By: Ashleigh Meyer
They’ve called us “crazy alarmists” and “conspiracy theorists” every time Second Amendment supporters have mentioned their concern that one day, the government could simply revoke our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.
Well, in New York, the right is not revoked, but it is suspended, until further notice.
With the all-too-easy excuse of COVID-19 containment, 52 of New York State’s 62 counties have suspended pistol permit processing, either officially, or by simply letting it fall by the wayside.
The reasons for the suspension include the closure of county facilities for in-person applications, the shut-down of the court system, and county sheriffs refusing to investigate applicants, or offer finger-printing services.
Many Second Amendment supporters, however, question the legitimacy of the reasons, suggesting that other states, and even counties within New York, have found solutions to safeguard Constitutional rights.
It’s true, New York has been hit particularly hard with by the Coronavirus, with nearly 40,000 confirmed cases, and Gov. Cuomo is taking extreme action to stem the tide of infection; however, it is surely not with a heavy-heart that the outspoken Second Amendment opponent is witnessing the major decline in new gun permits.
What’s more, the state also declared the Remington Arms plant in Illion, NY, employing more than 800 people, a “non-essential” business and forced its closure. This follows a massive, nation-wide gun buying explosion, as the heritage gun-manufacturer is required to cease production. To keep their employees on payroll, Remington has offered up its 1-million square foot factory to be utilized for medical equipment manufacturing.
“These products, as you know, are essential to winning this new kind of war, and Remington stands ready to enlist in wartime production,” said CEO Ken D’Arcy in a letter to President Trump.
It has yet to be seen whether Remington’s offer will be met with approval, and if not, this could be the reason Cuomo has been looking for to remove Remington from the state once and for all. The governor has already threatened legal ramifications against any business refusing to close its doors.
“These are not helpful hints. This is not ‘if you really want to be a great citizen.’ These are legal provisions. They will be enforced. There will be a civil fine and mandatory closure for any business that is not in compliance. Again, your actions can affect my health. That’s where we are,” said Cuomo.
It will be interesting to see what happens as the wave of virus recedes, and counties are expected to restore citizens’ rights. It is important to note here that just like that, a government has all but declared Second Amendment rights invalid.
Ashleigh Meyer is a professional writer, and Conservative political correspondent from rural Virginia.