Let's do talk about "background checking."
I think that a background check ought to be conducted which would verify date and place of birth as well as any criminal record and current address for anyone who wants to register to vote, and a voter ID issued when complete. If you don't have one, you don't vote.
As for asking government permission to exercise a right guaranteed under the Constitution, I don't favor it. The recordkeeping alone constitutes firearms registration. First you find out who has 'em, and then you round them up. Maybe not now, but in the "brave new world" to come that will be inhabited by our descendents, the probability is high. And that fundamental transformation is now in progress. The risk/reward ratio is not sufficient to give up a God-given right predating the Constitution itself. Criminals will always get their guns, and any kind they want, one way or another. By definition, criminals do not obey laws. That will never change no matter how many laws you pass that only affect the law-abiding.
Also, it should be remembered that this is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy. Every law, every executive order, should be vetted as being valid under the terms outlined in the Constitution, and in particular, the Bill of Rights. If that validity is challenged by any party of interest, it should go right to the Supreme Court for adjudication - and quickly. For example, let's say a law is passed that you have to register and be approved by the government in order to "blog" on the internet. That, in my opinion, would infringe on the First Amendment, and should be reviewed and adjudicated before it could take effect. Any laws or orders that run contrary to the Constitution are supposed to be null and void and not enforceable. That fact has been played with fast and loose way too often in recent years.
It's high time that Constitutional provisions be observed again - the supreme law of this land.
Yes, I know I'm an irascible old curmudgeon. But in my defense, I remember when this was a free country. I simply want to ensure that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoy the distinction of living in one also. I'm not willing to let go of the joy of freedom for them without a fight. I'm in my sunset years, but they will have to live in a world that we either supported, or by our inattention, will be imposed on them.
The NRA is one of the last bastions of freedom in this country, and I urge each of you to get on board as a member before it's too late. I would hope that someday no grandchild of yours has to sit on your knee and ask "Where were you when it really counted? And how did you let this happen to us?"
John
