Alphecca

Protecting Rights in Arizona

A good bill and two damn fool Democrats. That's how I summarize this Arizona Daily Star article:

The Senate Government Committee approved legislation Thursday that would specifically make it illegal for the governor or any official to confiscate legally kept firearms during a state of emergency. The 5-2 vote sends the bill to the full Senate.

Sen. Dean Martin, R-Phoenix, said that in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, New Orleans police began taking guns from residents, included not only criminals but other people who were simply defending themselves or their homes.

Existing Arizona law gives the governor broad powers during a declared emergency, including "all police power vested in the state by the constitution and laws of this state."

Gary Christensen, a member of the Arizona State Rifle and Pistol Association, said the experience of Katrina proves that some statutory limits are necessary here: "People are left on their own in the initial stages of natural disaster and riots."

Sen. Bill Brotherton, D-Phoenix, said the bill, Senate Bill 1425, is built on the incorrect presumption that constitutional rights should never be suspended in emergencies. He said a curfew may be needed even if it can interfere with the First Amendment right of people to assemble.

And Brotherton said there may be legitimate reasons to control the number of guns on the street during an emergency.

Sen. Albert Hale, D-Window Rock, was more blunt, calling the bill "a license to shoot first and ask questions later."

And Hale? How is protecting people's right to keep their legally owned firearms "a license to shoot first"? What the heck does that have to do with the issue at hand?

To both of you: There is never an excuse good enough to suspend Americans' rights.

I hope Arizona residents vote these two losers out in the next election.