The picture of the day is of Speaker Tim Moore (R-NC) who is posing with the official copy of SB 41 signed and stamped with both “veto” and “override”. He looks like a happy camper. He and Senate President Phil Berger made North Carolina gun owners happy campers as well.
SB 41 is now officially known as SL 2023-8. SL stands for Session Law and the General Statues will be updated at the end of the session.
As philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Taken a step further, historical ignorance is no excuse for opposing a law meant to write a wrong.
In this case, it is the 1919 law originally entitled “an act to regulate the sale of concealed weapons in North Carolina.” Both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly have voted to repeal this law and have sent HB 398 to the governor’s desk where it is likely to be vetoed.
One of the leading opponents of the repeal is Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg). A lawyer and community organizer, Marcus proudly proclaims her membership in Moms Demand Action. She is a graduate of Hamilton College in New York and the Duke University School of Law.
In her opposition to the repeal, the AP reports this:
The local pistol permit requirement began in 1919 during the Jim Crow era, and some bill supporters argue it’s still preventing law-abiding black residents from obtaining weapons. But a local NAACP leader spoke against the bill earlier Wednesday, and Marcus said such opposition is evidence to her that the current permitting system isn’t racist.
Just because a local NAACP leader spoke against the repeal does not confer racial neutrality upon the law. I’m sure if Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R-NC) who is black had condemned the existing law as discriminatory and based upon a desire for white supremacy – which it was – that Sen. Marcus would ignore it and call Lt. Gov. Robinson just a tool of the NRA.
For Sen. Marcus’ edification and education, here are some links that illustrate the history as well as the disparate impact of the law:
By historian Clayton Cramer – North Carolina’s Permit to Purchase Law: The Rumble Seat of Gun Control Laws?
By Nicholas Gallo in the North Carolina Law Review – Misfire: How the North Carolina Pistol Purchase Permit System Misses the Mark of Constitutional Muster and Effectiveness
Finally, a couple from myself – “An Act to Regulate the Sale of Concealed Weapons in North Carolina” – Part I and “An Act to Regulate the Sale of Concealed Weapons in North Carolina” – Part II
I do not hold the fact that Sen. Marcus was born and bred in New York against her. My mother was born and raised in New York and Paul Valone who has been tireless in the fight to overturn this Jim Crow law is also a New York native.
I do hold her ignorance of North Carolina history against her. I also find it contemptuous that she uses the testimony of a NAACP leader as her justification for saying the law is not racist. To be perfectly frank, she couldn’t care less whether it was or was not racist. All that matters to her is that it is gun control of which she is a card carrying supporter.
The vote to over-ride Gov. Roy Cooper’s (D-NC) veto of H652 – Second Amendment Protection Act is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th.
The bill passed both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly with bi-partisan veto-proof majorities. That is, if the Democrats who voted for the H652 don’t cave to pressure from Gov. Cooper and his anti-gun allies such as the Bloomberg-funded North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (sic).
Looking over the list of Democrats who voted for the bill, you find a majority of them, whether African-American or white, represent areas that are mostly rural. Those areas have many small churches and they invariably have smaller police or sheriff’s departments. I think they realized that this bill contained nothing to endanger students and teachers but rather would help churches protect their congregations from the deranged.
Grass Roots North Carolina has issued an alert asking that these swing voters be contacted. I have added it below:
| CONTACT SWING VOTERS NOW, CHURCH CARRY VETO OVERRIDE VOTE IS ON WEDNESDAY |
| Cooper has never met a gun that he wouldn’t ban. In vetoing a bill that would protect churches from violent sociopaths, as has so far occurred at least three times in other states, Cooper has yet again demonstrated that he is not fit to hold the office of governor. Both the Senate and the House passed the Second Amendment Protection Act with a veto-proof majority, but Governor Cooper vetoed it anyway. In his explanation, he stated “This bill allows guns on school property which threatens the safety of students and teachers. Therefore, I veto the bill.” The Governor’s argument makes little sense. Remember, this bill would allow concealed handgun permit-holders to carry firearms for self-protection in religious institutions which are co-located with educational facilities, provided that: (1) No curricular or extracurricular educational activities are taking place (meaning that no students or teachers are present); and (2) The person in control of the property has not posted a “no guns allowed” sign. We thank the 33 Senators and 77 Representatives who voted “yes” on this bill the first time around, and now we ask these same Senators and Representatives to HOLD STRONG and reiterate their votes during the veto override vote scheduled for Wednesday, July 8. How can you help? By calling and emailing your Senator and Representative and reminding them that this bill was a good idea the first time they voted for it, and it is still a good idea and you expect them to support it again! Although no law prohibits concealed carry in religious institutions, those which operate a school are considered to be “educational property,” even when no school is currently operated. As such, concealed firearms are currently prohibited. Recent years have seen no fewer than three cases in which armed parishioners were able to stop murderous rampages by violent sociopaths: Colorado Springs, Colorado (12/9/07): Armed church volunteer security member Jeanne Assam shot and wounded rampage killer John Murray, who then committed suicide. Sutherland Springs, TX: (11/5/17): Armed citizen Stephen Willeford used an AR-15 to exchange fire with murderer Devin Patrick Kelly, wounding him and stopping the rampage. White Settlement, TX (12/29/19): At the West Freeway Church of Christ, volunteer church security member Jack Wilson stopped rampage killer Keith Thomas Kinnunen seconds after the killing started with a single shot to the head. The 2nd Amendment Protection Act would: Specifically tailor existing law to allow all churches and places of religious worship to provide for the safety of their congregants. Protect their congregants by adding a section into existing gun laws that says if a person is legally permitted to carry a concealed handgun, that person can carry a handgun on the property of a church or other place of religious worship provided: (1) No curricular or extracurricular educational activities are taking place; and (2) The person in control of the property has not posted a “no guns allowed” sign. Allow all places of religious worship, whether or not they run a school, to offer the same level of protection to congregants. Sheriffs will have to issue CHP renewals without retraining if applied for within 60 days of expiration A refresher course will be available for those who renew 180 days out EMS personnel, after training, will be allowed to carry Additional “special” law enforcement employed personnel will be allowed to carry This is not a new concept. Not only has it been offered in previous sessions of the General Assembly, it mirrors what has been in effect for most churches in the state since concealed carry was passed in 1995. The 2nd Amendment Protection Act will close the loophole that treats some worshippers differently than others and ensure that all can worship safely and freely. |
| IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED! |
| Those of us who live in the real world know that mass murderers bent on evil won’t be stopped by silly rules or signs. This is why you must urge your Senator and Representative to continue to support this life saving legislation. EMAIL THE SWING VOTERS: Tell them that we need them to reiterate their support for this important piece of legislation for the Safety and security of all North Carolinians. The shootings at New Life Church, First Baptist Church, and West Freeway Church of Christ prove that only a good guy or gal with a gun can stop those bent on pure evil. Liberty free [gun free] zones only disarm the innocent when seconds count and law enforcement is minutes away. CONTACT YOUR STATE HOUSE AND SENATE REPRESENTATIVES: Urge them to reiterate their support for this important piece of legislation that will ensure our safety. PHONE MESSAGE: My name is ______ and I’m calling to urge you to reaffirm your support for the 2nd Amendment Protection Act, expanding our common sense human right of self-defense in places of worship co-located with educational facilities. The recent past has shown that mere signs or rules will not stop evil men bent on mass murder. Armed citizens are the only way to ensure our safety in these situations. I expect you to live up to your principles and I urge you to support this critical piece of legislation. CONTACT INFO Swing Voters: Chaz.Beasley@ncleg.net; Scott.Brewer@ncleg.net; Jean.Farmer-Butterfield@ncleg.net; Elmer.Floyd@ncleg.net; Charles.Graham@ncleg.net; Joe.John@ncleg.net; Marvin.Lucas@ncleg.net; Garland.Pierce@ncleg.net; Joe.Queen@ncleg.net; Ray.Russell@ncleg.net; Brian.Turner@ncleg.net; Michael.Wray@ncleg.net; Jay.Chaudhuri@ncleg.net; Don.Davis@ncleg.net; Kirk.deViere@ncleg.net; Harper.Peterson@ncleg.net; EricaD.Smith@ncleg.net Phone Your Rep: Phone your own Representative: CLICK HERE and use your address to find your representative and his/her contact information. Click on the ‘NC House’ radio button. PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO GRNC: Help us fight gun control while we promote Second Amendment principles. Please CLICK HERE to contribute. Bear in mind that GRNC is an all-volunteer organization, so you can be sure your donations are put to the best possible use. Any amount helps, and any amount is appreciated. |
| DELIVER THIS MESSAGE |
Suggested Subject: Support the 2nd Amendment Protection Act Dear Senator/Representative, I’m writing to urge you to reaffirm your support for the 2nd Amendment Protection Act. This will expand the ability for ordinary citizens to carry firearms for self-protection in places of worship which are co-located with educational facilities. Recent tragedies have shown that a good guy or gal with a gun can be critical in saving lives. This is true common-sense safety legislation that will protect the public. Mere signs or rules never deter those of evil intent and mass murder. These only serve to stop innocent people from ensuring everyone else’s safety. I expect you to stand up for everyone’s common sense human rights and support this important step in safety once again. I will continue to monitor your actions on this important issue through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina. Respectfully, |
HB 652, the Second Amendment Protection Act, has passed both houses of the North Carolina General Assembly and now goes to the governor for his signature (or veto). The bill was passed with bipartisan support. The vote was 33-14 in the Senate and 77-38 in the House.
Grass Roots North Carolina is asking that people contact the Governor’s Office and urge Gov. Cooper (D-NC) to sign the bill. The bill did pass with veto proof majorities providing all the Democrats who voted aye maintain their votes.
They ask you to send the following to the Governor’s Email Contact.
Dear Governor Cooper,
I’m writing to urge you to sign the 2nd Amendment Protection Act. This will expand the ability for ordinary citizens to carry firearms for self-protection in churches which are co-located with educational facilities, provided the property is not controlled by a board of education.
Recent tragedies have shown that a good guy or gal with a gun can be critical in saving lives. This is true common-sense safety legislation that will protect the public.
Mere signs or rules never deter those of evil intent and mass murder. These only serve to stop innocent people from ensuring everyone else’s safety.
I expect you to stand up for everyone’s common sense human rights and support this important step in safety. I will continue to monitor your actions on this important issue through alerts from Grass Roots North Carolina.
Respectfully,
It took me 30 seconds or less to do the above. Most of the time was spent filling out my name and contact info.
As you might expect, North Carolinians Against Gun Violence (sic) opposed the bill and wants people to be like sheep led to slaughter. They are asserting it will put school children at risk never minding the actual language of the bill.
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