By Steve Pomper Gov. Mike Parson, former Polk County sheriff and U.S. Army MP My basic understanding, if somewhat simplified, of the federal-state balance regarding the U.S. Constitution’s supremacy clause is states can pass laws to provide more but not less protection than the federal Constitution provides, including the unalienable right to life and to defend that life. As explained by Thoughtco, Read more »
By Steve Pomper A bit over-the-top, yes. But dumb gun laws are forcing many people to leave guns in cars. Recently, Tacoma police warned the public that during one recent month they recorded about 10 reports of criminals stealing guns after breaking into cars. So, how do lawmakers want to address it? Not by holding criminals Read more »
By Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D Anyone observing the cycle of crime can watch the graphs at work. Crime goes up. Laws get more severe and police are empowered to deal with criminal activity. Crime goes down. Laws get watered down, penalties get reduced, and law enforcement gets fewer dollars and support. Crime goes up. Read more »
By Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D There was a day when police officers on the beat were expected to grab a free apple from the corner grocery. In more corrupt agencies, the freebies could even be cash as an incentive to keep an eye on a business. Business owners may have wanted to show their Read more »
By Steve Pomper People either don’t think about the Second Amendment beyond guns or don’t know it applies to arms other than guns, such as bladed weapons, i.e., knives, swords, etc. That edged weapons are included as arms should be obvious, since the Framers were precise when creating the U.S. Constitution. They don’t specify firearms. Today Read more »
By Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D I don’t know what act the President is in when it comes to criminal justice reform theatre. His schizophrenic rhetoric makes it hard to pin down what he believes about justice. And perhaps that is a skill from decades as a politician that he brings to the White House. Read more »
By Chief Joel F. Shults, Ed.D It seems like changing crimes into acceptable behavior has been a trendy hobby among west coast legislatures. Shoplifting, trespassing, and drug possession have been decriminalized, refused prosecution, or restricted from enforcement. Possession of what used to be called hard drugs earns a ticket instead of jail in many places. Read more »