Some lawmakers just do not believe in one’s right to keep and bear arms, under any circumstances, no matter what.
Arizona State Sen. Lupe Contreras appears to be one of those lawmakers.
During a recent committee hearing on HB 2316, a measure to expand carry rights for permit holders to include certain public places and during various events, Sen. Contreras responded to testimony in support of the bill by suggesting those who feel unsafe should just stay at home.
“I got my concealed carry because I’ve been a victim of sexual assault… random assault… domestic abuse, and I refuse to be a victim again,” explained Lauren Snyder, a voter in support of HB 2316.
“I don’t carry because I want to harm others, I carry because I don’t want to be harmed,” Snyder continued, during the March 3rd hearing.
A bit later on, Sen. Contreras dismissed Snyder’s argument and, as mentioned, suggested that anyone who believes in armed self-defense is better off shuttering indoors.
“I’m a gun owner, I’m a hunter, I’m a proud Democrat. I don’t need to carry my gun on me at all times to feel safe. I don’t. I don’t walk around, run around, drive around worrying about somebody’s gonna shoot me or somebody’s going to hurt me or somebody’s going to do whatever,” he said.
SEE ALSO: Alabama, Ohio Become 22nd & 23rd State to Enact Constitutional Carry!
“Why even walk around at that point? Stay home. Behind closed doors,” Contreras added.
“I do understand that, yeah, it is a right that we have. But some people, some people just don’t have that right. And some people just shouldn’t have that right,” he concluded while noting his opposition to SB 2316.
What’s that saying? A Liberal is a Conservative who hasn’t been mugged yet?
See, it’s easy to “feel safe” when one hasn’t been the victim of a forcible felony. Sen. Contreras should step inside Ms. Snyder’s shoes before he judges her posture on personal defense. It’s her right to choose what’s best for herself and her family. His opinions on the matter shouldn’t count for a hill of beans.
But unfortunately, over the years, politicians have succeeded in changing laws that treat our fundamental rights as privileges that require the government’s permission to exercise. Fortunately, in many Red states, we’re starting to take them back.