LETTER from CHIP NORTHRUP
Don’t Back ‘Gun Sanctuary’ Idea
To the Editor:
Dear county board members, I am writing to oppose the proposed “gun sanctuary” initiative as being an ill-conceived abuse of the county’s legislative powers, a pointless political stunt and frankly, a bit silly.
The United States is, by law, a “gun owner’s sanctuary.” The State of New York has jurisdiction over local gun laws, and no county, town, village or city can pass gun laws that would not be redundant to the state or conflict with state law without the state’s consent.
Passing a “feel good” resolution in support of gun rights is one thing, if primarily partisan grand-standing, but declaring the county itself some sort of special jurisdiction would, at best, make the board look a bit foolish.
My company has several patents that teach correct lead on moving targets and two patents on using Augmented Reality headsets on real moving targets for the military.
I invented these shooting systems while learning to shoot skeet at the Coopers-town skeet range. In Otsego County, New York. Without the benefit or need of a “sanctuary” for myself or my gun, thanks very much.
CHIP NORTHRUP
Cooperstown
Mr. Northrup’s letter completely misses the point of the “so called” stunt. The 2A sanctuary movement is motivated by the clear conflict that exists between the Constitution and the “feel good” laws passed by the New York legislature. More generally the constitution is under attack in general and more specifically the first and second amendments are on life support and the fourth is in jeopardy. As a resident of NY my right to defend myself against death or sever injury is front and center in this debate. The second and fourth amendments provides a citizen the right to defend himself/herself against injury from attack. The second amendment further protects the citizenry to defend against tyranny from government. These rights, as spelled out in the Constitution, are the things that have made this country a sanctuary for freedom and independence. I as a citizen of this country embrace and cherish these rights, and thus I believe Mr. Northrup’s comments completely miss the point.