Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2001 14:17:46 -0700 From: alan@BLOOMFIELDPRESS.COM (Alan Korwin) Subject: A Little More Gun Show Bill To: AZRKBA@asu.edu
Two more quick new items about the gun show bill -- the travesty that just won't quit.
WARANTLESS SEARCHES APPROVED WARANTLESS SEARCHES APPROVED
A writer in Kentucky (Kim Stolfer of Allegheny County Sportsmen's League, Inc.) pointed out a small cross-reference in the back of the bill; I checked it out and he's right -- in order to run a gun show anywhere in America, the show organizer must agree to submit to no-warrant searches by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, under the McCain-Lieberman bill.
ATF can stop by unannounced and search annually to make sure you're following their record-keeping rules. If you resist, armed agents can arrest you. Isn't that supposed to be illegal?
[Citations: S. 890, SEC. 105. INSPECTION AUTHORITY. Section 923(g)(1)(B), of title 18, United States Code, is amended by striking 'or licensed dealer' and inserting 'licensed dealer, or special firearms event operator'. The statute they're referring to currently reads: 18 USC 923. Licensing. (g)(1)(B) The Secretary may inspect or examine the inventory and records of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer without such reasonable cause or warrant -- (ii) for ensuring compliance with the record keeping requirements of this chapter]
RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE DENIED RIGHT TO ASSEMBLE DENIED
One of the strict limits The First Amendment places on the federal government is this: "Congress shall make no law restricting... the right of the people peaceably to assemble..." The McCain-Lieberman bill is supposed to be dealing with background checks. But it criminalizes anyone who would "plan, promote, or operate" a gun show without prior federal approval (Sec. 931(a)).
A gun show is clearly made up of people peaceably assembling, so this proposal would normally be prohibited by the Bill of Rights on those grounds alone. Doesn't the Bill of Rights still place restrictions on Congress?
So which is worse: Senators McCain and Lieberman (and "bipartisan" co-sponsors like Schumer and McCarthy) don't know what's in their bill, or they've known all along and didn't say? (For the original article and follow-up analysis click here -- http://www.gunlaws.com/newstuff.htm
AND ON A TANGENT: Don't miss the outrageous social commentary from my new political parody band -- The Cartridge Family -- at the Arizona Republican Assembly Banquet, Saturday evening, Jne 23. For info and reservations call 1-800-603-0750. Long live The Little Armed Lady From Pasadena!
Alan Korwin, Author The Arizona Gun Owner's Guide Bloomfield Press 4718 E. Cactus #440 Phoenix, AZ 85032 602-996-4020 602-494-0679 fax alan@gunlaws.com
Check out our books --
If you knew all your rights you might demand them. If you knew all your rights you might demand them. If you knew all your rights you might demand them.
See "Licensed to Carry" -- the guide to permits in the 31 "shall issue" states.
Also, The Traveler's Guide to the Gun Laws of the 50 States.
And, "In The Gravest Extreme" The classic and great read on armed self defense.