Tuesday, July 5, the Knoxville chapter of the Tennessee Firearms Association meet for their monthly meeting, with guest speaker Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett.
Burchett related to the group the story of his capturing some burglars who were stealing motorcycles and parts from his warehouse. He and his dad had been staking out the place for some time.
Burchett learned that a nearby school was letting out early, so he put on his Carharts, grabbed his Glock and KelTec, and rushed to the warehouse. When he got there, a "kid with a fat head" was coming out of the warehouse. He drew his Glock, called 9-1-1, and held five burglars captive until law enforecement arrived.
The event made national news, and got Burchett an inteview with G. Gordon Liddy. He got all his motorcycles back.
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On a more serious note, Burchett's budget with Knox County passed the Commission with a vote of 9-2. He states he is cutting the size of government without cutting services.
He has been criticized recently for his plan to sell Knox County golf courses. Burchett states that Knox County should not be competing with private business, "If its in the yellow pages, Knox County shouldn't be in that business."
Burchett says that the County is Constitutionally bound to only two things, schools and safety. The answer to budget problems is not to raise taxes. He said some "gutless politicians will always look for a way to raise taxes." He said we need to get back to what government is supposed to be.
According to Burchett, "We need to continue to look for ways to maximize services and minimize costs."
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There was a drop-in guest at the meeting, State Senatorial Candidate Victoria DeFreese. Defreese's literature states she is an advocate of the 2nd Amendment non-negotiable right to bear arms.
DeFreese has two opponents in the 6th senate district race, Marily Roddy and Becky Massey. This column questioned Roddy concerning 'guns in parks', when she was a Knoxville mayoral candidate, and Roddy was opposed to them. See that Examiner story HERE. Massey, at her campaign web site, states,
Our Constitution guarantees each individual the right to keep and bear arms to protect their home. Becky is an avid supporter of the second amendment.
This column is curious about Massey's use of the term 'home' in the above quote. Does she mean only in the home, or does she agree that the right to bear arms goes beyond one's doorstep?
This column will follow up with a gun rights quiz to all three candidates.
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If you learned from this article, here are more you might like:
Is it moral to use deadly force in self defense?
Veterans Day, gun free zones, and unarmed citizens
Tennesse Attorney General says contract trumps Bill of Rights
Check out the MJM Blog over at Lucky Gunner.
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Check out the Good Hill Press and the MJM Blog over at Lucky Gunner.
Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.
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