A spokesman for the Gun Owners of America discusses a ridiculous new bill introduced in a certain state, and how it could have an effect on other states.
Too often we see situations in which elected officials and those within their teams are given exemption from certain rules. And that appears to be happening in New Jersey with a new bill, A 5958, that was just passed by their General Assembly.
The bill would actually exempt elected officials from any given state/local offices held by election from the state’s “unlawful possession of a weapon statute.”
That means elected officials, along with their chiefs of staff, could very well carry handguns without a permit, possess certain firearms without the need for a Firearms Purchasers ID, and transport them without any threat of prosecution or punishment.
Keep in mind, however, that residents of New Jersey would still be subject to these, under the law introduced by the state.
The Gun Owners of America, a group that firmly believes in the right for all to bear arms (as noted by the Constitution), are furious over the bill. “Legislators and select government staff in New Jersey will be granted their full Constitutional rights to carry and purchase a firearm WHILE ‘normal’ folks are still subjected to the immense gun control laws of New Jersey.”
It definitely sets a dangerous precedent – and one, mind you, that other states could consider in the future.
“A 5958 is a giant slap in the face to all law-abiding citizens in New Jersey.”
A spokesman for the group joins us now to discuss this law further, and how it could leave a lasting effect on gun rights as a whole. We welcome them to the show!
Q&A:
- How could New Jersey pass such a selective law that exempts state officials and head of staff from any sort of punishment for possessing and carrying firearms, while normal citizens would be subject to arrest or worse?
- What kind of effect could this two-tier system have upon the state?
- Is this open for any kind of lawsuit, especially considering the rights that are provided by the Constitution?
- Could other states be considering this type of bill, in an effort to protect elected officials from any kind of legal action?
- As a whole, where do you see the fight surrounding gun rights going as 2025 continues onward?
- Gun Owners of America is hosting an event this year called GOALS 2025, and it’s happening this weekend. Tell us more about it.
- FOR STEPHEN: You recently wrote a book called A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy, revolving around your 2017 “hero with a gun” situation. Tell us more about how this came together, and why it’s such an important read right now.
- FOR STEPHEN: Where can people find your book?
- You can purchase the book here on Amazon, both in paperback and Kindle format.
- FOR MARK: Tell us more about the Hunter Outreach program.
- Where can we learn more about you, as well as 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/.
About Mark Jones…
Mark Jones is National Director for the Gun Owners of America, and also directs the National Hunter Outreach Program across the United States. He also manages legislative responsibilities in Wyoming and is a Certified Wildlife Biologist.
Mark built GOA’s National Hunter Outreach Program almost four years ago after retiring from his first career as a Big Game and Small Game Biologist. Mark has nearly three decades of experience performing wildlife research, publishing peer-reviewed scientific papers, managing wildlife resources, working with hunters and recreational shooters, and engaging in legislative issues with governmental policy.
Mark has been very active in helping GOA take on a National role in protecting the American Hunting Traditions. He is also well known in the Legislature and political circles where he has worked to pass a variety of pro-Second Amendment and pro-hunting Legislation in recent years.
About Stephen Willeford…
Stephen represents Gun Owners of America and is known around the country as the “good guy with the gun” for helping stop the largest Texas mass shooting in the history of the state in 2017. He is available to speak about all gun rights issues, as well as the importance of Gun Owners of America. He is the author of the book A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy. You can read more about him at http://www.thebarefootdefender.com.
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