SECOND AMENDMENT

I was proud to vote for and help pass the rifle bill in Tompkins County. For decades we could not hunt with a rifle. However, even in “progressive” Tompkins County we were able to pass the bill so we can no hunt with rifles. It took convincing a number of democrats it was good policy and we were able to do that with facts. We were not successful when the legislature moved to strip our second amendment rights from us while on county property despite my arguments and vote against the move. I believe our employees have a right to defend themselves and a firearm is one of the best equalizers available. The second amendment does not grant you the right to bear arms. It recognizes you have that inherent right and protects it from infringement by the government. I believe as strongly in the second as I do the first amendment. We must not let the government tread on these rights. They are not the government’s to take.