Despite the fact that there are many Democrats who strongly believe in and defend the Second Amendment rights of their friends, neighbors and constituents, their individual efforts invariably get overshadowed by the anti-gun hypocrisy of party leaders at the national and local levels.
Stories appearing in the Seattle Times, and messages on Facebook, bring sarcastic guffaws from gun rights activists. Over the weekend the Seattle newspaper – which is, itself, seeking subscriptions via social media – published a piece about Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Democratic lawmakers looking to “protect data” on immigrants.
Several readers responding to the article thought it rather ironic that Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson seem all in favor of protecting the rights of immigrants – presumably even illegal ones – while they do not seem to share the same concern for the Second Amendment rights of lawful gun owners.
Here’s an example from a reader identified as “mathius460”:
If you are a (sic) illegal immigrant the democrats will bring the full power of the constitution, lawyers, the governor, state and local reps and senators. If your (sic) a legal citizen who owns a gun, they will bring the full power of the governor, lawyers, state and local reps and senators to take away the power of the constitution, make you register, track you, come into you house to make sure your legal, confiscate, and take your property and rights away. Whats (sic) wrong with this picture when they will fight to keep illegals, but at the same time will fight to take away rights from legals. Very very backwards. “
Also on social media is a message from Ferguson supporters who backed him in the race for attorney general. It says this:
“When our rights are under attack, I’m the first line of defense for Washingtonians. As Attorney General, I can and will challenge in court Trump Administration policies that violate the civil and constitutional rights of our people. I will defend our state even if that means standing up to the President of the United States. Add your name to join me in this fight!”
Ferguson proposed two pieces of legislation, a total ban on so-called “assault weapons” in Washington State, and a backup that only calls for licensing of such guns and their magazines. A hearing on the second bill brought hundreds of gun owners to Olympia several days ago.
The efforts of pro-rights Democrats get lost in the smoke.
What isn’t lost is the growing disdain gun owners have with the party. In the minds of those firearms owners, they are simply responding in kind to a party that seems to have a growing disdain for them.
Related:
Outrage over Conn. Governor’s Proposed Gun Permit Fee Hikes
Did Washington Governor, Anti-gunners Mislead about Semi-Automatics?
Is Washington AG Selective About Constitutional Rights to Protect?
