Not a lot of information, but via Drudge I see that Geuda Springs, Kansas, has passed a an ordinance requiring households to purchase ordnance.
GEUDA SPRINGS, Kan. — Residents of this tiny south-central Kansas community have passed an ordinance requiring most households to have guns and ammunition.Interesting. I think it's generally wise for people to be armed, but I don't think government compulsion is a great idea.Noncomplying residents would be fined $10 under the ordinance, passed 3-2 earlier this month by City Council members who thought it would help protect the town of 210 people. Those who suffer from physical or mental disabilities, paupers and people who conscientiously oppose firearms would be exempt.
"This ordinance fulfills the duty to protect by allowing each individual householder to provide for his or her protection," said Councilman John Brewer.
The Atlanta suburb of Kennesaw did this back in 1982, in response to a high burglary rate. Homeowners were required to own a gun and have ammo - though people with religious objections were exempt as were the poor and the mentally ill. (Also, felons were NOT required to have a gun!)
The burglarly rate plummeted as did the rates of many other crimes.
Think of it as compulsory homeowner's insurance. We have compulsory auto liability insurance, right?
Yes, but liability insurance pays other people for mistakes that you make, it doesn't protect you from the actions of others. Compulsory homeowner's insurance is required by mortgage lenders, not by law, correct?
Think of it this way Michael: You are in the militia (whether you know it or not) and you are required to supply your own firearm and ammunition for it. That is one of the requirements of the Second Amendment.
I'm a hard core second amendment proponent, but these laws do create a liability minefield for the places that are doing the mandating. What happens if and when the use of a mandated handgun gives rise to a wrongful death or similar lawsuit? Will some court find the municipality liable for having mandated the ownership of the gun in question? It would be comforting if someone can convince me this won't happen.
S3: By my understanding of the militia act, I'm only required to provide arms for myself when the militia is actually mustered, not all the time.
Dave: I didn't read that the ordinance requires handguns, I think long guns will satisfy. Of course, long guns can be involved in accidental deaths as well.
By my understanding of the militia act, I'm only required to provide arms for myself when the militia is actually mustered, not all the time.
If and when Mars attacks, it will be too late to go to the local gun emporium, purchase the correct firearm, and learn to use it. Or so common sense might indicate.
I'm not worried about being attacked by Martians. In any likely scenario in which I'll drafted in a militia capacity and have to provide my own weapon, I imagine I'll have a few hours in which to do so.
Of course, I've already got plenty of guns.