The Red Flag Law

There is a possibility my comments will be met with derision but here goes. There is no way to pass a law that will satisfy all the people. There is no way to pass a law that we could even say satisfies most people without a nationwide vote on the law being considered. The Congress is very remiss in polling their constituents even though the internet would make this completely possible. We, the people, are very remiss in not making our voices known to those who represent us even though the internet makes this very doable. We vote, we go home, we’re done. Few people attend their political precinct meetings where delegates are chosen. Very few. We prefer to gripe on social media. Frankly, I have seen precincts where enough citizens to meet quorum even makes a meeting or vote possible. We do not require US Government as a course to be taken to graduate from high school. So most people cannot even name the three branches of government without running around the corner to consult Google on their IPhones, much less understand the Electoral College Vote which many cry to do away with. Why should that Constitutional election process be done away with when most people do not even comprehend how it works or have chosen to never participate in that process any more than the Right to Bear Arms be done away with which some people are crying for? Those crying for 2nd Amendment infringements cannot even tell you why it was included historically. Most voters have never written their representatives on their views, preferring to write on sites such as this (no offense). Our country is a beautiful place to live. We are truly blessed. And we truly take it for granted by remaining ignorant. Would you be willing to take an online course on US Government? Are you willing to call your state Party headquarters (whichever Party you choose) and get the precinct meeting dates? Are you willing to attend? Are you willing to be a delegate? That is the only real influence we have and it is powerful. Please stop refusing to use the beautiful system our founding fathers gave us by remaining ignorant and lazy. Radical people on both sides possibly prefer you remain that way and the downhill slide of our country will continue. Marching in Tea Parties will not change how an individual is selected to run for office. That starts at the precinct level.

Now, I am opposed to “red flag laws” as an infringement of states rights. What I would support is gun ownership based on logic. If it is true the human brain does not completely mature until age 25, then that is the age perhaps to legally own a weapon. That being said, then the legal age for military draft should be 25. I do not know of any reason I would ever NEED an AR for hunting OR self defense. I have often told my spouse if a bear is charging me and I cannot stop him with 10 rounds, just let the bear eat me! I deserve it. The “right to BEAR arms” means we need to define “bear”. That which you can pick up and carry is a good definition. I can pick up and carry a rocket launcher. I can pick up and carry C4. I can pick up and carry dynamite or a grenade. Do I need to be allowed to legally buy these items? I don’t think so. I don’t think anyone else thinks that was the intent of the 2nd Amendment either. Suppose a reason for owning an AR is for the purpose of an AR competition (and I don’t know of any such competitions). Fine. The owner of that AR should not be caught by a Wildlife Agent hunting with it. In general, for me, AR’s are like grenades. Not for sale to the public. Last, who thinks it would be OK for a 16 year old to buy an 8000 lb. weapon, teach their self to drive it (AKA: a motor vehicle) and then just turn them loose? No one. You have to demonstrate on a written test and a driving test you know how to safely OPERATE that vehicle. You have to periodically renew that license. Even with all of that in place, so many are killed every year or injured by irresponsible drivers. Yet, the need to re-qualify for your Drivers License is a good idea especially as we get older and vision wanes. I am for courses on gun safety being required by written and practical demonstration. I do believe if you cannot hit the target you are aiming at, you need remedial practice. We no longer live in a society where every boy hunts as in Colonial times. People today do not know gun safety OR accuracy. I am not saying a person needs to hit dead center of a bulls eye target. I am saying they need to be able to at least hit the paper. EVERYONE over the age of 21 does not need to own a weapon they do not know how to handle anymore than a 16 year old needs to be allowed to drive a car when they have not learned how to handle it. Gun self defense courses exist but are not required. Suppose a woman being stalked purchased a gun out of fear for her life and found herself in the middle of that mass shooting in Texas. She was not required to take any classes or to qualify with that weapon. Suppose she panics, pulls her weapon, and starts shooting wild. Who did she help? With sheer luck maybe the victims but more than likely her “friendly fire” in her untrained hands could have hurt more people than she was trying to help. What about requiring safety features as we do on autos? What about laser sight requirements, double safeties, etc.?

Finally, you cannot legislate morality. Laws cannot make us as a nation return to decency, honesty, integrity. Conduct and manners are taught very little to too few. I can just monitor my own speech and what I accept around me. Vulgarity, obscenity, violence, the things we allow to be watched in our home, is our responsibility. This anything goes attitude has not helped our country. We send loud clear messages with our TV remote control. When we become a nation with no personal limits, we will have a government with no limits.