“Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” — Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen was the first badge-bearer to speak at last Thursday’s overflowing NAACP forum. I asked him to explain his Reno Gazette-Journal column opposing Question 1 this November. It would require background checks for gun show purchasers, closing a huge loophole whereby spousal abusers, criminals, terrorists and the insane can currently acquire instant killing machines.
Allen said he believes in the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment. (“A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”)
Dr. Johnson rolled over in his grave as TV’s former Trooper Chucky followed with patriotic statements about this great country. Had there been a flag handy, he would have hidden in it.
His June 22 RGJ piece never mentioned “gun shows,” just “private transfers.” (Like bus passes, perhaps?)
His predecessor, Mike Haley, quickly torpedoed Chucky’s blatant falsehoods.
“Sheriff Allen claims Question 1 will tax law enforcement resources and that results in other states that have closed the private sale loophole have been ‘underwhelming,’” Haley stated.
“Research shows that in the 18 states with similar laws, gun violence is reduced – 46 percent fewer women killed with guns by their intimate partners, 48 percent fewer gun suicides and 48 percent fewer police officers murdered with guns compared to states that haven’t closed the loophole. I’m surprised Sheriff Allen has not considered the positive impact passing Question 1 would have for his deputies and other Nevada law enforcement officers working the streets and who face gun violence every day. To say as Sheriff Allen does that criminals will get guns anyway is like throwing up our hands and saying there’s nothing we can do. That’s not an answer,” Haley concluded.
Chucky’s conduct is understandable if you look at his political base. In 2014, he was endorsed by the most unconstitutional segment of the GOP, theocratic ayatollahs who believe in rule by the Christian Bible, at least parts they like.
I asked Mr. Allen what he did to win their support. He said he didn’t know but would get back to me. I’m still waiting.
Assemblymember Jill Dickman. R-Sparks, is up this year. State Controller Ron Knecht, State Sen. Don Gustavson and Sparks Councilmember Charlene Bybee have two more years.
I don’t know if they endorsed their national president, Sharron Angle, for Nevada U.S. senator in last June’s primary. They removed their endorsement list from their website after my 2014 column. (References at Barbwire.US)
I’m very bothered by a sheriff who believes the old song “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition.”
AMERICAN INGENUITY. Cashing in on catastrophe, a Georgia outfit is selling
“Blue Lives Matter” wristbands. In quantity, of course.
Be well. Raise hell. / Esté bien. Haga infierno.
Andrew Barbano is a 47-year Nevadan, editor of NevadaLabor.com and first vice-president of the Reno-Sparks NAACP from which this is not an official statement. Mrs. Dickman’s opponent, Skip Daly, manages a union which supports the annual Nevada César Chávez Day celebration which Mr. Barbano produces each March. E-mail <barbano@frontpage.reno.nv.us> Barbwire by Barbano has originated in the Tribune since 1988.
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