ATFU; Gun Owners' Public Enemy Number One
Publicola - gives the BATFE a good piece of his mind via fisking of a report on the recent congressional hearings. The source of the quote below. [publicola]
"WASHINGTON -- A crackdown on illegal firearm sales at Richmond-area gun shows led to a congressional inquiry yesterday into whether federal agents trampled the rights of gun buyers."
The very first sentence of the article contradicts itself. The trampling of Rights isn't in question when you start discussing illegal firearm sales; it's a fact. Prior restraint based gun control law, such as those governing the sale of firearms, are prima fascia encroachments. After all if you only have a "right" to buy certain firearms (let's say bolt actions & double barrels) then it's not a Right to buy firearms. At best it's a Right to buy bolt actions & double barrels, but the realistic view is that buying firearms is considered to be & treated like a privilege.
Buying a firearm is not malum in se; there is no inherent damage or moral detriment enacted if you purchase a firearm. Even if that firearm has a 12" barrel & a shoulder stock or it can fire multiple rounds per trigger pull. Even if you're a convicted felon (actually prohibited person is more apt since certain misdemeanors &/or restraining orders will get you off of the approved list) it causes no harm to buy own or possess a firearm.
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