“The disquietude of the people.” Madison expected the people to throw a fit when the feds usurped power or tried to implement unpopular policies. When it comes to any and all federal gun control on the books, this is pretty straightforward: People need to be really outspoken—protesting—online and off. This is already happening today—but the people need to continue, and ramp it up massively. “Their Repugnance and Refusal to cooperate with the officers of the Union.” You and I probably consider all federal gun control to be totally repugnant to the Constitution, to the 2nd Amendment, and to the principles of liberty. True, it is absolutely disgusting. But in context, this is likely not the way Madison was using the term. The leading dictionaries of the time defined repugnance as “disobedient; not obsequious” (compliant). So, if you want to stop the federal government, you have to disobey them. Madison also suggested that people would perhaps directly refuse to cooperate with federal agents. “The frowns of the executive magistracy of the State.” Here Madison envisions governors formally protesting federal actions. This not only raises public awareness; executive leadership also leads to the next step—legislative action in the states. “Legislative devices, which would often be added on such occasions.” Madison kept this open-ended, but we’re certainly seeing it happen today. For example, combining steps 3 and 4 earlier this year, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, denouncing the ATF pistol brace rule—and notifying him that state law bans the state from helping the ATF enforce it. “Our right to keep and bear arms is integral to Montana’s and our nation’s rich heritage, and this rule directly violates our long-held traditions,” he wrote. “As a matter of law, the State of Montana and its political subdivisions cannot enforce, or assist the ATF with enforcement, of this rule. The 2021 Montana Legislature passed, and I signed into law, House Bill 258.” Thankfully, Montana is not alone in this effort, and HB258 covers more than just the pistol brace rule. Missouri, Arizona and Kentucky also have laws on the books banning each state from participating in the enforcement of various amounts of federal gun control, and depending on how things are implemented under state law, Idaho could be on board as well. Four or five states is a good foundation, but it needs to be far more to guarantee a victory for the 2nd Amendment and liberty. |
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