Earlier this week Jon warned you that Senator Sharon Carson was working behind the scenes to pass SB 244 (see a shrink lose your guns) by making it less anti-gun.
Jon told you that Senator Carson’s efforts will likely be aided by anti-gun House members if SB 244 passes the Senate.
NHFC members have told us that Senators are claiming that this is really Senator Watters bill. But we have seen the text of the “new SB 244” and the only sponsor/author listed at the top is Senator Carson. Don’t be fooled, Senator Carson is pushing gun control.
The new bill seeks to create a “commission” to Study Mental Health and Firearms. This so called “commission” must report it’s findings by December 31, 2014; almost 2 months after the November election. Wow, that’s convenient: create a commission to study a controversial issue but hold the controversial report until after the election.
I am not sure why such a commission is even needed. NHFC has long advocated that those who commit violent, criminal acts be locked away for a very long time. Let’s be clear, if the evidence shows a person committed a criminal act those facts must be presented in court. Not some psycho babble mumbo jumbo about a difficult childhood, depression, mental illness or any other “excuse”. Violent criminals should go to prison not the hospital.
However, previous versions of SB 244 have sought to deny Second Amendment rights to those persons who may have been appointed a guardian. People who are involved in a serious car accident and are knocked unconscious might be appointed a guardian. When a crash victim is brought to the emergency room the hospital, pursuant to RSA 464-A, will likely appoint a “guardian” if they are not able to contact a family member. Then, you will lose your Second Amendment rights — permanently.
There are many, many examples of guardians being appointed for people who are not mentally ill, not dangerous and not violent, but under the as introduced version of SB 244 those people will lose their Second Amendment rights. We told you about Noreen Cousins who was held against her will at Huggins Hospital for 6 days.
Unfortunately what happened to Noreen Cousins happens all too often in New Hampshire; and if Senator Carson has her way, the number of citizens who lose their Second Amendment rights will increase dramatically.
So, back to Senator Carson’s “commission”. Is this commission just a sham to get to her preferred end result? A massive state and federal gun ban? SB 244 must be stopped… and fast!
I don’t know about you, but I am sick and tired of anti-gun politicians using “mental illness” as a reason to deprive people who have not done anything wrong of their Second Amendment rights. Then, these same politicians also use “mental illness” as an excuse for violent criminal behavior.
We at NHFC do not think that psychiatrists and psychologists can predict future behavior. Especially, when the “patient” has not done anything wrong.
Please call and email your Senators and Senator Carson. Click here to find out who your Senator is.
Please deliver this pre-written message:
Dear Senator:
Senator Carson is working with gun ban extremists to save SB 244, (see a shrink lose your guns). I insist that you oppose Senator Carson’s biased study commission and vote SB 244 ITL.
SB 244 is a solution in search of a problem. New Hampshire does not need to study guns or mental illness; it is consistently rated one of the safest lowest crime states to live in. All that you need to do is keep criminals in jail.
Please stop using mental illness as an excuse to disarm law abiding New Hampshire residents who have not done anything wrong.
Please vote SB 244 ITL.
Sincerely,
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As always, if you receive any email from these politicians please forward it to NHFC by clicking here.
Thanks for your support.
In Liberty,
Vice President – NHFC
