Thread: An interesting question on a prospective gun law

Here is a column in today's NY Times on some proposed legislation here in the USA. What do you think ? I am for prohibiting people on the terrorist watch list from purchasing firearms, ammo, explosives .....etcetera.

I agree, definately not! Once they've been cleared then fine, but they shouldnt be allowed to stock up while theyre being investigated.

It's probably not a good idea to allow them to buy them, but you'd think a terrorist would have the support & connections to obtain them by other means.

The Irish managed, & to a certain extent still do, to get hold of some serious kit, despite it all being illegal.

There is not enough information in that article for me to make a decision, and I haven't taken the time to research it yet.

What does it take to get on the terrorist watch list? That's the big question to me. If there are no checks and balances to that, and it takes away people's rights then I am fully against it.

Or maybe a better question, how big of a deal is the watch list? How much evidence that someone is a terrorist is needed to add their name to the watch list? If all it takes is some beaurocrat saying "I think this guy needs to go on the list" just based on the fact that someone thinks maybe that person might be dangerous somehow, then no rights should be taken away.

There is not enough information in that article for me to make a decision, and I haven't taken the time to research it yet.

What does it take to get on the terrorist watch list? That's the big question to me. If there are no checks and balances to that, and it takes away people's rights then I am fully against it.

Or maybe a better question, how big of a deal is the watch list? How much evidence that someone is a terrorist is needed to add their name to the watch list? If all it takes is some beaurocrat saying "I think this guy needs to go on the list" just based on the fact that someone thinks maybe that person might be dangerous somehow, then no rights should be taken away.

AMEN +1

....

At first blush it seems like another way to regulate gun rights. If this passes you can be sure the the criteria used to determine who belongs on a watch list will be broadened.

Ever seen internet porn? ...Potential Terrorist
Already own a gun? ...Potential Terrorist
Ever a member of political party __blank___? ...Potential Terrorist
Strong stance (either side) of abortion issues? ...Potential Terrorist
Think Ron White is funny? ...Potential Terrorist
Are a member of __blank___ religion? ...Potential Terrorist
Identify yourself as __blank___ race? ...Potential Terrorist
Pointing out this is more complex that keeping guns out of terrorists hands? ...Potential Terrorist

Anyone remember last summers campaign to Flag 'fishy' emails or information about the the health-care plan?


Then there's the camels nose under the tent issue. This could be a way to get the Fed to control firearms regulations. A power the Constitution does not explicitly grant to the Fed, thus it falls to the states. Once Fed gets a toe hold in the firearms realm I don't think they will ever let go.

/

Of course I'm paranoid, everyone's trying to kill me

In theory it's a good idea however I can'y begin to tell you when I was working and was the duty agent how many times I was awoken in the middle of the night and had to run down to the airport because an airline employee had someone on the watchlist and it was usually an error or someone with a same or similar name.

If you are a citizen, you are a citizen and entitled to any and all rights. Criminals will always have the means and desires to circumvent the laws. Most new laws regarding firearm ownership limit the honest and not the criminal, he is bound by no law or code.

Innocent until proven guilty if you're a citizen. If you're a citizen & got on the watch list because you've committed a felony, then no gun. If you're a citizen & got on the watch list because some bureaucrat with dough between his/her ears just thought it was a good idea, then said bureaucrat can go pound sand. If you're not a citizen, no matter what the circumstances, then you don't get to own a gun here. Period. This is how it would work if I was in charge. Just my .02 worth.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

If you are a citizen, you are a citizen and entitled to any and all rights. Criminals will always have the means and desires to circumvent the laws. Most new laws regarding firearm ownership limit the honest and not the criminal, he is bound by no law or code.

I agree with nun2sharp.After all its in your constitution.
Here in the Uk gun sales are outlawed,but it does't stop members of the criminal fraternity and gang members from buying them illegally and running around killing each other.
Besides the terrorist weapon of choice seems to be the automobile packed with explosives.
There are so many ways to be a terrorist i don't see any quick solutions to this problem.
IMHO
Kind regards

Noggs