A Connecticut attorney’s filing with the Supreme Court brings up questions as to what he truly wants.
As the Supreme Court prepares to look over cases surrounding the Second Amendment of the Constitution – the right for every citizen to keep and bear arms – an unusual amicus brief filed by Connecticut attorney David A. Robinson suggests that part of said Amendment should be considered “extinct.” And that has Gun Owners of America spokesman Stephen Willeford scratching his head.
- In a brief filed to the Supreme Court, David A. Robinson suggests that part of the Second Amendment be considered “extinct.”
- Robinson believes that the Amendment’s militia language is outdated, and how it made sense in a previous era.
- In a previous decision made in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller, the court noted that an individual right is not dependent on service in a militia.
- The brief also suggests that gun owners combine a “1791 mentality” with a modern AR-15, suggesting they may be more violent than they actually are.
- Though the filing will probably not be given much attention, it does bring up an interesting discussion in how far some people will go to enact some form of gun ban.
In the brief, Robinson suggested that, in general, he feels that the militia language dictated by the Second Amendment is comparable to Major League Baseball’s pre-1947 exclusion of black players. He notes that, at the time, such concepts would have made sense to people in a certain era. But now? Such ideas are considered “extinct.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT STEPHEN WILLEFORD’S BAREFOOT DEFENDER WEBSITE HERE.
In the brief, he also noted how he feels that AR-15 owners citing protection against levels of evil “believe” they can shoot police officers that try to take away their firearms. Robinson feels that gun owners put together a “1791 mentality” with modern weapons, such as the AR-15.
The brief essentially pushes for the Second Amendment to be altered for modern times. Considering it’s one of many filed by the Supreme Court, it’s not likely to get much attention. But its far-fetched statements – particularly the one comparing firearm restrictions to speed limits on cars – show just how far someone with legal status could go when it comes to getting their precious gun ban put in place.
Willeford joins us now to discuss this matter further. Welcome to the show!
Q&A:
- Why do you think some advocates pursue arguments that challenge the scope of the Second Amendment, and what do you make of Robinson’s approach?
- What stands out to you about Robinson’s brief, particularly his suggestion that part of the Second Amendment should be considered “extinct”?
- How do you interpret the Supreme Court’s decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, and what does it tell us about the relationship between the amendment’s militia language and an individual’s right to keep and bear arms?
- Although Robinson’s brief is only one of many submitted in this case, do you think we’ll see more arguments like his as the legal debate over firearm restrictions continues?
- As the Supreme Court considers challenges to restrictions on semiautomatic firearms, what legal questions do you think will be most important to the outcome?
- As 2027 approaches, where do you see the debate over gun rights heading? Could more states pursue additional restrictions on certain firearms?
- You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, which discusses the 2017 shooting in Sutherland Springs and your role in helping stop the attacker. Tell us more about how the book came together and why you believe it is an important read right now.
- Where can people find your book?
- Where can we learn more about you and Gun Owners of America?
- You can learn more at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com. You can also read more about the Gun Owners of America at https://www.gunowners.org/.
ORDER STEPHEN WILLEFORD’S BOOK, A TOWN CALLED SUTHERLAND SPRINGS, HERE.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with a gun” for helping stop the gunman responsible for the 2017 shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas. He is available to discuss gun rights issues and the work of Gun Owners of America. He is also the author of A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. Learn more about him at thebarefootdefender.com.
CONTACT: Todd Baumann at 512-966-0983 or Jerry McGlothlin at bookings@specialguests.com.