In my view, most laws currently on the books that restrict the ability of Americans to purchase, own or carry firearms are unconstitutional. When states like Colorado pass laws that further encroach on the rights of their citizens, something has to be done. But who can take a peaceful stand against the state, defy their edicts and protect the citizenry from illegal laws?
The Sheriff can.
The Sheriff is arguably the ultimate law enforcement authority in the country, and certainly within their own counties. They have the power to tell the federal government to “not in my county” and can refuse to enforce illegal laws passed by over zealous law makers — and some do just that.
There are 62 elected Sheriff’s in the state of Colorado and when the state legislature recently passed anti-gun bills, all but 7 of them took a stand. They joined ranks and filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the new laws. Even more inspiring were the actions of Sheriff John Cooke of Weld County, Colorado. Sheriff Cooke stood before the media this weekend and announced he would not enforce recently passed laws banning magazines over 15 rounds and requiring background checks between private parties wishing to transfer firearms.
Sheriff Cooke is not alone. Other Sheriff’s in his state have taken the same stand and are refusing to enforce the laws which they deem to be illegal under the Constitution.
Such acts of defiance by law enforcement aren’t unique to Colorado, Sheriff’s across the nation are taking similar stands against tyranny. Two Sheriff’s in New York have vowed not to enforce their states recently enacted anti-gun laws. This has prompted Governor Cuomo to say their actions set “a dangerous and frightening precedent”. You’re darn right it sets a frightening precedent! These brave men are putting politicians such as Cuomo on notice by executing their duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States. This probably keeps tyrants such as Cuomo up at night, as it should.
Sheriff’s have been busy defending liberty all across the nation, even in places like California where a delegation of Sheriff’s urged Governor Brown to veto pending anti-gun bills that were passed by the state legislature. One of the measures passed was an outright ban on semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines! The Sheriff’s persuaded Brown to veto the ban on semi-automatic firearms, however they were unsuccessful in convincing him to veto the law banning lead ammunition for hunting. Still, if it weren’t for the actions of these Sheriff’s, things could have been far worse for gun owners in the earthquake state.
Often times we get caught up in federal elections and think that if we can put the right person in the White House everything will suddenly improve nationwide. I would argue the occupant of the White House is less important than the occupant of your State Capital or the occupant of your Sheriff’s office.
The next time you’re voting for your local Sheriff, make sure you know where they stand on our rights. They could wind up being your strongest ally in defending your rights against lawmakers run a muck.
MAC
MAC is an avid shooter, former MCSF Marine, NRA member, Oath Keeper and is commissioned as a Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky. Known for his videos on the Military Arms Channel, he also writes for The Bang Switch, for Shotgun News (Be Ready!) and freelances for Guns & Ammo. MAC has been a life long shooter who has an interest in all things that go "bang" but gravitates towards military type firearms.
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