“Finally .... A Sensible Gun Registration Plan That Will Work

Vermont State Rep. Fred Maslack has read the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as well as Vermont 's own Constitution very carefully, and his strict interpretation of these documents is popping some eyeballs in New England and elsewhere.

Maslack recently proposed a bill to register "non-gun-owners" and require them to pay a $500 fee to the state. Thus Vermont would become the first state to require a permit for the luxury of going about unarmed and assess a fee of $500 for the privilege of not owning a gun.

Maslack read the "militia" phrase of the Second Amendment as not only affirming the right of the individual citizen to bear arms, but as a clear mandate to do so. He believes that universal gun ownership was advocated by the Framers of the Constitution as an antidote to a "monopoly of force" by the government as well as criminals.

Vermont 's constitution states explicitly that "the people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State" and those persons who are "conscientiously scrupulous of bearing arms" shall be required to "pay such equivalent." Clearly, says Maslack, Vermonters have a constitutional obligation to arm themselves, so that they are capable of responding to
"any situation that may arise."

Under the bill, adults who choose not to own a firearm would be required to register their name, address, Social Security Number, and driver's license number with the state. "There is a legitimate government interest in knowing who is not prepared to defend the state should they be asked to do so," Maslack says.

Vermont already boasts a high rate of gun ownership along with the least restrictive laws of any state .. it's currently the only state that allows a citizen to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. This combination of plenty of guns and few laws regulating them has resulted in a crime rate that is the third lowest in the nation.

" America is at that awkward stage. It's too late to work within the system, but too early to shoot the *******s."

This makes sense! There is no reason why gun owners should have to pay taxes to support police protection for people not wanting to own guns. Let them contribute their fair share and pay their own way.” bagel77

I like it!! I would venture a guess that the current administration might have a slightly different take on things...........

I'll bet a dollar to a hundred that it don't go any where. No way, no how!! Although I kinda like the idea!

Maslack for president. What a great idea.

He must be a descendant of Colt or Winchester

Interesting indeed. Can you provide us with a link or a few references?

Please add me to thie list! it'l never happen but I love the idea!.
Dan

That part isn't true. In Alaska anybody that can legally own a gun can carry it concealed without any type of CCP.

Correct AK Jeff. The confusion probably comes in because Alaska does issue AK CCW's. They give their citizens the option of getting an Alaska CCW so that they reciprocate with other states and their citizens can carry outside of AK.

Vermont does not have that option and does not issue any CCW permits. Their citizens can not carry in other states unless they get a CCW from a state that allows non residents to apply, like Florida.

Our federal government should look into this. If it was mandatory across the country, they may almost balance the budget, however although like everyone else I like it, I don't think we will ever see it get far.