alyeska338
09-19-2004, 12:28 PM
Running for U.S. Senate Topic: Assault weapons ban
(Published: September 19, 2004)
http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/5572482p-5504148c.html
Last week, the ban on owning certain types of assault-style weapons expired without a vote in Congress. The candidates for U.S. Senate were asked their opinion on several issues related to the ban. The order of their replies was randomly chosen. Libertarian Scott Kohlhaas did not respond.
Q. Would you vote for or against an extension of the ban on semiautomatic, assault-style weapons?
Marc Millican (Independent): As an NRA member, I would vote against an extension.
Jerry Sanders (Alaskan Independence Party): Strongly against. All guns ought to be legally available.
Jim Sykes (Green Party): Numerous loopholes in existing law made it relatively meaningless. Against.
Tony Knowles (Democrat): I would vote against extending the federal assault weapons ban.
Lisa Murkowski (Republican): I voted no last time. I'd do it again tomorrow.
Q. Please describe how your position on the Second Amendment has evolved over the last decade.
Millican: As former president Ronald Reagan was a strong advocate for 2nd Amendment rights, I as your Senator will also fight for 2nd Amendment rights for all Alaskans all the time.
Sanders: Over the last decade, I have grown to further appreciate our Constitutional Right to bear arms. The numbers don't lie: Areas where there is greater protection for our 2nd Amendment show a decrease in crime. Guns in the hands of innocent citizens are a deterrent to crime.
Sykes: As a handgun, shotgun and rifle owner, who began hunting at the age of 14, I've strongly supported the Second Amendment. Most reasonable people agree we can own guns for hunting, collecting and self-protection -- but military weapons like machine guns, bazookas, or grenade launchers require reasonable restrictions. Our right to own guns is secure, and the controversy diverts us from pressing problems like health care, education and energy security. My evolved thought: The Bush administration's attacks on our civil rights (Patriot Act and others) make me glad for our Second Amendment. Protect your rights -- Vote Bush out!
Knowles: Responsible gun use and ownership has long been a part of Alaskans' lifestyle and I have always supported the Second Amendment. This is part of my absolute support of the entire Bill of Rights. Protecting these freedoms is the bedrock of our nation and the foundation of our liberty. I will vigorously fight any attempts to diminish, dismantle, compromise or undermine any part of the Bill of Rights.
Murkowski: Being from a family of sportsmen, I've always known the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right, but like many Americans I didn't study it deeply. As a legislator who must vote on gun issues, I've learned more about it and gained appreciation for its continued relevance -- and for the grave danger of treating any part of the Constitution lightly. The Founders clearly intended it as an individual right to guarantee citizens the ability to protect themselves in a dangerous world. Our dangers are different today, but the right of individuals to protect themselves and their families is still paramount.
Q. Do you believe Americans have a right to own fully automatic weapons, assuming they have not been convicted of a felony? Please explain.
Millican: Alaskans tell me that Americans do have the right to own automatic firearms and as your Senator, I will fight for this right.
Sanders: Yes. There is no reason for the government to restrict the possession of any firearm from innocent people. And to that end, the State needs to spend more time and resources pursuing lawbreakers. The government has only one legitimate function -- to safeguard the freedom of its citizens.
Sykes: None of our constitutionally guaranteed rights is absolute. We have the right to own a dragster, but not to operate it on public streets. One cannot exercise free speech by falsely yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre. Automatic and military weapons require reasonable restrictions on who, when and where they may be possessed. The Supreme Court should rule definitively on Second Amendment questions instead of ducking them for the past 65 years.
Knowles: Yes. Under the safety protections of the Federal Firearms Act of 1938, which included a ban on firearms sales to convicted felons, I believe Americans should have the opportunity to own an automatic weapon.
Murkowski: I support current federal law allowing ownership of fully automatic weapons by individuals who have gone through background checks and are willing to purchase the special license that is required. These are law-abiding citizens with a hobby, who have gone to great lengths to show they are NOT criminals, and whose weapons are rarely if ever involved in crimes. Criminals don't bother working within the law. That's the core of the whole issue.
(Published: September 19, 2004)
http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/5572482p-5504148c.html
Last week, the ban on owning certain types of assault-style weapons expired without a vote in Congress. The candidates for U.S. Senate were asked their opinion on several issues related to the ban. The order of their replies was randomly chosen. Libertarian Scott Kohlhaas did not respond.
Q. Would you vote for or against an extension of the ban on semiautomatic, assault-style weapons?
Marc Millican (Independent): As an NRA member, I would vote against an extension.
Jerry Sanders (Alaskan Independence Party): Strongly against. All guns ought to be legally available.
Jim Sykes (Green Party): Numerous loopholes in existing law made it relatively meaningless. Against.
Tony Knowles (Democrat): I would vote against extending the federal assault weapons ban.
Lisa Murkowski (Republican): I voted no last time. I'd do it again tomorrow.
Q. Please describe how your position on the Second Amendment has evolved over the last decade.
Millican: As former president Ronald Reagan was a strong advocate for 2nd Amendment rights, I as your Senator will also fight for 2nd Amendment rights for all Alaskans all the time.
Sanders: Over the last decade, I have grown to further appreciate our Constitutional Right to bear arms. The numbers don't lie: Areas where there is greater protection for our 2nd Amendment show a decrease in crime. Guns in the hands of innocent citizens are a deterrent to crime.
Sykes: As a handgun, shotgun and rifle owner, who began hunting at the age of 14, I've strongly supported the Second Amendment. Most reasonable people agree we can own guns for hunting, collecting and self-protection -- but military weapons like machine guns, bazookas, or grenade launchers require reasonable restrictions. Our right to own guns is secure, and the controversy diverts us from pressing problems like health care, education and energy security. My evolved thought: The Bush administration's attacks on our civil rights (Patriot Act and others) make me glad for our Second Amendment. Protect your rights -- Vote Bush out!
Knowles: Responsible gun use and ownership has long been a part of Alaskans' lifestyle and I have always supported the Second Amendment. This is part of my absolute support of the entire Bill of Rights. Protecting these freedoms is the bedrock of our nation and the foundation of our liberty. I will vigorously fight any attempts to diminish, dismantle, compromise or undermine any part of the Bill of Rights.
Murkowski: Being from a family of sportsmen, I've always known the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right, but like many Americans I didn't study it deeply. As a legislator who must vote on gun issues, I've learned more about it and gained appreciation for its continued relevance -- and for the grave danger of treating any part of the Constitution lightly. The Founders clearly intended it as an individual right to guarantee citizens the ability to protect themselves in a dangerous world. Our dangers are different today, but the right of individuals to protect themselves and their families is still paramount.
Q. Do you believe Americans have a right to own fully automatic weapons, assuming they have not been convicted of a felony? Please explain.
Millican: Alaskans tell me that Americans do have the right to own automatic firearms and as your Senator, I will fight for this right.
Sanders: Yes. There is no reason for the government to restrict the possession of any firearm from innocent people. And to that end, the State needs to spend more time and resources pursuing lawbreakers. The government has only one legitimate function -- to safeguard the freedom of its citizens.
Sykes: None of our constitutionally guaranteed rights is absolute. We have the right to own a dragster, but not to operate it on public streets. One cannot exercise free speech by falsely yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre. Automatic and military weapons require reasonable restrictions on who, when and where they may be possessed. The Supreme Court should rule definitively on Second Amendment questions instead of ducking them for the past 65 years.
Knowles: Yes. Under the safety protections of the Federal Firearms Act of 1938, which included a ban on firearms sales to convicted felons, I believe Americans should have the opportunity to own an automatic weapon.
Murkowski: I support current federal law allowing ownership of fully automatic weapons by individuals who have gone through background checks and are willing to purchase the special license that is required. These are law-abiding citizens with a hobby, who have gone to great lengths to show they are NOT criminals, and whose weapons are rarely if ever involved in crimes. Criminals don't bother working within the law. That's the core of the whole issue.