Error in Lamar’s form letter
Reader Tim expressed his disappointment with Lamar Alexander’s recent anti-gun rights vote. The senior senator responded:
Thanks for getting in touch and letting me know what’s on your mind regarding guns in national parks.
I am a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights. So was President Reagan, who established rules allowing guns in national parks as long as they were unloaded. And so was President George W. Bush, who determined that gun owners with conceal-and-carry permits could carry guns in national parks – although this regulation was put on hold by a federal court. I supported these rules of both President Reagan and President Bush.
On May 12, 2009, the Senate approved an amendment to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act that would allow individuals to bring loaded firearms into national parks and wildlife refuges – including, for the first time, individuals without conceal-and-carry permits. I voted against this amendment because it goes too far – further than President Reagan, further than President Bush, and further than Tennessee law. I have consistently been a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, but I also support the Tenth Amendment respecting the powers of the states.
I am grateful that you took the time to let me know where you stand. I’ll be sure to keep your comments in mind as this important issue is discussed and debated in Washington and in Tennessee.
The law would not allow those without permits to carry unless the states say so. And to imply Bush (either one) is some sort of stalwart defender of gun rights that we should compare ourselves to is laughable.
Update: A non-response to my post has been posted here and here:
Senator Alexander’s letter is correct where it states that the Coburn Amendment goes further than state law.
The new Tennessee state law allows ONLY those with conceal-and-carry permits to carry in a STATE park. The amendment that Senator Alexander opposed allows anyone who can carry a firearm generally in Tennessee (conceal-and-carry permit or not) to carry a loaded firearm openly in a national park in Tennessee.
I did not say that he was incorrect regarding the bill going further than state law, because at the time TN prohibited park carry. So, he’s not addressing what I stated. And the only folks in Tennessee who can carry a firearm are those with permits. And those who carry into National Parks must comply with state law. So, his original assertion was wrong and his follow up is also wrong.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:35 am
“and further than Tennessee law.”
How’s that.
The new law states that you can carry in a Nat. Park in accordance with Tennessee law. Obviously he hasn’t even read the bleeping law.
More obviously, he’s been in DC too long. Time for Tennessee to replace him with someone who can actually take the time to read something before he votes on it.
June 24th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Also, I got one of these form letters when I sent a letter to Senator Gregg of New Hampshire to complain about his vote for the AWB. He pulled the same thing by pulling Republican politicians out of his hat to defend his vote.
I’m not sure what they are trying to attempt. That there are and were major leader in the Republican party that are anti-liberty ass-hats. We knew that already!
June 24th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
Thanks Uncle – I have recontacted the senator expressing my concern over what is either his lack of knowledge of what is in the bill or his deception.
June 24th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
All these GOP leaders say the same garbage. I’m a strong supporter of the second amendment. Ummm, I wish someone would ask …. does your 2nd amednment include the words, “the right of the people shall not be infringed” or does it say something else. Gun control in all forms is an infringement.
Here in Georgia, our Republican Lt.Gov. Casey Cagle told the press that Georgians should be “content” with Georgia’s gun laws. Of course this was after he assured us that he is a strong supporter of the second amendment.
Lt.Gov. Cagle thinks Georgians should be “content” with guns laws that are similar to Iran and even use the same term PUBLIC GATHERING Check out this comparision:
Iranian Constitution – Article 27
PUBLIC GATHERINGS and marches may be freely held, provided arms are not carried and that they are not detrimental to the fundamental principles of Islam.
Georgia O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127
(a) Except as provided in Code Section 16-11-127.1, a person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor when he or she carries to or while at a PUBLIC GATHERING any explosive compound, firearm, or knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense.
June 24th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Gunowners are to the GOP what gays are to the Dems. The GOP wants our votes, our volunteering, and most of all our money. But as is the case with Dems and the gays, the GOP isn’t going to do anything for us and as soon as the election at hand is over, they want us to shut the hell up and get back in the closet.
June 24th, 2009 at 6:59 pm
Yosemite Sam wrote: “More obviously, he’s been in DC too long.”
I completely agree. That is why I voted for the Democratic candidate running against Alexander this last election. Bob Tukes is a decent man, but far to liberal for me. Still, I voted against Lamar, and that was before more disappointing votes he made.
Lamar thinks the government is the solution.
It is the PROBLEM Senator. When you do not see that, you are part of the problem too.
I doubt I will vote for you again.
Trey
June 25th, 2009 at 2:46 am
In response to mike123, Georgians shouldn’t be “content” with the gun laws. We should have no infringement on our right to bear arms. If you want your 2nd Amendment rights to be truly supported, vote Ray “State’s Rights” McBerry for Governor in 2010. To learn more about him and where he stands on important issues, visit GeorgiaFirst.org and follow him on Twitter.com/GeorgiaFirst
Steven from GA
June 25th, 2009 at 9:07 am
Mike123 –
Please tell me you see the difference in the two laws you referenced from Georgia and Iran.
Iran doesn’t allow it’s citizens to bear arms at all, and they also don’t allow arms at rallies. Not really comparable to Georgia.
Georgia has open guns laws that get looser all the time. They just don’t think people should carry at rallies. I’ve carried in Georgia for 4 years now and don’t feel all that “repressed” by the law.
P.S. You took Cagle’s comment out of context. Do you really believe that there shouldn’t be even one gun law?