My March 13th Birthday Present – S. 2188 Reciprocity Bill in the Senate

National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act introduced in U.S. Senate for my birthday!

http://www.nraila.org/legislation/federal-legislation/2012/national-right-to-carry-reciprocity-act-of-2012-introduced-in-us-senate.aspx

While I believe we have a fair shot of seeing this passed in the Senate, I’d wager it’s guaranteed to be vetoed by President Obama.

This is to me, one of the most coveted pieces of legislation. As a resident of Pennsylvania we have very good liberties in regards to RTKBA. However, the two states I most frequent next, Maryland and Connecticut, are far more limited in those rights.

I will re-iterate my prior promise, if by some miracle, President Obama passes this bill and Right to Carry Reciprocity is made law, than I am beholden to vote for President Obama’s re-election.

The passage of the above law is the one piece of legislation the President could pass to garner my support. Heck, if he passes it, I’ll even put a bumper sticker on my car and post a yard sign.

Thune Amendment – For CCW Reciprocity “Close But No Passage”

I do apologize to my readers if you were unfamiliar with this proposal. I usually try to keep my readers informed. However, I have been traveling and visiting family this past week.  And had limited access to the internet.

We were very close, 58-39, with the majority in support of it’s passage. However, 60 votes were required for the passage and we fell two shy.

One of those deciding votes was Arlen Specter (yes, the Senator who finally showed his true colors). I love that Arlen Specter argue’s from a states rights perspective on this one, really…we have reciprocity for automobiles which are not protected by the Constitution and lead to the deaths of thousands. However, his claim that it will not endanger the rights of gun owners is far from true. One accident, and an unplanned detour into Maryland can turn you into a felon.

It is my hope that incorporation of the 2nd Amendment will lead to the eventual passage of a reciprocity law.

Furthermore, I have made a decision. Last year I took on the role of NRA-ILA EVC (Election Volunteer Coordinator). The purpose of which is to help distribute information and organize volunteers for the election of endorsed candidates and support legislative action. I have reached a point that if Arlen Specter receives an endorsement I cannot in good conscience support him.  He has voted against the piece of legislation that is to me, personally, the most important.

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SnowFlakesInHell has some good coverage of how it went down here