Gun Policy Events Ignite Controversy Across the Country
New Mexico Governor Temporarily Bans Open and Concealed Carry
On September 8, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made headlines by issuing a temporary ban on open and concealed carry of guns in Bernalillo County, which includes Albuquerque. This decision sparked a swift and passionate response from constituents across the political spectrum.
California Senate Candidates Debate Gun Control
In Monterey Park, California, three major candidates running in 2024 to replace U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein engaged in a heated debate on how to implement stricter gun control measures. The candidates, Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter, and Barbara Lee, all Democrats, discussed their plans to address gun violence. In California, where Republicans face significant challenges, this debate holds great significance.
New Mexico State Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham speaks at a rally hosted by the Democratic Party of New Mexico at Ted M. Gallegos Community Center in Albuquerque, N.M., on Nov. 3, 2022. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)
Governor’s Ban Sparks Controversy
Following the tragic deaths of three children, Governor Lujan Grisham imposed a 30-day ban on carrying guns in public places. In a statement, she expressed concern for the safety of New Mexicans and the need to address the pervasive threat of violence. However, this decision faced immediate backlash, with gun groups filing federal lawsuits and even Rep. Ted Lieu criticizing the order as unconstitutional.
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Calif.) speaks in Washington on Dec. 9, 2019. (Doug Mills/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
Sheriff John Allen of Bernalillo County also voiced opposition to the ban, asserting its unconstitutionality and ineffectiveness in curbing gun violence.
Debate Gun Ignorance
The debate held in Monterey Park on September 8 took place just miles away from a previous mass shooting incident. The Senate candidates shamelessly exploited the suffering of survivors and victims’ families to push their respective gun control agendas.
Katie Porter advocated for stricter policies, including a ban on “assault rifles,” despite evidence suggesting minimal impact on gun crime. She also called for the implementation of “red flag laws,” which have faced legal challenges and limitations in other states.
House Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) speaks at a gathering with local leaders and mental health professionals at the Be Well OC offices in Orange, Calif., on Aug. 31, 2023. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Adam Schiff boasted about his sponsorship of the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, which seeks to repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. However, this act is widely considered unconstitutional and would effectively ban all gun manufacturing.
U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) listens during a hearing in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington on June 16, 2022. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Barbara Lee, a social worker, highlighted her co-sponsorship of the Gun Records Restoration and Preservation Act, which aims to provide access to gun records for research and law enforcement purposes. However, concerns about privacy invasion and violation of trust in the current system have been raised.
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Dec. 8, 2021. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Conclusion: California Out of Sync With America on Guns
Despite the liberal leanings of both New Mexico and California, the rejection of gun control measures in New Mexico highlights a disconnect between the Constitution and the views of Schiff, Porter, and Lee. These candidates’ proposals are out of step with the majority of Americans who support gun rights.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
What are the criticisms of community-based programs aimed at addressing gun violence at its root causes?
Px” class=”alignnone”>Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) listens during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on April 14, 2021, in Washington, DC. (Chip Somodevilla/Pool/Getty Images)
Adam Schiff argued for stronger background checks and closing loopholes in the current gun purchasing system. While these measures may seem reasonable on the surface, critics argue that they may infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens while doing little to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms through illegal means.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) speaks during a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 28, 2022. (Stefani Reynolds/Getty Images)
Barbara Lee emphasized the importance of community-based programs to address gun violence at its root causes. While initiatives aimed at promoting education, employment, and mental health support are commendable, critics argue that these measures alone may not effectively address the complex issue of gun violence in society.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 20, 2022. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
The Ongoing Debate
The debates and controversies surrounding gun policy in New Mexico and California highlight the deep divide in the United States regarding this issue. With each tragic incident, the nation is forced to confront the complex questions surrounding gun ownership, public safety, and individual rights.
As the debate continues, it is essential for policymakers and the public to engage in informed discussions based on accurate information and data. While emotions run high on both sides of the argument, it is crucial to consider the practicality and effectiveness of proposed solutions, as well as their potential impact on individual freedoms.
Conclusion
The recent gun policy events in New Mexico and California have once again ignited a fierce debate across the country. The decisions made by Governor Lujan Grisham and the discussions among the California Senate candidates demonstrate the wide range of perspectives and proposed solutions regarding gun violence.
While the path forward may be uncertain, it is clear that finding common ground and implementing effective measures to ensure public safety while preserving individual rights
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