Posted on 01/10/2006 9:54:27 AM PST by neverdem
New Hampshire bill aims to prevent Katrina-style gun seizures
Concord, N.H.
Concerned by perceived abuses of Federal power during the Katrina crisis, New Hampshire state reps are reviewing a bill which would criminalize certain weapons seizures - even if the perpetrators are Federal officers. House Bill 1639-FN, prohibits the confiscation of lawfully owned and lawfully carried firearms during a state of emergency, making a felon of any law enforcement officer who attempts to seize such a firearm during a disaster.
The bill was sponsored by Rep. Paul Hopfgarten at the request of local Free Staters - members of a group trying to recruit freedom lovers to New Hampshire and turn it an even more libertarian state than it already is (www.freestateproject.org).
The bill reads: "Any law enforcement officer, person acting as a law enforcement officer, or other public official who confiscates or attempts to confiscate lawfully carried or lawfully owned firearms in this state during a declared state of emergency shall be charged with a class A felony."
In the chaos following Hurricane Katrina, various government agencies - including Federal Marshalls - made systematic attempts to sweep New Orleans of guns - even if that meant entering the homes of law abiding gun owners. The move did not cause widespread outrage in most states. But New Hampshire residents reacted by burning a FEMA flag in front of a local Federal building. They also circulated a petition pledging resistance if such a move were ever attempted in the "Live Free or Die" state....a place where guns are part of the culture and gun laws are the second-loosest in the nation.
Activists say whether it passes or not, this "Gun Protection Bill" is one more small thing they can do to try and protect themselves from disarmament at the hands of any government, during a time when they believe they will need their weapons most.
Bill text: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2006/hb1639.html
Media coverage of FEMA flag burn: http://www.cmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050922/REPOSITORY/509220363/1001/NEWS01
Porcuping!
The NRA was silent until quite some time had passed, and then spoke up. My belief is they had to consult with their cronies in Washington and make sure they would not upset their Master. It was clearly a time the NRA should have stood up and raised hell, but the missed the mark terribly. I tell their telemarketers that very thing when they call and ask for donations now.
Disaster Cant Destroy Gun Rights
Monday, September 12, 2005
National Rifle Association leader Wayne LaPierre slammed New Orleans authorities Monday for seizing legal firearms from lawful residents.
"What weve seen in Louisiana - the breakdown of law and order in the aftermath of disaster - is exactly the kind of situation where the Second Amendment was intended to allow citizens to protect themselves, " LaPierre said.
"When law enforcement isnt available, Americans turn to the one right that protects all the others - the right to keep and bear arms," LaPierre said. "This attempt to repeal the Second Amendment should be condemned."
The New York Times reported last Thursday(Sep. 8) that no civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to have guns, quoting the superintendent of police that "only law enforcement are allowed to have weapons."
A Louisiana state statute allows the chief law enforcement officer to "regulate possession" of firearms during declared emergencies. "But regulate doesnt mean confiscate," said Chris W. Cox, the NRAs chief lobbyist.
"Authorities are using that statute to do what the looters and criminals could not: disarm the law-abiding citizens of New Orleans trying to protect their homes and families," Cox said.
"The NRA will not stand idly by while guns are confiscated from law-abiding people whore trying to defend themselves," he said.
"Were exploring every legal option available to protect the rights of lawful people in New Orleans," Cox said, "and were taking steps to overturn such laws in every state where they exist."
"Local authorities in New Orleans are turning natures assault on human life into mans assault on human rights," LaPierre said. "Four million NRA members intend to stop this unconstitutional power grab."
http://www.nraila.org/News/Read/Releases.aspx?ID=6466
Wow, the first evidence that the Free State project is working. Maybe I'll become a member and move to New Hampshire.
I support their cause, but the idiots picked one of the coldest states of the nation.
How dumb was that?
LOL! Unfortunately, the least socialist state of the nation with a low-enough population to be affected by an influx of several thousand freedom-lovers is also a cold one.
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