But is it constitutional?

[fridi]

Booker calls for requiring licenses for all gun owners

"Sen. Cory Booker is rolling out a sweeping gun control agenda that includes requiring licenses for all gun owners, as well as more standard proposals such as conducting universal background checks and banning assault weapons.

The 14-part plan unveiled Monday is part of what Booker said was a “personal fight” to combat a gun violence "epidemic," and it amounts to one of the most aggressive gun control proposals from a 2020 Democrat.

The core tenet of the New Jersey senator’s proposal is a federal gun licensing program that would require among other things a comprehensive FBI background check and proof of completion of a gun safety course. After a license is approved, holders “could freely purchase and own firearms” for the five-year duration of their license “with regular, automatic checks to flag non-compliance with license terms” and the possibility of renewal after five years."

I'd say as a state matter, it is probably constitutional. I do not believe it is within the purview of the federal government, however, any more than drivers' licenses are.

There's also this one problem: bad guys are still not going to register their guns. But then again, I guess it depends on your definition of bad guys. Maybe Booker is not going after the "Bad Guys" but the crazies.

That said, I am not 100% against this plan other than a license would be to show competence to own, ie showing that you take the safety courses etc. There should be no fee for this license, and there needs to be a due process. If we were to give up all attempts at banning shit, I'd compromise for a "compentency" license. not a "purchase license"... Your thoughts?

Comments

[dewline]

I suspect that Booker's going after the undetected or undeterred "crazies" - for want of a better label - with his proposal. Professional criminals are going to do what they do, but that's a problem to address by still other means.

[airiefairie]

I would be interested to hear some proposals about those other means.

[oportet]

I don't think he could implement this, I don't think it would help if he did, and I don't think any of that matters - this is primary politics, it's not about what you'll actually do, it's about what you say you'll do.

There are 23 (or is it 24? 25? 26?) other candidates all trying to 1-up each other. By this time next year, the candidate who's promised no more guns, no more cars, no more jails, no borders, no more using mean words, free college, free healthcare, a $150,00 a year stipend and 2 ponies per citizen will secure the nomination.

Unfortunately, within a week, a 15 year old picture will surface of this candidate using chopsticks - it will be deemed problematic, and the bigot will have to step down.

[garote]

I promise THREE ponies!

[oportet]

we need to have that conversation!

[abomvubuso]

Meanwhile in Canada...