Gun Confiscation Is Intolerable

 

We don’t need to surmise that the Democratic Party wants to ban all guns; not only select types of guns. Democrats have advocated against gun ownership for decades and their political kin in Europe show us their vision. Thus, a proposal to seize high-capacity magazines or particular weapons by way of financially penalizing ownership is reasonably assumed to be the first step of several toward confiscation of firearms generally.

This must be a line in the sand for freedom-loving Americans. One gun grab cannot safely be assumed to be the last. If such seizures are tolerated by degrees, we will be unarmed by the time need of resistance becomes unavoidably clear.

American citizens should not comply with any such unjust law which ultimately aims to leave citizens defenseless against tyrannical government. Governors, mayors, police agencies, and prosecutors should not comply with enforcement of such an unjust law.

The US Constitution is unique in that it assumes the existence of natural rights — innate human freedoms which precede any government and cannot be ultimately suspended by any government. Self-defense is such a human right.

But though natural rights persist morally through any tyranny as a condition of immutable human nature, they are borne to fruition only by the forceful insistence of individuals. Freedom is not a license but an ability. Exercise maintains its strength.

The freedom to both possess and “bear” weapons — “arms” and not only firearms — is inviolable. Law secures it only while the will to secure it remains evident. Without assertive citizens and officers devoted to fundamental principles, laws are so much paper to be burned by the whims of autocrats.

Published in Guns
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  1. Hugh Member
    Hugh
    @Hugh

    I expect they will overreach as per usual.  

    • #1
  2. A-Squared Inactive
    A-Squared
    @ASquared

    All my guns were lost in a tragic boating accident.

    • #2
  3. MWD B612 "Dawg" Member
    MWD B612 "Dawg"
    @danok1

    A-Squared (View Comment):

    All my guns were lost in a tragic boating accident.

    With respect, if there’s the need to say one’s guns were lost in a boating accident to keep them from being confiscated, it is well past time they should have been used.

    • #3
  4. MWD B612 "Dawg" Member
    MWD B612 "Dawg"
    @danok1

    Aaron Miller: Governors, mayors, police agencies, and prosecutors should not comply with enforcement of such an unjust law. 

    Aaron, the performance of the police in certain cities and states in enforcing COVID orders makes it clear that a substantial portion of the police will enforce whatever they’re told to enforce.

    • #4
  5. A-Squared Inactive
    A-Squared
    @ASquared

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    With respect, if there’s the need to say one’s guns were lost in a boating accident to keep them from being confiscated, it is well past time they should have been used.

    Understood.  

    The first step of confiscation is going to be registration, which Biden has already proposed  
    https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/nov/01/does-joe-bidens-plan-tax-semi-automatic-firearms/

    That is when my guns will be lost in a tragic boating accident.  The time for using them will probably come some time after that, when they start confiscating them

    • #5
  6. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    Aaron Miller: Governors, mayors, police agencies, and prosecutors should not comply with enforcement of such an unjust law.

    Aaron, the performance of the police in certain cities and states in enforcing COVID orders makes it clear that a substantial portion of the police will enforce whatever they’re told to enforce.

    I take hope from recent moves among state and city politicians to declare themselves sanctuaries for the 2nd Amendment. Police absolutely need courage from local politicians to show their own courage.

    • #6
  7. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    Hugh (View Comment):

    I expect they will overreach as per usual.

    Nothing political is “usual” so long as freedoms and legal process remain disrupted across the nation by COVID. Nor are electoral repercussions assured while legal challenges to election fraud cannot even proceed to trial for hearing. 

    • #7
  8. MWD B612 "Dawg" Member
    MWD B612 "Dawg"
    @danok1

    A-Squared (View Comment):

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    With respect, if there’s the need to say one’s guns were lost in a boating accident to keep them from being confiscated, it is well past time they should have been used.

    Understood.

    The first step of confiscation is going to be registration, which Biden has already proposed
    https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/nov/01/does-joe-bidens-plan-tax-semi-automatic-firearms/

    That is when my guns will be lost in a tragic boating accident. The time for using them will probably come some time after that, when they start confiscating them

    Got it.

    • #8
  9. Randy Webster Inactive
    Randy Webster
    @RandyWebster

    What guns?

    • #9
  10. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    I feel sorry for people who bought their guns from dealers with paperwork etc.  Especially those who doubled-down by getting concealed carry permits etc.  Even those who never saw (the original) Red Dawn should know that’s a mistake.  Private sales are the way to go.  I also feel sorry for the people who live in states where that is no longer legal.

     

    • #10
  11. iWe Coolidge
    iWe
    @iWe

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    Aaron Miller: Governors, mayors, police agencies, and prosecutors should not comply with enforcement of such an unjust law.

    Aaron, the performance of the police in certain cities and states in enforcing COVID orders makes it clear that a substantial portion of the police will enforce whatever they’re told to enforce.

    I take hope from recent moves among state and city politicians to declare themselves sanctuaries for the 2nd Amendment. Police absolutely need courage from local politicians to show their own courage.

    Yes. This is a step toward enhanced freedom for states – possibly all the way to secession.

    • #11
  12. HankRhody Freelance Philosopher Contributor
    HankRhody Freelance Philosopher
    @HankRhody

    Gun confiscation constitutes an effort by the government to render the people unable to resist tyranny. Consequently it should be viewed with exactly as much trust as a policeman volunteering to take the drug bust evidence home to give it the ol’ spit n’ polish, or a general saying he’s just going to borrow this atom bomb for a little while so his kid can bring it to show and tell.

    • #12
  13. CACrabtree Coolidge
    CACrabtree
    @CACrabtree

    A-Squared (View Comment):

    MWD B612 "Dawg" (View Comment):

    With respect, if there’s the need to say one’s guns were lost in a boating accident to keep them from being confiscated, it is well past time they should have been used.

    Understood.

    The first step of confiscation is going to be registration, which Biden has already proposed
    https://www.politifact.com/article/2020/nov/01/does-joe-bidens-plan-tax-semi-automatic-firearms/

    That is when my guns will be lost in a tragic boating accident. The time for using them will probably come some time after that, when they start confiscating them

    It’s been said at this site before but there are so many firearms out there now, the federal government would probably try to dry up all sources of ammo.

    If the Molina Drug Cartel is smart (which I think they are) they will modify their business model to include the smuggling of ammunition over the border.  It might not have the same quality as our own ammo but it’s worth a shot (so to speak).

    • #13
  14. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    If they wish to confiscate guns, I predict they will follow this procedure.  They will make some arbitrary administrative ruling that will require some of the “scary” guns to turned in.  This will of course be completely unconsitutional, but they will have either stacked the courts or it would take too long for the Court to act.  

    Then they will attempt to take the guns from one or a few people whom they can count on to be hot heads.  These hot heads will go down fighting and the Waco massacre will look tame in comparison.  They will kill everyone in that home and blame it on the gun owner.

    The result will be that for every other home they come to, people will almost always give up their guns so that their family won’t be killed.  This is how they will get willing compliance.

    I’m not sure how to counter it.  I’m sure that this method would work.

    • #14
  15. kedavis Coolidge
    kedavis
    @kedavis

    Skyler (View Comment):

    If they wish to confiscate guns, I predict they will follow this procedure. They will make some arbitrary administrative ruling that will require some of the “scary” guns to turned in. This will of course be completely unconsitutional, but they will have either stacked the courts or it would take too long for the Court to act.

    Then they will attempt to take the guns from one or a few people whom they can count on to be hot heads. These hot heads will go down fighting and the Waco massacre will look tame in comparison. They will kill everyone in that home and blame it on the gun owner.

    The result will be that for every other home they come to, people will almost always give up their guns so that their family won’t be killed. This is how they will get willing compliance.

    I’m not sure how to counter it. I’m sure that this method would work.

    There are various methods of concealing guns, including sealed tubes buried in the ground.  Also, it’s a good idea if they don’t know in the first place that you bought them, such as paperwork from a dealer, a concealed carry permit, etc.

    Or you could have some that they know about, and a whole lot more that they don’t…

    • #15
  16. Ammo.com Member
    Ammo.com
    @ammodotcom

    Once they take the “assault rifles,” they’ll start arguing that no one needs a “sniper rifle” or a “compact assault weapon.” Whoever said the slippery slope is a logical fallacy must have been vaguely aware of government at best.

    • #16
  17. OmegaPaladin Moderator
    OmegaPaladin
    @OmegaPaladin

    Skyler (View Comment):

    If they wish to confiscate guns, I predict they will follow this procedure. They will make some arbitrary administrative ruling that will require some of the “scary” guns to turned in. This will of course be completely unconsitutional, but they will have either stacked the courts or it would take too long for the Court to act.

    Then they will attempt to take the guns from one or a few people whom they can count on to be hot heads. These hot heads will go down fighting and the Waco massacre will look tame in comparison. They will kill everyone in that home and blame it on the gun owner.

    The result will be that for every other home they come to, people will almost always give up their guns so that their family won’t be killed. This is how they will get willing compliance.

    I’m not sure how to counter it. I’m sure that this method would work.

    Well, I imagine you will also have a lot of dead police in the initial incidents.

    The next time, the police are being asked to take guns from a guy with no criminal record, they are going to be thinking of the risk involved.  Especially considering the politicians behind this are screwing over police all the time, and the police officer might well know people just like this gun owner.  Expect a lot of Blue Flu.

    If they bring in the federal agents, consider all of the problems that the federal government would have had working without local cooperation to put down riots over the summer.  Seriously, the areas where this would be easy are already almost gun free.

    • #17
  18. Vince Guerra Inactive
    Vince Guerra
    @VinceGuerra

    They don’t believe in natural rights any more than they believe in Constitutionally guaranteed ones. That was very clear early in 2020. For many, taking away ones right to visit a family member, or losing the ability to travel, were much greater assaults than gun confiscation. But here we are, and how many of us were there willing to hold those red lines?  

    I’m all for standing up when they come for our guns, just like I hope there will be some people willing to stand up when they try and force a needle into my kids arms. 

    • #18
  19. A-Squared Inactive
    A-Squared
    @ASquared

    Vince Guerra (View Comment):
    They don’t believe in natural rights any more than they believe in Constitutionally guaranteed ones. That was very clear early in 2020. For many, taking away ones right to visit a family member, or losing the ability to travel, were much greater assaults than gun confiscation. But here we are, and how many of us were there willing to hold those red lines?

    This.  I remain shocked at how many self-described conservatives were suddenly OK with the government dictating which businesses were allowed to open and forcing the rest to close because they were deemed “non-essential” (regardless of whether those businesses could operate with complete safety from COVID.)

    We showed government that we will accept that they have unlimited powers in a “health crisis” so now everything they want to do will be described as a health crisis: guns, climate change, racism.  This will not end well.

    • #19
  20. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    A-Squared (View Comment):
    This. I remain shocked at how many self-described conservatives were suddenly OK with the government dictating which businesses were allowed to open and forcing the rest to close because they were deemed “non-essential” (regardless of whether those businesses could operate with complete safety from COVID.)

    Eh.  It’s no big deal.  Besides, they gave everyone an extra $600 back.

    • #20
  21. Randy Webster Inactive
    Randy Webster
    @RandyWebster

    I’ve not missed a minute’s work because of Covid.  I’d react badly to anyone who tried to keep me from going to work.

    • #21
  22. Britanicus Member
    Britanicus
    @Britanicus

    kedavis (View Comment):

    I feel sorry for people who bought their guns from dealers with paperwork etc. Especially those who doubled-down by getting concealed carry permits etc. Even those who never saw (the original) Red Dawn should know that’s a mistake. Private sales are the way to go. I also feel sorry for the people who live in states where that is no longer legal.

    Cries in Connecticut. 

    As I understand it though, there isn’t a statewide registry of all firearm purchases in CT. I believe the records reside with the gun stores. However, the concealed carry permit (required to own/carry firearms) is tracked and registered by the state, so while they may not know how many guns I have (never enough), or what types, they know that I do have guns.

    It’s good to see this post here. One of my only complaints about Ricochet is that there’s not enough 2nd amendment  conversation – at least on the podcasts.

    • #22
  23. carcat74 Member
    carcat74
    @carcat74

    More conversation reveals more firearms owners, or those sympathetic to firearms owners.  I can understand the reticence. I am now in the habit of checking what I say, because you never know who is listening from the other side. Scary, isn’t it?

    • #23
  24. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    carcat74 (View Comment):

    More conversation reveals more firearms owners, or those sympathetic to firearms owners. I can understand the reticence. I am now in the habit of checking what I say, because you never know who is listening from the other side. Scary, isn’t it?

    Yes, but that’s why we need to speak plainly and boldly. Again, regular exercise of freedom maintains its strength. Silencing ourselves or hedging our statements on account of fear makes free expression more difficult in the future. The more of us speak plainly, the easier it will be for all to do so. 

    We should not hide our guns. We should state that no one is going to take them from us. Our fundamental freedoms do not depend on anyone’s permission. 

    • #24
  25. Randy Webster Inactive
    Randy Webster
    @RandyWebster

    Britanicus (View Comment):

    kedavis (View Comment):

    I feel sorry for people who bought their guns from dealers with paperwork etc. Especially those who doubled-down by getting concealed carry permits etc. Even those who never saw (the original) Red Dawn should know that’s a mistake. Private sales are the way to go. I also feel sorry for the people who live in states where that is no longer legal.

    Cries in Connecticut.

    As I understand it though, there isn’t a statewide registry of all firearm purchases in CT. I believe the records reside with the gun stores. However, the concealed carry permit (required to own/carry firearms) is tracked and registered by the state, so while they may not know how many guns I have (never enough), or what types, they know that I do have guns.

    It’s good to see this post here. One of my only complaints about Ricochet is that there’s not enough 2nd amendment conversation – at least on the podcasts.

    Charles C. W. Cooke used to talk about it a lot on Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

    • #25
  26. Randy Webster Inactive
    Randy Webster
    @RandyWebster

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    carcat74 (View Comment):

    More conversation reveals more firearms owners, or those sympathetic to firearms owners. I can understand the reticence. I am now in the habit of checking what I say, because you never know who is listening from the other side. Scary, isn’t it?

    Yes, but that’s why we need to speak plainly and boldly. Again, regular exercise of freedom maintains its strength. Silencing ourselves or hedging our statements on account of fear makes free expression more difficult in the future. The more of us speak plainly, the easier it will be for all to do so.

    We should not hide our guns. We should state that no one is going to take them from us. Our fundamental freedoms do not depend on anyone’s permission.

    When they come to take mine, there’ll be dead people, one of them being me, most likely.

    • #26
  27. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Randy Webster (View Comment):

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    carcat74 (View Comment):

    More conversation reveals more firearms owners, or those sympathetic to firearms owners. I can understand the reticence. I am now in the habit of checking what I say, because you never know who is listening from the other side. Scary, isn’t it?

    Yes, but that’s why we need to speak plainly and boldly. Again, regular exercise of freedom maintains its strength. Silencing ourselves or hedging our statements on account of fear makes free expression more difficult in the future. The more of us speak plainly, the easier it will be for all to do so.

    We should not hide our guns. We should state that no one is going to take them from us. Our fundamental freedoms do not depend on anyone’s permission.

    When they come to take mine, there’ll be dead people, one of them being me, most likely.

    If you live alone, that’s admirable.  But how many people will feel that way if it means they also massacre your family?  By accident, in a Waco Branch Davidian kind of way.

    • #27
  28. Randy Webster Inactive
    Randy Webster
    @RandyWebster

    Skyler (View Comment):

    When they come to take mine, there’ll be dead people, one of them being me, most likely.

    If you live alone, that’s admirable. But how many people will feel that way if it means they also massacre your family? By accident, in a Waco Branch Davidian kind of way.

    I can only speak for myself.  No kids at home, and my wife can stay out of the line of fire.  Maybe I ought to start sleeping with a rifle under the bed.  Or as G. Gordon Liddy advised, go for head shots.

    • #28
  29. Aaron Miller Inactive
    Aaron Miller
    @AaronMiller

    Skyler (View Comment):

    When they come to take mine, there’ll be dead people, one of them being me, most likely.

    If you live alone, that’s admirable. But how many people will feel that way if it means they also massacre your family? By accident, in a Waco Branch Davidian kind of way.

    That’s an important observation. But apply that to other freedoms, like freedom of expression (speech, writing, worship, assembly).

    If only people without families risked everything for freedom, who would be free? 

    We have too long tolerated a culture of political correctness that stifled speech for fear of losing a job, losing a contract, receiving bad grades in school, or even just losing friendships and associations. Conservatives waited so long to speak up that now we face greater pains and greater risks to do so. 

    For freedom to reign, it is necessary for risks to be shared as broadly as possible. I pray that does not mean we will be forced to defend our private property against invasive tyrants by force. 

    • #29
  30. Skyler Coolidge
    Skyler
    @Skyler

    Aaron Miller (View Comment):

    For freedom to reign, it is necessary for risks to be shared as broadly as possible. I pray that does not mean we will be forced to defend our private property against invasive tyrants by force. 

    It is also necessary for there to be a leader or authority.  I think the only way to resist will be through the state governors.  Anything else will be doomed to fail.  The American Revolution was not a grass roots movement, it was a movement by state governments.  

    There are very few revolutions in history that are successful without having anarchy or tyranny in the aftermath.

    • #30
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