Rifles on display at an Albany gun show in March 2014.
Not that it’s a big surprise, but the three Linn County commissioners have gone on record supporting the right of law-abiding people to keep and bear arms as the Second Amendment guarantees. Commissioners Roger Nyquist, John Lindsey and Will Tucker signed a resolution to that effect on Tuesday.
In response to my question as to what brought this on, Nyquist responded by email Tuesday night: “The Linn County Board of Commissioners has received several requests from residents in the last few weeks asking that we pass a resolution supporting their Second Smendment rights. They generally have concern that the Oregon Legislature is going to pass a bill that violates those Second Amendment rights. Today we did as our constituents requested. We think it is always a good idea for legislative bodies at all levels to follow the Constitution.”
Linn County Sheriff Bruce Riley also signed the resolution, indicating he supported its content.
Among other things, the commissioners say they oppose any state or federal law contrary to the state or federal constitutional provisions preserving the people’s right to keep and bear arms. They also say the board “vigorously opposes” any law that unconstitutionally restricts those rights. And the resolution concludes that the board “remains committed to the removal of firearms” from those who have forfeited their rights because they have committed felonies, or from people who have been judged mentally ill and a danger to themselves and others.
The Clackamas County commissioners adopted a similar resolution on Feb 19. Before that, nine county governing boards — out of Oregon’s 36 — had done the same: Lake, Baker, Wallowa, Yamhill, Klamath, Polk, Douglas, Wheeler and Sherman. If you’re wondering whether Benton County might be next, I wouldn’t hold me breath.
At least 15 gun-related bills have been introduced in the legislature, including one adding JP and municipal courts to the places where people other than police, or presumably the judge, are barred from being armed. There a several pro-gun rights bills as well, including one that would require schools to conduct firearms-safety classes. One bill expected to pass in the Democrat-controlled legislature — expanding background checks to almost al firearms sales, in addition to those already covered — as of Tuesday had not yet appeared. (hh)
How does anyone here propose to keep guns “from those who have forfeited their rights … or … judged mentally ill and a danger …” without near-universal background checks (in addition to other means)?
I assume the resolutions are mostly an R thing and expanded background checks are mostly a D thing.
I loudly applaud this resolution. I am a liberal independent who voted for Obama twice.
Support for or against the 2nd amendment, just like other controversial issues such as the death penalty, or abortion, is no litmus test for whether one is a D or an R or something else.
-Shawn
Perhaps not a litmus test, but you won’t find much support for your 2nd Amendment beliefs among your fellow Dems. Just saying…..
One question: If you so value your 2nd Amendment rights, why did you vote for our “Emperor in Chief” (Obama)? You do know he is very (almost silently) quietly subverting those rights in ways you can’t imagine, don’t you? Tried to buy any ammo lately? Reloading components? Pretty short supply compared to the GWB days and before.
Short supply because of fear mongering. Good for business.
Nice try, Howling Cicada…whatever that is. The feds are buying up ammo at an alarming, unprecedented rate, creating these current shortages.
Fear mongering? We have plenty to fear and Obama is at the top of the list. It’s clear we can’t count on him for ANYTHING except unconstitutional edicts.
Sorry, I meant to say “your fellow liberal/progressives” above. I apologize for calling you a Democrat.
How does anyone here propose to keep guns “from those who have forfeited their rights … or … judged mentally ill and a danger?”
Fixed it for you…
The same way drug laws keep illegal drugs out of the hands of the citizens.
IOW, IF someone wants to break the law, they’ll break the law.
The gun laws proposed don’t address any problems that existing laws don’t cover.
Those who currently circumvent any of our laws will continue to do so.