[davisfh]

If, as people of a conservative mind maintain, it is unconstitutional to force people to buy health insurance, wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?

[cowboyway]

If, as people of a conservative mind maintain, it is unconstitutional to force people to buy health insurance, wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?

Exactly.

[mmichaels1970]

If, as people of a conservative mind maintain, it is unconstitutional to force people to buy health insurance, wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?

I agree. Except I think in this case you'd have to refer to the state constitution to check for constitutionality.

[nina0113]

Didn’t Kennesaw, Georgia do this way back when? I wonder if that precedent’s been cited in any of the Obamacare briefs.

[Mad Dawg]

Actually, it's unconstitutional for the FEDS to tell us we have to buy something. It's not necessarily against the federal Constitution for a state to oblige its citizens to buy something.

The bill also does not specify the type of firearm citizens must purchase - only that it be "suitable to their temperament, physical capacity, and preference."

Full auto LWRC in 6.8, I think, is the only non-crew-served weapon that is suitable to my temperament.

[Raider Sam]

I think it is likely a symbolic gesture, pointing out absurdity by being absurd.

[bert]

-——wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?———

Think on this a moment. If the law passes, everyone must go buy a gun. Do you thing Dashle will buy a gun or sue?

If he sues andd loses he will ultimately go to the Supreme court which will likely rule in his favor and establish a precedent. The state can’t force folks to buy stuff unless like car insurance it is required to facilitate the privilege to drive

[xjcsa]

If, as people of a conservative mind maintain, it is unconstitutional to force people to buy health insurance, wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?

The state government doesn't have to rely on the interstate commerce clause of the US Constitution. Completely separate issue, since a different constitution is involved.

[Steamburg]

This is a twist on an older idea.
Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack once proposed a bill to register “non-gun-owners” and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state.

At least this order to own a firearm is Constitutionally based. I don’t find the same basis for Obamacare.

[Oztrich Boy]

If, as people of a conservative mind maintain, it is unconstitutional to force people to buy health insurance, wouldn’t it likewise be unconstitutional to compel them to buy a firearm?

Because the militia, composed of all free citizins, was part of the Common Law at the time of the Rebellion. Ans the Constitution clearly sees it continuing.

Also Posse comitatus (common law)

[Fire_on_High]

I think that very well might be the point. Soon as the lefties screech about it being unconstitutional, they’ve just set precedent for kicking Obamacare out.

[OneWingedShark]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2666765/posts?page=70#70

[The_Reader_David]

Indeed, it would be unconstitutional for Congress to require people to buy firearms, for the same reason Judge Vinson ruled it unconstitutional for Congress to require us to buy health insurance.

However, it could well be argued requiring people to be part of the militia (in the original understanding as the armed citizenry) is one of the rights reserved to the states, so if South Dakota wants to insist everyone over 21 who does not have a legal disability own a firearm, that seems to be within South Dakota’s rights.