Lies and conceits of gun control

by Bruce N. Mills

The basic, default condition in a free society must, of course, be "freedom."  "Freedom" is the ability of individuals to conduct their lives, and exercise their rights, as they see fit, without let or hindrance from the State or others.  The proper role of the State is to maximize the level of "freedom" for its citizens.

"Crime" occurs when one person contravenes the rights of someone else, thus causing them "harm;" laws that establish and proscribe punishments for these kinds of acts are malum in se laws - acts that are bad because they are inherently bad.  Laws that restrict or deny the free exercise of your rights are inherently bad; these laws are malum prohibitum laws - acts that are bad because the State says they are bad.

Protection of the rights of the individual is the only valid reason for passing a law.  Having committed a crime is the only justification for the restriction of your rights.

All "licensing" laws are malum prohibitum - bad because the State says it is bad.  The mere fact of my owning a gun in no way infringes upon the rights of anyone else.

For those of you who may have been wondering, Candice Hoeppner's Bill C-391 passed in the House today by a vote of 164 to 137. 

I'm sure Dennis and others will have plenty to say about it soon enough but, until then, why not take a look at this video and see if you can find your MP.  Go on, have a go.  Think of it as a political Where's Waldo:

And if you can't find your guy or gal in the video, just have a look at the table below it. 

Police Support Extensive for Legislation to End Long-Gun Registry

OTTAWA, ON – Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar, said today that her Private Member’s Bill to end the long-gun registry has the support of various police associations, front-line officers and Chiefs of Police.

"The Opposition’s main argument in maintaining the long-gun registry has been that the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the Canadian Police Association (CPA) support it,” said Hoeppner. “I have spoken with many Chiefs of Police and front-line officers who disagree with their associations and unequivocally support my bill to end the long-gun registry.”

Bill C-391 is in second reading in the House of Commons and is scheduled for second hour of debate next week. A vote on the bill will take place in the House of Commons on November 4, 2009.

“From my discussions with Chiefs of Police from across the country, it is clear that support for the long-gun registry by front-line officers is far from unanimous,” said Hoeppner. “It is time for the Opposition to listen to what the men and women who risk their lives every day are saying - the long-gun registry is not useful.”

MP Encouraged by Support for Bill to End Long-Gun Registry

OTTAWA, ON – Candice Hoeppner, Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar,  is pleased to announce  the Saskatoon Police Association and the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers (SFPO) support her Private Member’s Bill, C-391, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and Firearms Act (repeal of long-gun registry).

“This demonstration of support speaks to how important my bill is to Canadians that so many people including front line police officers and police associations are voicing their support to end the long-gun registry,” said Hoeppner.

The SFPO represents over 1,100 men and women working for six municipal police agencies in Saskatchewan.