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Sunday, October 05, 2008
Libertarian Party will push for National Firearms Appreciation Day
Libertarian Party leader Dennis Young said today that he’ll push for a National Firearms Appreciation Day to be officially recognized by the federal government.
“This day will be a national day of reflection on our inherited British common law right to gun ownership and the role that firearms have played historically, and today, in preserving peace, personal security and freedom,” said Young.
Young is proposing September 18th for this day of reflection, which would mark the anniversary of the death of former National Firearms Association president Dave Tomlinson.
“I think remembering those average citizens who have resisted the expansion of gun control laws in Canada – people like Dave Tomlinson – is important. These people are the unsung heroes of civil society,” said Young.
The party says that Canada has a common law tradition steeped in property rights, a tradition that also protects our right to gun ownership.
“A National Firearms Appreciation Day is needed because Stephen Harper refuses to lead on this issue. He refuses to tell Canadians the truth about the relationship between guns and crime -- and he's been silencing gun rights advocates in his own caucus, people like MP Garry Breitkreuz," said Young. "Rather than fear gun ownership, Canadians should celebrate gun ownership. We need to change the culture, and the first step is to have an honest discussion about the positive role that guns can play in our society,” Young continued.
While Young thinks recognition of a National Firearms Appreciation Day will be a battle, he says Harper could repair his broken relationship with the firearms community by supporting this initiative.
“The farmers and hunters I’ve spoken to don’t trust Harper to do the right thing on guns after his vote for the firearms registry. This is Harper’s chance to say sorry, and to begin treating gun ownership as a legitimate Canadian right,” said Young.
Posted by Matthew Johnston on October 5, 2008 in Canadian libertarian politics | Permalink
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Comments
Another in a long line of bad ideas courtesy of the Libertarian Party.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2008-10-05 2:51:29 PM
Only a true lefty would have a problem with gun ownership.
Posted by: attitude | 2008-10-05 3:50:43 PM
How about putting together an information package including a list of crimes that could have been prevented by armed citizens?
Let's face it. Even sworn pacifist, conscientious objectors, namely Hutterites, are collecting and hoarding unregistered firearms. Even they realize that citizens need a last line of defense from the coming hoardes of eastern invaders.
Posted by: dp | 2008-10-05 3:58:02 PM
Only a fool or a libertarian would propose such a crazy idea.
Posted by: Zebulon Pike | 2008-10-05 4:04:48 PM
The intent may be good, but I doubt this will help the Libetarian party. There might be causes that resonate with a broader range of prospective Libertarian supporters.
Posted by: TM | 2008-10-05 11:47:15 PM
If we could somehow drop all gun control laws, and return to the right to self defense, every day would be a firearms appreciation day.
And none should appreciate it more that our own federal government.
Posted by: JC | 2008-10-06 5:12:51 AM
Excellent idea, but Harper will never go for it. After all, he would have to actually acknowledge that people have a right to arms (or at least a right to their private property), and that government gun control efforts (namely the registry) have not resulted in a tangible benefit to public safety. Americans are moving in the right direction on this, they recognize that GOVERNMENTS have murdered more innocent civilians than criminals or terrorists have.
Posted by: Seething | 2008-10-06 1:43:12 PM
The Liberals brought more corruption into government over their recent 13 years in power and I applaud those who just hid their guns away without registering them. Personally I expect when the Conservatives get a majority government (Oct 14th if I have any say) they will dismantle the registry. If not then they will stand in a bad light with voters who put them in there. They have definitely had opposition and not enough seats to bring it to fruition. I tend to agree with JC regarding having the right to defend ones own property and family.
Posted by: Ticked Ontarian | 2008-10-06 7:16:10 PM
"This is Harper’s chance to say sorry, and to begin treating gun ownership as a legitimate Canadian right,” said Young.
Might as well, he said sorry to the Indians.
Really, wouldn't it be a better world if we all just wandered around apologizing for everything?/
Posted by: Speller | 2008-10-07 10:59:51 AM
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