Extreme Privacy vs Red Flag Laws
Extreme Privacy vs Red Flag Laws – As I discussed in a previous article about the laws that the House, Senate, and President were likely to sign into law, it appears that the ever-popular Red Flag Laws might be incentivized by the Federal government, to the tune of $750 million if passed. What that means is there is a financial incentive for local and state police departments to use that money to get additional training and resources to un-Constitutionally take firearms from law-abiding citizens should they present a red flag, which liberally means “harm to themselves or others.” On the face, it seems like that would be something most could support, which is why turncoats like the NSSF have had no issues supporting them unless they are not afforded due process. To my reading of the Constitution, these laws violate the 4th Amendment (Unlawful Search and Seizure), 6th (Fair and Speedy Trial), and the 5th (Right not to be deprived of property without grand jury indictment). But, as it looks like these are gaining steam, I would highly recommend practicing some extreme privacy in all firearm-related matters.
One of the first things I would do is scrub your social media accounts of all photos that might have you with a firearm or with anything that could be deemed a threat. I figure that some hunting photos could piss off the PETA folks and give someone who doesn’t like you enough ammunition to call in a report and ruin your hunting trip. I would also abstain from message boards especially engaging in spirited debates with unknown people who would love to dox you (reveal your name/location) and give it to the police. As a side note, I have never “won” a debate with a Facebook lawyer, so I have decided not to waste more of my life on someone who steals oxygen from trees.
I have talked about how I think open carry is a dangerous proposition, and I don’t think it is wise in these days of people and their fake outrage. This applies doubly to your person. Imagine someone at Wal-Mart who needs to make life inconvenient for everyone, her name might be Karen, and even though open carry is legal for your state, she still calls in a man with a gun in the store. Now you have cops coming to engage with you, weapons drawn, with your wife and kids there…you don’t need that. So, my recommendation would be to get a great concealed carry holster like the Original or Roughneck and just walk to the next line when Karen goes ballistic that her expired coupon doesn’t work.
I would also look at other things that might tell the world you have guns, especially if you are vocal in your political stance. I would not wear any noticeable brand names, firearms, or anything of the like on it. The same goes for hats and your vehicle. I had a buddy of mine who had a bunch of gun stickers on his car and used to drive aggressively. A Prius driver reported him, maybe the same Karen from the store, who said he was an aggressive driver and was waving a gun. They searched the car and found nothing, and by searching, I mean took out EVERYTHING on the side of the road while she supervised. When nothing was found, she went nuts and tried reporting him twice more, following him home.
Just saying, these days, let them wonder.
Red Flag Laws are undoubtedly un-Constitutional, but you need to protect yourself from such nonsense. Don’t announce you lost all your guns on a boating accident (it’s dumb and signals what you got), don’t let one hang off your hip at McDonald’s, and don’t advertise what you may or may not have. Be smart and be in touch with your local and state reps about your disdain if they vote for such a law.
Also be sure to check out JM4 Tactical for your holster & coffee needs!
Author: Ian Bolser
