Due to GOP gun bill filibusters, the state legislature met on Saturday and Sunday last weekend. After losing statewide elections since 2016, the Republicans can only filibuster. The GOP’s legislative representation has also declined, which is excellent. That’s next…
A Colorado Politics piece on the hectic weekend highlighted numerous noteworthy news items.
Now, let’s examine some suggested gun legislation. I just have to phrase “gun restrictions” and folks across the political spectrum go defensive. GOPers will certainly oppose any gun measure. Hell, if a new law made gun ownership mandatory but was dubbed the “Gun Ownership Restrictions Bill,” many Republicans would call it un-American without reading it.
Due to GOP gun bill filibusters, the state legislature met on Saturday and Sunday last weekend. After losing statewide elections since 2016, the Republicans can only filibuster. The GOP’s legislative representation has also declined, which is excellent. That’s next…
A Colorado Politics piece on the hectic weekend highlighted numerous noteworthy news items.
Now, let’s examine some suggested gun legislation. I just have to phrase “gun restrictions” and folks across the political spectrum go defensive. GOPers will certainly oppose any gun measure. Hell, if a new law made gun ownership mandatory but was dubbed the “Gun Ownership Restrictions Bill,” many Republicans would call it un-American without reading it.
Even though the Founding Fathers said gun ownership requires a “well-regulated militia,” they typically adopt an absolute position on firearms. Even the late U.S. Supreme Court Judge Antonin Scalia remarked that gun ownership has never been absolute. Scalia wrote,
So, common sense boundaries are acceptable despite severe disputes on what
“For example, concealed weapons prohibitions have been upheld under the (Second) Amendment (and there is no) doubt on longstanding prohibitions on the possession of firearms by felons and the mentally ill, or laws forbidding the carrying of firearms in sensitive places such as schools and government buildings, or laws imposing conditions and qualifications on the commercial sale of arms.” So, common sense boundaries are acceptable despite severe disputes on what “common sense” is.
Law 170, which expands who may request a “red flag” petition, and Bill 168, which allows gun tragedy victims to sue gun manufactures and dealers like automobile accident victims, are the most talked about. Is that crazy? Both proposals passed their most recent test despite Republican opposition.
How is the Republican trying to reestablish itself in Colorado? Curiously, they appear to think radical right-wing leadership is the way to go. Such radical position makes sense if you live in a bubble created by a specific past president where magic occurs and facts are fungible. The CoPo item above continues my coverage of the Colorado Republican Party leadership race.
The story calls the new Republican chair, Dave Williams, “pugnacious,” which is perfect. He heads a Republican that appears to think winning by battling from the far right. Remember the bubble. The bubble explains so much that contradicts reality.
Williams wants ex-convict Tina Peters to lead Republicans. She’s probably innocent. Williams “attacks” Dems with “alternative facts”.
He claims the GOP will no longer apologize for its ideas and ideals, which apparently includes election denial despite scores of GOP judges, among others, concluding no substantial fraud occurred. I’m glad Mr. Williams took this approach, since it will certainly maintain Democratic supremacy.
The CoPo story closes with a look at China’s efforts to influence the U.S. at all levels. Utah’s hard-right politicians have been bowing to China’s will for years, even though they may not recognize it. I hope Colorado politicians know about this continuous campaign to influence policy. China poses a larger long-term danger to U.S. values than Russia. Thankfully, national leaders on both sides appear to comprehend that important point.
Given that the frequently recurring item I am mentioning is titled “What You Need To Know,” I expect most people to at least skim it. I’ll continue.
