The sky is falling

The sky is falling! Remember that line? Well, it’s back, this time from our own government in response to the court’s decision on the gun issue. First the shock and horror then panic followed by speeches about looking out for public safety, questions about our sovereignty, our laws versus those of the U.S. and ultimately, the need to enact strict ordinances to fill the gap opened up by the court’s decision. What’s going on? It’s as if we’re a bunch of juveniles running around without a clue as to what just happened.

The reactions Saipan-wide reflected what can only be described as mass hysteria with claims of our impending death at the hands of the gun owners. One guy claimed that now anyone can own a cannon. Huh? Another was horrified at the thought that guns are finally legal and fears for his safety, again from those despicable, hell-bent at death and destruction gun-toting normal people who just happen to understand their gun rights. Kinda funny really, people did not even know they had a right to bear arms. And others are horrified at the thought of guns being legal. Well, let’s see, the 2nd Amendment applied in 1976, wow, that was 40 long years ago. Where have you all been?

I do understand the many reactions I’ve witnessed, there are people who will do anything to create mass hysteria thru fear mongering. This is simply irresponsible and if the rumors and lies are coming from misguided government officials, shame on them. This is their reveal moment. They’re showing their ignorance not only on guns but the Covenant and their rights contained therein. For those people, please act responsibly or do not act at all. Stop acting like kids who did not get what they wanted.

The 19th Legislature, the AG, and the Torres administration are busy trying to undermine our newly discovered right to bear arms thru very strict guidelines, and requirements topped off with hefty fees for those who want to simply exercise their right under the law, federal law. Once again, the CNMI government is making a mockery of the 2nd Amendment. Should they end up infringing on our right through dumb fees and targeted laws, they shall end up with another case, this time perhaps with a monetary award. Can the government afford more lawsuits?

Well, this being an election year, I will not be surprised. But why all these senseless battles over a right under the U.S. Constitution which has applied since 1976? The decision by the court only stated the obvious. No conditions, no excuses, nothing new. It is the law.

So, to avoid the having to reinvent anything, the AG and Legislature should sit down and using massive amounts of logic and common sense, address the shortcomings of our government with respect to what needs to be done. And instead of copying and pasting the most stringent ownership and registration guidelines found in the U.S., work on something simple but a lot more effective. Here’s a short list:

1. Account for all those guns that were confiscated since 1976. If they are missing from the DPS Armory, then someone should be held accountable. And there are guns missing, let’s not deny this. Why 1976? Because the 2d Amendment applied then and through the last 40 years. If our PL 6-38 was struck down then what are the implications on our government’s actions in gun confiscations in the past? More liabilities?

2. Do not enact new legislation that will infringe on our right to bear arms. This will open the doors to new interpretations and possibly more lawsuits.

3. Come up with a consistent and comprehensive guideline and policy which should include 90-day amnesty period to allow for all guns in the CNMI to be registered and accounted for. To state that all guns currently illegal will be confiscated will do nothing but drive them all underground improving the chances they will end up on the streets in the hands of the criminals. These guns were illegal because of the restrictions imposed by an illegal public law. Aren’t we all after public safety?

4. Draw up strict sentencing guidelines for gun-related crimes and permanently ban felons from ever owning guns.

5. The guideline and policy should include a residency requirement. One has to be domiciled in the CNMI for a certain period applying for a gun license.

6. Fees should not change. There is no need for the imposition of astronomical and exorbitant fees for gun registration. Guns should not serve as the primary source of revenue for the CNMI, okay? Take a long hard look at what we settled for in exchange for an EXCLUSIVE casino license and you will get a clue.

7. Gun training, safety training. Many in the CNMI have had infinitely more experience with guns than our local law enforcement. To mandate training for every gun owner will be dumb and stupid. Totally understandable for new licensees.

8. DPS needs to design and build a spent bullet collection system for all guns with a rifled barrel so it can maintain a library of who has which gun to facilitate the identification of the perpetrators in most firearms related incidents. This will make gun owners think twice before pulling the trigger.

9. Gun safes and trigger lock mechanisms hinder a homeowner’s reaction time in self-defense. Avoid these at all costs.

10. Establish a 180-day amnesty period to allow guns currently not registered to be registered. Failure to do this will only promote illegal gun ownership and wreak havoc with law enforcement and ultimately defeat the purpose of having control, not good when you’re using public safety as the primary excuse for said ordinances.

One last thing, there was an article on the net which stated that the CNMI Legislature wants the government to confiscate all guns not registered prior to the court’s decision. Wait, if the court rules our gun law unconstitutional, then it invalidated that law and the only law applicable is the 2nd Amendment. The government considers unregistered guns to be illegal using an illegal law as the justification. What? Come again?

Roy S. Reyes
Via email