Editorial roundup
July 8
Arkansas Democrat- Gazette the U. S. Senate, both of Arkansas’ voted against it. ( Sigh.) Why? Because when the NRA speaks, or even mutters, Arkansas’ two senators start bowing. Even when the NRA is being sorta foolish and everybody knows it. Anybody with any sense, anyway.
According to dispatches, Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly & Co. are planning to visit seven states on something called a Rights and Responsibility bus tour.
The states: Alaska, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota and Ohio. Not on the list is a state called Arkansas. Why not, reckon? Arkansas has plenty of gun ranges for those photo ops. Not to mention plenty of ammo.
More relevant, Arkansas has two U. S. senators who need a push in the right direction. The last time that background bill mandating background checks came up, back in April, it failed 54 to 46. ( It needed 60 votes to move forward.) Two of those 46 votes cast were by the Hons. Mark Pryor and John Boozman. So it would seem that the Natural State would be a natural place to stop for a meal between North Carolina and Nevada. Also, it’s been a mild July. Nobody can promise this kind of weather in August, y’all.
Miss Gabby— may we call you Miss Gabby? — you are on a commendable mission. It’s important. It could be life- saving. Here’s hoping your efforts are successful, even if only eventually.
But don’t skip Arkansas. We can suggest some good barbecue joints. July 5
St. Joseph News- Press ( KS)
senators
even on the priorities. And most assuredly, you would expect these representatives to inspire respect from the citizens they serve.
By these measures, thousands of residents of Kansas and Missouri are poorly served by their representatives’ out- of- proportion focus on trying to thwart federal laws.
In Kansas, Gov. Sam Brownback already has signed a measure passed this spring that threatens felony charges for federal agents enforcing certain firearms laws in the state.
In Missouri, Gov. Jay Nixon has vetoed a measure that would have made it a crime for federal agents to enforce any federal gun regulations that “infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms.” The same bill attempted to invalidate a 1934 law that imposed on tax on transferring machine guns or silencers.
The vast majority of Missourians support the right to gun ownership. However, it’s difficult to argue that supposed federal threats to our state rights, or to our right to bear arms, are higher priorities to Missourians than the quality of our schools and universities, the condition of our roads, and the physical wellbeing of our vulnerable youngsters and senior citizens.
Not only that, but lawmakers who think this are in a small minority of all citizens. Devoting time to this topic suggests they are out of touch and takes time and focus away from priorities that voters repeatedly have expressed.
Finally, there is the respect issue. Effective and respected lawmakers get things done, move the state forward and improve the lives of its citizens. Drafting and passing nullification laws — knowing full well the courts repeatedly have struck these down as unconstitutional — accomplishes nothing for the state or its citizens.
The only bigger affront to taxpayers: Having to stand by while lawmakers once again put their focus in the wrong place and attempt to override Gov. Nixon’s entirely justifiable veto when they return to session in September.