Gun Control Focus Of Special Legislative Session (Op-Ed)
Governor Lee Proposes Order of Protection Legislation.
Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
By David Seal [Special to The Tennessee Conservative] –
Governor Bill Lee has called for a special session to, in his words, “strengthen public safety and preserve constitutional rights”.
In this session, he will be asking the general assembly to enact a “red flag” gun law. If you have the slightest doubt, read the 13-page draft legislation linked here: (Temporary Mental Health Order of Protection).
A copy of the presser issued by Governor Lee is linked here: Gov. Lee Announces Special Session on Public Safety to Begin August 21 (tn.gov)
Red flag laws enable the government to deprive people of their property based on presumptions of what a person may do in the future. Laws of this nature make it possible for the state to confiscate guns without a criminal conviction, like Tennessee’s unconstitutional Civil Asset Forfeiture scheme. Hearings are conducted ex parte, (meaning the subject of the red flag proceeding does not receive notice). Dangerous weapons such as bombs, knives, and poisons are not part of Lee’s red flag proposal, only guns.
The entire premise of a red flag law is based on controlling firearms, not criminals. This instills tremendous fear in the hearts and minds of law-abiding gun owners, especially knowing that liberal democrats in the Tennessee legislature love red flag laws and will jump headfirst in support of Lee’s gun control efforts, and will likely be joined by moderate republican legislators, the go-along-to-get-along “republicans”. Will this be enough to get the “red flag” law across the finish line? It is far too close for comfort, given the influence of emotions and special interests that run Nashville, and the disconnect of certain legislators from constitutional principles.
“The second amendment must not be infringed in order that law abiding citizens have the right to protect themselves, their families, and their property. The breakdown of the family unit, lack of morals, no respect for others, and the love of God and country have been lost in today’s society. Red flag laws do not address the problem of mental health reform, they simply are the first steps toward gun confiscation without due process.” – Todd Kesterson, Alderman, City of Dandridge, and Gun Rights Advocate
Does Tennessee have enough constitutional conservatives in the legislature to reject more gun control initiatives including red flag laws?
The percentage is too close to call and the history of conservatism among legislators is questionable on certain issues. In the past couple of years, Tennesseans have seen conservatives vote for toll roads rebranded as “choice Lanes,” taxpayer funded stadiums, special tax districts to pay for public/private stadiums, and most egregiously, about 1.2 BILLION DOLLARS of taxpayer money appropriated to provide corporate welfare to the West Tennessee automotive Megasite.
Yes, there is cause to worry!
The Tennessee Firearms Association, has analyzed the 13 page Tennessee red flag proposal, linked here: Bill Lee attacks the Second Amendment with a Red Flag proposal – Tennessee Firearms Association
Governor Lee addressed Tennesseans in a video, explaining his proposed “Temporary Mental Health Order of Protection”, link provided here: We Owe Tennesseans a Vote – YouTube
Red flag laws are unconstitutional and should be rejected by all Tennessee legislators.
*Note: This article first appeared in The Jefferson County Post. Submitted for publication on The Tennessee Conservative by the author.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman,
917 Society Volunteer, and current Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level.
To say the least I am very disappointed with Bill Lee and the Republicans. The Republican Party protects the RINO candidates and prevents us from running conservative candidates. This must stop before TN is totally ruined by this administration. Lee is counting of us not paying attention to all the arm twisting and bribery going on in Nashville. I will remind all Republicans that 2024 is an election year and I will work against anyone that votes for these unconstitutional laws.
After living in a once conservative Colorado for 50 years, I watched this very same process evolve as RINOs slowly turned the state into a leftist haven. The unconstitutional “guilty until proven innocent” red flag laws are a preview to gun registration and confiscation. Any politician supporting these back door gun grabbing schemes should be voted out of office.
This special Session need to be to IMPEACH Bill Lee!!
Yup, “do something” wrong RINO Lee and the RINOs who’re with him.
The RINO state senator Page Walley will rubber stamp it. Guaranteed
Mental Health?
Less than %0.02 new borns are actually diagnosed with anything resembling “gender dysphoria” (Charles Murray, “Human Diversity”) Nearly all have been successfully treated until recently, when the number increased x100 and “treatment” fails.
“Trannies” now go on to depression, suicide, homicide or worse mental health issues.
If we are oh, so serious about “safety”, Governor Lee might “Red Flag” the entire “trans community” until someone figures out what’s really going on with these people, it likely being a fad that incorrectly diagnoses other problems while creating more of its own.
To Bill Lee and his Rino’s.
There are now 20,000 – 25,000 firearms restrictions on the books. Both State and Federal. Many are very restrictive. I now ask, which are not sensible? Also, many illegals have been issued State ID’s and State
Drivers Licenses which may allow them to purchase a firearm and pass a background check if they use a phony name that is clean. That really makes sense?
Red Flag laws do not make Society safer and are a dream come true for criminals.
I do hope Tennessee is not being annexed to Socialist California?