Governors at the far ends of the country—Republican Glenn Youngkin in Virginia and Democrat Jay Inslee in Washington—just provided a lesson on the difference between common sense and nonsense to the nation, as one vetoed several extremist gun control bills while the other signed more restrictive measures into law, according to murmurs from Second Amendment grassroots.
Youngkin, stating how “I swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia and today, I’ve done exactly that,” vetoed 30 gun control bills passed by majority Democrats in Richmond.
According to Fox News, Youngkin’s veto message was matter-of-fact: “The Constitution precludes the Commonwealth from prohibiting a broad category of firearms widely embraced for lawful purposes, such as self-defense. Despite this, certain members of the General Assembly have pursued legislation banning most contemporary semiautomatic firearms and specific ammunition-feeding devices.”
At the far end of the country, Inslee—who is perhaps best known for his “climate change” platform and short-lived presidential campaign—inked four gun control bills that could draw legal challenges from a prominent gun rights organization, according to the Seattle Times. They are:
- Senate Bill 5444 prohibits people from carrying firearms in public libraries, zoos, aquariums, and transit facilities unless they have a concealed pistol license. KING News in Seattle’s headline on this story is misleading: “New bill makes it illegal for Washingtonians to carry firearms in these locations.”
- House Bill 1903 requires gun owners to report lost or stolen guns to police within 24 hours after they discover the theft or loss. Current law allows crime victims five days to report such thefts or losses.
- House Bill 2118, known as the “FFL Killer,” requires gun dealers to install and maintain expensive alarm systems and 24-hour video surveillance and other security measures. They must also carry general liability insurance covering $1 million per incident and reply quickly to law enforcement inquiries. Many small businesspeople are worried this will literally force them out of business.
- House Bill 2021 authorizes the Washington State Patrol to destroy confiscated firearms and requires police and sheriff’s departments to destroy most guns obtained through so-called “gun-buyback” programs, which historically have not had an impact on crime.
But veteran gun rights advocate Alan Gottlieb, founder and executive vice president of the Second Amendment Foundation and chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, told the Times via email that his group “is currently working with our attorneys on a potential lawsuit to challenge these new laws.”
Back in Virginia, the Richmond Times-Dispatch is reporting that Youngkin “vetoed an array of Democratic gun control measures ranging from age limits to waiting periods, from requirements for concealed carry permits and gun storage, to civil liability rules.”
Translation: When Democrats take control of a legislature, they push waves of gun control measures.
That much is evident out in the Evergreen State, where, as noted by the Seattle Times, the bills signed by Democrat Inslee—who is not running for another term—build on “last year’s major swath of gun laws passed by the Democratic majority Legislature, including a ban on AR-15s and dozens of other semi-automatic rifles and a 10-day waiting period for firearm purchases.” The semi-auto ban is already being challenged in federal court by SAF and others.
Inslee’s Democrat heir-apparent, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, is an anti-gunner who boasts, “My legal team remains undefeated against the gun lobby in court.” However, he is facing a stiff challenge from former King County Sheriff and retired Congressman Dave Reichert, and from a lesser-known candidate named Semi Bird. Ferguson also is being challenged in the primary by Democrat State Sen. Mark Mullett. However, the odds currently favor a November match between Ferguson and Reichert.
According to Seattle’s KOMO News, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz told reporters last year that nearly one-third of all guns seized by his officers had been reported as stolen. Last year set a record for recovering stolen firearms, Diaz said at the time.
The stark contrast between Republican Youngkin’s and Democrat Inslee’s way of dealing with restrictive gun control underscores the principle that “elections matter.” Democrat governors across the landscape have been signing gun control legislation in Michigan, Washington, Maine, New Mexico, and other states, while Youngkin, Louisiana’s Jeff Landry, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster protected or advanced Second Amendment rights in their states.
About Dave Workman
Dave Workman is a senior editor at TheGunMag.com and Liberty Park Press, author of multiple books on the Right to Keep & Bear Arms, and formerly an NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Mike Vanderboegh used to ask, “Does the government exist to serve the people, or do the people exist to serve the government?”
There are only two possible answers. Those two governors each represent one answer.
See if you can match each governor with their answer.
Well said. Most politicians and bureaucrats believe the gov exists to rule the people, and the peasants need to be told what to do and how to live.
and a thumbs up. 🙂
Arizona, you’re absolutely right. At least the states regulate and control their own firearms laws, as it should be, and the federal gov’t can only bitch about “Red Free States” firearm laws. They thought they could transform the entire county blue. Lol. ..When the gun-grabbing scumbags are pissed off ,you know things are really going well.
and is just why machine guns are required under second amendment, miller ruling said type of guns protected are the type needed by a militia
Gee, I wonder which of those two governors is a God-hating Communist?
the one that wants gay day to be easter sunday
Thanks for the article and all you do for us all Dave. You are a valuable asset. Your articles provide ammo for us to use when defending the 2A. You told me once you’re a 4th generation Washington native, I know it breaks your heart to see our state run into the gutter by the radical left. I do believe if Reichert can get elected we’ll be on the road to recovery. We are making headway there’s a few legislative districts on the west side of the Cascade Curtain that have complete Republican control and watch the 24th, we may… Read more »
Thanks for your remarks. I first met Reichert about 25-30 years ago, and he knows the good guys from the bad guys. A match between Reichert and Ferguson, as appears to be shaping up, will bring out the worst in some people. Ferguson, BTW, will be the Keynote speaker at the annual fund-raising luncheon for the Seattle-based Alliance for Gun Responsibility, the billionaire-backed gun prohibition lobbying group. That gathering is in Seattle on May 8.
Thanks for reading and sharing this AMMOLAND report.
The fact they are criminalizing not reporting being victim of a crime (gun theft) is despicable. All the laws discussed are unconstitutional infringements, but that one really shows how busybodies seek to control and punish those who defend themselves. What’s the point in reporting? Are you required to report any other theft? No. Will you get your gun back? No, not usually, even if the cops ever find it. Will cops be better knowing a gun was stolen? Nope. Serves no purpose other than to punish victim.
Hmmmm… It’s like the left believes there should be no such thing as a law-abiding gun owner. They wish to make criminals of all who legally own firearms.
if you have any brains left you need to ask yourself why the dumb as craps want to take away your rights and freedoms? the obvious answer is they(dumbascraps) want to impose something that you will not like on you. like socialism/communism. what ya think(?)?
Waiver of Confidentiality: I understand that I am required to personally complete this Firearm Concealed Carry Act License application and by submitting said application, I waive all of my privacy and confidentiality rights and privileges under all federal and state laws, including those limiting access to juvenile court, criminal justice, psychological, or psychiatric records or any records relating to my institutionalization. Further, I authorize the Illinois State Police to use the digital photo, demographic information and signature from my Illinois Driver’s License or State Identification to create my FCCA License and authorize the Illinois State Police to share my information as… Read more »
I hate to be negative but most of us in what I still consider to be America consider Illinois a lost cause. Decades of corrupt politicians have created a place I would consider unlivable. You should consider emigrating to America.
You’ll be welcomed as long as you don’t bring Illinois voting habits with you. If I wanted to live there, I’d move there.
Sorry for your trouble.
I renewed my CCL last year and this waiver of Rights was not on the ISP firearms website. Must be another new tyrannical law passed by our corrupt legislature and signed by King PRICKster.
I call the Tyrant, King Pigzker since he looks like he is close to 500 pounds.
It’s what Democrat legislators don’t do that’s most telling. They don’t legislate for higher penalties for criminal misuse of guns, irresponsible handling of guns or negligent storage of guns (sometimes they do, but rarely). Usually, the most you get from them is talk about stopping gun trafficking (which for them can mean several things). But mostly, restricting access to firearms, regardless how it impacts law-abiding, responsible citizens, is their forte.
Democrat positions on the Second Amendment are dictated by the DNC, and deviations from it are allowed only under “political cover” (when they’re assured a majority win).
I just noticed Virginia doesn’t have CC (permitless carry) The state legislature needs to get that legislation started ASAP, so Gov.Youngkin can sign it into law.
Not a chance in hell while Democrats control the legislature. Virginia gun owners apparently figured they had it in the bag so lots of them didn’t vote and the northern Virginia libs swung the assembly back to blue.
Thanks for reading and sharing this AMMOLAND report.
Why was the fact that Youngkin essentially signed the State’s version of the NFA/Hughes Amendment into law criminalizing auto sears not mentioned? Good on him for the vetoes but he shouldn’t get a pass on enacting infringement.
The people of Virginia will live free thanks to Glen Youngkin and the servants in Washington will bow to thier tyrant master Jay Inslee.
I wasn’t really too familiar with Va. Gov.Glen Youngkin until now. He sure rose to the occasion and came through bigtime for the good people of Virginia with these vetoes. This is wonderful news not only for the state of Virginia but the entire country as well.
Montana454Casull, I sure agree with your entire comment. It’s a wonderful feeling having the security of living in a free state. I couldn’t and wouldn’t ever have it any other way!!!
Inslee is a hypocrite who lied to his constituency claiming to be pro-2A. A famous letter to one of his constituents dating back to his term in congress claimed his unflagging support of the Second and a promise to resist regulation. That letter was as rotten as the apple-maggot infested fruit he gave away as a political gambit despite restrictions on export. What. A. Maroon.
Could it be that these anti-gun, repressive governments wish to bankrupt pro-gun advocates by making absurd laws that GOA,FPC etc keep challenging in court? Private organizations must use their own finances to fight against governments that use taxpayer funded lawyers. The sponsors of these unconstitutional laws know this and are counting on freedom loving peoples to go broke fighting against their own tax supported states.
It’s the same here in ultra-blue Colorado, where the entire legislature is under DemocRAT control and we have a homosexual DemocRAT Governor. The DemocRATs want to ban ANY gun that is semiautomatic, including handguns and shotguns. They have created a “sensitive spaces” law that basically means that the only place you can carry, is in your own home. They want to create barriers to obtaining a concealed weapons permit by mandating time consuming and expensive training for initial issuing and for every renewal and changing who issues the permits. Currently, County Sheriffs issue the permits. Under the new law, the… Read more »
“My legal team remains undefeated against the gun lobby in court.”
— Bob (The Weasel™) Ferguson
Waiting for the other shoe to drop in the Gators Guns suit in Cowlitz county.
Hopefully, that will blow that boast right out of the water, along with a USSC slap-down of the 9th Circus.
And, like Wm Kirk has noted, perhaps we will get a window to go crazy buying magazines if a stay is granted. (https://youtu.be/pw_D-Drmwns)
I started to write something to you and realized, it was for all to read so I posted it as a main response to the article. Just like kommiefornia when the judge found the magazine ban unconstitutional and they were able to buy is what you are hoping for. I hope you get it. I own so many 30, 60, 100 round mags it’s ridiculous. They are in my cars and my home and my safe and buried with guns in the mountains and yes there is ammo with them. I own so many for two reasons. 1. they are… Read more »
Learn how to make your own so you’re ready if/when they’re banned. It ain’t exactly “rocket surgery”, but there is equipment required and a learning curve to climb.
“You should fly with me. It’s good practice.” — Lt. Orr in “Catch-22”
MORE Anti-Constitutional, Anti-American maneuvers by the RADICALIZED LEFT LEANING NAZI DemoKKKratic national COMMUNIST party members! Here ARE their EXTREME INFRINGEMENTS: “Senate Bill 5444 prohibits people from carrying firearms in public libraries, zoos, aquariums, and transit facilities unless they have a concealed pistol license. KING News in Seattle’s headline on this story is misleading: “New bill makes it illegal for Washingtonians to carry firearms in these locations.” House Bill 1903 requires gun owners to report lost or stolen guns to police within 24 hours after they discover the theft or loss. Current law allows crime victims five days to report such thefts or losses. House… Read more »
No, “elections” do NOT matter at all! Either here at home or abroad, the “elections” are rigged up in one way or another, therefor they are not fair and the results are bogus! Elections are only an illusion to make us think that we have some kind of input as to how the government is run! But what could be further from the truth? NOTHING! This illusion of participation keeps the people from revolting and killing all of the politicians, but it does that only so long as enough of the people wish to remain blissful in their ignorance of… Read more »
I really wish we could have federal laws that follow the constitution and are implemented for all states. This law in this state and that law in that state is B.S.. We shouldn’t be required to know what each state, city or county has for gun laws in order not to break the law. We shouldn’t be required to have a permit at all. There shouldn’t be laws that say we are limited to where we can take our guns like the airport in portland or a hospital or doctors office in oregonistan. The 2nd amendment says shall not be… Read more »
As afar as guns and the bill of rights, I agree. All gun laws and laws that limit free speech, for example, are unconstitutional and must be abolished. But otherwise, the entire purpose of the states was to have numerous and different ways of governing, appropriate to the people of each state, their history, traditions and values. The fed gov was only to deal with protecting borders and country, and solving problems between states, trade, etc. If you didn’t like laws in one state, move to another that better aligns with your values. Abortion would be illegal in some states,… Read more »
I think that we should all share a standard. The reason why is because laws change. They change the law, if you can afford it you move to another state and then that state adopts the same law. What if you cant afford to move again? I have stated many times that I would like to leave oregoneistan especially if the anti AR laws go into effect. South Dakota is a good choice, cold as hell but still a good choice. What if the federal government says all AR’s are illegal and we have to turn them in. I know… Read more »
Photo provided by Dave Workman. I bet it’s yours. Nice gun and I really like the grips.
Yep, Inslee did it to Washingtonians again. It is going on in all three states. We have earned the title of left coast. To bad governors are determined by the amount of individual votes rather than the amount of counties. If we could ever get that changed the left would be dead overnight and we could fix America.
Trump 2024