Polls often reveal that many gun owners, who staunchly support the Second Amendment, are in favor of universal background checks and red flag laws. These laws aim to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. However, scenarios provided by John Lott’s Crime Prevention Research Center raise questions about these measures and their potential impact on other rights like due process.
In one scenario, a woman was involuntarily committed for psychiatric evaluation based on false evidence provided by an ex-boyfriend who was a state trooper. Under red flag laws, she could have lost access to her firearms when she needed protection the most. This situation occurred in Pennsylvania in September 2023.
Another scenario involves lending a firearm to someone with no criminal record who needs temporary protection. Under universal background checks, such an act could result in felony charges for the lender.
A third scenario describes an increase in “extreme risk protection” orders that overwhelmed law enforcement, diverting resources from addressing other crimes. This situation unfolded in New York after Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order in May 2022.
These examples illustrate potential unintended consequences of such laws. Additional concerns include being placed on watch lists without justification or facing bureaucratic hurdles when transferring family heirlooms.
Joe D. “Buck” Ruth emphasizes that constitutional rights remain vital today and cautions against relinquishing them for perceived security. As he notes, quoting Benjamin Franklin: “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Ruth is affiliated with the Buckeye Firearms Association as a website and social media manager and encourages membership to support efforts defending gun rights.
