Second Amendment the topic at NRA seminar

[Smokepole]

Second Amendment the topic at NRA seminar

By Paula Wethington
Monroe News
March 9th. 2020

A legislative panel discussion at NRA Weekend in Dundee focused mainly on what might – or might not – happen in Lansing this session.

DUNDEE – Legislative updates relating to gun rights and the Second Amendment were on the agenda when the National Rifle Association hosted its NRA Weekend seminar Saturday and Sunday at Cabela’s in Dundee.

The highlight of the conference was a Second Amendment Town Hall held Saturday, with about 50 people attending. This was a timely topic, as there has been an effort across the country to urge local municipalities and boards to pass resolutions in support of the Second Amendment, although the NRA isn’t directly involved with such efforts.

The Monroe County Board of Commissioners and the Bedford Township Board both have passed similar resolutions.

The scheduled panel speakers were U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; state Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida; state Rep. Joe Bellino, R-Monroe; and state Rep. Jason Sheppard, R-Temperance., but just Zorn and Bellino attended the session.

As a result, the discussion focused mainly on what might – or might not – happen in the state legislature this session.

The answer is: not much on gun rights, either pro or con, the lawmakers explained.

While there are enough votes to introduce bills and perhaps pass a resolution, NRA members realize that there are not enough votes in Lansing to override a potential veto by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The difference is not necessarily along party lines, though, Bellino explained, naming some Democrats who have been in support of gun rights.

But it’s just not enough.
“Under today’s circumstances would it advance? Probably not,” Zorn said to the audience.

One of the matters that was introduced, but remains in committee, is House Bill 4434. The idea is to allow up to 60 days for renewal of a Michigan concealed pistol license and reduce the penalty for late renewal from a felony to a civil infraction. Bellino recalled “a lot of discussion” on that bill, but it has yet to move forward.

In response to questions asking what everyday citizens can do to support the Second Amendment, Zorn said one idea is to ask local governments to continue passing resolutions.

“It’s mostly symbolic,” he said. “But I think it’s a great thing to tell your boards to do.”

Other suggestions that came up during the discussion included introducing others to shooting sports such as high school shooting sports teams.

Those at the conference also discussed posting opinions on social media, sending letters to the editor of local newspapers and sending letters to legislators. Bellino said he appreciates getting letters from district residents, even if he disagrees.

“Get involved and make sure your representatives know what your concerns are,” Zorn said. “If you don’t let your opinions and thoughts known, your legislators won’t know what you are thinking.”

[Einthewoods]

"While there are enough votes to introduce bills and perhaps pass a resolution, NRA members realize that there are not enough votes in Lansing to override a potential veto by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer"

I wish they would put forward legislation anyhow. Let the Gov go on record with vetoes. More the merrier and helpful track record for the next Gov election.

[GreaseMonkeySRT]

Highlights of the seminar will surely include topics such as how to lobby ineffectively, how to mismanage money, and compromising.

[jmonarch]

I wish they would put forward legislation anyhow. Let the Gov go on record with vetoes. More the merrier and helpful track record for the next Gov election.

I agree!

[Roundballer]

"While there are enough votes to introduce bills and perhaps pass a resolution, NRA members realize that there are not enough votes in Lansing to override a potential veto by Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer"

I wish they would put forward legislation anyhow. Let the Gov go on record with vetoes. More the merrier and helpful track record for the next Gov election.

I agree!

It seems to be the norm rather then the exception. Rick Snyder had his lapdog that prevented certain things from getting voted on, so they would never make it to his desk. What was his catch phrase? "This not the right time"? "The time is not right"?

They need to go back to the way it was with the Grandmole. Drop it in her desk and challenge her to veto. Let her show how much she wants to "cooperate".