Way to go Vermont!!

[Booster]

INTERESTING INTERPRETATION...

Finally, A Sensible Non-Gun Registration Plan


Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution as well as Vermont's own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere.

Maslack recently proposed a bill to register non-gun-owners and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state. Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun.

Maslack read the "militia" phrase of the Second Amendment as not only affirming the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so. He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a "monopoly of force" by the government as well as criminals.

Vermont's constitution states explicitly that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State" and those persons who "conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms" shall be required to "pay such equivalent." Clearly, says Maslack, Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves so that they are capable of responding to "any situation that may arise".

Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number, and driver's license number with the state. "There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so," Maslack says.

Vermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state - it's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This combination of plenty of guns and few laws regulating them has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation.

[joe817]

I LIKE it!! Wow, what a concept! We need that guy to move down here! Thanks for posting Booster!

[Kythas]

Wouldn't this also create a de-facto gun registration? After all, if you're not on the "I don't own a gun" registry, then it means you do own a gun.

[joe817]

You could always register and mess with their minds!

[C-dub]

Wouldn't this also create a de-facto gun registration? After all, if you're not on the "I don't own a gun" registry, then it means you do own a gun.

My thoughts exactly. He's the legislative equivalent to radio's "shock jock" and he's just looking to get into the news. IMHO

[my04heritage]

Sounds good but this bill is over 9 years old 99-2000 session.Rep. Maslack is no longer serving in the Vermont legislature.Bill H760

[nils]

[Abraham]

Vermont is the California of the east coast.

It's lefty paradise...

[stevie_d_64]

This is absolutely brilliant...I like this guys thinking...Here is someone who UNDERSTANDS the issue and the Amendment...

If someone could find the link to the article, I want to send this to a few folks for a good laugh...

I don't think it stands a chance to get very far, but it certainly sends a resounding message to those wanting to put the pressure on us...

I needed this...This made my day!

[Purplehood]

I hate when old old bills are resurrected in a link...