Posted on 10/13/2013 8:15:30 AM PDT by Kip Russell
The two Democratic state senators who lost their jobs last month in recall elections for endorsing strict gun control initiatives in Colorado are nothing more than sacrificial lambs in New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s mission to reform the nation’s gun laws.
While Bloomberg didn’t precisely use the words “sacrificial lambs,” he essentially said as much in an interview with Time Magazine, when he rejected the notion that the recall was a sign that his side had lost in Colorado.
“What do you mean we lost?” Bloomberg told Time. “I’m sorry for those two people. But we won in Colorado. On to the next state.”
The “two people” he is referring to are Senate President John Morse (D-Colorado Springs) and Sen. Angela Giron (D-Pueblo), both strongly backed bills to ban magazines that hold more than 15 rounds of ammunition and to require background checks for private transfers, including those made over the Internet and at gun shows.
In March, Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper signed those bills into law. They were the legislature’s response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, in December 2012 and the movie-theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado, in July 2012.
The bills were strongly opposed by gun owners and gun rights advocates. In the ensuing months, several lawsuits were filed challenging the constitutionality of the new laws, including one that was spearheaded by at least 50 Colorado sheriffs.
With the lawsuits pending, several gun rights activists got together and started a grassroots recall effort targeting the senate’s most vulnerable lawmakers: Morse and Giron. Now that they’ve succeeded in unseating Morse and Giron, they’re focusing their efforts on state Sen. Evie Hudak (D-Arvada and Westmister).
“She has infringed upon our constitutional right to bear arms,” said “Recall Hudak Too” in a statement, as reported by the Huffington Post.
Hudak has been mired in controversy leading up to the recall, particularly during the gun control bill public hearings after she rejected testimony from Amanda Collins, a rape survivor, denying that carrying a gun could have prevented the crime, as noted in a previous Guns.com article.
Yet, despite all this backlash, Bloomberg appears to be undaunted. As long as those laws stay in place, it doesn’t matter who loses their job, he’s won, he’s foisted his gun control agenda on another state.
Looking ahead, Bloomberg plans to continue the fight no matter what the cost. It appears his pride won’t let him quit.
“A lot of elected officials are afraid to back controversial things. I’m not afraid of that,” Bloomberg told Time. “You’re not going to hurt my business, and if you are, I don’t care. I take great pride in being willing to stand up.”
Bloomberg’s got billions. He can afford to do what he wants, regardless of the political fallout. However, other politicians aren’t so lucky. The question is: will other lawmakers be willing to be pawns or sacrificial lambs for Bloomberg’s agenda?
Mike Bloomberg: So against guns he makes sure he is surrounded by armed guards 24/7.
I don’t recall reading the answer to this. But this recall didn’t in any way change the law they passed, did it? I think they have to remove the law. Can they do that with the votes they now have?
The only thing worse than an asshat is an asshat with a load of cash.
he’s like a stupid george soros, with a ‘kick me’ sign on his back,
how did he get his money anyway?
As much as I hate this bastard, there is a lesson here.
This is the liberal mindset. Never give up. Convince yourself you are going to win in the long-run.
Republicans should learn from it and take the same attitude.
“What do you mean ‘we,’ Kemo Sabe?”
“I don’t recall reading the answer to this. But this recall didn’t in any way change the law they passed, did it? I think they have to remove the law. Can they do that with the votes they now have?”
If the current recall goes through I believe they can tip one of the houses in the legislature.
Short answer: No.
The recall changed the Colorado Senate mix from a 20 to 15 Democratic advantage to an 18 to 17 Democratic advantage. The good news is that this makes the passing of additional gun legislation less likely in the next session.
The only way the gun laws that were passed in the last session will be overturned is if in the next election (2014) the Republicans take over the state Senate (quite possible), the state House (less likely) and the governorship (even less likely). I'm not holding my breath.
This is the important statement
I hate this p*ick with a passion.
As soon as we get a new legislature and governor in there we’ll be getting rid of those laws. Temporary setback, that’s all. Freedom will win out.
I hope you're right, but I'm quite pessimistic about the future.
“But we won in Colorado.”
Why is a New Yorker interfering in Colorado?
“But this recall didn’t in any way change the law they passed, did it?”
So, you are the “all or nothing Republican” type?
This recall gave us one seat shy of a majority in the Senate and we are in the middle of recalling the last seat needed. It also galvanized conservatives in Colorado to vote and be heard.
Bloomberg is dilusional. He’s saying “we won” because the law they passed still stands. In true progressive fashion, the actual voice of the people (result of the recalls) carries ZERO weight to him. Obvious TYRANT is obvious.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.