Tag: Government

Concerns over Governor’s Decree on Firearms in Public

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

I’ll Be Active For Change

It’s been encouraging to hear people say they’re voting for me, and not just Libertarians. It also makes the responsibility much more real for me. I put together a video (https://youtu.be/XIj9qg1u5MM) tying what I love about Los Alamos, what many of us want it to be, and a list of things you can hold me accountable to do to get there. I didn’t want to share it because it felt silly, but at least it’s genuine. For the people that already used their vote on me, I feel like I have to try everything I can to at least get in the #4 spot.

By now, I hope I’ve convinced you that accountability is important to me because I’ve stuck to my principles, apologized for my mistakes, and worked to be better informed and open-minded. If I have convinced you, would you please share this video with somebody that hasn’t made up their mind yet, or even better, tell them that I’ll be at the tub on Thursday 5-6p and Boese on Friday 5-6p to chat? Just look for the person in the yellow Libertarian shirt. I was harmed several times while making the video, so even if you don’t like me as a candidate, I hope you enjoy the bloopers. The following is the video transcript.

Hey Los Alamos, my name is James Wernicke and I’m running for County Council. If you want someone who listens to the people and isn’t afraid to act on behalf of the people, vote for James Wernicke on or before November 8. As an active worker, parent, entrepreneur, volunteer, and public board member, I’ll represent the diverse needs of today’s Los Alamos community.

Los Alamos is a great place to live if you’ve been working at the lab for a while, but while we have our ups, we also have our downs. Our current leadership doesn’t seem to care what we think if it doesn’t agree with their agendas. It’s time for a new way of thinking in government that allows taking risks to try new ideas that will help the people.

It’s rough riding if you work here and want to find a home or want to start a business. To that end, I’ll support policies that will allow us to build more housing, open more businesses, and thrive as a community. While I support growth, we have to balance it with the environment and culture that makes Los Alamos special.

I’ll support investments that fairly allocate resources to the members of the community they support. I’ll listen carefully to what the citizens have to say and won’t use the public comment for my own agenda.

As a libertarian, I believe in limited government that stays out of your business. I don’t serve the status quo and I’ll let you live your life in peace like having a trampoline in your backyard, building materials, using tarps to cover whatever you want, or using your trails responsibly.

People like my point of view, but they have a hard time voting for a third party. That’s why I need you to tell your friends and neighbors that if you want somebody who’s open to change, will hold the government accountable to the people, and is passionate about making Los Alamos a more awesome place to live, work, and play, vote for James Wernicke for Los Alamos County Council on or before November 8.

Visit nmvote.org for information on where to vote and how to register.