Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Mayor, Chief seek Gun Restrictions(HELP!!! MAJOR gun grab being attemted in Lincoln Nebraska.)
The Lincoln Journal Star ^ | Friday, January 31, 2003 | Aaron Sanderford and Nate Jenkins

Posted on 02/01/2003 12:29:47 AM PST by Super Mak90kid

Mayor, chief seek gun restrictions BY AARONS ANDERFORD / Lincoln Journal Star and NATE JENKINS

If Lincoln's mayor and police chief get their way, more criminals could be arrested for carrying guns, and others could find it harder to sell potentially stolen goods.

Mayor Don Wesely and Police Chief Tom Casady offered three potential ordinances Thursday. They plan to bring the proposals to the City Council in March.

The proposals will ask the council to enact the following changes:

• Prohibit people convicted of theft or a theft-related crimes twice over the last 10 years from selling or trading property to pawn brokers and dealers of secondhand jewelry.

• Make it illegal to keep firearms in parked, unattended vehicles for more than 24 hours.

• Outlaw firearms possession for people convicted of any of 19 charges the mayor and chief selected as "serious, violent or potentially violent misdemeanors."

Police say they found a positive reaction to the first proposal when Casady met Jan. 17 with pawn shop owners and managers.

Jeremy Cosier, manager of Capitol City Pawn &Jewelry, 2541 N. 11th St., said owners initially worried what would be required of them. Those fears were allayed.

"What it's going to try to do is weed out a bad element," Cosier said. "Pawn shops get that bad image, but we're more than happy to cooperate with police and get those types of folks out of the shops."

State law requires pawn shops to provide police information about items they purchase and the people who sold them.

If the proposal were to pass, police would be able to cross-reference lists of who's selling what with lists of known criminals and arrest those who sell items to pawn shops or dealers of secondhand jewelry.

Pawn brokers would not be given a "hot" list of names to avoid, officials said, but would be required to avoid buying from people they knew were convicted twice of such crimes.

No one interviewed Thursday expressed angst about the 24-hour proposal for keeping handguns out of unattended cars.

Investigators brought the ordinance idea to Casady after several victims of larcenies from autos reported firearms stolen.

The firearms-possession ban is modeled on restrictions Omaha uses to keep people convicted of violent misdemeanors from getting gun permits.

Omaha's ordinance also denies gun registration to anyone with a record of drug use or of dangerous mental disorders.

Lincoln's proposal would not address the mental health or substance abuse questions, because both are addressed in state law, Casady said.

But the language of the proposals could ignite legal challenges if written too broadly, said Tim Butz, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska.

Butz worried most about the inclusion of "obstructing government operations" among misdemeanors that could eliminate someone's right to bear arms.

Political demonstrators, particularly at war times, are cited for such crimes, he said.

"What the mayor and the chief are talking about could be completely constitutional if done right, and it could be flagrantly unconstitutional if not,"he said.

City Council members, some of whom first learned of the proposals Thursday, said they need more information and discussion before they'll take concrete positions.

Framing the gun-possession debate will be questions of fairness -- specifically fairness to those convicted of the targeted crimes, council members said.

Councilwoman Annette McRoy said she doesn't yet know enough to say "yea or nay" but added that the ordinances "sound good."

Councilwoman Coleen Seng, a candidate for mayor, said she trusts Casady's judgment.

Councilman Ken Svoboda said public reaction could be a major factor in his decision.

"I'm for anything that takes firearms out of the hands of a potential or convicted criminal," said Svoboda. "But there's a fine line" between public protection and infringing on an individual's rights.

Reach Aaron Sanderford at 473-7225 or asanderford@journalstar.com Reach Nate Jenkins at 473-7223 or njenkins@journalstar.com.


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Breaking News; Constitution/Conservatism; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Government; US: Nebraska
KEYWORDS: abuse; banglist; cheif; government; guncontrol; guns; help; leftwingconspiracy; mayor; police; politics
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 101-119 next last
To: c-b 1
Thanks. My parents and most of the people I love will still be here. On top of that, it may still be a few years untill I get to make my big move.
21 posted on 02/01/2003 1:40:10 AM PST by Super Mak90kid
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
That old saw about Eternal Vigilance being the Price of Freedom is unfortunately true- you have to watch public figures like a hawk, and even then they try to do stuff like what you are facing. Unelected bureaucrats are the worst, because you can't vote them out of office even if they offend a lot of people. Best of luck, and never give up.

Just an off-the-wall thought? How about a recall petition? Even if it doesn't have a prayer, it will surely scare the beJesus out of them, and get their attention...

22 posted on 02/01/2003 1:45:50 AM PST by backhoe (A society that doesn't trust honest Citizens with guns is a Society that I don't much trust...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: backhoe
Thanks again! I'll look into that too. You've been a great help. Have a good night.
23 posted on 02/01/2003 1:51:40 AM PST by Super Mak90kid
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 22 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
You might get a group of people together, and meet with Coleen Seng, and make it plain to her that if she votes for that ordinance you will do everything in your power to see to it that she isn't the next mayor.
24 posted on 02/01/2003 1:52:52 AM PST by c-b 1
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
I wonder if these folks know about it. I found this info on their website.

Keep the week end of June 7 & 8 open.

That is the date of the 2003 Annual NE Shooting Sports Association's Annual meeting.

The location of this year's meeting is Lincoln, NE


I also found this here. I'm not certain if this is intended as a preemption law or not.

 

STATE CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION

"All persons. . . have certain . . . rights, among these are . . . the right to keep and bear arms for security or defense of self, family, home, and others, and for lawful common defense, hunting, recreational use, and all other lawful purposes, and such rights shall not be denied or infringed by the state or any subdivision thereof." (Article 1, Section 1).

 

25 posted on 02/01/2003 1:56:58 AM PST by Ouachita
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
Am I on crack? did I really read the rep from the ACLU was threatening legal action?
But the language of the proposals could ignite legal challenges if written too broadly, said Tim Butz, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska. Butz worried most about the inclusion of "obstructing government operations" among misdemeanors that could eliminate someone's right to bear arms. Political demonstrators, particularly at war times, are cited for such crimes, he said.
Seriously, if you can get a juggernaught like the ACLU on board for good instead of evil (or, more often, just plain silly), that'd be HUGE!
26 posted on 02/01/2003 2:48:01 AM PST by billsux
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: c-b 1
ALL RIGHT, a polish joke, I haven't heard one of those for 15 years.

It's not really a Polish joke. Let me explain.

I am a big fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the show that shows bad movies with silhouettes of viewers making wisecracks about bad acting, writing, effects, and cinematography. The tagline is a reference to the MST3K episode in which the characters -- including "Tom Servo," a puppet of a robot made from a candy machine -- watched a movie called "Horror of Party Beach." In one scene, there were some nubile young women who were stranded in a wooded area when their car broke down. To the best of my memory, they were going to a store to find help and/or a phone, but the store was closed. One of the actresses in the shot was partially obscuring a sign in the store window that said, "LOOK! POLISH SAUSAGE, 19c a LB" so that all you could read was "LOOK POLISH."

27 posted on 02/01/2003 2:54:40 AM PST by L.N. Smithee ("OK, everybody! Look Polish!" -- T. Servo)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
" Outlaw firearms possession for people convicted of any of 19 charges the mayor and chief selected as "serious, violent or potentially violent misdemeanors." "

Sounds like "infringdd" to me.
28 posted on 02/01/2003 4:28:36 AM PST by PatrioticAmerican (Let's all pay our fair share...make the poor pay taxes! They pay nothing!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
Outlaw firearms possession for those who are convicted of even attempted 2.Carrying a concealed weapon, 4.unlawful posession of explosives, 5.use of explosives without a permit, 8. Furnishing Firearms, ammunition, or weapons to minors, 9.Resisting Arrest, 16.Violation of a protection order, or any felony...

now let's discuss the easy openings for abuse set out here that will undoubted come up soon after passage:

2. CCW permits do not seem to be exempted
4. and 5. Fireworks, maybe even ammunition (reloading equipment?)
8. Christmas presents, taking your child hunting, Swiss Army knife,
9. "Resisting arrest" is entirely up to the arresting officer... and attempted resisting arrest must be fun to define... maybe struggling with tight handcuffs?
16. most divorces now feature protection orders... and many demand that the subject get rid of all their firearms. Refuse? Lose your right to own them, too.
19. any felony (or attempt) includes several volumes of laws that are not listed here, and the modern trend is to include an ever-increasing amount of laws under the felony umbrella, "to deter crime"...

and let us not forget how easy it is to amend this ordinance to include so many more reasons to deprive a citizen of their 2A rights.

29 posted on 02/01/2003 4:53:16 AM PST by Teacher317
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: billsux
Seriously, if you can get a juggernaught like the ACLU on board for good instead of evil (or, more often, just plain silly), that'd be HUGE!

I've suggested before that in small conservative states like Nebraska, it wouldn't be that hard to co-opt or simply take over an entire state ACLU chapter for Second Amendment advocacy. I don't have recent figures but their membership is pretty small. Only 3 staff members, paid by subsidy from national ACLU.

It can't hurt to get people to drop emails to them. They are aware that they are generally viewed as Leftish but they know they make their most friends when they defend unpopular causes or the Right.
30 posted on 02/01/2003 4:55:58 AM PST by George W. Bush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 26 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid; *bang_list
Pssst! Hey! Super Mak90kid! Here's how to get a lot more attention from those who really care about 2A issues...

bang!

31 posted on 02/01/2003 4:57:08 AM PST by Teacher317 (note the *bang_list in the address line)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
This is the kind of law that can sail through if not enough people know about it. Any significant opposition is likely to doom it.

Call every gun store in the area. Better yet, make up some eye-catching posters and go around and ask if you can put them up in the gun stores. I've done that locally. Well, I've done a lot more than that but that's another story. If you can, get someone to go pamphlet any gun show or shooting event in the Lincoln area.

Contact Senator Tom Baker's office and ask his staff if there are any friends of gun rights or other organizations that you might contact.

GOA's last alert for Nebraska was in October 2001. I'll drop them a message. A lot of GOA members don't do much until GOA issues an alert. I suggest you drop them an email too. Or call them.

You could try the NRA as well. They're probably bigger than GOA.

You might even find some opposition among state law enforcement officers.

Try Nebraska Second Amendment Watch. He hasn't updated recently but an issue like this might get Rick moving.

Also, try contacting Nebraska Taxpayers For Freedom, Second Amendment Project.

You might try informing Hunt And Fish Nebraska. It's largely an outfitter site but anything that makes it harder to hunt or adds any element of legal jeopardy to hunting in the state should be a concern to them.

Of the whole bunch I listed here, getting the gun stores riled and active and getting out a GOA email alert are the two most likely to result in letters, calls, email, letters to the editor, etc.
32 posted on 02/01/2003 5:16:42 AM PST by George W. Bush
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: PatrioticAmerican
Here's a little story from CT. I was pulled over for not wearing a seatbealt.

When they smelled beer, they gave me a test that nobody could pass.

Walk the white line toe-to-heel. Follow this light without moving your head.

When I told them I was carrying a firearm, they got seriess. They asked me why I had a baseball bat in the back seat!

Well, I had a license to to carry in MA... but not in CT.

MA police chief took my license... CT took my 9mm.

Game over... cops don't want armed, decent civilians. They want a docile, flock of sheep.

33 posted on 02/01/2003 5:31:07 AM PST by johnny7 (Get in there! Take off your shoes! You're looking at 1-5!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

Comment #34 Removed by Moderator

To: Pavlovs Dog
you may argue that these are misdemeaners, and thats ok

There's the problem, sir. It is not a matter of these people being socially repellent, it's a matter of changing the law from prohibiting gun ownership and possession on the basis of a person having committed a felony to having committed a misdemeanor. This is something under the governance of the legislature, not a city council.

35 posted on 02/01/2003 6:58:23 AM PST by OldPossum
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Super Mak90kid
Prohibit people convicted of theft or a theft-related crimes twice over the last 10 years from selling or trading property to pawn brokers and dealers of secondhand jewelry.

I've got no use for gun control, but you have to like that one.

36 posted on 02/01/2003 7:04:08 AM PST by merak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Teacher317
"2. CCW permits do not seem to be exempted."

That's because Nebraska does not allow concealed carry of firearms. There have been several attempts to get legislation passed allowing them, but all have failed to date. When I first moved here, I rented a house from a guy who was a State Patrol officer. When we were getting the keys and giving him our first month's rent, I showed him my CC Permit from Colorado and asked him who should I see in Nebraska to get one. He got a real funny look on his face and made it very clear that I should not carry concealed in NE, since they do not allow it for any circumstances (at least for civilians).

I heard on the radio that there was going to be another attempt this next session to introduce a Concealed Carry Permit law, but we'll have to see how far that gets.

37 posted on 02/01/2003 7:05:48 AM PST by Pablo64 (I don't know what makes them so stupid, but it sure does work!!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

Comment #38 Removed by Moderator

To: Pavlovs Dog
The right to firearm ownership is a basic civil right guaranteed by the constitution. Back when the United States was a free country, 100 years ago or thereabouts and on back, if somebody was too dangerous to own firearms, they locked him up, simple as that. Anybody who was not in prison was allowed to own firearms.

What other bsaic civil rights would you deprive somebody of for tresspassing, jaywalking, fornicating, or any of the myriad things which are technically illegal in one jurisdiction or another in America?

39 posted on 02/01/2003 7:11:29 AM PST by merak
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: Pavlovs Dog
The article is a big unclear to me, too. The seventh sentence talks about "possession" without defining what the heck they mean. One could "possess" a gun on his person or at home.

This article needs some editing.

Your point about making gunowners look bad by forcing them to defend people with some unsavory backgrounds is well-taken. That may be the hidden agenda behind most of this.
40 posted on 02/01/2003 7:27:49 AM PST by OldPossum
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-6061-80 ... 101-119 next last

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.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson