“Language in statehood documents dating back to the 1800s contain a constitutional provision that the federal government intended to relinquish control of the land it held in each state. But for some states, especially those in the West, the federal government reneged, Utah state Rep. Ken Ivory says. In Idaho, more than 64 percent of the state’s 53 million acres is under federal control. Both Idaho and North Dakota became states nine months apart and, Ivory claims, did so under identical statehood language. Yet, federally managed land in North Dakota accounts for less than 5 percent of the state’s overall acreage.”
Tag Archives: Laboratories Of Democracy
Thousands of armed protestors gather at state capitols in pro-assault rifle rallies across the country

“The size of crowds at each location varied – from dozens of people in South Dakota to 2,000 in New York. Large crowds also turned out in Connecticut, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington state. Some demonstrators in Olympia, Wash., Phoenix, Salem, Ore., and Salt Lake City came with holstered handguns or rifles on their backs. At the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, attendees gave a special round of applause for ‘the ladies that are packin’.”
Missouri Sheriffs Pledge To Not Enforce Obama’s Gun Control Laws

“In the letter Heiss tells the president that he has a duty to protect his constituents from incidents of crime, and has the responsibility to protect and preserve their rights and liberties. Newly elected Sheriff Michael Dixon, R-Osage County is one of about a dozen sheriffs in Missouri to have signed and sent Heiss’ letter. Dixon also announced his support of Missouri house bill (HB 170). The bill, introduced last week, would make criminals of any law enforcement official, local, state or federal, who tried to enforce any of President Obama’s gun control initiatives, whether executive orders or passed by Congress.”
Texas Attorney General Invites New York Gun Owners To Move To Texas

“On Tuesday, New York became the first state to pass gun legislation in response to the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December. The measures include bans on assault weapons and magazines that hold more than 7 bullets, and a requirement that gun owners in homes with mentally ill people must properly lock up their firearms. Texas attorney general Greg Abbott (R) has extended an open invitation to any New Yorkers who feel threatened by the new gun violence protection measure. Abbott launched an Internet ad campaign targeting New Yorkers shortly after Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-NY) signed the law.”
Washington greets the New Year by assaulting your rights

“Fortunately, at least 15 local governments, in addition to four states, have passed resolutions opposing the domestic military detention provisions of the NDAA. The local coalitions that have secured these resolutions continue to gather momentum and build a national voice to restore the Bill of Rights. Find a local campaign to join today, or contact us for help starting one in your town!”
Oregon sheriff writes Biden to say he won’t enforce new gun laws

“An Oregon sheriff wrote Vice President Joe Biden announcing his refusal to enforce any new gun safety legislation placing restriction on semi-automatic weaponry, saying they would ‘infringe upon the liberties of responsible citizens who have broken no laws.’ According to KOIN-TV, Linn County Sheriff Tim Mueller said he is unsure Biden will actually read the letter, in which he accuses lawmakers of ‘attempting to exploit the deaths of innocent victims by advocating for laws that would prevent honest, law abiding Americans from possessing certain firearms and ammunition magazines.'”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/16/or-sheriff-writes-biden-to-say-he-wont-enforce-new-gun-laws/
Texas lawmaker wants to make federal weapons ban illegal in Texas

“Don’t mess with Texans or their guns. That’s how state Rep. Steve Toth (R-Woodlands) sees it. Toth wants to make any new federal weapons ban illegal in the state of Texas. ‘This is a hardened state. This isn’t a good place for a criminal to show up and start shooting,’ said Rep. Toth. So, he’s proposing legislation that would make any federal law banning semiautomatic firearms or limiting the size of gun magazines unenforceable in the Lone Star State. ‘We want to make sure this legislation protects the Second Amendment gun rights and the Tenth Amendment which is state sovereignty rights of Texans.'”
TX gun classes reporting influx of teachers

“The push to provide firearms training to teachers has taken hold in Texas, where, as NBC News reported on Tuesday, hundreds of instructors are hitting the firing ranges. KXAS-TV reported on Monday that the state’s lieutenant governor, David Dewhurst (R) will ask the state senate to consider using public funding to pay for schools to send employees to similar courses. State law allows teachers with concealed handgun permits to bring them to campus if granted permission by their district superintendents.”
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/01/15/tx-gun-classes-reporting-influx-of-teachers/
San Diego mayor halts local marijuana shop crackdown

“City code enforcement officers and police will no longer target medical marijuana dispensaries under a directive issued Friday by Mayor Bob Filner. Filner, in letters to Kelly Broughton, director of the Development Services Department, which oversees code compliance, and San Diego police Chief William Landsdowne, also directed both of their departments ‘to stop sending dispensary code enforcement cases to the City Attorney’s Office for prosecution.'”
http://www.cbs8.com/story/20562888/mayor-filner-halts-local-marijuana-shop-crackdown
Kentucky sheriff says federal gun laws won’t apply in his county

“He says it’s his job to protect the people who elected him even if that means going against federal law. A Kentucky sheriff says he’s gaining support from across the country for his stance on possible gun regulations. Jackson County Sheriff Denny Peyman says no one in his county will ever have to give up their guns. Sheriff Peyman received a round of applause from a group of almost one hundred gathered at Opal’s restaurant this afternoon.”