In an effort to learn candidates' views, I am providing a gun rights questionnaire to Tennessee political candidates. Here are Van Irion's answers:
Fri, Feb 19, 2010 at 9:35 AM
1. Do you believe that the Constitution is the "supreme law of the land" and that the Bill of Rights acknowledges our birthrights?
Absolutely yes. The Bill of Rights acknowledges rights given by God, which exist whether the government acknowledges them or not.
2. If so, should these rights be proactively protected from infringement by all levels of government, including city, county and state?
Absolutely yes. One of the few roles of the Federal Government is to protect God-given rights of citizens from government infringement.
3. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider constitutional.
None. “The right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed” is very clear. Government has NO authority to regulate the manufacture, distribution, transport, or ownership of weapons in any way. The government DOES have the right to punish the illegal USE of such weapons. But POSSESSION cannot be Constitutionally regulated. No other “interpretation” of the Second Amendment makes any sense. All Federal Court decisions to the contrary that claim to “interpret” the second amendment are simply wrong. (Keep in mind, I’m a Constitutional attorney admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. I’ve studied the history of the Constitution. The Courts are WRONG.)
4. Please give some examples of gun laws you consider unconstitutional.
All of them. See response to number three, above.
5. Does the right to bear arms include the right for any peaceable citizen to carry them concealed without a permit, as in Vermont?
Yes. Of course.
6. Do you believe that Americans have a right to own, use and carry weapons of military pattern, and will you use the prestige of elected office to publicly promote that right?
Yes and Yes. The primary purpose of the Second Amendment is to allow citizens to defend the county, from both foreign and domestic threats. This is a military purpose. Military weapons are the MOST protected by the Second Amendment.
On the second part of the question: One of the main reasons I want to be a Congressman is to direct media attention to important issues like these.
7. Do you support or oppose registration of weapons? Why?
Oppose. First it’s an invasion of privacy. Second it isn’t authorized by the Constitution. Third, I believe the second amendment specifically prohibits registration because it is an “infringement” on keeping and bearing arms. Which leads to, Fourth, one purpose of the Second Amendment is to protect citizens from government. Common sense tells us that if the government has a list of people who own weapons, government will use that information to confiscate those weapons and arrest or kill their owners.
8. Do you support or oppose licensing requirements to own or carry firearms?
Why?
I oppose licensing requirements because such requirements violate the Second Amendment. The Constitution is the only license anyone needs. Now, with that having been said, I’d much rather live in a state like Tennessee that allows citizens to carry concealed weapons with a permit, than in a state like New York or California that almost never allows citizens to carry. We are better off than they are, but we shouldn’t have to even get a permit.
9. What specific gun laws will you work to get repealed?
All of them. See answer to question three, above.
10. If elected, will you back your words of support for firearms rights up with consistent actions? How?
Absolutely! The oath of office requires it. I would vote consistent with my responses above. I would introduce and support legislation consistent with my responses. And most importantly, I would go on every TV and Radio show that would have me, as often as they would have me, until they stop returning my calls. I would use the title of Congressman to get media attention in any way possible. And I would educate the American people about why an armed citizenry is MORE secure, SAFER, and more free.
Anyone who can’t carry a weapon to protect themselves and their families are SLAVES. It’s that simple.
Van R. Irion
www.van4congress.org
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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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