Earlier this week, Governor Phil Murphy introduced a new initiative for the state of New Jersey. With it, he hopes to push back against growing violence within his state with a comprehensive gun bill, one that would eventually do away with high-caliber weapons.
Murphy made that clear in his statement at the time. “Ban the sale of .50-caliber firearms.” He noted that such weapons “can take down helicopters. Ukrainians need them. We don’t need them in New Jersey. Who can seriously argue that these weapons of war belong on our streets?”
While I understand Governor Murphy’s call to quell violence, he’s going about it completely the wrong way.
First off, he’s taking the right away from his citizens when it comes to banning particular weapons in his state. It’s up to individuals whether or not to possess these weapons. Everyone has the right to bear arms for the sake of protecting their families, their children.
Not to mention the basis for Murphy’s bill. He hopes that this will get passed “before the summer,” in the hopes of decreasing violence. But, honestly, is “banning” weapons going to keep them out of the hands of criminals? Not even close.
If a criminal wants to get their hands on a firearm, they’re going to find a way to get their hands on said firearm. “Banning” be damned. That’s why the Governor should focus on the problem at hand – finding a way to handle gun violence without banning particular firearms.
Is there a way to do this? Yes. Let’s take a close look at what’s happening in Philadelphia. Earlier this year, they provided the means for citizens to open carry as a way to protect themselves. Since that time, firearm license applications have been up 600 percent, as Philadelphians have found it necessary to keep themselves safe.
And to further drive the point home, earlier this month, an armed robber attempted to hold up a store in north Philadelphia. Acting quickly, a nearby citizen was able to shoot them before they could any major harm.
One Philadelphia resident, speaking with PhillyMag, noted, “I have a pistol on me at all times. You’ve got to be crazy not to, the way things are going.”
Which brings us back around to what Governor Murphy is doing. He believes that by going after a particular type of firearm, violence will all of a sudden be wiped away from his state. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
As stated above, criminals will continue to find a way to be criminals. It’s up to individual states to provide citizens with the means to protect themselves from harm. Without that, we could see more examples of mass shootings, like the one that took place in Sacramento earlier this month.
Some states are already pushing for this. Take Louisiana, for example. That state’s House is currently pushing to allow adults to carry a concealed gun, with a recent 64-27 vote going in favor of the bill. It still has a long way to go, as Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards turned down a similar bill the year before, citing safety concerns.
Granted, it’s still important for citizens to be able to apply for permits to get these weapons, so that they don’t end up in the wrong hands. But Governor Murphy’s oddball approach to resolving the issue doesn’t seem to make sense. You’re going to ban more powerful weapons while not giving citizens the right to take care of themselves?
“It’s outrageous that state government in Trenton is not doing everything they can to stem this violence,” Murphy noted during a recent event at Saint Luke Baptist Church. A bit ironic when you consider that he doesn’t seem to be doing everything in his power to go after the real problem at hand.
Critics have noted in the past that said bills don’t actually stop crime on the streets, mainly because they’re going after specific gun owners and not stopping the flow of illegal weapons. And they’re right, which would explain why Murphy’s previous bills in the past haven’t passed. That doesn’t appear him from trying again, however.
Maybe Murphy should take a closer look at the problem. What’s causing the violence? Clearly it’s not .50 caliber guns because they’re not being carried around on a regular basis. Instead, he should look further into criminal acts and what everyday citizens can do to curb them. Remember, Governor, it’s best to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Michael Letts is the Founder, President, and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots non-profit organization that is helping hundreds of communities provide thousands of bulletproof vests for their police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. Those interested in learning more about Letts can visit his official website here.
CONTACT: Gerald McGlothlin at: jerry.specialguests@gmail.com
