I am tired of hearing how sad it is that all these folks who go to New York from other states carrying firearms (generally handguns) are getting the shaft by the authorities in New York.
If you carry firearms illegally when "visiting" that state, you are subject to the laws of that state. Period.
Don't like it? Choose another destination. I seldom visit Mordor because I dislike the carry laws in place there. I cannot legally carry there, and am not willing to lose my firearm nor be charged with a crime if caught doing so. When I
It is incumbent on you, the firearm owner, to learn the laws of the areas to which you will be travelling and to act accordingly.
These laws are in place, kept there by the legally elected "representatives of the citizens" who reside in the states.
I don't like the dance we must do to be legal, and I choose where I will travel, shop and spend my tourist budget accordingly. But the fact remains that you are responsible for learning the laws of the areas to which you will be travelling. Would you feel as sorry for these people if they had been busted in Canada? England?
Just because you can drive to New York and never pass a border checkpoint or other feature that shows you have changed jurisdictions is no excuse.
I am sorry for these people, but they chose to break the laws, even if in ignorance, and they are subject to the appropriate penalties. As gun owners/CHL holders, we need to be aware of the laws in other jurisdictions.
If they broke the law because they didn't think that they'd get caught, or because they just didn't believe in it, does that make them any better philosophically than someone who liked drugs or child porn? They are illegal too. There are those who see no harm in heroin or kiddie porn, just like many of us see no harm in firearms. ("not the same" you cry! Depends on your point of view, doesn't it?) The laws of the state which you are visiting must be respected. If you choose not to do so, then be prepared to pay the penalty for not doing so. If you don't like the laws, choose to visit elsewhere. No one forces you to visit somewhere where you don't like the laws. YOU CHOOSE TO GO WHERE THESE LAWS ARE IN FORCE. And you can choose not go as well. You can also choose to flaunt these laws, but there are consequences if you do. Part of the decisions we make every day...risk vs reward.
And don't expect me to feel sorry for you if you get caught.
One school of thought is that these states do not have anymore right to restrict our second amendment rights anymore than the first.
ReplyDeletePerhaps some of these are simple challenges in the making?
Perhaps so. But again, don't expect me to feel sorry for them.
ReplyDelete"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
Depending on your point of view, it may be construed that the states DO have the right to restrict the carriage of firearms.
Mayhaps it will be that the Supremes will decide that someday soon...
I just read your comment, Mr. B, so I haven't had time to fully think it through, but it seems to me that if you go this route, then the States would also have the right to restrict any other Freedom we have including the Freedom of speech, women's right to vote, the 4th amendment regarding illegal search and seizure ( haven't you posted in the past about that idiot sheriff in your state and his storming into any house he wants? )
ReplyDeleteAt what point does the state not have the right to restrict your freedoms as listed in the Constitution, if one chooses to follow that line of reasoning?