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We take cars more seriously than we do guns. The fact I can buy an assault rifle at a gun show in Texas without a background check but cannot yet import the Nissan GTR sports car renowned for its performance and cult following due to safety concerns and regulations, should indicate something is seriously wrong with the way we treat guns in this country.

Something needs to be done about firearm regulation, especially with the increase of mass shootings in the past decade. The problem is that it is a lot easier said than done, as it requires an extensive reevaluation and understanding of our countrys laws and culture.

First, many people want to get rid of the Second Amendment, but is that realistic?

People should be able to defend themselves, but the right to bear arms is an abstract statement anything can theoretically be a weapon. The freedom to defend ones self is not going anywhere. However, in terms of guns and ammunition, the Second Amendment is out of date and needs to be looked at for relevancy for this century.

The definition of arms is much more diverse than it was in the 18th century. A distinction needs to be made between a gun for hunting or defense and a purpose-built weapon of war. That difference probably was difficult to identify until the 1940s, but now it is a little more obvious.

The AR-15, what the National Rifle Association calls Americas rifle, is the gun predominantly used in mass shootings because that is what it was designed to do by definition, it is an assault rifle. It has been used by the military in some form or another since the Vietnam War. Do civilians really need weapons designed for urban combat, capable of killing 30 people or more with one magazine? Its a bit much.

The concept of a state militia as described by the Second Amendment, which would justify the general population having access to such military-grade weapons, needs to be amended. We have a standing army made of our citizens, and all states have a National Guard that fulfills that role. All 50 states prohibit paramilitary activities. If people want to play soldier, they should join the armed forces.

As much as one can argue civilians should not have access to assault weapons, removing them is not going to happen anytime soon and might not do anything. While banning assault weapons would solve the issue of people going on killing sprees, gun ownership is so culturally ingrained in this country that resistance to a ban would be significant, and it most definitely would not pass as legislation.

We have to find a way for society to live with these kinds of weapons in a more productive and less dangerous way. We might not be able to prevent someone from getting an assault weapon outright, but hopefully there can be a way to reduce the lethality and frequency of mass shootings. For now, it needs to be a lot harder for people who are violent, extremists with radical beliefs, suicidal or have a criminal history to get weapons.

It wouldnt be a bad idea to make a federal law requiring people to become certified to own a gun. Its a weapon and that demands a sense of responsibility. We are required to have insurance to drive; we have to pass a test, have good eyesight and follow strict rules with the fear of heavy penalties. It would make sense if there were some similar accountability for assault weapons.

As of now, only the AR-15s receiver is regulated by the government. That equates to the chassis of a car and does not consider modification or additions. But this is a gun, not a car it is meant to kill.

Committing to mandatory background checks prior to selling firearms and keeping that database up to date are ways we can address this issue.

We need to give gun regulation the same respect we do with cars; decrease lethality by regulating their caliber, the types of ammunition sold, as well as limit modifications and magazine capacity to something police departments are comfortable with managing. Because at the end of the day, police officers are the ones who have to resolve mass shootings. Perhaps they should be the ones saying what needs to be done, not a senator.

Unfortunately, politicians still havent done anything after dozens of shootings. So why should anyone believe another dozen will change anything?

The subject of guns has been a political issue for decades. Neither party seems to respect the others point of view; instead, many politicians prefer to spread destructive conspiracies about the subject. Part of the problem is the NRA, which holds a great deal of political influence. As long as its grip remains strong, many lawmakers will be afraid to act.

Both sides need to compromise on this and find a happy medium that addresses the issue properly. It shouldnt be this hard or controversial.

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Second Amendment here to stay, but more regulation necessary - Santa Fe New Mexican

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EARLE MCNEIL, San Clemente

We must remember that the colonists and farmers had essentially the same type of guns as the British army.

So, when the SecondAmendment was written, our Founding Fathers were well aware that the people should not be disarmed to bows and knives when facing the possibility of a tyrannical government gone wild.

The Second Amendment is what protects our First Amendment. Congress is composed of We the People. Any gun restrictions must include all members of Congress.

No ones life in Congress is worth any more than We the People. Best argument to own a gun is provided by those governors and mayors who refuse to let police protect the citizens life and property.

Just look at the killing, maiming, rioting, looting, and burning in their cities.

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Letter to the Editor: The Second Amendment - San Clemente Times

SALT LAKE CITY House and Senate Republicans passed resolutions against the teaching of critical race theory in Utah schools and supporting the idea of declaring the state a "Second Amendment Sanctuary."

WATCH: Utah parents, activists disagree over Critical Race Theory curriculum

The votes capped off a dramatic day on Utah's Capitol Hill, where some lawmakers walked off the floor in protest and conservative activists demonstrated at a news conference of Black community leaders.

As the House was voting on its resolution on critical race theory, every single Democrat in the chamber walked out leaving Republicans to pass it alone. House Minority Leader Brian King complained that Democrats were not consulted on any of the resolutions and they objected in particular to the one about critical race theory.

"What this about is an attempt or a first step in assuring that my history and the history of many people of color are not taught in the school system," said Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, the legislature's only Black lawmaker.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, House Speaker Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville, said the resolution merely called on Utah's school system to evaluate their curriculum.

"Were calling on the state school board to look at the curriculum and determine what are the right parameters for this discussion to happen," he said.

Critical race theory is the idea that systemic racism is built into the fabric of American society. It is not currently taught in Utah schools. Lawmakers have been flooded with emails and voicemails from constituents opposed to teaching it. Governor Spencer Cox declined to put it and the Second Amendment Sanctuary bill on the agenda for Wednesday's special session, which was largely about COVID-19 federal money.

But Republican leaders on Capitol Hill felt the issue was urgent, so they took the rare step of calling themselves into an extraordinary session to pass resolutions. Because of the way they were doing it, the House and Senate had to run their own resolutions.

Outside on the Capitol steps, members of the Utah Educational Equity Coalition stood and called for the resolutions to be put on hold.

"There seems to be so much misinformation out there about what CRT is and isnt," said Michelle Love-Day, a member of the group.

As Love-Day spoke, protesters opposed to critical race theory stood behind them holding up signs condemning it. Coalition members then stepped between Love-Day and the protesters in an effort to act as a buffer. The protesters raised their anti-CRT signs over their heads.

"CRT is a very divisive and destructive theory," said Monica Wilbur, who held a sign opposing CRT. "It turns people into the oppressed or the oppressors."

Opponents of the theory argue that it elevates one race over another. Sen. Lincoln Fillmore, R-South Jordan, who sponsored the Senate version of the resolution, said it was his desire to have the legislature study the issue. But he did not support CRT being in the curriculum. He acknowledged there are different definitions of what it is.

Resolutions are merely statements from the legislature and have no force of law, but both issues are expected to return in the 2022 session.

Betty Sawyer, the head of Ogden's branch of the NAACP, said they need to be invited to the table to be heard.

"Why wouldnt you include a diversity of people to talk about race?" she told FOX 13. "That baffles my mind to have a conversation without that."

The legislature also accepted $1.65 billion in federal COVID-19 relief money, banned face mask mandates in the fall in Utah schools, extended the state of emergency for drought, and passed a resolution recognizing Utah's Asian American and Pacific Islander community and condemning anti-Asian hate crimes.

Sen. Jani Iwamoto, D-Salt Lake City, said she hoped that resolution serves as "a call to action as well as meaningful and transformational change."

Asked about considering it on the same day the legislature passed resolutions supporting a ban on any discussions of critical race theory, Senate President J. Stuart Adams insisted they were not exclusive.

"You cant elevate and you surely cant demean another person because of their race," he told reporters. "Theyre so consistent. It is the same."

On the Second Amendment Sanctuary, the legislature is stating its desire to protect Utahns' gun rights in the face of the Biden administration. The resolution's sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, acknowledged they have seen no specific federal policies yet to object to.

"Admittedly there are none, but unfortunately theres been some saber-rattling in Washington D.C.," he said.

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Legislature passes resolutions on critical race theory, 2nd Amendment sanctuary - fox13now.com

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) Theres a new challenger for Peorias 46th State Senate District.

U.S. Navy Veteran Corey Allen is running as a Republican against Democratic Incumbent Dave Koehler.

Corey Allen spoke with WMBDs Matt Sheehan about how he thinks his career in the military will translate into public office. He hopes to be the Peoria areas State Senator come 2022.

Allen spent nearly five years in the U.S. Navy. He spent time in Security Forces. Hes also a Crisis Response Team member for PCAV (Peoria Community Against Violence).

He spent two years in Japan, two years in Iceland, and was based in on the U.S.S. Tarawa outside of San Diego where he was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

The time I spent there really gave me an opportunity to gain the discipline and structure needed to manage crisis, Allen said. When things go wrong, when chaos ensues, youre looking for that calm in the storm. In the military, people came to me when they were at their worst, in the military.

Allen is currently the CEO of the Central Illinois Veteran Warriors, a hockey team full of veterans. The goal of the organization is to provide a healthy outlet for veterans. Whether its to battle PTSD, a love of the game of hockey, or just a place to build community.

A few years ago a group of veterans got together at a random skate in Bloomington and it just blossomed, Allen said. I was very fortunate and blessed to be chosen to organize this group.

The group started with six members and now has 35.

Having that outlet both on the ice and off the ice has been such a huge component in my own personal growth mentally and physically, Allen said.

Allen said as State Senator he wants to address community safety, education, infrastructure, small business, and protecting the Second Amendment.

Were trying to disarm legal citizens instead of going after the people that dont need weapons in the first place, Allen said. Going after that issue and figuring that out will help us figure everything else. Small businesses dont want to be in a place where theres high crime, families dont feel safe in an area with high crime.

In order to figure out how to remove guns from criminals hands, taking them away from legal citizens is not the answer, Allen added.

We need to focus on family health. The pandemic has shown that, Allen said. We need to get back to the basis that we need to take care of ourselves first.

Allen said throughout history, education is the thing that fixes everything.

Coming from a family of teachers, my mom was a professor of nursing, education has always been at the forefront. While Ive taken a non-traditional route, I absolutely value education and we need to focus on that as a whole and at an individualistic level, Allen said.

If we dont have good schools, good roads and sidewalks, were putting people at risk, Allen added.

Small business is always going to be the backbone of our country and theyve taken too big a hit during this pandemic, Allen said. With the lack of resources and support from government officials, both federally and locally. With that structure and discipline I gained in the military, I can go in and help the small business understand what assets and resources are available.

Allen said its time to simplify, support, and secure their present and future so we can provide jobs.

Allen said he wants to promote the law and order structure in the State of Illinois.

In order to do that, we need to figure out the police situation, Allen, who is third-generation law enforcement, said.

Allen said he wants to also enhance community-policing.

Im always going to back the blue. We need to figure out how to stem the violence. Were taxing our police force which in turn, taxes our tax money. If we want to fix the economy, we need to fix small businesses and create resources for people. We need to stop the violence, Allen said.

We need integrity. Honor, courage, and commitment. Those are the core values of the United States Navy, Allen said those values are embedded in him.

Allen said theres too much violence, not enough opportunity, too much tax.

Allen cited a CBS News article ranking Peoria one of the deadliest cities in the U.S. as well as the 24/7 Wall Street article ranking Peoria the worst city for African-Americans.

What are we doing if were not trying to fix that situation? Allen asked. Along with prosecuting the crime that happens, we need to have outlets for the young individuals who need some type of constructive outlet for that energy.

Allen said a key component is listening to Illinoisans.

People are tired of not being heard, Allen said. Politicians hear what they say, but they dont listen. I want to show up for the people, be a voice for them.

You can find Coreys professional State Senate Facebook page here.

Next week On the Record, Sheehan will host Peorias fourth district councilman, Andre Allen, live on WMBD This Morning on Tuesday, May 25.

Excerpt from:
U.S. Navy Veteran running for State Senate wants to address community safety, education, protect Second Amendment rights - CIProud.com

Kane County Commission presenting extra miler awards. Commissioner Heaton, Bert Reeve, Nick Hoyt, Sheriff Tracy Glover, Commissioner Chamberlain.

Kane County Commission presenting extra miler awards. Commissioner Heaton, Bert Reeve, Nick Hoyt, Sheriff Tracy Glover, Commissioner Chamberlain.

The Kane County Board of Commissioners met on Tuesday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kane County Courthouse.

The meeting opened with a public comment period. All comments were made with regard to a petition requesting that the commission pass an ordinance declaring Kane County a second amendment sanctuary county. The petition, which was started by Judy Wooley, has collected 237 signatures.

Wooley commented first, stating that the reason for an ordinance versus a resolution is [that] ... an ordinance would actually put some teeth into it in terms of having people protect us and our rights.

Susan King, a Kanab resident, agreed with Wooley that resolutions ... are symbolic and not enforceable suggesting that Kane County pass either an ordinance making the county a second amendment sanctuary or pass an ordinance similar to one recently passed by Iron County, which created a constitutional review panel consisting of the county attorney, the sheriff, and a commissioner. Such a panel, according to King, would establish that Kane County would nullify any unconstitutional legislation. King cited a quote from Sheriff Jared Rigby of Wasatch County as an example of what signers of the petition are asking from the commission: Whereas Wasatch County Council seeks to promote confidence in the local government by unequivocally recognizing the United States Constitution as supreme law of the land, including the Bill of Rights and its other accompanying amendments.

Jeff Schwilk, a member of a local gun rights group, said he received 63 responses in support of an ordinance in an online survey through the Kanab Patriots Facebook page.

Mark Kubeja, said, We need an ordinance to protect us from what this administration is pushing on America ... this is what protects us from tyrants.

Charles Wooley commented that if the commission opts to form a constitutional committee like Iron County that it include citizens who are knowledgeable in the entire Constitution in addition to county officials.

Following the public comment period, the commission approved the consent agenda, check edit report and meeting minutes from the previous meeting on April 27, before entering into the regular session.

Carrie Schonlaw, the Deputy Director of Aging and Human Services for the five Southwest counties, discussed the program and its use of funding. Our role is to look at the supports and services and needs in local communities and then help those local communities in addressing those needs, Schonlaw said. The Five County Area Agency on Aging works with local counties to determine the needs of the local senior citizen population. Its role includes providing training and technical support, and funnelling state and federal funds to the counties. Supporting services provided by the agency include transportation assistance, check-ins, activity coordination when the senior centers are open, and resource education.

Rhonda Gant and Sheriff Tracy Glover awarded two Extra Miler awards to correctional officer Bert Reed and nurse Nick Hoyt for their handling of the recent outbreak of COVID-19 in the Kane County jail.

The Commission discussed the petition for the second amendment ordinance, agreeing to draft the ordinance with the county attorney and citizen input and put it on the next meetings agenda.

The Commission approved an ordinance adopting the amended East Zion Community Reinvestment Project area plan as approved by the Kane County Redevelopment Agency as the official community reinvestment project area plan for the project area and directing that notice of the adopted amendments be given as required by statute.

The Commission approved the disposal of county equipment no longer in use.

The Commission approved an agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture forest service and Kane County law enforcement.

The Commission approved several requests from the Office of Tourism, including a proposed equipment deposit schedule for events equipment, the donation or sale of old and unused equipment, a list of shuttle drivers, and a local fee increase for use of the Kanab Center.

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County Commission considers ordinance to become a Second Amendment sanctuary county | by Olivia Weissblum | May 20, 2021 | News - Southern Utah News