's website:

From Asheville Tea PAC, Jane Bilello, Chair Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Why are we going ahead with the Great Gun Giveaway?

The horror at Sandy Hook Elementary is beyond comprehension. Our hearts are broken and our nightmares renewed at such senseless loss of precious life. We are sickened that this could happen. How can this tragedy and the other massacres that have taken place be prevented? How can we protect ourselves and the most innocent among us from the deranged and the murderous evil minds that prey upon the defenseless? Is gun control the answer?

In 1994, The Gun-Free Schools Act was passed and implemented in 1995. Since the Gun-Free School Zone Act there has been a 370% increase in the rate of school shooting deaths. Yet, the United States homicide rate has decreased by 14% since GFSZA was enacted. Why is the murder rate decreasing where conceal carry laws are in place, but those murdered on educational property has quadrupled where guns are banned? Areas where victims are disarmed attract violent predators. The data from the Gun-Free Schools Act bears this out.

Why is it that these mass murders occur in Gun Free Zones? Recent memory includes Columbine, Virginia Tech, the Aurora Theater, and now Sandy Hook. They are rural, unprotected, and Gun Free Zones. Ever wonder why the schools in the worst neighborhoods in our inner cities do not fall victim to mass murderers? They would be met with metal detectors and armed guards. They wouldn’t get very far. The evil minded and the deranged pick easy targets – the disarmed – to do the most damage. They do not obey Gun Free Zone signs. They do not obey gun control laws. They acquire guns illegally. There are current laws that prohibit the mentally unfit from owning a gun, yet those with the intent of causing mayhem, find a way. More gun control is not the answer. And, in case you have forgotten, you have a right to protect yourself, your property, and those in your care.

So, why are we, as a society, not having an honest conversation and a debate about the effectiveness of gun control? Why do we blame all gun owners for the act of one deranged person? Guns are how we avoid talking about the dark side of human nature that will never be eradicated. The best we as individuals can do is to protect ourselves and those we hold dear.

We have given the Federal Government permission to disarm school officials by force of law and threat of imprisonment. They are now incapable of defending the children under their care. This is the reality. Does this not need to be changed?

To clear up the misconceptions regarding ATPAC’s gun raffle: We encourage responsible gun ownership: The gun raffle was put in place weeks ago. Capitol Pawn owns the guns. ATPAC does not. We are asking for donations to buy a ticket for a chance to win. The proceeds will go to pay for the guns that Capitol Pawn owns. The remainder of the proceeds will be put aside for candidates for office who support our principles. The winner must also fill out the proper paperwork at Capitol Pawn and go through the legal process. If any of the criteria are not met, another winner will be chosen.
Though this raffle went public Monday, 12/17, tickets have been selling word of mouth for more than a week, even before the tickets were printed. ATPAC decided to go through with this raffle at this time because everyone is paying attention. We refuse to allow the Left and the Liberal mindset to once again hijack the conversation as they have and allow the political hacks to pass laws that continue to limit our inalienable right to protect ourselves and the most defenseless among us.

The deranged gunman may have shot his way into that Gun Free School Zone, but would not have gotten far if he had been met with equal deadly force. Think about the lives that could have been saved from the time the 911 call was placed and actual police arrival if he had he been met with armed resistance. That scenario can be applied to every massacre we have suffered through. Yes. This is the time for an honest debate. This is the time to shine blistering sunlight on this issue and to throw cold water in the face of those who let ‘no crisis goes to waste.’

For more information on the issue, please see www.ashevilleteaparty.org site, Gun Free Zones Do Not Work

Jane Bilello jane@ashevilleteaparty.org
Chairman
Asheville Tea Party www.ashevilleteaparty.org
Asheville Tea PAC www.ashevilleteapac.org

“If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.” Sam Adams, 1776 …
That time has come! JB

Is this insensitive? Poor timing? Or is it the perfect time to make the case against further gun controls and gun-free zones?

Meanwhile, Asheville City Councilman Gordon Smith has been rallying people against the event - tweeting out e-mail addresses of TEA Party leaders.  Earlier today, Smith tweeted:

"To folks sending me "Just Arm The Teachers!" emails, I'm not going to agree that easy access to lethal force is a good thing. #sandyhook"

I am not sure what "easy access" means here, and Smith doesn't offer any further explanation. Ask anyone who has had to apply for a Concealed Carry permit - it's not easy nor is it quick.

But it's also not the issue.  Raffling off a rifle is not the same as allowing school personnel to conceal carry or gun-free zones. 

It's also not related to the treatment of mental illness in America.