Our Constitutional Rights

[Konocti's Wigwam]

@Forum Boss if you see this thread as not being fitting, please remove it.

As shooters, whether it be target shooting, hunting, self defense, our constitutional rights have never been in a better position in my entire life, all of which I have been infringed. My father was born in '35 and passed away 20+ years ago, so he was infringed his entire life also.

There are several court cases that have reached a merits decision, and this will allow the SCOTUS to take some of these cases. If you have not been following along, the SCOTUS has implied on a number of cases that were declined for SCOTUS overview that they prefer to have them decided before they make any rulings.

There is a lot on the table which has built up over the years.

1) NFA items
2) <cough>Assault Weapon Bans</cough>
3) <cough>Large Capacity Magazine</cough>
4) Concealed Carry
5) Ammo restrictions
6) non-violent felons retaining 2A

There are many restrictions that have been implemented against "we the people", and finally the tide appears to be shifting. I do expect the anti-gun continue fighting us, but I also see much of it coming to a final end, time will tell.

If the @Forum Boss leaves this thread up, my intention is to have a rational discussion on how this effects all of us, but please do not flame anyone for offering their opinion. The one thing I personally would like is to be able to use a suppressor. I have never been able to use one, being that I'm in California. I would love nothing more than to be able to hunt with a short barrel that has a suppressor on it. Do any of you think this could be a reality at some point?

 

[Kevin1990]

I'm in NY so I feel your pain. I feel like it will always be an up hill, losing battle here in NY. They can push out laws faster than anyone can keep up. With the injunctions and waiting periods, then SCOTUS kicking it back down to the lower courts. It's already been a couple years of fighting the new laws they put in place here. Probably be a couple more before an actual decision is made.

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I'm in NY so I feel your pain.

There are a lot of states with us. The most recent was in NJ, but MA, NY, CT, WA, OR, IL had about 5 cases. So, there is some hope. I can't say whether it will make a huge difference or not, it always seems that in CA we get law overturned and it either sits at the 9th district, or the state passes law that makes it even more infringing. I also think we're in for a few months of hearing that we need more gun control...

I sure feel better than I did even 2 or 3 years ago, but I also feel we're in for a couple years of fighting.

So many times I would have loved to have a suppressor at the range...I can't imagine why anyone wouldn't want to use one.

 

[Rsadams]

I seriously wish the hearing protection act would have passed unfortunately the Vegas shooting shelved that one.... Suppressors are actually required in other countries to keep the noise levels down and in a lot of those countries you can simply buy the suppressor.... Buying the actual gun will be a lot harder...

I live in Texas and the wait times for a suppressor has decreased dramatically and I have been on the fence about buying one lately.... Unfortunately having to shoot at a public range I haven't because most people don't have them so I would still have to wear hearing protection unless I am alone.... If they didn't have the extra money , finger prints , photos and basically giving away your right to a warrant search alot more people would have them... It's so stupid , just like the switch blade laws that have finally been removed here in Texas... I have many switch blades and I also have assisted opening knives which were legal and for sale everywhere that are easier and faster to open.... Suppressors are the same , once again law abiding citizens will cause no problems with them , that's why their law abiding....

There's already about 72,000 state and federal gun laws on the books which aren't enforced but one more will solve the problem of criminals right.... Not to mention murder , murder goes all the way back to the days of the Bible yet it still happens daily... Well there's a reason we have the word criminal... We also especially now have a revolving door for criminals and even no bail for serious crimes in places... As a matter of fact if some guy breaks into your house in the middle of the night and you shoot him you will especially in some states be in a world of sh$t...

Yes , they would love to remove all rights and ALOT of them have already been taken away with the invention of things like the Patriot act.... People give away their freedom to gain security and get neither , an old saying that still is true... There's a way bigger plan going on and has been going on and it must be working because nobody does anything and the government keeps taking and taking and that's why they keep taking because nobody does anything...The second amendment is about tyrannical government but if people won't even put down the McDonald's and go vote what makes you think they will do anything about anything.... That's EXACTLY WHY they keep breaking the laws and crapping on your rights and on you right to your face because they know nobody will do anything about it...Living with a jack boot on your neck is happening right now... Rigging elections , blatantly breaking laws , political prisoners , using the laws for politics the list is endless and blatant.... The average American can do nothing to correct anything and that's exactly what they want...

 

[Konocti's Wigwam]

I seriously wish the hearing protection act would have passed unfortunately the Vegas shooting shelved that one....
...
Unfortunately having to shoot at a public range I haven't because most people don't have them so I would still have to wear hearing protection unless I am alone....

Yeah, timing is everything.

But Bruen is a game changer, from the SCOTUS.

And yes, I hear you on the range (no pun intended). Just so happens that I have use of a private range which the Sheriff own, but it is 3 hours away from my home. If I did have a suppressor, it would be very useful as I am often the only person at the range when I go. The local rod & gun club only charges $50/year. I pay almost that much to go to the range once in San Jose.

Bottom line is that we're in for some fight with them, I don't think they'll roll over easy. It took over 10 years from Heller before Bruen surfaced, and it was to clarify the infringing gun control fanatics. Let us hope the SCOTUS hands them their @$$ on a silver platter. Until then, nothing has really changed.

SBRs are an interesting concern as I belong to 2nd Amendment Foundation, FPC and GOA all of which were joined in the Texas SBR case that O'Connor ruled on. I don't know how that would play out in CA, since we're not officially allowed to have an SBR, yet the ATF stated they did not turn a rifle into an SBR for about 12 years. That wasn't true in CA, so hard to say, but I would feel better going to court these days than 10 years ago. (for the record, I have never been arrested or even been in a Jail in my entire 65 years, and don't plan on it).

 

[dryhumor]

I always note whenever I see some “new” law passed to essentially make some group “feel better”.

Laws nowadays have become a marketing tool. Murder someone, there’s a law for that. But wait, use a firearm that’s worse. If hate is involved, that’s worse. If some sort of orientation is involved, that’s worse. If a child is involved, that’s worse. Pregnant woman, that’s worse.

What exactly could make murder worse? Take a life, forfeit your life. And in my opinion, the very day of the conviction.

But wait. Let’s go into appeal, and review this every which way it can be. Let’s eat up the valuable resources we have in limited supply- time and money.

Robbery is about the same. Was the robber using a firearm, that’s worse. A knife, well…. not as bad as a firearm, but worse than no weapon. Did the robber force the victim to go somewhere, maybe to an ATM. Well by golly that’s kidnapping. And robbery. And maybe armed robbery. Could be some hate “enhancements” involved. A few traffic laws. Maybe some drugs involved. After awhile it just gets stupid.

I’m 100% absolutely certain without a doubt that firearms cannot kill or injure on their own. I’m also pretty certain that every suppressor in the world isn’t assassin quiet like TV and movies would have you believe. And I’m definitely certain that if those items were banned entirely, that criminals would continue to use and have them.

Broken people are the problem. Be they career criminals or one offs. Might be worthwhile to be hard, yet fair, on youth from the get go. Not everyone wins, not everyone gets a participation trophy. The old adage that the youth of today are our future for tomorrow is very true.

The youth of the yesterday are our present today.

 

[338 Mollett]

Those rights written on paper mean nothing unless WE THE PEOPLE do something to stop it's perversion !

 

[SEM]

I always note whenever I see some “new” law passed to essentially make some group “feel better”.

Laws nowadays have become a marketing tool. Murder someone, there’s a law for that. But wait, use a firearm that’s worse. If hate is involved, that’s worse. If some sort of orientation is involved, that’s worse. If a child is involved, that’s worse. Pregnant woman, that’s worse.

What exactly could make murder worse? Take a life, forfeit your life. And in my opinion, the very day of the conviction.

But wait. Let’s go into appeal, and review this every which way it can be. Let’s eat up the valuable resources we have in limited supply- time and money.

Robbery is about the same. Was the robber using a firearm, that’s worse. A knife, well…. not as bad as a firearm, but worse than no weapon. Did the robber force the victim to go somewhere, maybe to an ATM. Well by golly that’s kidnapping. And robbery. And maybe armed robbery. Could be some hate “enhancements” involved. A few traffic laws. Maybe some drugs involved. After awhile it just gets stupid.

I’m 100% absolutely certain without a doubt that firearms cannot kill or injure on their own. I’m also pretty certain that every suppressor in the world isn’t assassin quiet like TV and movies would have you believe. And I’m definitely certain that if those items were banned entirely, that criminals would continue to use and have them.

Broken people are the problem. Be they career criminals or one offs. Might be worthwhile to be hard, yet fair, on youth from the get go. Not everyone wins, not everyone gets a participation trophy. The old adage that the youth of today are our future for tomorrow is very true.

The youth of the yesterday are our present today.

One word explains all of this ... Attorneys

 

[Joe Salty]

WHY IS IT ALWAYS THE GUN? They never do anything to the person using the gun. Public Hangings would stop all that!

Joe salty

 

[L.Sherm]

One word explains all of this ... Attorneys

While I agree to a point I dont have much use for alot of attorneys elections have consequences and we are seeing that play out. Get off your a$$es and vote wether you believe your vote counts or not otherwise its gonna get a helluva alot worse before it ever gets better and I hope to God I dont see it or my kids or grand son.

 

[K22]

This world has got so far off the values I grew up with that I don't even know where to start but it's more than just our second amendment rights, it's the lack of personal responsibility, the continual drift away from God, irresponsible government spending, and allowing unvetted people into our country illegally and unconstrainted.

 

[Kittitas George]

This court is wildly unpredictable, they proclaimed the president is above the law, a MONARCH, which was the biggest fear of the Founders.

 

[INShooter]

This world has got so far off the values I grew up with that I don't even know where to start but it's more than just our second amendment rights, it's the lack of personal responsibility, the continual drift away from God, irresponsible government spending, and allowing unvetted people into our country illegally and unconstrainted.

EXACTLY!!

 

[joshb]

This world has got so far off the values I grew up with that I don't even know where to start but it's more than just our second amendment rights, it's the lack of personal responsibility, the continual drift away from God, irresponsible government spending, and allowing unvetted people into our country illegally and unconstrainted.

I agree. I remember a time when most people were too proud to take a handout. Working hard and standing on your own were virtues. Over the years, the leftist folks have enticed people with the idea that they’re “entitled” to take free stuff. The Student Loan Forgiveness program is a prime example.

 

[dryhumor]

This court is wildly unpredictable, they proclaimed the president is above the law, a MONARCH, which was the biggest fear of the Founders.

And in recent news, there is a proposal to install term limits on SCOTUS, and be able to put new justices on the bench every couple of years.

I’m thinking that they should probably have term limits on congress if they want to go that route.

However……..

 

[jds holler]

And in recent news, there is a proposal to install term limits on SCOTUS, and be able to put new justices on the bench every couple of years.

I’m thinking that they should probably have term limits on congress if they want to go that route.

However……..

I'll bet that we wouldn't need term limits for them if we were to make it illegal for legislators to have any investments or connections with private stocks.
A congressman, senator, Supreme Court judge -- these positions should be held by folks who are motivated by patriotism and altruism, not by personal enrichment.

This is of course my opinion, and it's worth what ya paid for it. jd

 

[dryhumor]

FWIW, while many reference the 2A, I believe it is worthwhile to spend some time reading the articles preceding the amendments. There is a wealth of information there….

 

[PhilC]

And I’m definitely certain that if those items were banned entirely, that criminals would continue to use and have them.

You can take that to your grave. People who respect the law don't need to be protected from themselves.

Crime has existed since Cain and Abel...and will until the end of time.

 

[Jayplace]

FWIW, while many reference the 2A, I believe it is worthwhile to spend some time reading the articles preceding the amendments. There is a wealth of information there….

I agree. It would surprise many the position the signers of the constitution really had. AND, it isn't what many would try to have everyone believe.

 

[Jayplace]

I fear that the only thing that will bring our country back to being a country of laws, and government and the populace abiding by them is violence.

You then have a Dictatorship and the laws are what they say at the time. The punishment is what benefits the Dictator. Anything similar to 2A would be non-existent.