No offense intended, Mike, but you weren't under the impression that Barr is a libertarian with any respect for the Constitution, were you? Frankly, Barr is being pretty consistent, as he has always favored "more effective" regulation and violation of Constitutionally protected rights.
I agree with his call for ATF reform: "Congress should step up to reform and modernize the bureau’s mission by more clearly defining its parameters and limitations. The bureau must have a director who understands and will mandate that the mission for ATF regulators is not to play 'gotcha' with retailers."
I can suggest at least one area needing reform. Paperwork violations need to clearly show mens rea (Lat. an "evil intent") before the ATF can procede with sanctions against a manufacturer, distributor or retailer.
This would be a major departure from current practice and a huge administrative victory for the gun industry in exchange for a "permanent" director.
In the present political climate, gun owner (i.e., the individual right to keep and bear arms) victories will have to be secured by the appeals process through the civil courts--not Congress. That is a different kettle of fish and not germaine to Bob Barr's argument.
Before worrying about finding a permanent head for ATF Mr. Barr needs to find an Article anywhere in the Constitution that authorizes the federal government to establish an agency whose function is to infringe upon our right to keep and bear arms. [W3]
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Left a comment at Daily Caller and on the link on my Facebook page!
No offense intended, Mike, but you weren't under the impression that Barr is a libertarian with any respect for the Constitution, were you? Frankly, Barr is being pretty consistent, as he has always favored "more effective" regulation and violation of Constitutionally protected rights.
I agree with his call for ATF reform: "Congress should step up to reform and modernize the bureau’s mission by more clearly defining its parameters and limitations. The bureau must have a director who understands and will mandate that the mission for ATF regulators is not to play 'gotcha' with retailers."
I can suggest at least one area needing reform. Paperwork violations need to clearly show mens rea (Lat. an "evil intent") before the ATF can procede with sanctions against a manufacturer, distributor or retailer.
This would be a major departure from current practice and a huge administrative victory for the gun industry in exchange for a "permanent" director.
In the present political climate, gun owner (i.e., the individual right to keep and bear arms) victories will have to be secured by the appeals process through the civil courts--not Congress. That is a different kettle of fish and not germaine to Bob Barr's argument.
MALTHUS
The Republican who ran as a Libertarian the year that a Democrat ran as a Republican and a Communist ran as a Democrat?
Bob Barr exists to make Newt Gingrich look good.
Before worrying about finding a permanent head for ATF Mr. Barr needs to find an Article anywhere in the Constitution that authorizes the federal government to establish an agency whose function is to infringe upon our right to keep and bear arms.
[W3]
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