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The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states that we Americans have “the right to keep and bear arms.” It is a constitutional check on power by the federal government and clearly intended as a means of protection for an individual’s right to self-defense. It was never intended to be restricted by Congress or the courts to just sporting events and hunting. Today, the foundation of the Second Amendment is under attack by progressive politicians and a judicial system that believes the Constitution is a “fluid” document that must evolve with the times.
No place is the principle of the Second Amendment’s right to self-defense more basic than when it applies to you, your family or your property. Law enforcement deters criminal activity and responds when criminal activity occurs. However, when you have a home invasion, whether the lawbreakers’ intent is to steal property or harm the occupants, it takes several minutes after the 911 call for law enforcement to arrive. Those minutes may make a difference between life and death. In that brief interval, Alaskans have the right to protect themselves, using deadly force if warranted. Alaska is one of several states that have enacted “stand your ground” laws that allow us to defend ourselves from imminent and deadly attacks.
When natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires, tsunamis, hurricanes or tornadoes devastate a community, criminals often take advantage of the situation to loot, steal, rob and in some cases cause bodily injury to innocent victims. During these disasters, law enforcement is stretched thin, providing essential public safety. They are often not available to respond to individual calls for assistance. In fact, during a disaster, it is often necessary to activate the Alaska National Guard and the Alaska State Defense Force to augment law enforcement’s protection of life and property.
In these periods, when an emergency declaration has been activated, Alaskans must have the ability to protect their family and property from criminals. We are a constitutional carry state, which means we have the right to use appropriate force when appropriate in self-defense. This right is not permitted just during peaceful periods, but must also be preserved during times of emergency declarations. That is not the time our right to self-defense should ever be restricted.
House Bill 61, HB 61, is a commonsense legislative protection to ensure no governor, Legislature, state agency or municipality may unconstitutionally prohibit or restrict our right to possess and lawfully use a firearm against any life-threatening event during a declared emergency. To preserve our constitutional rights under the Second Amendment, HB 61 should become law during this legislative session. Take action — let our elected officials know that our right to bear arms is not “fluid” and you support HB 61.
Craig Campbell serves as a Republican National Committeeman for the Alaska Republican Party and is airport manager for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. He has formerly served as lieutenant governor, President/CEO of the Alaska Aerospace Corp. and as director of policy and programs for Anchorage Mayor Dave Bronson.
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