Gun Control, Background Checks and Compromise

I am a proud gun owner.  I am also law abiding.  I am also a reasonable person.

With all the hubbub around the latest round of "Executive Actions" and gun control lately, there is the usual hue and cry of "no one is coming for your guns", "we just want reasonable gun control", "XX% (insert made up statistic here) of (Americans, Gun owners, Moms) are in favor of universal background checks.

Of course, there is the other side where the standard responses are "Registration leads to confiscation", "Molon Labe", "III%", "good guys don't commit gun crimes", etc.

I am in agreement that gun laws only impact the law abiding.

I do not like the idea of universal background checks, but I do understand the need to weed out those who shouldn't own guns.

The anti crowd are always saying "why won't pro 2A people compromise?".  Basically, pro 2A people have been compromising, i.e. giving up more and more of our rights, since 1934.  Asking me for $10, and then expecting me to compromise by giving you $5, is, in the end, still a grab from me.

I have, what I think is indeed, a reasonable compromise from both sides.  It requires both Pro and Anti 2A people to give up some of their sacred cows, in order to each get some of what they desire.

My idea is universal background checks for all sales, utilizing NICS or relying on CCW as proof.  In order for this to work, CCW would have to be recognized across state lines and all states would have to be "shall issue", or, alternately, the should be a federal CCW that is good in all 50 states.

A little more detail:

All gun sales must go through a background check.  There should be no fee for this check and their should be a tax credit of $XX for FFLs who run checks.  A tax credit is a dollar for dollar tax refund, not a deduction.  In my mind, given the speed and ease of NICs, the $ figure should be in the $10-15 range.  This gives the Anti crowd, one of their wishes.

However, if one has a CCW (and again, there would have to be a change to either a federal CCW, all states being mandated to be "shall issue" and/or national reciprocity), the background check would not be needed, and the CCW could be used as proof of a background check.  This gives the Pro 2A folks reciprocity and frees up some of the poor souls who live in states like NJ, where a CCW is a purple unicorn.

So Bob wants to buy a gun from Mary. 

1. If Bob has a CCW, he can show that as proof, ,and the transaction can be completed.  
2. If Bob does not have a CCW, Bob and Mary can go to an FFL, have a check run (which the FFL would get $ for in the form of a tax credit) and the sale can be completed.

So basically, Pro 2A folks would get national reciprocity, anti get their universal background checks, and this is an actual compromise, as both sides gain something and give up something.

Of course this is just an idea, and details are tricky.

Terrorist Watch List gun law in NJ A3687

I know I usually write about riding, etc, but this law that was just signed really has me upset.  I sent this information to various representatives and even hand delivered several copies of this to some.  It appears that logic and fact have no place in our legislature.

Won't someone PLEASE think of the CHILDREN?

A3687
Amends N.J.S.2C:58-3
Amends section 1 to add:
c.9 To any person named on the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist maintained by Terrorist Screening Center administed (typo in bill) by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Relevant sections of the code:
f. (removed for clarity) A firearms purchaser identification card shall be valid until such time as the holder becomes subject to any of the disabilities set forth in subsection c. of this section, whereupon the card shall be void and shall be returned within five days by the holder to the superintendent, who shall then advise the licensing authority. Failure of the holder to return the firearms purchaser identification card to the superintendent within the said five days shall be an offense under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:39-10. (Removed for clarity)

STATEMENT

This bill would disqualify a person named on the consolidated Terrorist Watchlist maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Terrorist Screening Center from being issued either a firearm’s identification card or a permit to purchase a handgun.

Point one:
As per the Department of Homeland Security website: “The U.S. government does not reveal whether a particular person (emphasis added) is on or not on a watchlist.” Given this information, it is impossible to check if a person who is applying for a firearms ID card or purchasing a firearm is or is not named on the list.

Point two:
The Terrorist Watch list has 2 sections, the “No Fly” list, made of people who may not board and airplane. Secondly, the “Selectee” list, made of people who must undergo further screening before boarding aircraft.
The bill does not designate which list is to be used for reference. While the No Fly list is more likely to be populated with “known terrorists”, the Selectee list is populated with names. If your name matches one of these you are likely to be included.
Since the US Government does not share whether a particular person is on the list or not, many people are on the list simply by name, with no way of identifying a particular person. I.e. John Adams is on the list, so any and all John Adams fall under the auspices of this law, since you cannot check the list for John Adams of 123 Main Street, as the federal government will not share that specific information.

Point three.
There is a redress procedure for applying for what is known as a Redress Control Number. This number is received after proving to Department of Homeland Security that you are wrongfully on the Terrorist Watch List. This DOES NOT remove you from the list. You are merely given a control number to identify you as being wrongfully on the list.
Additionally, 99% of those who seek redress are granted redress. Meaning, that 1% of those on the selectee list are on the list with good reason. 99% do not belong on the list.
The FBI does not accept redress applications from individuals. An individual must go through the “screening agency” to request redress. There is no language in the bill relating to redress or which agency to go through.

Point four.
According to section f of the code, if section c.9 is added, when a person is flying and finds themselves detained, they have to turn in their firearms ID card within 5 days or face criminal sanctions. Unfortunately, those persons would not KNOW whether they were on the Terrorist Watch List or not, as that information is not shared.

Suggested actions:
Bill should not be brought to the floor of the Senate.
Amend the bill to only apply to those on the “No Fly” list, as the “Selectee” list is too broad.
Amend the bill to allow purchase of firearms when a Redress Control Number has been acquired and allow Redress Control Number to be used when flagged for future purchases.
Amend the bill to require the AG or NJSP to establish redress procedures before bill is enacted.
Amend the bill to modify section f to exempt c9 from the list of disabilities, as a person cannot know if they are on the list, but could inadvertently violate the law as written.



Reference items:
The following set of data was obtained from the Department of Homeland Security web site or the FBI website on one or more of the following pages.
http://www.dhs.gov/s...-i-use-dhs-trip
http://www.dhs.gov/s...ow-use-dhs-trip
http://www.dhs.gov/s...er-your-inquiry
http://www.fbi.gov/a...tsc/tsc_redress

Only the relevant portions of the pages are included, to enhance readability. No edits to content have been made, except emphasis which is followed by (emphasis added).

When Should You Use DHS TRIP?
DHS TRIP can help you work to resolve travel-related issues when
You believe

• the U.S. government's record of your personal information is inaccurate

What is the terrorist watchlist?
Two subsets of the terrorist watchlist are the “No Fly” list and “Selectee” list:

• The “No Fly” list includes individuals who are prohibited from boarding an aircraft. You are NOT on the No Fly list if you receive a boarding pass.
• The “Selectee” list includes individuals who must undergo additional security screening before being permitted to board an aircraft.

How do I know if I am on a Government Watchlist?
The U.S. government does not reveal whether a particular person (emphasis added) is on or not on a watchlist.
Because the contents of the consolidated terrorist watchlist are derived from classified and sensitive law enforcement and intelligence information, the TSC cannot confirm or deny whether an individual is on the watchlist (emphasis added).

Ninety-nine percent (emphasis added) of individuals who apply for redress are not on the terrorist watchlist, but are misidentified as people who are.
Using DHS TRIP

DHS TRIP uses an online form that you complete using your computer and an Internet connection. It takes just a few moments to complete the screens and submit your complaint. You will be asked to submit documentation to complete the redress process..

For U.S. citizens
Please provide a legible copy of an unexpired U.S. passport. If you do not have a U.S. passport, please provide at least one legible copy of an unexpired government-issued photo identification document from the list below.
How the Information You Submit Will Be Used

The information that you provide will be used to process your request for redress. To process your request, DHS TRIP will share this information within the Department and outside the Department with components or entities that can help address the underlying issues regarding your redress request. DHS TRIP may share information about you with airlines or other third parties where necessary to implement the redress resolution.
In very limited circumstances, information from an individual may be shared for reasons not related to the redress process (emphasis added). For example, if a person were to submit information indicating illegal activity, such as providing a fraudulent passport or driver's license, this information may be turned over to appropriate authorities for proper investigation.
Redress Control Number

When you submit your DHS TRIP Traveler Inquiry Form, the DHS TRIP system automatically assigns you a Redress Control Number. You will be able to use this number to track the status of your inquiry. After your inquiry is completed, you will also be able to use the number when you make an airline reservation.
When you make an airline reservation, provide your redress number when requested by your travel arranger or airline representative, or when prompted by an interactive reservation system. This will enable your airline to determine quickly your identity and reduce the likelihood of mistaken identity during future trips.


After the Issue is Resolved

DHS TRIP is designed specifically to help travelers improve their travel experience and correct inaccuracies in government records that may contribute to difficulties when traveling. Security procedures and legal concerns mandate that we can neither confirm nor deny any information about you that may be within federal watch lists; we also cannot reveal any law enforcement-sensitive information. (Emphasis added)
You Disagree with the Resolution

If you feel that your request for redress was resolved incorrectly, please follow the instructions that you received in your resolution letter.

FBI - Filing a Redress Inquiry
The TSC does not accept redress inquiries directly from the public (emphasis added). Instead, members of the public should contact the relevant screening agency with their questions or concerns about screening. The screening agency is in the best position to identify and resolve issues related to that agency's screening process.