JACKSON, Tennessee– Gubernatorial candidate Mae Beavers told a meeting of the Tennessee Firearms Association here on Thursday night that in the event of an attack similar to the shooting of Republican Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) in Virginia on Wednesday, “before police arrive, those of us who have secured permits and are armed are the only source of protection for ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors.”
“We should continue to pray for the victims of the vicious attack on Republican Members of Congress — and their families. That horrific event should remind us that it is our responsibility to protect ourselves and our families from violence. Had there not been a security detail present the ‘tragedy,would have been, as Senator Rand Paul has pointed out, a ,massacre,” Beavers said, adding:
Although the police responded quickly and effectively, it was still several minutes before they arrived. When seconds count, the police are minutes away. In that critical time span before police arrive, those of us who have secured permits and are armed are the only source of protection for ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors. Those who have obtained permits in Tennessee should carry a weapon and be prepared and trained for a moment that prayerfully will never arise. Those who have not received a carry permit, and who are comfortable with a gun, should do so. In an increasingly dangerous world, our Second Amendment rights are also a responsibility, in my view.
Beavers addressed several issues related to the Second Amendment at the event held at the Casey Jones Village, including constitutional carry, and national reciprocity.
The recent Tennessee Star Poll of likely Tennessee Republican primary voters found that 57 percent support constitutional carry, while only 32 percent oppose it.
“On the subject of those permits, I want to make it clear that I am a strong supporter of constitutional carry!” she told the enthusiastic audience of one hundred TFA members and friends.
“The Second Amendment guarantees my right to bear arms, not the bureaucratic processes of the State of Tennessee. I don’t have to get a ‘license’ to exercise my First Amendment rights, and I shouldn’t have e to get one to exercise my Second Amendment rights. Other states are taking the lead in passing Constitutional Carry, and as Governor it will be one of my priorities to add Tennessee to that list,” she added.
As for national reciprocity, Beavers noted that, “Like President Donald Trump, I have a carry permit and have had one for a long time.”
And like President Trump I support federal legislation that will enable anyone with a permit in any state to carry in any other state, including our nation’s Capitol. Isn’t it odd that when one state redefines marriage, and embraces gay marriage, then all the states have to recognize that marriage and that “right”; but when the U.S. Supreme Court decides that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to bear arms is the law we continue to see states and cities ignore the Constitutional protections that should be recognized throughout the country. Anti-gun liberals should no longer be able to ignore the provisions of the Constitution that they don’t like. National Reciprocity will make it clear that we will no longer tolerate their version of a cut and past Constitution.
“As Governor I don’t just want Tennessee to be Second Amendment friendly, I want us to be gun and ammunition friendly from an economic development perspective,” Beavers added.
“We have great companies that have grown up here or moved here. Companies like Barrett and Beretta immediately come to mind. As states like California, Colorado and most of those in the Northeast place backbreaking business and tax restrictions on gun and ammunition companies I want to make it clear that Tennessee will welcome their business, their investment and their employees in OUR state. We will be second to none on the Second Amendment, and we don’t want to be any company’s second choice when they are looking to relocate or invest! My campaign is focused on putting Tennessee First, and the Second Amendment is part of that plan,” she concluded.
GROAN! She could’a left the “secured permits” garbage off.
Senator Beavers, at every turn a person makes there is an infringement. The Constitution and the 2nd amendment states very clearly that the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. Having to register a firearm is an infringement. The Constitution doesn’t allow for that. Having to go through a background check is an infringement. Having to gt a permit for a concealed carry permit is another infringement. All laws on the books about firearms is an infringement. When the British tried to confiscate all firearms before the Revolutionary War, that was why the forefathers designed and put the 2nd amendment in our Constitution so we would not have to worry about that. The 2nd amendment is our protection and our way pf protecting all our rights and protecting the Constitution. The Government is always finding ways of taking our 2nd amendment rights away from us. The biggest is by taking a misdemeanor law and calling it a federal offense and taking that right away. The government can’t really take that right away, but if a person with that conviction does carry a firearm and is caught, they are back in prison. What I want to know is what are you going to do about these problems we have with the 2nd amendment?
Agreed. Pretty sure Mae is on your side, but agree the language has to be correct. The 2nd Amendment does not “give” us a right, it states the government shall not infringe upon that right. Privileges are permitted (see driver’s license), rights cannot be.
I refuse to pay for Tennessee’s unconstitutional (and therefore illegal) handgun 2nd Amendment Privilege Tax (perpetually renewed of course – for your $afety).