So Much For Small Government (New York Times Masthead Editorial)

New York Times ^ | 10/26.2011 | New York Times Masthead Editorial

[goldstategop]

This extreme legislation, the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011, would obliterate state and local eligibility rules for concealed weapons and the state’s discretion to decide whether to honor another’s permits.

At least 36 states now set a minimum age of 21 for carrying concealed guns, and 35 states require some sort of gun-safety training. Thirty-eight states prohibit people convicted of certain violent crimes like misdemeanor assault or sex crimes from carrying concealed weapons.

The act would override those rules, requiring states with tight restrictions, like New York and California, to allow people with permits from states with lax laws to tote concealed and loaded guns in their jurisdiction. Wording added by the committee exempts people with a concealed-carry permit from one state from having to meet eligibility standards set by the state they are visiting.

The measure, pushed by the National Rifle Association, would undermine legitimate states’ rights by nationalizing lenient gun rules most states have rejected for themselves. It would increase the chance for gun violence and make it harder to combat illegal gun trafficking.

[goldstategop]

Its hilarious! You would think a bill that would expand individual rights would be endorsed by the New York Times, right? Not when you're a gun owner. Suddenly, states' rights take precedence. When it comes to the Second Amendment, hardcore liberals discover their inner conservative.

Go figure.

[eyeamok]

I wonder what they would say if we citizens here in Arizona decided to NOT RECOGNIZE any DRIVER’S License from people from California using the sole reason that their standards are too lax and allow ANYONE to get a license regardless of their competence. Same Argument. Or maybe we should go 1 step further:

No License or permit issued from another State for any reason shall be Valid or recognized in the State of Arizona unless that State recognizes ALL Arizona permits and licenses.

Tit for Tat

[Crazy ole coot]

This is not a states rights issue, but a Constitutional issue. The Second Amendment applies to ALL states and citizens. What part of “Shall not be infringed” do they not understand?

[goldstategop]

A license is a privilege, not a right. The RKBA is enshrined in the Constitution. It may not be popular with media liberals but the Second Amendment is there in black and white. If they don’t like it, they can work to repeal it.

[hometoroost]

Does this mean that state and local governments should be allowed to set their own rules on abortions too?

[goldstategop]

The 14th Amendment gives Congress the power to pass federal laws to protect the rights of American citizens. They are not disputing Congress has that power. They're simply saying certain states should be entitled to deny law-abiding Americans a fundamental constitutional right because they don't approve of its exercise. Pure and simple. The Supreme Court's holding in Heller has made no lasting impression on our media elites.

[goldstategop]

Liberals say no state should be allowed to infringe abortion rights. Then again, it perfectly illustrates liberal hypocrisy about states’ rights.

[eyeamok]

I agree, however by taking this approach it would force the Marxist Gun Grabbers to make that EXACT ARGUMENT. That IT IS A RIGHT not a Privilege. I say force the issue.

[BookmanTheJanitor]

I love how the Times always write their anti gun tripe while hiding behind metal detectors and ARMED security guards.

[Sea Parrot]

Boo hoo NEw York Slimes, individual freedom gains, equal NYT loss.

[paul51]

It would increase the chance for gun violence and make it harder to combat illegal gun trafficking.

The first part of the statement has been disproved so many times only a fool would use it. The second part doesn't even apply

[Sea Parrot]

Your plan sounds good to me.

[goldstategop]

I love how they invoke the small government meme on a completely irrelevant subject.

[goldstategop]

Every state with right to carry laws has seen a decrease in crime and in black market trafficking. But the facts don't help the New York Times, so it plain has to make it up. More guns equal a more a safe and a more polite society.

[skeeter]

NYT is all for state’s rights, doncha know.

[Sea Parrot]

That is RIGTHT, here in AZ no permit or license is required for CC. If one can legally purchase a firearm, then one can carry it concealed unhindered,

[goldstategop]

In my opinion, this legislation doesn’t go nearly far enough. It needs to legalize Vermont-style carry nationwide. Then let the liberals go into paroxysms! :)

[Joe Brower]

Where to start?

Typical leftist hypocrisy: All for Big Government when it forces the homosexual agenda, the welfare state, more suicidal environemental legislation, etc. down our collective (no pun intended) throats. But something that actually is mentioned in the Constitution -- nyet, comrade!

They're all for states' rights, until it threatens one of their golden calves. Double-plus ungood!

Of course, it's not hypocrisy when they do it.

Doom on these smug, arrogant, lying, manipulative cretins.

[gogogodzilla]

The New York Times has given us the perfect gift in this editorial. For this logic is also applicable to the gay marriage issue.

States should not have to recognize the (insert license name here) of other states. The NYT goes for gun licenses... but there are marriage licenses, too.

[DJ MacWoW]

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