Once A ‘State’s Rights’ Proponent, Thune Pushes Gun Law That Would ‘Shoot Holes In State Sovereignty

[marmar]

I guess the only states' right Repugs really concern themselves with is slavery. :think:



from Thinkprogress:



Once A ‘State’s Rights’ Proponent, Thune Now Pushes Gun Law That Would ‘Shoot Holes In State Sovereignty’

Around noon today, the Senate is expected to take up and vote on an amendment sponsored by Sen. John Thune (R-SD) to allow individuals “who have concealed carry permits from the State in which they reside to carry concealed firearms in another State that grants concealed carry permits.”

This amendment would, in effect, mean that states with the weakest laws will set the law for all other states. In so doing, it would strip each state’s power to enact its own public safety laws. For instance, 31 states currently prohibit “habitual drunkards” from carrying guns. The Thune amendment would render these provisions useless.

Thune has long claimed to be a supporter of “state’s rights”:

“Republican Rep. John Thune found himself in the minority last week when he voted against a five-year extension of a ban on Internet taxes. … ‘I think this is partly an attack on states’ rights.’” (AP, 5/13/00)

“Decisions about South Dakota values should be made by local and state officials – not federal bureaucrats,” Thune said. “My amendment will protect states’ rights and guarantee that Washington bureaucrats do not dictate our values.” (4/29/05)

But, as USA Today notes, Thune’s gun amendment — which is supported by the gun lobby — “shoots holes in state sovereignty.” When asked for comment by ThinkProgress, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg provided us with this statement:

This legislation is impractical for communities and police departments across this country and tramples on states rights. Under current law in most states, if you have certain misdemeanor convictions, are an alcohol abuser, or haven’t completed a gun safety training program, you cannot carry a concealed weapon. This bill would effectively erase those rules. We can’t destroy the common sense safeguards states across the country have put in place. There has been no hearing on this Amendment, which has been tacked onto a defense appropriations bill. Laws should not be passed this way, and I am proud to stand with 450 mayors to try and put a stop to it.

50 mayors in Ohio are running an ad today urging Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) to vote no. Eight North Carolina mayors are doing the same with Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC). Cliff Schecter highlights some more Senators “whose minds need to be changed.”


http://thinkprogress.org/2009/07/22/thune-amendment/

[meegbear]

1. So states should be required to recognize an out of state CW licenses ...

but not gay marriage licenses. Go figure.

[slackmaster]

3. States should have to recognize those too

:toast:

Unfortunately, my state doesn't even recognize gay marriage licenses that it issued.

[orwell]

4. If guns are illegal...

...then only gays will have guns?

...Nevermind...

[meegbear]

7. ...

:spray:

[marmar]

5. As a friend of mine from Denmark observed.....

Americans think it's odd for two people to kiss in public, but normal for people to walk around with guns in their jackets.

[N7255Q]

14. My English friend said once "You Americans...you boil the tea to make it hot, put ice in it

to make it cold...you put sugar in it to make it sweet and lemon to make it sour...and when someone belches he says 'pardon me' but when somebody farts everyone laughs"

:D

[slackmaster]

2. No state issues concealed-weapons permits to people who are prohibited from owning guns

Under federal law.

K, U, and IBMTGF.

:kick:

[virginia mountainman]

6. The US Constitution sayz...

Article IV

Section 1. Full faith and credit shall be given in each state to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state. And the Congress may by general laws prescribe the manner in which such acts, records, and proceedings shall be proved, and the effect thereof.


And yes, it should apply to gay marriage..

This is NOT a states rights issue...

[slackmaster]

8. States have no rights, only people have rights

States have powers.

[Statistical]

9. +1.

I see it the same as driver's license.

My driver's license is good in all 50 states.
VA has different laws on how to get a license compared to other states although all states share same minimum standards.

Some states take your license away on first DUI, some not until the 2nd or 3rd.
This doesn't give one state the power to disregard a license issued in another state.

[virginia mountainman]

10. Yep, your correct, I will correct in future postings...

[krispos42]

11. John Dean says this about contemporary conservatives

That they will pick whatever side of this issue in order to achieve their agenda. There is no fundamental consistancy except the desire to achieve goals by any means necessary.



Having said that, I don't think Bloomberg is being truthful. Even misdemeanor domestic assault prevents you from buying a gun or getting a CCW, and "alchohol abuser"... how would the government find out about that, aside from a string of public-intoxication or DUI arrests?


There are states that don't have a training requirement, though. Although it's really just a program that instructs you in self-defense and the law, and you have to prove you know how to use your weapon safely.


I don't think it goes to the lowest common denominator, though, in terms of CCW laws. For example, Vermont doesn't issue permits at all because you don't need one to carry concealed in that state.

[derby378]

12. Feingold and Webb among those voting "Aye" on the amendment

Voting in progress on Senate floor right now...

[melm00se]

13. the current political climate in this

country clouds issues based upon ideology.

gun/marriage/drivers licenses should all carry the same rights and privileges in all 50 states.