Friday, April 25, 2003

In the post below I mention that Ron Paul did not vote for a bill to prevent frivilous lawsuits against gun manufacturers. Here is a statement from Rep. Paul explaining why he voted against it.

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a firm believer in the Second amendment and an opponent of all federal gun laws. In fact, I have introduced legislation, the Second Amendment Restoration Act (HR 153), which repeals misguided federal gun control laws such as the Brady Bill and the assault weapons ban. I believe the Second amendment is one of the foundations of our constitutional liberties. However, Mr. Speaker, another foundation of those liberties is the oath all of us took to respect constitutional limits on federal power. While I understand and sympathize with the goals of the proponents of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (HR 1036), this bill exceeds those constitutional limitations, and so I must oppose it."

He more or less argues that while he supports the Right to Arms he does not think protecting it should involve federal intervention at the expense of the constitution. He goes on to say:

"Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would remind my fellow supporters of gun rights that using unconstitutional federal powers to restrict state gun lawsuits makes it more likely those same powers will be used to restrict our gun rights. Despite these lawsuits, the number one threat to gun ownership remains a federal government freed of its constitutional restraints. Expanding that government in any way, no matter how just the cause may seem, is not in the interests of gun owners or lovers of liberty."


For that The NRA would withdraw its support of Rep. Paul? While supporting compromising politicians such as Colorado's Go.v Owens, Colorado's Sen. Allard, NC's Sen. Dole?

As I've said before, Gun Owners of America & the Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership are much more deserving of your donations & your membership.


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