Former Seattle police chief calls for repeal of 2nd Amendment
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ORCAS ISLAND, Wash. -- A former Seattle police chief is calling for the repeal of the Second Amendment, and the controversial idea is drawing both praise and scorn.
Norm Stamper lives away from the gritty streets of Seattle on what he calls his own slice of paradise on Orcas Island.
But the former police chief recently shattered his peace and quite when he went public with his opinion that the Second Amendment -- the right to own a gun -- should be done away with.
Stamper said he knew his proposal would cause a fire storm, but he went ahead with it anyway.
"Because I really believe in the need for us to examine the Second Amendment," he said. "I've come to the conclusion that that amendment is actually more harmful than good."
He said the amendment is out of date and "bears no resemblance to what's happening today."
Stamper, who was squeezed out of his job as police chief after the WTO riots, said owning a gun should be allowed as a right, but only with broad restrictions.
He said responsible people should be able to own certain guns, but they should be required to take classes, have certain qualifications and the guns should be tracked.
"I am not, in any way, suggesting that guns be confiscated, that guns be taken away from Americans," he said. "But I don't think people on city streets, in urban and rural areas of this country, need to be armed for war."
Stamper's controversial opinions aren't sitting well with many gun owners, and some have been less than constructive with their criticism.
"There are people who have made threats. And shame on them. Who do you think you are to threaten me?" he said.
Others, such as Alan Gottlieb's Second Amendment Foundation, have offered up a more thoughtful reaction.
"If put to a vote of the people, I'm sure he would lose," Gottlieb said.
Many people have called for tougher guns laws, but few can claim to have as deep a background in law enforcement as Stamper.
"In some circles, my views definitely carry more weight, because of how I spent 34 years of my adulthood," he said. "I was around guns. I carried one every day for 34 years. I've seen what bullets do to bodies."
It's those very sights and experiences that have helped shaped Stamper's current views on guns.
"I shot and killed a man. In 1972. I wish to God I had not been put in a position to have to use lethal force, but I did," he said.
Norm Stamper lives away from the gritty streets of Seattle on what he calls his own slice of paradise on Orcas Island.
But the former police chief recently shattered his peace and quite when he went public with his opinion that the Second Amendment -- the right to own a gun -- should be done away with.
Stamper said he knew his proposal would cause a fire storm, but he went ahead with it anyway.
"Because I really believe in the need for us to examine the Second Amendment," he said. "I've come to the conclusion that that amendment is actually more harmful than good."
He said the amendment is out of date and "bears no resemblance to what's happening today."
Stamper, who was squeezed out of his job as police chief after the WTO riots, said owning a gun should be allowed as a right, but only with broad restrictions.
He said responsible people should be able to own certain guns, but they should be required to take classes, have certain qualifications and the guns should be tracked.
"I am not, in any way, suggesting that guns be confiscated, that guns be taken away from Americans," he said. "But I don't think people on city streets, in urban and rural areas of this country, need to be armed for war."
Stamper's controversial opinions aren't sitting well with many gun owners, and some have been less than constructive with their criticism.
"There are people who have made threats. And shame on them. Who do you think you are to threaten me?" he said.
Others, such as Alan Gottlieb's Second Amendment Foundation, have offered up a more thoughtful reaction.
"If put to a vote of the people, I'm sure he would lose," Gottlieb said.
Many people have called for tougher guns laws, but few can claim to have as deep a background in law enforcement as Stamper.
"In some circles, my views definitely carry more weight, because of how I spent 34 years of my adulthood," he said. "I was around guns. I carried one every day for 34 years. I've seen what bullets do to bodies."
It's those very sights and experiences that have helped shaped Stamper's current views on guns.
"I shot and killed a man. In 1972. I wish to God I had not been put in a position to have to use lethal force, but I did," he said.
The constitution is the ONLY thing that keeps politicians from taking every right we have from us. These rights were created to protect people from harm and a overgrown and overburdening government. The same reasons the first settlers came here, to get away from a government that in every way did not allow its citizens to be FREE. Gun control will only do one thing. Take away the civilians ability to defend them selfs. These laws and protections were not created to allow people the right to hunt. They were created to allow the people of this great country the right and ability to protect them selfs, and make sure there is a balance between the strength of the people and the governing parties.
If we all had to give up our guns, the only people that will have firearms are the police, military and the criminals. The police that already test the limits of their powers. The military that are controlled by politicians. And we all know the criminals will not turn in their guns. We would give our homes, neighborhoods, and cities over on a silver platter. There is far more firearms in the hands of criminals then in the hands of law enforcement. The balancing act that keeps most of us safe is that the citizens do have the right to arm them selfs. And there is millions more guns in the hands of the civilians in this country then the military and law enforcement combined.
If we allow our guns to be taken from us, what is next? The freedom of speech? Freedom of free press? The freedom of religion? Which of these will be OK with you to loose? Because if we cant stand up for our selfs, and our constitutional rights then we will loose America all together.
I actually agree with this, to a point... The Constitution was written SO long ago, and the right to bear arms was for a well regulated militia at a time when people only had muskets. Our founding fathers had no way to know over 200 years later, society would take that to mean the right to an AK 47 and war time weaponry. I don't feel the second ammendment should be gotten rid of, but certainly, needs some "up to date" refinement.
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In the late 70's, regulations were created to help decrease the rate of DUI's and has significantly done just that. Why wouldn't a gun owner WANT to be responsible and make sure that regulations are in place to decrease the chances of guns getting into the wrong hands? Why wouldn't a gun owner WANT steps to be in place to start decreasing the chances of these mass shootings?? If a gun owner believes that purchasing a gun should just be a process of handing over cash... they are likely an individual who shouldn't own a gun in the first place.
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Society has an obligation to protect innocent children and is doing just that. Everyone needs to calm down!
This nuisance Constitution! Guns make it really difficult to be a Police Chief. Since we are on the Constitution, it would be a lot easier to get rid of the requirement to read someone their Miranda rights before we intimidate someone we just put into handcuffs and kept up all night. You see, your personal safety is already in the hands of the Police....trust us, we'll protect you....folks the Union Lincoln sought to preserve and gave his life for used the Constitution as the back drop. He knew the Country needed to change to COMPLY with the Constitution. We no longer have the quality of Leadership, regardless their required oaths to up hold the Constitution, to commit to understanding the Declaration and the Constitution were safe guards against Tyranny. They knew the less one was committed to personal Liberty, the farther the Nation would drift from it. they wanted to leave those who still valued Liberty
Really! Is this a surprise coming from a Socialist leftie state and where the governor "IS" governor because of questionable vote counting? Com'on!
One thing people should remember, Police Chiefs and Generals are politicians. They have no idea what's actually happening 'on the ground', but instead manage up to make sure they stay in good stead with their bosses.Â
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The fact that the People Republic of Seattle would have a police chief that doesn't support the Constitution is hardly a huge surprise.Â
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Nor is it a surprise that he waited until he was safely retired and had his pension before admitting this little fact to his 'constituents' (or should we call them his 'subjects'?).Â
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