You an adult in Idaho? You could belong to a militia if lawmaker has his way
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Lawmakers fearful the U.S. Supreme Court might one day reverse itself on the issue of individual gun rights aim to change the Idaho Constitution's definition of a militia to include all the state's adults.
That way, argued Sen. Jim Rice of Caldwell Wednesday in the Senate State Affairs Committee, the federal government could never swoop in and disarm residents.
Rice wants to put the amendment before voters in the November 2014 election, calling it an important "backstop" to existing protections of individual gun rights.
For now, however, he just wants to get people talking about the issue.
He says it's surpassed all other matters before the 2013 Idaho Legislature — including the insurance exchange and proposed personal property tax repeal — based on opinions of people who have contacted him.
That way, argued Sen. Jim Rice of Caldwell Wednesday in the Senate State Affairs Committee, the federal government could never swoop in and disarm residents.
Rice wants to put the amendment before voters in the November 2014 election, calling it an important "backstop" to existing protections of individual gun rights.
For now, however, he just wants to get people talking about the issue.
He says it's surpassed all other matters before the 2013 Idaho Legislature — including the insurance exchange and proposed personal property tax repeal — based on opinions of people who have contacted him.
Sen. Rice needs to study the history of the militias. The 2nd amendment, as written, was forced into the U.S. constitution by certain southern states to maintain the states control over their militias. These militias were formed by pre-revolutionary war slave owners as a deterrent for and protection against slave revolts. The militias themselves at the beginning of the war had a very poor fighting record, the reason why the continental army was formed. As a veteran and gun owner I beleive I have the right to own a weapon. With that right, however, comes responsibility and common sense. I Sen. Rice wants to legislate something, make those two a law.
So if Idaho declares all adults to be part of the State Unregulated Milita, what happens when the Governor calls up the Milita? Will I be required by law to abandon my home and my job, and report with whatever arms I can muster? I thought the Milita was voluntary! Will there be penalty if I fail to report?
Can you say FASCISM?
Best idea I've heard coming from our State leaders. He has my support.
another shining example of complete idiots electing miscreants to waste time and taxpayer money on paranoid delusions.
school funding, infrastructure, healthcare, anybody ?
idaho gets what it deserves. remember that.
Awesome idea! We need more leaders like Senator Rice!