Gatschenberger: Federal government cannot take away our gun rights

Add Rep. Chuck Gatschenberger, R-Lake St. Louis, to the legislators crowing that they are fighting so Missourians won't have to obey federal laws. In other words, more chest thumping, less actually working on legislation that could benefit Missourians.

Protecting our Second Amendment rights has never been more relevant than this session. With the US Congress and President Obama striving to limit Americans’ access to firearms and ammunition, we must do everything within our power to protect our Constitutional rights. The Missouri House recently gave final approval to several pieces of legislation that protect our rights to defend ourselves, our homes, and our families.

House Bill 436, which I cosponsored with Rep. Doug Funderburk, establishes the Second Amendment Preservation Act. This act declares that self-defense is an unalienable right, which cannot be corroded by any level of government. In the Declaration of Independence, our Founders made Life the foremost of our unalienable rights. The right to self-defense is paramount in guaranteeing the right to life.

House Bill 170, which I cosponsored with Representative Casey Guernsey, nullifies any federal laws that seek to cripple Missourians’ right to self-defense. This bill, called the Firearm Protection Act, specifies that no official shall enforce a federal firearm law when the firearm is manufactured, sold, and owned solely in Missouri. This is an important protection against future federal government overreach.

For too long, the federal government has expanded its powers through the “interstate commerce clause.” This clause was written to ensure a unified currency in this nation and to encourage business among the states. It was never meant as a means to regulate values or infringe on rights.

We must always remember that the true chain of authority in this country starts with the citizen, who loans power to the state. The national government is the child – not the big brother – of the states. We in the state legislature have the direct responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of you, the citizens who granted this authority. That is our goal in the Missouri House.