opinion
Written by Moriah Day
While most of the nation is focused on how recent elections have changed the balance of power in Congress and who will lead various federal agencies under a second term as President Trump, The significant impact it has had on the state and local level cannot go unnoticed.
Many parliaments remain in session until new members are sworn in after the new year. But that’s not the case in Michigan, a key battleground state. Before November, Democrats controlled the governor’s mansion and a majority in both chambers of the state Legislature. After the votes were counted, the results showed that Republicans succeeded in regaining the House majority this year, negating the Democratic Party’s trifecta.
Unfortunately for Michiganders, the legislators recently fired by voters are in no hurry to relinquish power. As the false adage goes, “You can do whatever you want on your last day.” Under the direction of Democratic leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, lawmakers are rushing to put aside any ethical concerns and move on with the remaining bills on their wish list.
Among the many bills proposing new restrictions, limitations, and prohibitions on Second Amendment freedoms, one measure in particular stands out as outrageous and illogical.
suppress individuality
Senate Bill 1134 was filed to ban so-called “deceptively colored” firearms. Now, many of you have probably admired or even owned your fair share of unique firearms over the years. However, most people would never dream that someone might think that expressing one’s creativity, artistic flair, and individuality through the color scheme and design depicted on a firearm is somehow “deceptive.” I wouldn’t have thought so.
The ban is not limited to firearms themselves. In fact, it includes what the bill’s sponsors consider “deceptive coloring products.” Sponsors obviously want to restrict access to all kinds of uniquely colored components and accessories, but they also want to prevent individuals from purchasing or owning firearms with colorful frames, barrels, and stocks. and are willing to take extreme measures. To make sure that’s the case.
Under the bill’s very broad definition, it would be illegal for gunsmiths or even individuals to possess colorful paints or coating materials, Internet-based businesses that sell them within Michigan, or even trucking businesses. may be argued to be. This is a company that transports goods across state lines.
Imagine the enforcement challenges of catching down on those in possession of colorful paints and ceramic coatings intended for use on metal, wood, and even plastic when the product could be used in firearms. It is something that will never happen.
Here are just a few of the firearms that the bill’s sponsors aim to eliminate in Michigan.
Ceramic-coated Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR) to commemorate your favorite sports franchise, alma mater, fraternity, or founding document American flag-themed revolvers and other handguns with red, blue, or gold-colored receivers or barrels competition rifles with colorful stocks and camouflage patterns if the firearm does not meet certain criteria Rifles and shotguns aimed at youth are shipped from manufacturers with brightly colored bullets as standard, which many parents purchase for safety reasons.
The bill has ridiculous exceptions, such as allowing individuals to own any firearm with ivory or ivory-colored grips, but requiring other firearms to be permanently resistant to “readily modification.” It’s unclear whether the bill’s authors have ever used a can of spray paint, but making it impossible to paint firearms seems like an unreasonable and ill-conceived request.
So who will the ban on colorful, artistic and aesthetically appealing finishes affect most?
Female firearm owners will be disproportionately affected. Hunters who wear camouflage patterns on their firearms are also a major group. From there, this restriction is widespread among firearm owners of nearly every generation, social class, economic status, ethnicity, shooting discipline, and reason for owning a firearm.
This bill would do nothing to improve public safety, but it would absolutely hinder the freedom of expression and pursuit of happiness of all law-abiding Michiganders. This bill is being proposed by the same type of pro-gun control Democrats who slam black rifles on the table, saying they are dangerous and reserved for the military and police. State Sen. Dana Polehanki has expressed disdain for MSR on her party’s website. She clearly shows her lack of understanding of firearms in this post. No wonder she thinks custom-colored guns are somehow deceptive.
It seems clear that the stated goal is just a cover for what proponents actually want to achieve with this illogical ban. What they’re really trying to do is take away the excitement that comes with being able to express your personality through the color of your firearm in the same way you style your clothing, hats, trucks, tattoos, and hairstyles.
Make no mistake, the firearms industry and the individuals who serve it are under attack today, and we cannot rely on the success of a few ballot boxes to protect our freedoms.
About the National Shooting Sports Foundation
NSSF is the trade association for the firearms industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and shooting sports. Founded in 1961, NSSF’s membership includes thousands of manufacturers, dealers, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, athlete organizations, and publishers nationwide. For more information, please visit nssf.org.
