Sign our petition at https://chng.it/ZDngpGDVNH.
There are no words that can capture the depth of sorrow and pain that comes with the loss of a loved one, especially from violence. Thoughts and prayers mean little without action, and we have no greater responsibility than to protect the life and liberty of those we cherish. To that end, the Libertarian Party of Los Alamos expresses concerns about the recent Public Health Order by the Governor suspending the rights of our fellow citizens to carry firearms in public. This decision, while perhaps rooted in a desire to ensure public safety, runs counter to the principles of personal freedom and responsibility, to the Constitution itself, the rule of law, and puts the life and liberty of our loved ones at greater risk.
The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This fundamental right was instituted as a safeguard against potential tyranny and to ensure that citizens can defend themselves and their loved ones. The Governor’s decree nullifies this basic right and sets an alarming precedent for future encroachments on other rights. Fundamental rights are not subject to nullification or suspension, period.
Counterintuitively, suspending the rights of law-abiding citizens to carry firearms in public could lead to an increase, rather than a decrease, in gun violence. Criminals, by definition, do not adhere to the law and will continue to carry firearms illegally. A fact that the Governor herself acknowledged during her press conference. Disarming responsible citizens makes them more vulnerable targets, as potential offenders are deterred by the knowledge that their would-be victims may be armed, leading to a potential rise in crime rates. Furthermore, FBI and Census Bureau data show that gun ownership is not correlated to gun violence crime. Holders of Concealed Handgun License (CHL) have violent crime rates 7 times less than even police officers.
Any governmental decision that curtails fundamental rights, even temporarily, poses a serious risk. Today, it’s the right to bear arms; tomorrow, it could be freedom of speech, assembly, or any of our other cherished liberties. Each incremental limitation chips away at the foundation of our democracy, and we should vigorously resist any attempt to suspend the Constitution by decree.
The intent behind ensuring safety and security for the public is commendable, but issuing illegal orders stripping citizens of their constitutional and natural rights is the approach of tin-pot dictators, not statesmen. We urge the Governor and other stakeholders to rescind this decree and engage in a constructive dialogue with all affected parties. Let us work together to find solutions that honor our constitutional rights while addressing the legitimate concerns of public safety.
Sign our petition at https://chng.it/ZDngpGDVNH.
Sincerely,
Laura Burrows, Chair
James Wernicke, Vice Chair
Lee Weinland, Secretary
Libertarian Party of Los Alamos