Capitol Report for June 25th, 2008

Protecting Our 2nd Amendment Rights
As we approach the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I am reminded of the importance of our Constitution and the freedoms and rights provided to us under this document. One of the most treasured rights that we hold in America is the right to bear arms. Although this right has continually come under attack from gun-control advocates, millions of Americans continue to fight to ensure our right to bear arms to protect ourselves, our families, and our property.
In the coming weeks, the United States Supreme Court will make a ruling on a landmark case that could provide further definition of our 2nd Amendment Rights. This case challenges the Washington, D.C. ban on guns, which is one of the strictest gun-control laws in the country. While many analysts expect the ruling by the court to be narrow in scope, the debate and discussion around this case should remind all Americans of the never ending attacks on our Constitution and the fundamental freedoms provided to us by our founding fathers.
Like most Missourians, I believe strongly in our right to keep and bear arms. Gun-control will not prevent criminals from getting guns, rather it will empower the evils of the world to attack a defenseless law abiding public. Last year, the legislature affirmed the right of individuals to protect themselves and their homes with the passage of the Castle Doctrine. This year the legislature passed HB 2034, which offers greater legal protections for operators of firing ranges and hunting preserves, a frequent target of gun control advocates.
Our founding fathers were very deliberate in selecting the freedoms they defined under the Bill of Rights. As the 2nd Amendment to our Constitution, only following the freedom of speech, I believe it is clear that our founding fathers envisioned a society and a country where we could and would legally bear arms to protect ourselves from those that would do us harm. Like millions of Missourians, I am proud to be a gun owner and I will continue the fight to protect and affirm the rights provided to us under our Constitution.
As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 429, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.