Category Archives: Second Amendment

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Nicholas Madison 5:24 p.m. MT April 24, 2017

A few cosmetic items does not make an AR-15 a "weapon of war," columnist Joanna Allhands says.

Gun-free zone.(Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

I feel revulsion as I continue hearing politicians say they are pro-Second Amendment. As if to say unfettered gun ownership is a constitutional right.

The Second Amendment states, a well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

I am quite certain that in our country citizen gun ownership is not well regulated. In the presence of regulations, people behave differently.

They are held to account when they fail to follow the regulations. So, please, spare me the pro-Second Amendment drivel unless you are going to include the entirety of the amendment and not just the part that helps get you elected.

My Second Amendment rights are being violated.

Nicholas Madison, Phoenix

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Letter: Stop pretending you support the Second Amendment - AZCentral.com (satire)

Forbes

Second Amendment -- Or Second-Class Citizens? - Forbes Forbes Can the California legislature get away with a law that treats civilians who have concealed carry permits differently from retired peace officers who may also carry ... SB 719 a blatant anti-gun law | Opinion | Eugene, OregonThe Register-Guard all 2 news articles »

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Second Amendment -- Or Second-Class Citizens? - Forbes - Forbes

State Sen. Brad Zaun Published 11:34 a.m. CT April 21, 2017 | Updated 11:49 a.m. CT April 21, 2017

Brad Zaun(Photo: Special To The Register)

This session was a big one not just for me, but for our constituents and all Iowans who wanted to see results. We were not elected for more of the same. We were elected to make big changes and bold decisions.

We were able to bring a number of bills to the floor for debate that had never been previously discussed. These include our overhaul of laws regarding the Second Amendment in Iowa, voter ID and life.

Our focus this session has continually been economic growth and development. We worked to pass several of the priorities we set out the first week of session, including requiring jobs impact statements for administrative rule changes and legislation to help our small businesses and job creators. We passed Senate Joint Resolution 9, allowing the people of Iowa to vote on putting a 99 percent expenditure limit amendment to the Iowa Constitution. This would provide confidence to Iowa families and job creators that the state will live within its means in the same way they must live within their means.

We made a series of changes to regulations in this state with the goal of allowing our job creators to spend less time fending off frivolous lawsuits and focus on expanding their businesses in our communities.

This year we were able to pass supplemental state aid for our schools on time, setting budgets early and allowing school districts more time and predictability to plan their school year budgets. We passed collective bargaining reform, allowing school boards and administrators to reward good teachers and get rid of bad teachers.

We also passed a bill that had been pushed for years transportation equity for our rural school districts. This bill is important to many rural districts across the state as they seek to provide the best education to their students regardless of where they live in Iowa.

Bills were passed to give more local control to school boards and how they spend their money.

We passed common-sense laws supported by a majority of Iowans, such as one of the largest gun bills in recent history, expanding the rights of every gun owner across the state. We were also able to require a government-issued identification in order to participate in one of the most important things you can do as a citizen casting your vote.

This session was a productive one for the people of Iowa. I appreciate all the emails, phone calls and messages this session. In the coming months, please continue to contact me with your questions, concerns and any problems you are having. It is an honor to serve as your state senator.

STATE SEN. BRAD ZAUN, R-Urbandale, represents District 20 in the Iowa Senate, which includes Johnston, parts of Urbandale and Grimes and areas of northern Polk County to Saylorville Lake. He can be reached at brad.zaun@legis.iowa.gov or at the Statehouse at 281-3371.

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Zaun: Session saw strides for Second Amendment, schools, economy - DesMoinesRegister.com

Your news article "Gorsuch dives into the fray on first day emphasized the originalist constitutional legal philosophy of the newest Supreme Court justice. Neil Gorsuch made repeated references to the plain words and plain texts of the law he was considering. He asked, Wheres the ambiguity? And, Wouldnt it be a lot easier if we just followed the plain text of the statute? Like the late Antonin Scalia, Gorsuch claims to decide cases based on the literal words of the law, not its purpose or how it has been interpreted by lower courts.

That brings us to the plain unambiguous text of the Second Amendment: A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. For too long well-regulated meant any firearm any place any time and militia meant individual person.

Your story said the Supreme Court decided to take no action on a California case in which gun owners sued when they were denied a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Eventually the Supreme Court, including Gorsuch, will have to rule on a Second Amendment issue. Then we will see if he actually follows his originalist philosophy and uses the plain unambiguous meanings of well-regulated and militia in his decision. If he doesnt then we can conclude his originalist philosophy is a pretext used only to rationalize his ultra-conservative political ideology just like Justice Scalia before him.

Bob Barth, Chicago

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How will Justice Neil 'Plain Words' Gorsuch tackle the Second Amendment? - Chicago Tribune

Push against anti-immigrant bill

Maine should push back against anti-immigrant efforts, such as that proposed by Republican Rep. Lawrence Lockman, who has submitted LD 366, An Act to Ensure Compliance with Federal Immigration Law by State and Local Government. It has a public hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday. Those opposed to the bill should make every effort to attend the hearing or contact their legislators.

LD 366 requires that towns demand their local police officers act as immigration agents. Should the bill pass and become law, the penalty for municipalities that do not comply would be the termination of all state funds. LD 366 is a stark example of federal overreach, altering the rules on short notice so government can meddle in local affairs.

Maine is in the middle of an opioid epidemic. We desperately need our police officers to focus on helping to control this epidemic. Immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than the general population, so why expend our precious resources on policing them? Also, imagine the chaos as our local police officers, without any training as immigration agents, try to interpret and enforce very complicated federal immigrations laws. Lawsuits seem inevitable.

Passage of LD 366 would have a chilling effect on anyone in the state who does not descend from Anglo-Saxon stock. At a time when Maine needs young immigrants to step in and help staff our hospitals and nursing homes, LD 366 would discourage people from giving us the hand we need.

Kathreen Harrison

Camden

An Act to Strengthen Work Participation in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, LD 1017, proposes that individuals receiving TANF benefits may no longer use good cause reasons to excuse an inability to comply with the work participation requirements of their contract, allowing the state to suspend benefits for adults without notice. If not found in compliance within 90 days, they will lose the benefits for the entire family.

Because someone loses TANF benefits for noncompliance, it does not mean they no longer have need or that they would be able to immediately find employment. And in the case of what good cause reasons previously included, such as the illness of a child or relative, would be equally good cause to take time off from work. In fact, these situations are often protected in the workplace by existing laws. Furthermore, under current law, good cause reasons must be received in a short time frame are not accepted without due consideration and review.

An Act to Strengthen Work Participation in the TANF Program is scheduled for a hearing on April 24. Please take the time to let your senator and representative know that LD 1017 does not strengthen work participation; it puts individuals in an impossible position. It punishes people who already are dealing with hardship. Certainly, it is in the best interest of everyone to allow TANF recipients some flexibility and understanding while they pursue the training and assistance TANF/ASPIRE provides to help them gain meaningful and sustaining employment.

Margaret Hanna

Belfast

I read the BDNs April 17 editorial about the ride of Paul Revere, the Lexington confrontation of British regulars by patriot militia and other musings. The part about the Lexington confrontation, to me, highlights the full benefit and purpose of the Second Amendment: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The editorial mentioned that the British were marching to Lexington to try and capture rebel leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams. As important, and not mentioned in the editorial, was the other focus of the British jaunt to capture stores of rifles, black powder and shot and to confiscate arms.

Without the patriotic resolution of the population to free itself from English domination our country would not be. If the British had captured those arms and accessories our country might not be. The Second Amendment is as important today as it was then, and for a very good reason.

I wholeheartedly agree that Patriots Day needs to be elevated to a more prominent place in our list of observances, perhaps not necessarily a holiday but recognized and observed for what it is the beginning of the great American experience.

Gregory Palman

Amherst

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Thursday, April 20, 2017: Why we have the Second Amendment ... - Bangor Daily News

Candidates for Montana's special election to replace Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, launched combative ads showcasing their support for gun rights on Thursday.

Democrat and country music singer Rob Quist is running against Republican Greg Gianforte, a millionaire businessman who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2016.

After receiving criticism for comments made in January suggesting he would be open to a national gun registry, Quist's campaign launched a video ad, "Defend," on Thursday showing him in a field holding a rifle.

"I won't stand by while a millionaire from New Jersy tries to attack my Montana values," the Democrat said just before shooting a television screen.

Just hours later, Gianforte responded with an ad claiming Quist wanted to establish a national gun registry loaded with constituents personal information.

"Some folks just don't get it. Our Second Amendment rights are not up for negotiation," Gianforte said while shooting a computer screen with a shotgun.

Following the congressional special election in Kansas, and anticipated June runoff in Georgia, attention has shifted to Montana's upcoming special election which is set to take place on May 25.

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Montana special election candidates trade Second Amendment shots - Washington Examiner

Statement of Gulf War veteran Willes K. Lee, re-elected to the National Rifle Association of America Board of Directors.

Honolulu, Hawaii -(Ammoland.com)-It is truly humbling to receive support from our members and many non-members to continue to serve you as a Director on the NRA Board. Thank YOU AmmoLand News readers. For 26 years as a soldier, I was privileged to be a Defender of Freedom. I am honored to continue to defend freedom with the National Rifle Association of America, freedom's safest place.

If you are reading this, your vote and support made THE difference. Without having the name recognition of more high-profile candidates, our grassroots victory is important for our five million NRA members, 20 million supporters, and 100 million gun owners. Our Board officers, Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, ILA Executive Director Chris Cox and press officers speak for the NRA, but our readers can follow our civil rights progress online at http://www.WillesLee.com, Facebook WillesLeeNRA, and Twitter/Instagram @WillesLee.

Well do our best to keep our grassroots informed and involved so they can do what they love protect the Second Amendment, shoot, hunt, collect, or go out in the backyard and plink.

We have the opportunity to take back our civil rights stolen by anti-gun activists funded by Bloomberg and Soros. It is our time to secure the Second Amendment and regain the liberties stolen by anti-gun progressives. Were working to pass an initial national reciprocity law and the Hearing Protection Act. At state and local levels, Ill engage in challenges across the nation as legislators, judges, and bureaucrats invent new ways to restrict our Second Amendment rights. As important, within the NRA, this win gives a voice to our grassroots members. Since retiring from our military, having been in politics as a member of the Republican National Committee (RNC), Chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party, current President of the National Federation of Republican Assemblies (NFRA) and National Director of the Hawaii Republican Assembly (HIRA), a Director for the American Conservative Union (ACU) Foundation which hosts CPAC, and a Council for National Policy (CNP) member, I am deeply committed to advancing the interests of gun owners while fighting legislative and regulatory attempts to undermine our rights. It is an honor to serve on the NRA Board of Directors, Col. Ollie Norths NRA Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, our NRA Outreach Committee, and as a co-chairman of the Trump-Pence Second Amendment Coalition

I am a member of and will continue to partner with our many effective coalition organizations supporting the Second Amendment. However, none offer the depth and range, no pun intended, of the NRA. In addition to legislation and protecting our civil rights, NRA programs span from competitions, to hunting, youth shooting, collecting, training, self-defense, safety, to conservation and much more. Supporting all our programs, my focus includes legislation, military and veterans, self-defense, the shooting sports, outreach to new segments of our community, and our fastest growing group women gun owners and shooters.

If you are a member of our National Rifle Association of America, thank you. If you are not, please join, today. Thank you to all the voters and non-voters who supported our grassroots campaign to ensure your voice on the NRA Board.

For more information, please visit:

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Second Amendment Advocate Willes K. Lee Re-Elected To NRA Board Of Directors - AmmoLand Shooting Sports News

On April 6,Breitbart News reported that the South Carolina House passed permitless carry legislationsponsored by stateRep. Mike Pitts (R-14). That legislation,which would abolish the need for concealed carry permits, is now with the Senate.

Pitts bill would recognize South Carolinians right to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit for self-defense.The Post and Courierquoted Pitts saying, This bill is a very simple bill. It means, by definition of the Constitution, it gives you the ability to keep and bear arms without having to be permitted by the country.

Governor McMaster concurs.According to The Charlotte Observer, McMasters spokesman, Brian Symmes, said, Governor McMaster appreciates the Houses hard work on this bill, believes it is constitutional and will sign it if it reaches his desk.

There are currently12 states that require no permit for exercising the Second Amendment right to bear arms: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Vermont, Wyoming, and West Virginia. And permitless carry is the law of the land in99.4 percentof Arkansas and Montana.

AWR Hawkins is the Second Amendment columnist for Breitbart News and host of Bullets with AWR Hawkins, a Breitbart News podcast. He is also the political analyst for Armed American Radio. Follow him on Twitter: @AWRHawkins. Reach him directly at awrhawkins@breitbart.com.

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SC Governor: The Second Amendment Is Your Concealed Carry Permit - Breitbart News

A proposed state law that would repeal restrictions and make permits to carry concealed firearms optional has drawn opposition from some Alabama sheriffs.

Senate Bill 24 is sponsored by state Sen. Gerald Allen, R-Tuscaloosa, who said he believes in the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms for the security of a free state.

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Open carry draws fire | Senator says bill about Second Amendment - Sand Mountain Reporter

The U.S. Supreme Court, including the newly confirmed conservative Associate Justice Neil Gorsuch, will soon conference to discussa gun-rights case from California that has the potential to expand the Second Amendment.

Related: Supreme Court denies hearing case challenging assault weapons ban

In Peruta v. California, the justices would decide whether the Second Amendment entitles law-abiding citizens to carry handguns outside of the home for self-defense, including concealed carry when open carry is prohibited by state law. Edward Peruta and other gun owners who were denied concealed-carry permits by the San Diego County sheriff appealed the case to the Supreme Court in January, The San Diego Tribune reported earlier this year. California has some of the strongest gun laws of all 50 states. Regarding concealed carry, every state and Washington, D.C., allows it in some form.

Perutafirst filed a lawsuit in 2009 to challenge the countys policy of requiring good cause to obtain a concealed carry permit, saying the policy violates the Second Amendment. The strongest concealed carry laws in the country require applicants to demonstrate good cause or a justifiable need as to why she or he needs a permit. In California, for example, good cause exists to issue a concealed carry weapons permit when there is a clear and present danger to the applicant or the applicants spouse, family or employees, according to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

The gun-rights advocatesmost recently lost on appeal in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in June 2016, when federal judges ruled that San Diegos policy is constitutional. Earlier this week, the court rescheduled discussion related to the case. It remains unknown when the justices will meet to consideranddecide whether to hear it.

Judge Neil Gorsuch is sworn in as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, as President Donald Trump watches in the Rose Garden of the White House on April 10. With Gorsuch as the courts ninth justice, it could soon decide to hear a case involving gun rights in California. Carlos Barria/Reuters

If the justices decide to take on the case, though, it could be the most important ruling on guns since the 2008 landmark decision in District of Columbia vs. Heller. In that ruling, the justices recognized, in a 5-4 vote, an individuals right to keep firearms at home for self-defense. Scalia, who was a strict originalist and conservative, wrote the majority opinion in Heller, joined by Justices John Roberts, Samuel Alito, Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas. Besides the late Scalia, those justices allstill serve on the court. But the high court hasnt yet ruled on the right to carry a gun outside of the home.

Since, the Supreme Court has rejected taking on dozensof cases fighting gun laws, including a challenge to an ordinance in an Illinois city that bans assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. The exceptions are the 2010McDonald v. City of Chicago, which basically extendsHeller beyond the federal government to the local andstate levels, and the 2016Caetano v. Massachusetts, which dealt with the use of stun guns, not traditional guns, for self-defense.

After President Donald Trump nominated Gorsuch in January, the National Rifle Association gave him a strong endorsement. The organization aired, for example, a nearly $1 million advertising campaign across the country duringhis Senate confirmation hearings to emphasize his impact on the Second Amendment.

But Gorsuch, who is considered an originalist much like Scalia, hasnt written extensively on gun rights. In 2012, he wrote that the Second Amendment protects an individuals right to own firearms and may not be infringed lightly. In one case, he sided with a Colorado police department after an officer killed a 22-year-old man with his stun gun in 2006. He ruled the officer didnt use excessive force.

Gorsuch also argued in favor of a convicted felon, who appealed his conviction for possessing a gun and said he shouldnt be held accountable because he didnt know he was considered a felon.

Gorsuchs confirmation, which passed the Senate mostly on a partisan vote, restores the Scalia-era balance to the Supreme Court. Despite vehement opposition from most Democrats,three from red states joined their 51 Republican colleagues, who hold the majority, to solidify Gorsuch as justice.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate have introduced a separate, but similar, bill in their respective chambers to allow for national concealed carry reciprocity. The policy, backed by Trump and the NRA, would require states that issue permits allowing gun owners to carry concealed weapons to recognize such permits from other states.

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Guns in America: Gorsuch and Other Supreme Court Justices to Consider Gun Case That Could Expand 2nd Amendment - Newsweek